• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Non explorer overhead consoles?


Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
Hi, thanks for your time. I have a '99 Ranger XLT, standard cab 2WD, manual transmission. I am wanting to install an overhead console with the eventual plan to have a few switches installed.

Has anyone installed any other consoles besides the first Gen explorer? Any pictures or info would be greatly appreciated.

If not, has anyone made a custom overhead console? I have seen one being sold for Baja Race Trucks, that I really like the look of but it would be around 2 grand after shipping. I will try to include a picture if anyone has suggestions of how to make one out of metal?

Thank you in advance for any info
 

Attachments



franklin2

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2019
Messages
3,928
Reaction score
1,975
Location
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1984
Make / Model
Bronco II
Transmission
Manual
The older rangers with the pushbutton 4x4 did have these small ones above the windshield on the headliner.

 
Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
The older rangers with the pushbutton 4x4 did have these small ones above the windshield on the headliner.

Do you have pictures of how this mounts? And is the "touch drive" panel removable or just the switches?
 

85_Ranger4x4

Wallows in rivers
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
33,497
Reaction score
20,807
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
83-85 Ranger/BII

 
Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
83-85 Ranger/BII

I like the way that looks, and the light is an interesting feature. Did you install this in a later model ranger?

I'm trying to have some storage and room for some rocker switches for windows and lights. I don't think the switches I have will fit where the clock is
 

85_Ranger4x4

Wallows in rivers
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
TRS 20th Anniversary
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
33,497
Reaction score
20,807
Location
SW Iowa
Vehicle Year
1985
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
Transmission
Manual
I like the way that looks, and the light is an interesting feature. Did you install this in a later model ranger?

I'm trying to have some storage and room for some rocker switches for windows and lights. I don't think the switches I have will fit where the clock is
Its in my '85.
 

JoshT

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
4,799
Reaction score
3,105
Location
Macon/Fort Valley, GA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
May I ask why you're putting window switches there instead of on the doors?

Your truck, do it how you want, just curious whats driving that decision.
 
Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
I found a kit for the windows, but it doesn't come with any switches and I'm not a fan of how the stock switches looked. Since I do not have the OEM wiring harness for power windows, I figured it would be simpler to just have one switch for each side and not worry about all the extra.

As for why I want it on the over head, I don't have a lot of options with out cutting my dash and I really don't want to go through the process of pulling it out to wire everything unless I absolutely have to
 

franklin2

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2019
Messages
3,928
Reaction score
1,975
Location
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1984
Make / Model
Bronco II
Transmission
Manual
I remember getting some of those consoles out was tricky. You had to take the center part of the console out, I can't remember if you had to pry or there were screws. Once the center portion is removed, then you can see the screws that mount it to the roof.

The window switches are going to be fairly large in size. It takes a fair amount of current to run the window motor up and down, so the wiring needs to be a decent size and the switch is also.
 
Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
I remember getting some of those consoles out was tricky. You had to take the center part of the console out, I can't remember if you had to pry or there were screws. Once the center portion is removed, then you can see the screws that mount it to the roof.

The window switches are going to be fairly large in size. It takes a fair amount of current to run the window motor up and down, so the wiring needs to be a decent size and the switch is also.
I'll have to keep my eyes out for one of those at the scrap yards. Do you know what years they came out of by chance?
 

JoshT

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
4,799
Reaction score
3,105
Location
Macon/Fort Valley, GA
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Just lacking switches or need ful wiring?

I did power windows on my F-100 using NuRelics for the regulators, but did not like their switches. I used a universal switch kit to power them with switch pods on the doors. One like this:

12V Universal Car Electric Power Window Switch Holder Regulator Kits with Wiring Harness for 2 Doors https://a.co/d/19F7yQ1

Was not difficult to wire up and make work. You don't have to use those. Just saying that if you can find switches that you like, it isn't difficult to make them work.
 
Joined
Sep 16, 2023
Messages
21
Reaction score
3
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Transmission
Manual
Just lacking switches or need ful wiring?

I did power windows on my F-100 using NuRelics for the regulators, but did not like their switches. I used a universal switch kit to power them with switch pods on the doors. One like this:

12V Universal Car Electric Power Window Switch Holder Regulator Kits with Wiring Harness for 2 Doors https://a.co/d/19F7yQ1

Was not difficult to wire up and make work. You don't have to use those. Just saying that if you can find switches that you like, it isn't difficult to make them work.
I've got some switches from an old project that I like, and as a bonus they have backlights that are close to the same blue as my dash lights.

My dad is going to help me with the wiring, he used to be an electrician and I don't want to burn my truck down :LOL:
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Today's birthdays

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Rick W
October Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

TRS-3 Ford Ranger Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top