Extra Accessible Storage Space?

[Scorpion8]

There is a direct lack of handily accessible storage in the Explorers for pens, sunglasses, etc. Yea, there's the spot atop the radio, but it's small. I have an aftermarket radio, so the PO added the small bin under the single-DIN radio where the double-DIN OEM unit used to reside. Two CDs and my AUX cable fill that up! But still, the 2006 Explorer front seat is more like a ****pit: you are enclosed tightly on all sides. So, I got to thinking..... First, okay, I stole this photo from Explorer_PL. Shameless heist. Thanks man!

But my 2006 XLT doersn't have seat position memory, or any of those buttons directly under the climate controls. But if there are buttons there, then there is space behind that portion. If there's space behind it, why couldn't I cut and add a small cubby hole for pens and such?

Anybody thought of that or tried it? Got any pics to share? Can I steal 'em?

 

[Trac Marks]

The 2008-2010 Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac (all?) have a small cubby under the center console latch, at the 12V outlet. Good spot for a cell phone, pack of gum, smaller wallet, etc. Not sure 100% if the shifter surround is interchangeable to the 06/07 or if the inner guts of the center console need adapted.

 

[Scorpion8]

There's a thought! Thanks for posting that. I'll keep an eye open at my local junkyards.

 

[Explorer_PL]

Scorpion8 - my picture will cost you $5

I see that 08-10 have a different cup holder insert.

 

[polizi212]

There is a direct lack of handily accessible storage in the Explorers for pens, sunglasses, etc. Yea, there's the spot atop the radio, but it's small. I have an aftermarket radio, so the PO added the small bin under the single-DIN radio where the double-DIN OEM unit used to reside. Two CDs and my AUX cable fill that up! But still, the 2006 Explorer front seat is more like a ****pit: you are enclosed tightly on all sides. So, I got to thinking..... First, okay, I stole this photo from Explorer_PL. Shameless heist. Thanks man!


But my 2006 XLT doersn't have seat position memory, or any of those buttons directly under the climate controls. But if there are buttons there, then there is space behind that portion. If there's space behind it, why couldn't I cut and add a small cubby hole for pens and such?

Anybody thought of that or tried it? Got any pics to share? Can I steal 'em?

I have yet to try to mount anything under the climate controls but that is roughly where I want to add my USB ports! I have no issue with finding a place for pens those go in the center console and my Sun Glasses go in my overhead console!

 

[Scorpion8]

... and my Sun Glasses go in my overhead console!

I don't have an overhead console, and generally always try to keep a pen handier than digging thru the center console. Just a thought and a warm-sunny-summer-day project. I think if there's enough room, I have a spare double-DIN to single-DIN radio adapter with a storage pocket that I could trim to fit under the climate controls. I need to pull that bezel off and measure/estimate the space and clearance behind the bezel.

Scorpion8 - my picture will cost you $5

All I have handy are Polish zloty's, which were replaced by the Euro. They make good Monopoly Money. Such is today's economy.

 

[Explorer_PL]

Scorpion -

I'll take those in case I visit home in the future
Zloty's are still the primary currency.

 

[thebrakeman]

Yeah, Ford was a bit behind in providing some sort of top-tray for the center console.
We put:
-Glove box: Pens, napkins, keys to trailer, owners manual (does anyone actually put gloves in there?!?!)
-Center console: CDs, charge cords, lint brush, trail mix, misc
-Wife's sunglasses go in a clip on driver's sunshade
-My sunglasses (when not in my car) go in/on the tray above the nav/radio
-Any short-term storage needs are met by the cupholders, top dash-tray, or center console.

The ashtray in my '04 Mazda3 is where my mp3 player lives. But do they even offer ashtrays anymore? Can't think where it would be on the Mounty!