That does help thank you.
----- Original Message -----
From: <jon@dakota-truck.net>
To: <dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net>
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 10:56 PM
Subject: Re: DML: Overhead Consoles
>
> datteber@davesworld.net wrote:
>
> : I believe what he's asking, and I've been wondering myself, also,
> : is there an aftermarket company making these. Making quality
> : ones like OEM, not cheap plastic and fabric.
>
>
> I've seen pics of aftermarket consoles out there, but never in
> person so I don't know about the quality.
>
>
>
> : Or, what'd be more likely affordable: what vehicles came with these
that
> : I can scrounge the salvage yard for... Dakotas/Durangos, obviously,
> : but also Caravans? Intrepids?
>
>
> All of the above, and more. :-) You name it, just about every
> late model Mopar built has been offered with an overhead console.
> (Yes, there are exceptions, that's why I said "just about") :-)
>
> There are a few things to be aware of:
>
> Fit - Unless you get a console designed for the same vehicle as
> yours, expect to make some modifications to the console
> and/or vehicle to mount it.
>
> Finish - Similar to fit, expect to make some mods to actually
> make it look right (might require trimming, paint,
> replacing the fabric, etc.)
>
> Function - This depends on what type of console you want to use,
> and what features it has. Many consoles provide not
> much more than a couple of lights and maybe a sunglasses
> holder. (Some don't even have lights.) Obviously, these
> are easy to wire up - at most, you need a power and a
> ground (and the ground you can probably get right from
> the the roof itself.) Add in a compass and thermometer,
> and it becomes more tricky - the compass is internal but
> you need to know how the thermometer gets its signal.
> Older vehicles used a dedicated temp sensor which was
> usually mounted just behind the grille. However, most
> (maybe all) of the late model vehicles have reverted to
> getting the temp signal from the PCM. The type with
> the separate temp sensor shouldn't be too bad; you just
> need to make sure you get the sensor with the console,
> or purchase one separately, and make sure you wire it
> up correctly. If the signal comes from the computer,
> you need to know more about how that happens to determine
> wether you can make it work in your vehicle. Taking things
> a bit further in complexity, you can have functions like
> the trip computer, gas mileage, etc. Once you get to that
> stage, the only real connection to the console is a
> data transfer line to transmit digital signals between
> the console and the computer. At this level, you probably
> need a console designed for your specific vehicle.
>
>
> I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee console which I am planning to install
> in my '70 Barracuda. It has a compass and temp display (with a dedicated
> temp sensor). I haven't actually done the install yet, but have done
> some research on the subject and have run across a speed bump or two
> on the way, hopefully the above info will make your journey a bit more
> smooth. :-) Basically, my recommendation would be to either find a
> console designed for your exact vehicle, or if you plan to go the homebrew
> route, I wouldn't go any more complex than a console with the temp and
> compass, but only if it uses a dedicated temp sensor, and doesn't get
> the temp signal from the computer.
>
> I hope that helps!
>
> --
> -Jon-
>
> .-- Jon Steiger ---- jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com --.
> | 1970 Barracuda - 1990 Dakota 'vert - 1992 Ram 4x4 - 1996 Dakota |
> | 1996 Intruder 1400 - 1996 Kolb FireFly - 2001 Ram QC 3500 CTD |
> `------------------------------------ http://www.jonsteiger.com --'
>
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