7 replies to this topic

[BLUEZERBY]

I have a 2008 Challenger 180 SE and were struggling with the lack of dry storage space. I had to remove the speedometer panel the other day to fix the radio remote and noticed a huge unused space under the center driver console. I'm assuming the same space is available on the passenger console under the glove box.

Has anyone taken advantage of this space? I'm thinking about cutting some rectangular holes along the side of the consoles and installing some of these hatches:
http://www.tempress....oducts_id=44735

The holes would be approx 11" x 27". The space would be great to store towels or any other dry items. I don't think these consoles are structural, the fiberglass is very thin.

What do you think? Should I go for it? If I do, I'll post some before and after photos.

Attached Files

•  hatch.jpg   15.42KB   56 downloads

[Kevin Leclair]

This would be a great mod, I think you should go for it since you have already discovered that this is just unused space and by doing so it won't damage the integrity of the hull. I look forward to the before and after pics!

[H-do-O]

If you do it right, I think you would have a mod that all other 180 owners would envy. I think you should go for it. Good luck and I would love to see pics.

[RichC]

Heres what I did. Handy place to keep my fire extinguisher. Keep in mind that there is an outside and an inside wall to cut thru.

On the passenger side, I'm going to make the glove box shallower then install a hatch cover on the side like your plan.

 DSCN0027.JPG   1.22MB   130 downloads  DSCN0026.JPG   1.2MB   156 downloads  DSCN0025.JPG   1.18MB   96 downloads

[All About Mojo]

Post pictures...

[timhood]

We don't have any skis or wakeboards to stow so I just got a Rubbermaid plastic bin and store the towels in there in the ski locker. I like your idea and may put it on my "to do" list after I get some other things done.

[Jwoogie1]

Did you ever instal the rectangular hatch under the glove box? I did install a couple of the sterilite bins in the ski locker for dry storage. That works well.

[BigWayne]

This my friend is ingenious!! I really want to do this to my boat. Can someone post pics of the space inside the console area? This is one of the storage items I hate not having on my 2012 C180 that is available on my 1998 C1800.  Did you make any modifications to the passenger side?

UDATE:

I just noticed on my 2012 180 SE that access to the area behind the console areas is available through the bow backrest. It requires removing the backrest...a simple task that only requires removal of one screw. Now I wonder if there is a quick disconnect replacement available for the single securing screw.