Thank you, C.W. Sticker shock was only related to the jump from ~$250 through www.fordparts.com to ~$520 in the past two weeks (Medium Dark Graphite color). I guess I clicked the "View Picture" link once too often and it became an item in demand?

The roughly $100 for a 2001 OEM 045A36 console from local dealer is also not causing sticker shock, but the rest of the van isn't new one that looks close to the same age would look better.

Our van came with the 115A00 model console with a single cup holder and a large (we haven't found a use for it) hole in the top. We figure any console without the not-big-enough-for-a-road-alas-but-way-too-big-for-a-map hole would be more practical and that's why we're after the 045A36 style.

You're right that the '97 2/4 cup 045A36 console was shorter than the 045A36 in 2001, and didn't have the lower "glove box" compartment.

Right now, recyclers and salvagers in my area have tan and blue consoles but none in grey. I'm keeping a lookout but wanted to know options for using consoles from different years.

Thanks again for pointing out the differences. STG I did Print Screens of the consoles shown on fordparts.com for each year, '97 - '01 two weeks ago and only the '97 and '01 consoles looked identical. Today, as I type this, they are obviously very different in appearance.

If I wanted a true OEM 97, I'd'a been mighty shocked and disappointed and appreciate you pointing out the differences.

 

Thanks, will look.

 

Does the floor on your van have a transmission bump and is the doghouse flat (pre 97?) or is the bump molded into the doghouse and the floor flat (97 + ?) ?

 

97+ flat floor, bumpy doghouse.

 

You're probably right about compatibility "97...until 08" only, NOT "any '97 & up". Don't the different consoles fit over/on the same engine cover?

Oddly enough I have 3 different '08 Econoline brochures & none shows the new dash! FORD's '09 brochure shows the new engine cover/console, but not w/enough detail to show if compatible.

From seeing several broken '92-'96 Econoline consoles I surmise they're made of solid matching color plastic.

Having seen several worn tan '97-'01 F-150 interiors it became clear that FORD began to paint black plastic for the stereo dash cover. It doesn't take much wear for the black plastic to start showing thru the thin tan paint. Not sure if FORD followed this practice w/Econoline, but it may open the possibility of repainting a nonmatching console.

Some salvage yards are hooked up online, search for matching parts & don't charge s/h.

 

Front sheet metal, size of brakes, steering geometry, rear track width, bench seats (?), added drive by wire, changed for 08, dashboard, front door panels for 09.

 

This is what I found on eBay! Be a great change up for me too!

FORD VAN CENTER CONSOLE DRINK TRAY | eBay

 

That's what my 08 has. The hole near the front edge in the center has what looks like a place to mount a laptop stand

 

That's one great thing about FleaBay------find nearly everything you want or need. A few clicks of the mouse and it almost magically appears on your doorstep a few days later.

The newer styles have nice cup holders which naturally double as catch all's for most anything-----the little compartment below is nice and if the foot room at the floor level is needed these can't be beat. For myself I like the tilt out compartment that's missing from the newest style but its always about what works best for us individually.

The seller in the quoted link is a great outfit and you'll not be unhappy with anything purchased from them.

 

Used to be something like AandGautomotive on ebay. No wonder haven't been able to find them. Love rummaging thru thier warehouse full of stuff. Definetely a good source.

 

Yeah they were JandGautomotive on FleaBay-----changed their ID when their father bought a salvage yard near them and somewhat reorganized that re-sale part of the business. Same great guys----and like you say lots of fun to wander and look around their warehouse and back yard.