I've wanted to do this as part of my Excursion build. Finally got around to making it happen. I mostly liked it because the woodgrain matched my door trim and center console. Also makes it look like a newer truck and I get upfitter switches! Always liked the Navi Steering wheel and again it had matching woodgrain.

But most of all I LOVE the lower dash panel with the extra glove box in it. It is a sweet spot for my ipod, etc. And it also allows access under the dash to reach up and plug in wires on the stereo, or route wiring under the dash without taking everything apart.

First off, let me say it is not "plug-and-play" or "direct fit" by any stretch of the imagination. I had to cut out a good portion of the dash behind the stereo, since the 05-07 stereo and heater control unit are further right than on previous models (SEE LAST 2 PICS). The lower panel took minor trimming for the 12V outlet and for the mini-glove box. I also had to find the right switch panels and remove the 4x4 switch from my panel an put it on this one since the plugs are different. The power pedal switch wiring will not reach over to the left far enough so I have it (temporarily) in the "rear window" location. And worst of all, I don't have a rear defrost switch. Which is not a problem at the moment cuse it is not working for some reason. hopefully i can find a momentary OEM switch that fits in that oval switch opening. Anybody know of one from another Ford vehicle? EDIT: I found an oval-shaped defrost switch out of a mid-2000's Mercury Gran Marquis or Ford Crown Victoria. Haven't tried it yet, but it fits the panel.

I also painted all the panels in the matching dark brown (same as my original dash shroud). I used SEM trim dye/paint, which was matched by my local auto paint store.

OK, enough blabbing... on with the pics.

(UPDATED 12/30/2017 - Photobucket sucks and I no longer could access all my old photos that were linked in here... I found a few on my computer to re-post directly)

 

Where does my switch go for the adjustable pedals?

Sweet.

 

This looks awesome. Nice work! Mind if I ask how much and how long it took?

 

I bet you can't do it again. I'll let you try on my truck.


Looks great!!! Reps!!

 

It goes to the left of the steering wheel, but the wires don't reach that far. I need to extend the wires so I can put it where it belongs

Thanks. I'm not sure on the cost because my salvage guy basically threw it in with the pile of parts I got from him. I'm guessing it would cost $100-$150 for the parts. took me several evenings and a full Sunday. having done it once, the second one would go faster. Mounting the stereo took a long time because the mounting kits that are available don't work since i changed dashes.

I don't want to do it again... don't want anyone else to have one like it!!! hahaha!
thanks for the reps

 

i've thought about this ever since i sat in a 05-07. but i'll be happy with just the lower section i could use that extra little glove box.

your install is awsome! very clean! i love it!

 

Nice job!!!I really like the lower dash panel with the extra glove box and switches. Do you know if that can be added alone without updating the upper dash?

Also, is are the gauges and speedo the same or did you have to swap that out too?

 

I forgot to ask, were you able to update the A/C vents on the passenger side?

 

Big Sky, you can add just the lower panel but it has a sharp corner that will not match up exactly with the older-style upper panel. Another member (strokersace) did a similar install, so I can't take much credit for the lower panel. Although, mine is the first I've seen with the extra glove-box. His gallery shows it well, he shaved down the sharp corner to make it match. Here: 2002 Ford F350 4x4 - Upfitter Install

As for the A/C vent on the far right side, no you cant make it match the other 3. Unless you want to paint it black or get a black one from a salvage yard. the size and shape will always be different. i was worried about it at first, but once I got it installed, it's not a big deal IMO.

Thanks for all the compliments!

I'm grinnin' every time I get behind the wheel!!! I think it's one of the coolest things I've done to my X so far.

 

Forgot to answer your question about the gauge cluster - It is my original cluster. The 05-07 cluster will not work in our trucks (at least not for the diesels).

 

Looks great. I got my dash kit for my Vette from ApsisUSA.com so I'll get one for my Ex from them too

 

RMBC....That looks awesome!!!

 

very nice upgrade.

 

I didn't read it freeride, but was understood that the dash wasnt a plug and play. So is the steering wheel a plug in play. Your dash looks really good. Nice work and pro.

 

From what I've read here on the forums and from looking at a few different steering wheels, The Navi wheel is a direct fit, depending on year. My X is a 2002 and the wiring behind the wheel was different than my friend's 2000 X, and also different than the 1998 Navi wheel that I bought. But I was able to remove the switches and wiring from my wheel and put it in the Navi wheel, and put the old Navi switches in my old wheel, which we installed in my friend's 2000 X. he did not have the audio controls in his old wheel, and I'm not sure if they work on his now since he had an aftermarket stereo.

So... From what I have gathered, 1998-2000 Navi wheels work on 2000-2001 X's.
and 2001-2002 Navi Wheels work on 2002-2005 X's
(plus or minus a year - not 100% sure)

Hope that helps. thanks again everyone for the compliments