Ok, so I know it can- and has- been done, but I'm looking for some info on how to swap the location of the radio with the HVAC control panel on an 87-91 F-150. I want to install a flip-up screen deck, and I think it would look and work better in the upper location. Just looking for some tips or tricks that might make the job easier. TIA

 

You can't really, there's a whole lot of mechanical levers attached to the HVAC unit. Relocating it would cause problems operating it.

 

Apparently it can be done.

 

I walked out to garage to take a peek at mine, since I have the dash half torn apart. Just going from observation, the levers and such appear to be cable driven with room to move. Electrical doesn't appear to be an issue. Only issue I see is the metal radio bracket right below it. May have to cut a little on it to make room, but it is very possible that the whole piece will drop right into the hole. But I would have to say it doesn't appear to be a major undertaking to move that down a few inches ... but again this is strickly from observation. Let me know how it goes, I might do mine ;-)

 

Since you have yours apart right now, could you take a pic of the area in question and send it to me? I would rather study this in the warmth of my house for a little bit, before I venture out into the artic garage to actually try it lol

 

Sure thing. Here ya go. Upon looking a little closer, it does appear that this will clear the radio bracket underneath ... it's close though. The mounting hole spacing is different from the radio's, so you will have to drill new holes.



Left side



Right side



Under



Radio Bracket

 

 

Thanks buddy, I appreciate it. It does look like there would have to be some modifications made in order for it to work. Just from looking at the pictures, it does look like the lower mounting tabs on the HVAC controls may have to be removed in order for it to fit. I would have to actually try it in my own dash in order to see if I'm right. I'll let you know for sure if I actually do it.

Just wondering, what do you think looks so awful about it?

 

 

Fair enough. I don't know that I will do it 100%, but it is something I am considering. I actually like the large screens in the dash, especially if they're hooked up to a backup camera. My 2011 F-150 has the backup camera in the rearview mirror, and I don't really like it there. My bosses 2015 F-150 has it in the dash, and I love the larger screen. I don't have plans of hooking a backup camera to this one, but I just like the idea of a flip-up screen, and having something a little different from everyone else. Plus, a touch screen can be easier to use than the small buttons they have on the stereos these days.
As far as if the HVAC controls will still be easy to access- well- is the radio easy to access in that location? Personally I think it would be easier to access the HVAC controls down low than it is to access the radio. And considering this isn't a daily driver where I would be using them allot, that part doesn't matter. If anything, having the stereo easier to access would mean more to me than that.

 

 

I agree with My4fordtrucks. I'm not a huge fan of the massive screens car manufacturer's have installed in vehicles. All of that is bell and whistles.
They have dumb downed common sense in sparkles and frills. I drive my girlfriends car and I still do the neck turned, hands over the passenger seat to back-up. Maybe I'll change one day, but I can't see how the camera helps anyone pull out into oncoming traffic.

Just my $.02.

The radio would be a cool addition but going to far with crazy electronics would be overboard.

Let us know what you decide to do.

 

When I bought my 2011 it came with the rear view camera. It wasn't something I really wanted, but now that I have it, I do like it. It comes in handy in tight parking lots, and when trying to hook up to a trailer without a spotter.

Again, I doubt that I would ever put a rear view camera on this truck. That's not the main reason I want to install a flip screen stereo. I want to do it more for looks than anything else. And I'm still hoping someone who has done it will chime in, as the weather has been pretty nasty here, and I haven't wanted to venture down to my garage to start tearing into things.

 

You need to research a "double DIN" radio install. I have seen them installed in the 87 to 91 trucks before, but never looked on how it was done. From what I see in my dash area, you will be doing some mods to the dash. Just beware, that plastic is brittle from age.

By the way, the photo above is a single DIN radio with a fold out screen. It will work with out dash mods.

 

That's what I'm thinking of doing, a single DIN with a flip-up screen. Not looking to do a double DIN, I don't want to molest my dash to do one.