I thought I read it here... but can't find the thread through SEARCH.

We have a 1997 E350 with the single cup-holder console. We'd like to swap in a two cup-holder (Ford 045A36) console. The price of the 1997 graphite colored console thru Ford just jumped from $295 to $518. (Sigh).

Someone posted that the 045A36 console from 2001 is a direct replacement for the 1997 console. That one's still under $100 direct from Ford.

Does anyone know if the 2001 (or any other year) console fits a 1997?

Thanks,
Tinker

 

not sure of all years that can be swaped but, there are plenty of new or newish ones on ebay for around $25. Lots come from conversion van takeouts and are essentially brand new. i'm sure they can be coersed to work just fine.

 

Thanks!

I've been to eBay and have bookmarked several potentials. However I don't want to coerce a fit - it's the DB's (Dear Boss's) van and she doesn't like my coercing anything on it. Regardless of where I buy the part, I need to be able to slip the old console off and slip the replacement on without modifications (or she'll make me sleep with the puppies).

The 2001 looks identical to the 1997 unit in the Ford parts catalog and I'm curious about it as a direct replacement.

 

I have a 98 that had the same console, and I got one off of ebay from a company that did conversions for about $35 if I remember correctly - fit perfectly.

 

Keep searching. I think it's a swap also. I know i've read a post on here about it somewhere. You may also try the sportsmobile forum. It's possible i read it on there.
good luck, if i find it, i'll let you know.

 

In three different E vans: '97, '99 and a '00 I've swapped out the newer style consoles without a single problem---they simply snap in and out with almost no effort. These have the four cup holders, removable ashtray and one semi-deep pocket up top. There is a cubby hole just underneath and all three of mine have another compartment low to the floor with a tilt out drawer.

These are indeed all over eBay for less than $50 nearly new-----shipping can get a bit out of hand at times but fitment shouldn't be an issue at all.

 

Thank you, Scotty. Please do let me know if you run across that thread.

 

Thank you!

When you talk about the newer style "four cup holder" consoles, are you talking about the "shorty" style console? The ones I see with four cup holders on auction sites don't have the lower tilt-out, glove-box like storage area...

 

The newest style is the shorty, giving you more foot room when turning in the front seats moving to the back. Not sure what year those first appeared but if you look closer at the eBay ads you'll find the longer style.

I've used this seller before, they're somewhat local but will ship too: Single Wheels, Center Caps items in wine-1wholesale store on eBay!

If you'd like I can take photos of those I use---might be a short while before I could post them though---a bit later today?

 

I had that seller bookmarked, but think we'll go with the longer, to-the-floor style to get that lower storage compartment - although I like the two-tone colors of these shorter models. WTH, it's not my van...

Since we were talking about the same thing, you don't need to post photos, but I really, hugely, appreciate your help and the time you used pointing me in the right direction.

Glad you can tell me a bit about your experience with this seller, too. There are some other things in their inventory I am interested in, but you just never can tell about the auctions. Very helpful.

Thank you.

 

More on that seller-----if you're interested.

I've visited their place before even though its about 80 miles north of me. So far I've purchased brand new take-off barn doors complete with glass, latches, hinges----everytihng except the attaching bolts to the body---paid like $350 for the pair in my color no less!

Most of their stuff is take off items from a large converter near them---they buy everything offered in one lot and sell it bit by bit. All in all just a great bunch of guys to deal with-------be assured they come with high recommendations.

Anyway glad I could be of even a little help!

 

You've been a great help! And thanks again.

 

JWA, priceless info man! Thanks!

 

FORD's '97 Econoline brochure shows "a 2 cup-holder" in Club Wagon. Its crescent shaped. Has large hinged/latched door.

FORD's '01 Econoline brochure shows a completely different "2 cup-holder". Its a trapezoid w/rounded corners shape. Has big open bin.

Both have similar 2 'twin' cup holders, ashtray w/lid & cubby hole on top.

Pretty sure almost any '97 & up engine cover "fits....without modifications".

If dealer sticker shock or ebay S/H discourages you, try local recycler. Shouldn't take long to find. Might be one you can put in tomorrow.

 

I think 97 was the year Ford went to the same dash that was used until 08. I'm guessing all those year's consoles would interchange. Look for a tab on the bottom center, pull it back while pulling the console straight up. It should just pop off. I posted some pictures on a console thread @ sportsmobileforum, user name Silver350.