Locking Center Console

[Super Doody]

My truck got broken into while I was surfing this morning. ROFSheriffHL:
Luckily, all they too were my pants and cell phone.

There was post within the last few months for locking center console for an 05 tacoma I can't seem to find. Can someone help me and post the link to that thread. I remember it was well built and on the expensive side. Probably wont fit my 03 but I just want to check it out again.

I'm thinking of installing a tuffy locking center console. They don't have one specific for my truck but it looks like the Samurai unit would work.

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-122-052-samurai-security-console.aspx

 

[keezer36]

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12241

 

[DaveInDenver]

I personally have a Tuffy Model 012, 8" universal. It's a bit tall, but it's got tons of space inside. It was a toss up in my truck between this one and the 6-1/2" wide one. Mine's black, but otherwise looks pretty similar to this photo in the way it fits.

 

[Super Doody]

I personally have a Tuffy Model 012, 8" universal. It's a bit tall, but it's got tons of space inside. It was a toss up in my truck between this one and the 6-1/2" wide one. Mine's black, but otherwise looks pretty similar to this photo in the way it fits.

Thanks Dave. I'm trying to decide the one you have which has an extra compartment for stereo deck or CB or the model for the Sammi. I think the the model you had may get in the way of my elbow when shifting because I have a 6 spd. Any complaints for you?

I came to the conclusion that the tuff console is a better choice that vault which fits into the console because its a more of visual deterent.

 

[VikingVince]

My truck got broken into while I was surfing this morning. ROFSheriffHL:
Luckily, all they too were my pants and cell phone.

That is so irritating and frustrating...sorry.

I'm curious...do you have an alarm system on your truck with the blinking light on the dash that shows it's on and armed? I have it on my truck and I would never be without one on a vehicle again. It's saved my truck twice from being broken into when vehicles right next to it were vandalized...once in a residential area and just a couple weeks ago right next to my cabin, which is in a remote area. I also have an older Miata convertible with no alarm...they smashed the Miata window and went through the car, although there was nothing in it. My truck, sitting right next to the Miata, wasn't touched. I think the alarms are a good deterrent...the vandals, more often than not, don't want that alarm going off. I know sometimes those alarms go off when you don't want them too, but I think it's worth it.

The alarm systems are more expensive but those vandals usually carry a heavy screwdriver or other tool to break open locked glove compartments or consoles.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I'm with Viking. If they can break into your car, I'm pretty sure they can crack a console lock. And they seem to be pretty pricey at $~200.

I think even a $5 big red LED wired up on the dash would do the trick. Also, instead of leaving your wallet and phone in the glove compartment or in plain sight (which I hope wasn't the case here), build yourself a little secret compartment under the seat, behind the rear seat, or where ever.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The alarm systems are more expensive but those vandals usually carry a heavy screwdriver or other tool to break open locked glove compartments or consoles.

Good point. With this Tuffy the lock cylinder is a push to open would fairly tough to break. When it's locked, the whole thing just spins and pushing it doesn't do anything, so a pair of Vice Grips, a big screwdriver or whatever is going to destroy the key part of the lock but the lock will remain locked inside. Maybe once you'd destroy the top part and ripped it apart, then you could jam a screwdriver in there, I dunno. But with it locked, jamming a screwdriver into the key slot won't do anything.

But it's just a 16 gauge metal box, it's not exactly Fort Knox. A big enough crow bar and a hammer and you could just mangle the box. I wouldn't trust it as a substitute for a true pistol box or safe, for example. But it's strong enough that I don't feel bad about locking my radio face, wallet, camera and CDs in it for at the trailhead for an afternoon or weekend trip. I'm betting the average meth-head will not have the tools to break into it and they'll just leave it alone.

Thanks Dave. I'm trying to decide the one you have which has an extra compartment for stereo deck or CB or the model for the Sammi. I think the the model you had may get in the way of my elbow when shifting because I have a 6 spd. Any complaints for you?

I came to the conclusion that the tuff console is a better choice that vault which fits into the console because its a more of visual deterent.

I considered the one with the radio slot (I think it's a Model 013) and decided that with a detachable face Alpine and the CB under the dash that it didn't make sense. That was probably 5 or 6 years ago and now with the ham it would have been a good place for that. There's other reasons that it would been better. In my case I'm thinking about going to double transfer cases and the radio slot version would have been easier to fit the second transfer shifter in. But oh well, live and learn.

As far a shifting. I have my cup holder low on the front of the Tuffy and it clears everything no problem with standard mugs and regular size cups. I will tap a XL McDonald's cup in 2/4/R. But since 90% of the time I'm driving with a mug of coffee, it's no problem. But you are right that this model is fairly tall and I do sometimes hit my elbow on the corner when off road. Normally my elbow sits on the corner of the pad and it's a nice reach to the shifter, quite comfortable for me. But I'm sort of tall and lanky, so my arms are kinda long.

I attached some photos I snapped when I was trying to figure out if a second t-case would fit in my current configuration.

 

[VikingVince]

Good point. With this Tuffy the lock cylinder is a push to open would fairly tough to break. When it's locked, the whole thing just spins and pushing it doesn't do anything, so a pair of Vice Grips, a big screwdriver or whatever is going to destroy the key part of the lock but the lock will remain locked inside. Maybe once you'd destroy the top part and ripped it apart, then you could jam a screwdriver in there, I dunno. But with it locked, jamming a screwdriver into the key slot won't do anything.

But it's just a 16 gauge metal box, it's not exactly Fort Knox. A big enough crow bar and a hammer and you could just mangle the box. I wouldn't trust it as a substitute for a true pistol box or safe, for example. But it's strong enough that I don't feel bad about locking my radio face, wallet, camera and CDs in it for at the trailhead for an afternoon or weekend trip. I'm betting the average meth-head will not have the tools to break into it and they'll just leave it alone.

I was wondering about the quality of the lock when I wrote my post...so I'm glad you elaborated and that's good to know. But, on the other hand, without the deterrent of the alarm/blinking light, they're still likely to smash your window and attempt to open the console. So that's why I like the deterrent approach...it would probably be best to have both the alarm and the locked console if you wanna spend the bucks.

 

[DaveInDenver]

But, on the other hand, without the deterrent of the alarm/blinking light, they're still likely to smash your window and attempt to open the console. So that's why I like the deterrent approach...it would probably be best to have both the alarm and the locked console if you wanna spend the bucks.

Yeah, definitely having a very visible deterrent is a major part of the plan. I have a Grant steering wheel removal deal and so with the steering wheel off there is a great big red "Grant Security" cap.

 

[Super Doody]

That is so irritating and frustrating...sorry.

I'm curious...do you have an alarm system on your truck with the blinking light on the dash that shows it's on and armed? I have it on my truck and I would never be without one on a vehicle again. It's saved my truck twice from being broken into when vehicles right next to it were vandalized...once in a residential area and just a couple weeks ago right next to my cabin, which is in a remote area. I also have an older Miata convertible with no alarm...they smashed the Miata window and went through the car, although there was nothing in it. My truck, sitting right next to the Miata, wasn't touched. I think the alarms are a good deterrent...the vandals, more often than not, don't want that alarm going off. I know sometimes those alarms go off when you don't want them too, but I think it's worth it.

The alarm systems are more expensive but those vandals usually carry a heavy screwdriver or other tool to break open locked glove compartments or consoles.

I do have the factory alarm mod but not the blink lights. I'm thinking the factory alarm only goes off when they try to pull on the lock or try to hot wire it. But I'll be upgrading to the blinking lights. He punched out the lock and I didn't hear my alarm.

These theives prey on surfers because it easy. Its the same senario. They just want cash and credit cards and its usually in the pants. After talking to the sheriff, he told that the thieves are going for ID theft. It was broad day light on hwy 1 near a rv park. They punch the lock on the passenger cab first. Looking for my pants and wallet. Luckily, I hide my wallet between the seat frame and seat. Whats scary is that my dog was in the passenger seat the whole time. He has the meanest bark and growl but I guess he is a ********** cat. Anyways then move to the back of the truck. He stood on my wrap around bumper out of view from traffic and kicked my right rear camper shell window. He didnt take my 600$ surfboard. I'm just glad nothing happend to my dog, truck and didn't get my wallet stolen. It was my 30th bday yesterday. I took the day off to go surfing

Anyways back to the console. Its more of visual deterent than anything like the alarm.

 

[BigAl]

I use this box, but if I'm leaving the vehicle for more than just running into a store, I just prop it open to show there's nothing worth taking. This has worked well in my open jeep. You could probably put it under a seat with a little ingenuity(sp?)

 

[VikingVince]

This is another effective deterrent I think from Overland Hardware. (Joaquin Soave's company) They punched out your lock and opened the door...this makes that much harder to do. Or if they smashed your window to get in, then they'd have to climb through the broken glass, etc.

I have the following puck type lock and hasp on my both my truck doors and the back of the truck flippac. They're about $35 bucks each at Home Depot. I just cut off the extending plate part of the hasp, leaving only the round part that the puck lock goes into. I then attached that to the truck with rivets, which are covered up by the puck lock. They look very intimidating. So with the blinking/light alarm and these locks, so far I've never been broken into.

 

[Super Doody]

I have another dilemma.

Now, do you folks thinking having a visible locking center console would attract more attention?

My other option is to install a smaller, semi hidden lock box somewhere:

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-99-028-mini-security-lockbox.aspx

 

[DaveInDenver]

I think the point of a Tuffy is the visual deterrent in so far as it's pretty obviously not a regular center console and so I think it's to your advantage not to disguise it that much. If you have truly important stuff (say like vehicle papers, passports, guns, etc.) a true safe that is hidden is a much better idea. I don't think they are serving quite the same purpose. This is a way to dissuade a would be thief by demonstrating that your stuff won't be easy to take and hoping they make the right decision to just along. But it's not all that hard to break into. It'll just take 10 minutes and make lots of noise, something a relatively rational loser will know and unless you're parked in a very out of the way place, most likely no one will bother. OTOH, a crackhead looking for stuff to pawn won't even be able to open it and so your CDs, cell phone and camera are reasonably safe.

 

[Super Doody]

I think the point of a Tuffy is the visual deterrent in so far as it's pretty obviously not a regular center console and so I think it's to your advantage not to disguise it that much. If you have truly important stuff (say like vehicle papers, passports, guns, etc.) a true safe that is hidden is a much better idea. I don't think they are serving quite the same purpose. This is a way to dissuade a would be thief by demonstrating that your stuff won't be easy to take and hoping they make the right decision to just along. But it's not all that hard to break into. It'll just take 10 minutes and make lots of noise, something a relatively rational loser will know and unless you're parked in a very out of the way place, most likely no one will bother. OTOH, a crackhead looking for stuff to pawn won't even be able to open it and so your CDs, cell phone and camera are reasonably safe.

Yeah I dont carry guns and I'm not looking for fort knox. I think I'll just get the center console. I should have sticker on my window that says "No Vaulables In Vehicle. Cute Dog Will Bite"