Swap dash for older style

[DaddysTruck]

I'd like to swap for an older model Ford dash. Anyone have an idea what older model Ford trucks/cars would be compatible?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It is going to be pretty much a custom deal...

 

[Mark_88]

Yes...custom.

I've seen some pretty nice home made ones over the years...wood...metal...custom gauges and all that...but I'd have to ask...why older dash?

Except for the terrible defrost on the first generation dash I actually liked it. I went with a 96 dash in the 88 cab because of the better defrost and the fact that I didn't want to try to figure out how to make everything work with the FI wiring I upgraded to...

But going older means you'd pretty much have to measure everything...and the only options for a truck dash would be the older Courier...or something not Ford...but the Ranger was, I believe, one of the first mini trucks by Ford so the pickings will be slim.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes...custom.

I've seen some pretty nice home made ones over the years...wood...metal...custom gauges and all that...but I'd have to ask...why older dash?

Except for the terrible defrost on the first generation dash I actually liked it. I went with a 96 dash in the 88 cab because of the better defrost and the fact that I didn't want to try to figure out how to make everything work with the FI wiring I upgraded to...

But going older means you'd pretty much have to measure everything...and the only options for a truck dash would be the older Courier...or something not Ford...but the Ranger was, I believe, one of the first mini trucks by Ford so the pickings will be slim.

EB's and old trucks (like 40-50's) may be similar inside for dimensions.

Once I ditched the plugged evap core mine defrosted a lot better, still have to switch from defrost to panel (with the outer vents aimed and the side windows) though.

 

[Mark_88]

EB's and old trucks (like 40-50's) may be similar inside for dimensions.

Once I ditched the plugged evap core mine defrosted a lot better, still have to switch from defrost to panel (with the outer vents aimed and the side windows) though.

That was the problem with mine...the Defrost worked fine but had to switch between panel and defrost...on really cold drives it would be as frequent as every few minutes. I was considering modifying the vent system or putting a couple of tubes up into the speaker openings but decided against it. Not because it couldn't be done...but because I would probably do it and settle for something workable but not necessarily "finished" looking.

The Gen IIs had a vent for this too...but the one that I picked up did not have an actual tube running to the vent from the blower...??? I thought maybe someone had pulled the dash and forgot to put them back in...but the 96 fit perfectly and had everything in one shot...when you pull the dash you pull everything on the 96 and later years.

 

[little red ranger]

Clusters from 1995 to 2003 are all direct swaps. The only difference is 1995 ones have the check engine light in a different spot. I have a 2003 cluster in my truck and it's a 1997. The harness is already prewired for the tach. Just plug it in and go. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I pulled the above up from another site,,, so any one with a newer truck ( 95 ) wanting to go to a newer cluster here ya go !!!!

 

[DaddysTruck]

Seems like everyone just does a newer model Ranger/Explorer dash. I like the style of the 60s interiors more than anything else. I don't care for the overall look, but here is a 66 Mustang dash someone did in a 90s Ranger.

 

[Mark_88]

That does look nice.

I guess the Ranger isn't wider than most cars so a dash would be easier to find in something like that...I know the F series would be a bit too wide...but with a bit of patience and the right tools...