Does anybody have any idea how easy it would be to put a factory overhead console from a newer truck, say '01-'03, into a '99? My '99 didin't come with one (I don't think they were offered) and I really want to buy one on eBay and put it in. I'm thinking there's a power supply wire and a temp sensor wire that come out of the console, but would the plugs for these be existent in my '99 if it didn't come with an overhead console from the factory?
Thanks

 

I'm not sure if the wiring is already there, but I'm sure the temp sensor isn't. The console also has a compass, which I think requires another sensor. I have the console in my 02 XLT, and I find it pretty much useless, except for the temp display.

 

I think that once I got the sensors there wouldn't be much to them. I'm worried about the wiring - if it's in there already it'd be a snap, but if it's not, than it's probably more of a pain than it's worth. Anybody else know if the wiring is present?

 

No the wiring isn't going to be there if your truck didn't come with a console.
But it isn't that big of a deal to install one and do the wiring and get the sensors.

I would love to have an overhead console!

 

bvoncannon,
If the wiring isn't there, and I do the wiring myself, are the plugs for the wires I put in going to be there? In other words, did Ford plan ahead with the '99s and go ahead and put the provisions for an overhead console in the truck to make things easier when the '00s got them? Hope I'm being clear. Any idea? Also, if you (or anybody else for that matter) have any info on installing an overhead console in a pre-'00 truck, please let me know - I would like it to be as stock as possible, ie: turn on with the ignition, no exposed wires, etc.
Thanks

 

Truck,

It would not be that hard to wire it in. The basics would be ground, an acc lead from either the cig lighter or radio (obviously properly fused for the console) to turn the display on, and maybe a constant to keep the compass config. (it may use a capacitor that is charged when the car is on to hold the compass config. setting) and then the leads from the console to wherever you decide to mount the sensors. Which, without seeing I would assume would be one lead to the console, with the sensor having 3 (ground, power, and out to console).

The hardest part will be routing the wires around the windsheild, down the a-pillar and then through the firewall for the sensor, wiring the power lead to an ACC power source behind the dash to power the console.

Like you said you may get lucky and the wire will be there. But if they are not, for the stock look it may take some time to do it right.

For what it is worth, why not mount a brookstone, or sharper image wireless temp/compass in the truck or something like it (i.e. less expensive). Not mounted to the window withj suction cups, but on the dash or mount on the ceiling, it is all wireless and no need to spend hours trying to install. Again I understand your desire for stock, but what is your ultimate goal of doing it? You have to ask if the answer is the challenge to try to make it look stock, or get the outside temp and direction.

It's your truck so my comment is just that, a comment.

All-in-all it can be done regardless of the wire present, just will vary on what the effort will be to hook it up and the amount of wiring you will have to run.

Good luck

Jeremy Ferch
99 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Bed 4.6L AT 4.10 Rear w/ 171,000 miles

 

I don't think they would have a part of the wiring harness in a truck that isn't even being used. Your probably going to have to tear her apart and see.

I don't think it would be that big of a deal. When you get the unit find the modle number and then you can get the wiring diagram for the 00' truck and see what wirings are which. It wouldn't be too hard to figure out.

Are you good with electronics?

I do agree, Brookstone and sharper image do have some nice units. But if you want to stay stock or have a nice overhead console then we have to go the other route.

 

If you look at my Gallery, I put one in when I had my !996 Bronco. I displayed the wiring diagram and parts you'll need. I sold it and have a 1998 F150 now and bought a rear view mirror with temp and compass built in.

 

I'm not the best with electronics, but I can hold my own. In fact I'm actually taking an electrical engineering circuits class right now at Texas Tech University (GO RED RAIDERS!) It's probably gonna be a couple weeks until I buy one (if I do) and I'll be sure and keep everybody posted cause I'll probably have plenty of questions. How would I go about getting a wiring diagram for a stock Ford Overhead console?

 

Not sure if it was taken into consideration, but on my 1999 the Sun Visors would need to be changed out as they meet in the middle. The console, if installed, would need to have the shorter visors and then require me to relocate the visor mounting clips that hold them closed at the tip of the visor.

Again sounds like a lot of work and the begining of the issues with a typical OEM mod/retro fit. Once you start to add something, then something else needs to be changed, next thing you know, you will need to buy new windshield wiper fluid to get it to work! LOL

Jeremy

 

Good point Jeremy, I had noticed that some time ago but had forgotten about it. So basically you'd need to buy not only the console, but the sun visors as well, not to mention any bracketry. The Brookstone is sounding better and better....