Overhead console Problem

[PlumCrazy]

I got an overhead console from an Exploder, I got it home and played around with the wires to make sure everything worked and it seemed to be ok. So I went ahead and cut the hole and mounted the bracket, but then I ran into a big problem, the console doesn't match the contour of the roof. Its off by like a half inch in the back.

The console is from a newer Exploder with the green lights and I have a 94 Ranger reg Cab.

Has anyone else ran into this problem?

I think I am oing back to the JY tomorrow, so while Im there Ill see what year exploder it was.

 

[fastpakr]

Yikes - you just answered a question I've been wondering about. The console you got was almost certainly from a 95-01 Explorer, with the same roofline as a 4th gen Ranger. Your '94 (like mine) is a 3rd gen. That's the reason for the roofline difference. I'd been looking for an opportunity to compare the two to see if they were different or not.

If you figure out a clean way to make it work, please post it up. I'd like to install the console as well.

 

[oldjohnny]

Make shure your bracket is flush with the edge bump of the roof. Mine is a little bit off and it sags a little bit (about 1/8 inch). If I adjust my bracket, it will stop sagging, but I don't feel like messing around with it anymore.

 

[PlumCrazy]

oldjohnny, its not a matter of how I position it. It is off way to much. I am going to work a little more with it tom or later tonight. I was just making sure I wasn't the only one who ran into this, I figured that I had gotten the wrong console.

-plumcrazy

 

[fastpakr]

You got the only console that people talk about switching to. There isn't one available from the first gen (91-94) Explorers that I've ever seen. I'm not aware of anyone else trying this swap in a pre-95 Ranger though. Hopefully you'll find a solution and we can update the tech article with some ideas for earlier RBV owners.

 

[graff104]

You got the only console that people talk about switching to. There isn't one available from the first gen (91-94) Explorers that I've ever seen. I'm not aware of anyone else trying this swap in a pre-95 Ranger though. Hopefully you'll find a solution and we can update the tech article with some ideas for earlier RBV owners.

Hmm i was going to try and pick one up while I was at the JY this weekend for my '94 but I think ill wait on it for now unless somebody comes up with an idea. What about one out of a windstar? I have been taking that idea through my head for the last few weeks.

EDIT: These guys seem to be doing it http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45757

 

[PlumCrazy]

I picked up some fiberglass cloth and resin today, I am going make it fit.lol. I will be sure to take some pictures for you guys.

-plumcrazy

 

[locovaca]

You got the only console that people talk about switching to. There isn't one available from the first gen (91-94) Explorers that I've ever seen. I'm not aware of anyone else trying this swap in a pre-95 Ranger though. Hopefully you'll find a solution and we can update the tech article with some ideas for earlier RBV owners.

I have one on my 93 that I did in January. I don't recall it not sitting flush against the roofline. I followed the tech article and it came out fine. The console itself isn't supposed to sit flush against the roof; it has the headliner as a cushion between the roof and the edge of the console. I can take pics tomorrow if needed.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Could you snap a few pictures for me, Mine is no where close it is seriously like a half inch gap at the back.

-plumcrazy

 

[fastpakr]

Well this just took a whole new spin. Looking forward to pictures. I might start digging around for a console again.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Aren't there two different consoles, one with blue lights and one with green lights?

I want to say from 95-97 they had blue, and the one that matches the Ranger lights is 98+. I wonder if when the lights changed so did the contour.

I also was wondering if mattered whether or not I pulled it from an Exploder with a sunroof or not.

-plumcrazy

 

[locovaca]

My console is from a 98, it has blue lights. I guess you might call it "overhang" in the back but I've honestly never noticed it before, and you certainly would not notice it unless you were looking for it.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Your looks headliner different than mne. Mine has a hump in the middle that goes from between the visors then gets wider as it does back. Ill get some pics.

 

[fastpakr]

Hmm...

Who's got a regular cab vs extended cab?

 

[locovaca]

Mine is a reg cab. I do have a hump which follows the roof bracing back to the dome light. I centered my console on that hump.