Rebirth Update #8...

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For those wondering why there have been no updates lately, progress has not stopped, but on the contrary, has intensified...Several electrical-based projects have been underway, and a separate photoblog article has been published to chronicle the step-by-step process...An inquiry by Truckman concerning the popularity of the CB radios, and the availability of equipment on the Cracker Barrel Philosophers forum led to the re-awakening of the desire to listen in and participate on highway conversations between motorists, mostly truckers...As usual, not being satisfied with standard installation procedures, Truckman's original vision soon grew from the usual under-the-dash mounting procedure into something far more involved...

After deciding I also wanted a few more convenience items available for use in the cab, my thoughts migrated to the type of accessory consoles usually seen in police patrol vehicles...Ram trucks are occasionally seen in use by law enforcement supervisors and motorist assistance deputies, and purpose built consoles are available commercially...Unfortunately the prices on these are prohibitive to a retired gentleman living on a fixed budget, but the kernel of an idea began to grow in my imagination conceiving what my ideal console might look like if I built my own...As those who know me understand, the growth of such an idea can be dangerous if not contained...

Knowing this I compiled a list of essential features and desired accessories, and placing them in my mind's eye where they might provide the best use of available space...From there the catalog of items and materials needed began...Discarding the idea of repurposing even a used police console from Ebay, and since I do not own a commercial sheet metal shop, the first obstacle involved a search for donor products which could be reshaped to suit my needs...The online source, Amazon provided the answer as explained in the photo article...Amazon was also the source of most of the additional parts and pieces along with locally found items from Lowes and Harbor Freight...

The wanted features included the CB radio, a rechargeable flashlight and a secure place to deposit my concealed firearm when I am forced by law to enter a building such as a courthouse or hospital where it is not allowed...I also wanted a power inverter for A/C current, DC power receptacles and a USB outlet for charging purposes...The 50 caliber ammo can which I have been using as a more convenient depository than the glove box was relocated in the package tray behind the driver's seat and velcroed to the floor...It now serves for first aid and emergency supplies...Enough room was found in the console to add a small storage compartment for notebooks and ballpoint pens...For the flashlight, I wanted nothing but Streamlight as this was the product I recommended and sold in my gun store...For the exact model to suit my needs I sought the advice of one of my oldest friends, Deputy Bo Crabtree, and on his advice I bought the light from Steve Schneider at Texas Top Cop Shop, who explained in detail the features of each light...

The forward end of the console contains the switches, fuse blocks and relays to power the new accessories and equipment, as well as the additional exterior lights which will be covered in other updates as they become functional...To say the least, it has been challenging as well as instructional to design such a project, reawakening old skills at fabrication and electrical construction, as well as finding out why my sheet metal and painting skills have never been in demand...The less said about the latter, the better, although I can honestly say my best effort was given...In one of my former careers I excelled in creating automotive wiring that was noted for its soldered and shrinkwrapped joints... Unfortunately the ravages of aging eyes and arthritis necessitated a switch to crimped connectors as soldering soon proved impossible...Perhaps the use of the best available materials including all stranded, copper AWG wiring, and the extensive use of shrinkwrap tubing will forestall any problems that might arise from such shortcuts...

The new photo blog article will explain more in detail, and further update articles will be forthcoming as new exterior lighting becomes the priority...Photos to illustrate new articles will be added to the original photo essay...Elapsed time for this project: 41 days...Cost: I don't want to know...

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