Recommendations for mounting an overhead console?

[C10Silverado79]

I picked up an overhead console from another member and I'm looking for ideas on the best way to mount it. I have never removed the headliner so I'm not sure how they are put together.

here is what the console looks like. Any ideas will be helpful.

TIA
Steve

[Manbearpig]

Kinda interested too.
I want to put a switch panel up where a console would be

[C10Silverado79]

The console is light, I was thinking of maybe trying to fab a plastic plate or frame that would sit on top of the headliner to distribute the weight and connect the console to it through with the headliner in between. Even though it's light, I'm not sure how strong the headliner backing is.

[bigblock73]

Screw it to the roof somehow, it is double wall construction...just make sure they aren't too long.

I wouldn't mount it directly to the headliner, it will cause it to sag over time...and by going to the roof with it, it will help keep your headliner up and looking good for much longer.

Just MHO

[justpball]

i would pull down the headliner and see whats up there first!

[RandyP]

You have two exposed screw holes up front by the lights, use those holes and shoot a self tapper up, just make sure it is not real long so you don't make a hole in the roof skin. On the back portion, I'd suggest double back 3m tape, and modify your headliner where just a small portion of it sits underneath.

Those were held in normally with two slide clips on one end, and screws on the other end. You could probably just drill a hole inside the compartment door and shoot a screw up on that end as well. Options are endless!

[C10Silverado79]

I know the roof is double skinned but I don't know how much space there is between the 2 layers. I was also thinking of using some epoxy like JB Weld to attach a mounting bracket of some kind to the inside roof.

[bigblock73]

There is at least 1/2" between the layers. Drill a small pilot hole and find out for sure. Either way, you need to pull the headliner down anyhow.

[RandyP]

The trim screws that hold the interior trim on go right in to the metal, you can use those lengths to get some idea on everything. Just remember they pass thru the trim piece and then the headliner as well, then in to the inner roof skin. I want to say the front edge of the inner roof has a deeper space than out in the middle areas.

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by RandyP

The trim screws that hold the interior trim on go right in to the metal, you can use those lengths to get some idea on everything. Just remember they pass thru the trim piece and then the headliner as well, then in to the inner roof skin. I want to say the front edge of the inner roof has a deeper space than out in the middle areas.

The center of the roof skins are closer together than the edges where the headliner screws down, fyi.

Drill a pilot hole and check to know for sure, last thing you want is a dimple on the outside of your roof.

[87chevy.com]

When I was upgrading the interior of my v6 01 silverado to the V8 package, one final thing was the overhead console. I purchased the oe bracket and then fouund out its glued in... never used that bracket. I mounted it using some thick (maybe 18gauge..) sheet metal, and used the grey 3m double sided tape (the grey with red backing)... basically how ever the factory bracket mounted, i made a brakcet that had alot of surface area that wouuld mount to the roof, and then it droped down to the botom of the headliner, then back to the roof. used the d/s tape to stick it to the roof (obviousy) did that for all of the mounting points and felt super sturdy and everything.. lasted for atleast 2 years (after that i sold the truck to a friend..)
Personally I would never drill into a headliner sheet metal.. never just becuase if you sneezed and drilled through the top or something of that nature... anyway, just posting up what i did.
clint

[justpball]

or a hole through it...LOL

[James McClure]

I didn't mount a console up there, but a CB radio. It weighs, I guess, about 2.5 pounds. I didn't trust myself to put any screws up there, and also thought if I don't like it there I would have to deal with the holes. Laugh if you will, I mounted it with rare earth magnets. I put 1 in each corner of the radio. They are about 1" X 1.5" and over the last year it's been up there it hasen't moved one little bit. Only thing is, if I ever try to move it it's going to be a battle to get the magnets off the roof. I stuck one to a file cabinet to test it and had to use vise grips and a putty knife to remove it. Just a thought, Jim

[86swb]

I am not laughing. If it works-Great

[C10Silverado79]

Got the console mounted. Used the self tapping screws that were with the console in the front and made some small brackets out of aluminum to hold the back. I used some small sheet metal screws to attach the brackets to the inner roof. I replace the headliner while I was at it.

[86swb]

Here is mine.