Batboard

Where can I find out the best way to remove covers, pannels, etc on my veh.? I want to install a few radios and other gear, but I want the install to look like a professional job. I'm trying to find out how to get under the center console, or down side pannels, etc. Anyone have experience with this veh.? Anyone know where I can find documentation on these types of questions?

I'm in the Atlanta area. If you can give me any advise/suggestions... that would be great! Thanks again!

Its great to have the board back!!

Center console pulls right up, you can access the center storage area by using this method. If the vehicle has a factory cd changer, the hole is already there, just pull up from the rear ac/heat controls (front) and the whole cover comes right off. Piece of cake. I just recently put a Maratrac A7 and spectra A5 in the center console of a 2001 Expedition. Easy install with plenty of room, can't even tell the truck has radios in it. Put the rear mount radios under the rear seat, and speakers back there as well. The seat will still fold down. You can run all your power from the battery back on the driver side rocker panel.

The center console just pulls up? how do I secure it back into place?

I have the sunroof so the rear controls are on the center console..and yes it does have a disc change in the arm rest.

Maybe I'm just not visulizing it, but... can you pretend your talking to a novice as you describe it? I have done some other installs, but this is a new veh. and I really... REALLY dont want to screw it up/break things... Ya know? Its my new 'baby'.. so to speak..

Thanks for the help.

Pull up where the rear controls are until the console pops up, disconnect the control harness (it has quick disconnect plugs), and then pull the rest of the way up until the whole console pulls free, you will see the CD control flex running to the storage compartment at this point and entering through a factory drilled hole. If you are running remote mount radios with thick control cables, then you will have to drill a second access hole with a hole saw (1.5 inches) should be fine. You can then run your cables from behind the dash, through the console and then into the storage compartment without a problem. To replace the console top, line up the tabs behind the cup holders (rear), and reconnect your control connect, then snap the top down. You are done, and you haven't broken anything.

Excellent. I will give it a try. How much presure should I expect to use pulling the unit up from the front (closest to the dash) until it 'pops'?

Give it a good tug, there are no tabs to break on the front. It is friction fit. The rear has tabs, so pay attention.

Also, be careful when pulling up the plastic covers that cover the capet edges around the doors. They can snap easily (Speaking from experience).

Hey.. thanks for the warning on the plastic by the doors... Any advise on getting them off? Pulling on them straight up, or some other way easier?

I again appreciate all your help!

Jotto-Desk makes a really nice console insert that fits into the opening that you will soon be exposing.

http://www.jottodesk.com

On 2002-02-24 00:48, jonatl wrote:
Hey.. thanks for the warning on the plastic by the doors... Any advise on getting them off? Pulling on them straight up, or some other way easier?

I again appreciate all your help!

Yeah, straight up but you have to be careful where you grab. Don't grab the end, try and pull on the sides with your fingers as close to the anchor where the it is and don't get too violent as they get sticky.

I will try that this coming weekend. I had to put the project on hold 'temp'... for another project came up... but... While I'm on the subject, Does anyone have any experiences that caused damage? I'd love to hear what you've tried to do, how you tried to accomplish it and how it either worked real well, or it failed by breaking something or cracking, etc. You know its best to learn from those who've made mistakes... Any 'stories' anyone wants to share?

One of my guys learned last year that you must remove metal shavings from the roof of a white car before putting it outside in the snow. It rusted and stained the roof to the point ot needed repainted. Ouch.

I haven't ever done it but I have heard of driveshafts being cut into from a screw that was way too long. The radio was mounted on the trans hump of a Crown Vic. Don't know if it's true or even possible, but I have heard of it. Also heard of the shop I used to work for having to replace a transmission in a truck b/c of the same reason. They drilled a screw into the top of the tranny.

Yes- it is VERY possible. The driveshaft tunnel in the 99up Vic is very narrow and short. One of the local "installers" drilled a self-drilling Tek screw into an aluminum driveshaft and had to buy a new one. Hate when that happens.

While that is definately an issue with transmission hump mounting in cars, the big danger in blindly drilling is the threat of hitting a wire group or harness. I avoid blindly drilling in newer vehicles and make every attempt to see what is on the other side of what I am looking to put a hole in. It can be a very costly mistake. I had a friend drill a hole in a computer in a Jag while mounting a cell phone holder. Needless to say...An expensive mistake. In reference to this thread, the console in the expedition only has a wire group running deep in it, and the wires for the heat/ac running toward the front and easily visible.