As I have mentioned here before, I am planning a second '53 using the complete drive train and suspension from a '97 Aerostar wuth electronic 4WD. Of course this requires that I also use all the electronics that go with it. As ford has advanced they have also continued to integrate their instrumentation with their electronic control systems. I'm trying to find a source of information that might provide insight as to what systems of what models and years are compaitble in regard to instrumentation and control systems.

I would like to adapt a nice Aerostar complete dash into the '53 but it's just too wide and there is no good way of cutting it down and having it still look good. We have an Explorer and two Tuarus's here. I have measured the complete dash assemblies on both of them and either would be a nice looking set up that is just the right size. My problem is I have no idea if either can be integrated with the drive train and control system of the '97 Aerostar.

I realize that if I could afford to buy the complete documentation on each of these vehicles it would be easy to determine what would work with what. I think this would be a bit cost prohibitive. I have bought this kind of complete documentation for several of my Ford vehicles when I bought them new and each time it was over $200.00. That is a potential $600.00 or more for data that may in the end only prove I can't do what I want.

If anyone knows of sources of this documentation available on a CD or something like downloadable PDF files online please us the PM or e-mail me. I can see paying something for it, but no where near what it costs to buy it from Ford's sources. For me this is a one time use thing and then I won't need it anymore. Also I suspect that it is hard to get some of the older stuff now.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Later Folks...

 

While googling for information on my various imagineering projects I am often plesentaly surprised by the amount of information available.
It is eyeball straining, finger numbing, butt killing, time intensive work but its out there.
Wiring diagrams - copies of manuals - scanned pics - etc.

I have owned 1st gen Aerostar 5spd 2wd, 1st gen Explorer 5spd 2wd, 2nd gen Explorer 95 5spd 4x4, 2 gen Explorer 97 Auto 4x4.
That said I may have a 2nd gen Explorer Hanes Manual Buried around here somewhere.

 

1980 and later:

NEW, ORIGINAL Ford literature including shop and owners manuals, wiring and vacuum diagrams, other stuff, can be purchased here:

helminc.com

Helm has printed all of Ford's literature since the 1940's.

They do have a few things left for pre 1980 vehicles.

 

That's where I got my stuff for the new ones and it was over $200.00 a vehicle for the complete docs. That's too much in this case as far as I'm concerned. But thanks anyway.

Later...

 

Hi Dick,
Yeah, I'm sure that stuff is all out there someplace and given enough time I'm sure it can be found as you say. And that might well be my only way of getting the stuff. I just thought there was a chance somebody here knew a link or a good starting place. In the past my experience with the Aerostar and Explorer forums have been rather dissapointing in this area. they seem to be more driver/user oriented as opposed to tech related people.

It may come down to a lot of trial and error stuff in the end. You know, get some various components and try them. I know there are some online forums that are Taurus related. I might get brave and poke around there some. Years ago cross breeding and mix matching was a lot easier but with electronic instrumentation and control being so big in the last twenty years, it all has become a lot more complicated. The '95-'00 Explorers and the last generation of Taurus's before they re-named the 500, seem to have a lot in common with that era Aerostar and I am hoping against the odds that I can at least adapt an instrument cluster from a Taurus or Explorer to the Aerostar system.

Later Man...

 

As much as I hate to admit it, after searching I Google I ended up finding and buying what I needed on ebay. There is a guy on there in TN that has all kinds of actual Ford shop manuals and his prices are decent and he doesn't gouge you on shipping. Now it only remains to be seen how is service is. He calims to have quite an inventory of this stuff. CLICK HERE to go to his ebay store if you are looking for this kind of stuff.

Later Folks...

 

Dave, Us poor souls who do this kinda stuff for a living lean heavily towards the aftermarket info dept..Internet/CD drive info .

All-Data Systems are a pretty good source.Any reputable repair shop..one that has many makes and models in their driveway , will ask the same questions you might, and thats their source. Might be cheaper in the long run to introduce yourself..ask where/how they get their info for repairing all the different makes and models that go thru their shop. For a small fee/donation for printer paper..and maybe a hot lunch sometime..my bet is the info is closer than you might think.

Chris

 

HI Mertz,
Yeah, I looked at their site but it looked as though it was going to take some doing and I was looking for quick fix when I found the stuff on ebay for a reasonable price.

You are right though, mayben I shouild invest some time in that site and it could pay off someplace down the road.

later Man...