Non explorer overhead consoles?

[99rangercustom]

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

 

[franklin2]

Too bad, your truck is just a little too late for one of these.

Highliner with Built-In Speakers .... For a Stereo System Above the Rest - LMC Truck

 

[franklin2]

The older rangers with the pushbutton 4x4 did have these small ones above the windshield on the headliner.

 

[99rangercustom]

Too bad, your truck is just a little too late for one of these.

Highliner with Built-In Speakers .... For a Stereo System Above the Rest - LMC Truck

My last truck was a '92 and the speakers sucked. Wish I had known about this back then

 

[99rangercustom]

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]

83-85 Ranger/BII

 

[99rangercustom]

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]

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]

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.

 

[99rangercustom]

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]

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.

 

[99rangercustom]

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]

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.

 

[99rangercustom]

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

 

[franklin2]

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?

Mine that had it was a 1986 ranger.