Scratch Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I’m a visual guy. I’m the guy who asks for a picture menu at McDonalds. I like to see pics on threads too so I’m posting a bunch of pics on this thread. If you don’t like it, hit the back button, cuz I gotta story to tell… I hope you enjoy it. I install security systems during the day, and do metalwork on nights and weekends. I also moonlight as a level 3, super top secret, government spy when I get the time, but since I just said that last one, it’s obvious I’m not a very good one. Anyways, for my install job, I used to drive a full sized van. Now my company decided to get us all Transit Connects. My old van had a sweet center console that I could put file folders in, and had a flip down top that I could as a writing surface. The Connect is.... let's just say, lacking a little in the "room" department... Here’s my temporary solution to the problem. Classy right. It’s not like I’m the only one complaining about this either, there are 9 of us, and my bosses solution was to buy us each one of these: Awesome right. I decided to build one. I have the technology…. (6 million dollar man reference there guys…) I built this out of 14 G steel, probably shoulda went thinner as it’s kind of heavy and I’m concerned about the TC being able to hit 60 miles per hour now, but oh well. On the plus side, I can toss it out the window knowing it has enough mass to stop those pesky black SUV’s that chase me during my black OPS days… shhhhh…. The holes in the side are for ratchet straps to go under the seat. It'll go in the passenger seat since nobody in their right mind will ride with me. In the TC, there’s not a lot of room for things like my calculator and gas card either, so I put these babies on it. I’m not a caveman who stores his ball point pens in his butt cheeks, so I made some hi-tech storage containers for them. In this pic you can also see the “relief cuts” since I don’t have any way to make nice bends in 14G steel yet. I use those a lot on stuff like this. I like my writing surfaces, like I like my women... flat and close to me. So I incorporated a sweet sliding top for it, so I don’t have to reach over that darn shifter. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking “Two separate tops, and ball bearing sliding rails for it, all in 14 gauge steel… that top’s gotta be heavy!” You’re right. My pencil thin arms and weak muscles are no match for it, but I have a big fat head filled with what I assume is Ramen noodles, and brains, so I came up with this: HYDRAULIC ASSIST BABY! That large caevernous area on the right is where the file folders will now sit. I even put a little shelf inside to hold all my stuff like extra pens, business cards, brass knuckles, poison darts, and my lucky rabbits foot. Hey look at that, the pen holder is only held in place with magnets, in case he really doesn’t need any more pens! Someone was using his ramen noodles again….. I hope you enjoyed reading about this, as much as I enjoyed making it, now I'm going to go burn that old cardboard file box, in defiance. nbtrooper, fattymatty20 and Transit Connect Guide 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepper Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 How about some pix of it in the transit? Does it just sit on the passenger seat? Does it buckle in? What keeps it from flying forward, you know when the enemy spies try and box you in with the black gov issue Suburbans. I am in the process of making a new arm rest since mine had to be "eliminated" to fit my moto hauler. I am making mine outta wood though, since I didn't need it to be bullet proof. I am also hoping that my arm rest/center console will benefit the passenger. I'll post pix when I get 'er done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncranchero Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 That is a SUPER fab job !!!!!!!!!! :happy feet: I also went from a full-size, an E250, to the TC. It's like I had to throw all my stuff away, no room! I sometimes have a body in the passenger seat so I can't follow your lead in this solution. :mad: Now that I've said that, YOU HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratch Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 (edited) Here's as it sits. I used 2 ratcheting straps to hold it in the passenger seat. I really cranked them down. It's nice because I can actually position it a little bit, but yet it's still very stable. I like it best when it's leaning towards me...just a touch... I do notice the "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" light is on, probably because of the goofy position of it and it being strapped in so tight. Doesn't bother me though... Here's with the top slid out all the way. I decided to make it slide 8" and I think it's perfect. It's about 2-3" from the steering wheel. I find myself sliding it out and using it as an armrest constantly. All loaded up and ready for work! Here's a shot from the passenger side. You can see the straps here. They go through the back of the seat and underneath. The color is nearly a perfect factory match too! Edited January 21, 2011 by Scratch nbtrooper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCBob Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 looks iike a SA Speedy Rewards card in the photo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCBob Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Duluth Trading has one (fabric covered cardboard) that is not as nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepper Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Nice work! Thanks for the 'in transit' perspective. Now up to what sized caliber bullet will that stop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAJoe Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 This is the ticket! http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Desk-Inc-AEGRIP-01-Auto/dp/B000FI4KDA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1295662076&sr=8-3 I have one in my TC and it's great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanSears Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Can you quote me one using some wood? Trying to replicate a Sprinter mobile office oncept made by Becker Jetvan folks - http://www.beckerautodesign.com/jetvan_floorplan_a.html Spoke to the van customizer who made this - he doesn't want to touch it http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190491144167&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT#v4-37 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratch Posted January 23, 2011 Author Share Posted January 23, 2011 Can you quote me one using some wood? Trying to replicate a Sprinter mobile office oncept made by Becker Jetvan folks - http://www.beckerautodesign.com/jetvan_floorplan_a.html Spoke to the van customizer who made this - he doesn't want to touch it http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190491144167&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT#v4-37 Thanks Sorry, I don't work with wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azdamay Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Sorry, I don't work with wood. That's what she said! Sorry I couldn't resist... nice work on the "workstation" there, that's heavy duty for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepper Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 BWAhahahahahahaha!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCBob Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 GAJoe, Thanks for the post of the Auto Exec Desk. I have ordered the version that has the Netbook stand attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranger81 Posted March 17, 2011 Share Posted March 17, 2011 That looks awesome! Nice build.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimpurcell Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Scratch, I am really impressed with your work! Great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hvac SuperTech Posted February 11, 2012 Share Posted February 11, 2012 That is super slick there! I love the workmanship! I am in the heating and air field and I too had a full size Chevy express van, and they bought me a transit. Other than space loss, I dont mind it. I am looking into something like this for my manuals, files and such, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chirola Posted December 27, 2016 Share Posted December 27, 2016 Can't see any of the photograph......have they been removed?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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