changing center console positions?!?

Topic: changing center console positions?!? (Read 1389 times) previous topic - next topic

changing center console positions?!?

August 30, 2009, 10:49:50 PM

Has anyone ever done this, What I plan to do is.....

Since my car doesnt have the orig. motor, and I'm assuming that I dont need the instrument light cluster. so I'm thinking of taking it out completely.

(1) take out the light cluster from slot 4

(2) move the a/c-heat controls from 3 to 4

(3) move pocket from 1 to 3

(4) install a switch panel in slot 1

Can anyone think of any reason why this would not work, providing the wiring will reach to move them? Or, will my current dash gauges not work without the instrument panel hooked up?

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #1 – August 30, 2009, 11:17:31 PM

If you're talking about the System Sentry module/lighter panel, I dont know the ramifications of removing it completely...ASSuming it won't do anything, but sometimes things won't work if those types of panels are completely bypassed, at least on newer model Fords. Sometimes sensors need that panel to complete a circuit. Maybe some wiring gurus can chime in on that.

The pocket can work in slot 3...it might take some massaging with a Dremel tool or a utility knife, but it's doable. I used to have that setup in the convertible a few years ago.

The heater panel at the bottom could also work but the wiring is going to be VERY tight. You may need to extend some wires. It has been done before though (Weasle has his panel in that position in his '87 XR7).

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #2 – August 30, 2009, 11:22:58 PM

even if I could extend the wires for the sentry box, and just hide it back inside the dash just to complete the circuit, I guess I'd be able to do this that way. I dont know I can make my switch panel somewhere else, but it'd be easiest to do it this way, and I think it'd look better this way anyways. lol

Hopefully someone has done something similar to this already and I can just take it out. lol

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #3 – August 31, 2009, 07:41:25 AM

Why not put the pocket in the bottom slot? This would require nearly no extra work, whereas moving the A/C controls will be a pain in the sitting area.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #4 – August 31, 2009, 09:31:34 AM

Quote from: ProTouring442;289081

Why not put the pocket in the bottom slot? This would require nearly no extra work, whereas moving the A/C controls will be a pain in the sitting area.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Yeah I would certainly leave the HVAC controls high in the dash. For me the bottom panel is better for switches and such and requires no excessive work to mount them there.

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #5 – August 31, 2009, 12:35:35 PM

yeah I might do that, that way all I have to do is either remove the sentry box, or hide it so I can use that panel.

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #6 – November 01, 2009, 05:10:59 PM

Any update on this? I think I've had the systems sentry disconnected for some time in the past without any problems that I could find. Just unplug it and drive around for a bit - that'll tell you quickly if there are any issues. I plan on trying to make a custom "center console"/"center dash" and installing those idiot lights somewhere else. A couple are slightly useful...

changing center console positions?!?

Reply #7 – November 02, 2009, 10:26:56 PM

I'm going to attempt to place my systems sentry in the top slot..... and probably the radio and everything else like it is. The bottom will have a couple of switches for varoius things. I'll post pics when I get going on it.