Well, I finally got an overhead console from an explorer. I started on the install after work today, and just had a few questions. For those of you who have installed one, did the mounting bracket just bolt right up on your truck? Cause it sure did not on mine. I had to drill new holes in it. And there was no slot at the front where the mounting bracket is supposed to slide in. And then, when I was trying to put the console up, I realized that the snaps in the front couldn't go in because there was a metal piece right behind the slots they go in. ARRRRRRGGGGGGG!!! So I've got to cut a little metal out tommorow so the clips will go in. Just wondering if this stuff happened to you guys too. Cause on every post I read, it seemed like people said it went right in. But it seems that everyone I read was a 99+ and mine is 98. Maybe they changed it in 99. Anybody done it on a 98? I will get it in there, It's just more work than I thought it would be. But at least it's fun and I'm learning a lot. I'm doing the wiring tommorow, so that will be just as fun as today.

 

I have no info for you regarding the bracket (sorry); try and keep us posted on your progress, though.

 

Well, after a little more tinkering today, I got the console up there and fitting right. I'm happy with the way it looks. Still haven't done the wiring yet, so it still dosen't work, but at least it is up there. That was a job. Anyone have any pointers on hooking up the wiring. Like what did you hook up for power, overhead lights on/off with door open, and the power save wire? I was thinking for power, I would use the radio power wire, for the overhead lights, I'd hook it up to the rear overhead light, but I have no idea what to hook up the wire for the power saver feature.

 

This should be helpful!

http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...=296394&page=4

 

Say, do you have any pics of this console that you could post?


Thanks!

 

There are links to some similar photos in this related thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=195170

This is one from johare's gallery:



Here's one from the article PW01 referenced above:



I think they look pretty cool.

 

Awesome!! Thanks so much PW01!! That is exactly what I needed. Just something to tell/show what to hook to. Shouldn't be too hard to finish it up now. I did have one last question though.....how do you remove the dome light? I tried to remove it when installing the wiring for my Sirrius sat ant., but wasn't sure how and just ran the wire a different way.

The picture i took of my mounted console looks exactly like the 2nd pic above, so i won't waste space and post a twin

Thanks for all the help!!

 

I made the mistake of buying one of those OHC off ebay. The thing didn't come with any wires or sensors. What a waste of money. When the weather gets better I'm gonna hit the junkyards and do some recon. ....I may want to pick your brain when I do this.

 

I bought mine off Ebay too, but it came with about 6 inches of harness, the console, and the mounting bracket. The guy also had mounted them in rangers before, and threw in a little diagram showing what wires were what on the harness and some wire connectors to hook it up. He even already crimped some wire connectors onto the harness wires, so I only have to insert my wires and crimp them up. A good buy I'd say. I ended up buying a temp sensor seperatly off ebay for $5, but it ended up not having wires comming out of it. the end of it is a female end...like somethings supposed to plug into it... I assume the wires had an end that originally did plug into the sensor. But I know of a junkyard around here with an explorer with a console (the console was all bashed though), so i'll have to check the connector on it.

PW01 - That guys site is awesome! I'm thinking of doing those led light conversions now too. They look slick, and in red, would look awesome with my red display radio. The auto- climate control was awesome too, and I'd wondered numerous times if that would work, but it looks like too much work to be worth it. Maybe in the future though. You know of any other sites with step by step mods like those??? if so, post em. Thanks a lot!!!

 

i put one in my 02 the tab i just cut off i got the wiring colors by using an explorer and ranger evtm most of the colors were the same the wiring for the lights i just spliced to the dome lamp. The dimmer wire is under the dash by the radio i want to say it was blue and red. let me know if you need the wire colors

hagen

 

Higgin, Generation-Edge ( http://www.generation-edge.com/forums/ ) is great forum, just like this one, but is specific to Rangers. Check it out, you'll love the "How To" section. See ya' there.