Posts of Explorer Installs

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 7:00 am

I'm thinking about buying a 1999-2000 Ford Explorer XLT. Of course with this, comes the space to install lots of fun equipment.

The one's I have been looking at have the center console - but without the computer or anything exciting. I'm buying, so doing some modifications is an ok thing, within reason of course.

Pictures would be great, I'll accept them by email, and if you want yours posted, I can provide the hosting space.

I can understand people not wanting the world to know what's sitting in their truck, so if you send me pictures, the'll go no further than my inbox, unless you'd like otherwise.

Thanks Guys...

-Alex

Post by **Code3Response** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 7:32 am

2002 Explorer Limited (Alex, yovue seen em, but others havent)

http://www.code3response.com/explorer.htm

Search · Post by **Search** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 7:43 am

Alex,

When I was up at Fire Expo in Harrisburg the other month, I had seen a chief with a '99 or '00 explorer and he had showed me his setup. What he did was remove the black sections of his factory console, and dropped a 14" Havis Shield Consolidator Console overtop and secured it. Looked really sharp. I have decided to go this route too with my '97, just waiting on the console to come in though. Currently it looks like I will be setting it up with a M1225 VHF and UHF, Kenwood Remote head TK630 Lowband, a Vertex VHF field programmable mobile, and the smartsiren. Might add another radio or so, since they told me I should have more room to play with. I will definitely send pics when the install is complete, but that could be a while. Any ??? send me a message. Thanks

Chris
Communications Officer
Middle Creek Search and Rescue
http://www.midsar.org

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 8:53 am

That sounds cool.

I'll check out their website later (if they have one I'll look on google later) and see what they have. What did it set you back? what parts did you order?

I don't know how i'm going to install stuff yet. I have to buy the truck first

I have a A9 Spectra, DEK, Wildcardbox, Maxtrac. That's it for now. I'll consider adding a low band and 800mhz radios of an unknown type.... I might even get a CDM for UHF, still undetermined...

-Alex

wa2zdy · Post by **wa2zdy** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 9:38 am

Just make sure you put new tires on it

EKS · Post by **EKS** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 3:25 pm

I'm stuck on my explorer right now. The package it came with has the read radio and heat/ac controls on it. I never thought I'd use them until I found out how good they were at clearing the back window of condensation. (sportrac model)

Now I'm trying to locate a console where I can modify the back to mount the heat and ac controls.

Alex, I forgot to mention something about the wiring inside of the vehicle.....
On the 2001 explorer family, there is a wiring channel already set up on each side of the cab. There is plenty of room. I have all of my front end strobe cables runnign through it to the power supplies mounted under the rear seat.

Post by Pj » Fri Jul 19, 2002 4:33 pm

I have a Gamber Johnson setup in my Blazer, and it fits nice where the factory console was (Thanks JMR!).

I have seen a similar setup in a 2000 Explorer and it looks sweet. His explorer and mine both used the "no holes" mount which uses the seat mounts. Very stable.

This is my experiences..

Havis Shields-
Likes: Lots of options, easy to work with, tends to be a little wider then most
Dislikes: TOO MANY SMALL SCREWS! Gets very annoying, and you always lose one. Corners are at 90 degree angles (sharp corners). Equipment console is usually mounted horizontal, no angles. I personally like it at an angle. My PD has had rust problems after a couple of years in the snow.

Gamber Johnson-
Likes: Easy to setup, straight forward. Only six screws to hold the side rails on to access the equipment. Equipment mounts can use industrial strenght velco and snap onto the console, then a side rail press down on them. The velco is pretty tough, as I usually have to use a screwdriver to pop it off. Rounded corners, nothing sharp. Lots of available wire holes etc.

Dislikes: Install guides could be a little better, however phone/email support is outstanding.

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 5:06 pm

Hmm.

That's what i'm concerned about. The XLT does have the rear heat/ac vents. My friend informed me in his sport that the vents run through the console. I'd have to take it appart to see, and well, I don't thing a dealer is going to let me take the whole thing apart.

If you guys can, i'd like to see some pictures of how it's been layed out.

if you have them, my email is alex(at)the161.net.

There's another dealer in my area with the XLS, which has no center console, but really doesn't have any of the nice options. Nor is the dealer willing to install remote keyless for me to get it off the lot... "it's a $300 option"

Yes, I'll check the tires, breakes, etc....

-Alex

Post by **Code3Response** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 5:21 pm

Alex... if your going with an explorer, definately go with Eddie Bauer or Limited. Youll love yourself for it later. Ill take my console apart for you later and get pics of it.... the rear ac is run at the bottom of the console. Some company (Forget who) Makes a console that just replaces the front end of the new 2002 explorers if you go new. Replaces the front half ( cup holders and forward) and is SLICK!

Post by **alex** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 5:28 pm

If I had the cash, i'd consider it - but all the limiteds have the computer in the console, and the eddie bauers that I have seen have the same problem.

Plus, I like the XLS

- and it's around my price range

-Alex

Jaqx · Post by **Jaqx** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 5:35 pm

I've had great success with the Gamber-Johnson line of consoles and mounting stuff. Very, very heavy gauge steel, very well built and made to last.

But, they are not very exciting and often don't leave much room to be creative.

Gamber-Johnson works with you and will try very hard to help you. Very friendly and helpful on the telephone. Highly recommended.

Jaqx

EKS · Post by **EKS** » Fri Jul 19, 2002 6:37 pm

Alex,
If the console has the radio ac controls on it it should only be 4 bolts and 2 wiring harnesses to remove to set it free.

Pop the cup holder section out. The main 2 tabs are at the rear by the arm rest. Once that's free you can access all the stuff to remove it. There are 2 bolts at the very front of the console that go into the dashboard metal. There are also 2 bolts about mid console near the sides, they go into the floor. Just unplug the two wiring harnesses and pull the whole console towards the rear seat and it will be free. You will have to pull hard, the bottom rear of the console had a pressure fitting.

I did the hard removal. I took everything apart only to find out it was the 4 bolts and the plug.

Post by **alex** » Thu Jul 25, 2002 8:13 am

Well, due to a car accident the other day, my search for a truck has increased in speed....

Any other suggestions/pictures?

I have a gotten a couple, just curious as to how else people have done an install with leaving the console in the truck. I think going with one of the console type things and removing the currnet ones with the AC/radio controls will make more sense.

Is there space under the rear seats to mount equipment? In the 2001 tahoe we have there is space for a strobe power supply and all.

I'm prob. going to have a W9 Spectra, UHF radio (maxtrac/cdm) and prob. a 800/low band if I never get desire to install one, as well as a MW520 if I can find one at a price that's to my liking.

Let's not forget a good security system.

-Alex

April · Post by **April** » Thu Jul 25, 2002 5:50 pm

There was space in the Explorers we worked on to put the Spectra undre the rear right hand seat. I'd take out the jubg tray cuby hole and put the Spectra head there, speaker up behind the console under the dash.

Post by **Code3Response** » Thu Jul 25, 2002 7:08 pm

Alex, as shown in my pics, there are plenty of grommets everywhere. Also, there is plenty of room in the rear jack area, (in 2002 at least), and also under the rear bench seats. There are compartments along both side of the interior where you open the door ( a little plastic protector covers it that hold the carpet down) and there is about 2-3 inches of space for all kinds of wires to be added. Let m eknow if you want some pics

dodgetruck91 · Post by **dodgetruck91** » Fri Jul 26, 2002 9:46 pm

Does anyone have any install pics on a ramcharger? I am doong a install on a scanner. a uhf mobile (most likely a maxtrac) and a siren. if anyone has any ideas pleas let me know. I would need to leave room for the 4WD shifter. thanks