Hi, I've been thinking about doing the overhead console mod. But, my truck is a 1997 and I'm not sure if one would fit. All the people here with the mod that i have seen have 98+ trucks. I don't know if i have the metal part in my roof to mount the bracket to. I did a search and didn't find anything about what years it will work for. So does anybody know if my year has the metal part to mount the bracket to. I just don't want to get started, find out it wont work and have a big hole in my interior

Thanks

 

the general ranger design has been pretty much the same since 93.. and since you have a 97, it's got the 'newer' interior which is basically the same as the explorers 95-01. Thus I see no problem why it wouldnt work

 

it fits. i have one. mine is a 97. end of story.

lol

 

I took a needle and poked it into where i think the bracket would mount. There is a metal part a ways back from the wind shield. I'm not sure if this is it or not but i will figure out a way to mount it somehow.

Hey, also where is the best place to look for the temperature sensor on an explorer. I'm probably going to make a trip to the salvage yard tomorrow.

Thanks

 

I believe its located in on the drives side of the radiator.

 

I did the OHC installin my 98 not too long ago. Took some pictures along the way if they help. Thread is here

 

Well, i just got back from the salvage yard. They do have a ohc but it isn't the color i need. The guy told me to check back after while and they might get something new. so this project might be put on hold for a while. Thanks guys.

 

The color is changed thru the filter. I beleive all displays are blue/green and the filter on the display gives you the final color (also the same for EATC). If you feel upto it you can make a new filter with green tinted plexi/lexan whatever. I bought some smoked plexi from Mcarr master (sp?). I may buy some blue so i can try and match the color of my guages.

Anyway if the yard is going to charge say 40 bux for all needed parts id get it and change the color later. If they want more you maybe better off with the correct color for your year.

 

I hate to post for no reason but here is how I did it on my 94', a couple things THIS doesn't show you (no offense, GREAT guide).
Here is what it looked like when I scooped it for $50:

After 5 layers of Krylon Fusion, For PLastic, Gloss Black (amazing stuff, used it to paint hitch, not a SINGLE scratch!)

Cut the nessasery holes out and added an extra screw for stability.

Wired and mounted Temp. Sensor, in small hole on drivers side infront of the rad, pushed into pre-existing hole.

The finished product, one of the best looking finished products you can do to the Ranger IMO.



Sorry to do all this, just some of this help I couldn't find when I did mine last week.

 

I had no idea you could get paint to stick to it that well. What i meant by it was the wrong color was it is tan and i need black or grey. They want about $30 for it. After finding out that i can paint it, i think i will go and get it. Thank you all very much!!!

 

just got back from the salvage yard. i got the console and temperature sensor. Can't wait to get it in.

 

Remember if you can get Krylon Fusion For Plastic, the stuff is awsome, I used it on metal and PVC piping and not a scratch, for the plastic let it sit for about 1.5-2.5 hours to dry orelse the paint is more proned to scratching. I let it sit for 5 hours (4 layers, 2 every 30seconds, then 2 more layers another 2 hours later, then dry for 3 hours). I have dropped that thing about 4 tires, didn't even mark the paint. Tell me how it goes, and ask if you have any questions.

And for the record if I sounded like a smart-***, know it all ***** I truley didn't mean to.

 

I've got the hole cut out. It's late so i'll call it a day. tomorrow i will get it mounted and hopefully wired too.

 

the light looks so white! dammit why does mine shine like a yellow-white, same with my mustang domelight..?

 

Mine do in pictures and that but on dark pics and in real it's pretty white:

 

I got it mounted this morning. It was pretty easy to do. Now i just need to wire it in and then paint it. The open spot on the console will make a good place for me to mount some switches.

 

I second the Krylon fusion paint....that's what I used on my interior pieces and it holds up really well.

 

looks good.....i have the bracket and the temp sensor laying here.....i really need to do this mod at some point lol

speakers first...then OHC. Priorities :)

 

ok, it's all wired in!! Now i need to paint it. I've got some of that krylon fusion paint. I'll probably paint it today. The wiring was easier to do than i expected. I have one of those ford dvds with wiring diagrams for all ford vehicles 96-99

 

ooo that helps.

be sure to post pics when yer done!!

 

I got it painted and that krylon paint is good stuff!!!! It has been drying for a few hours. I tried to scratch the back of the console with my finger nail and i couldn't even get it to leave a mark in the paint. Thank you very very much for telling me about it. Now i just need to mount it and put on some finishing touches. pics are soon to come!!!

 

hurry up and get pics!!! lol...

 

Mod complete. Finished pics.





I've got the temp sensor inside the cab right now but i might run it outside later. It's been really hot /humid where i live, not the best time to do work in the cab. But despite that, it is done.

 

Lookin good, I really like the added light as well as the compass and outside temp display. I wonder why that Krylon Fusion For Plastic isn't talked about or advertised more? Seems like amazing stuff to me

 

Hmm, now that I've seen it done it looks so easy thats going to be my next mod.

Only 50 bucks at a local salvage yard, the seats were my first option as a mod but they'll have to wait awhile