ive seen the explorers with the overhead console with the hvac(i think) and all that good stuff, right between the 2 sun visors... mine didnt come with it, not sure if any of my year model came with them, but could i get one from a junk yard and hook it up?

Do a search on this sight for "overhead console"
A Windstar console has even been used. I have not seen one with AC though. A console with other electronics is possible.
Good Luck and post some pics when its up

I believe the new explorers have them...and expedtions

does anybody have a brief description of what would be involved in hooking up the electronics or the overhead console?

Just running wires all up the A pillers and accross the headliner and then to what ever you are hooking up.

But, is the changing of the vents, ie - moving from off to vents and floor, and so on, done mechanically? It would be a real pita to figure that out and still have the control mechanisms not out in the open.

Not actually, its all wires...if you look behind it, the only thing that is mechanical is the control for vent and floor in the middle console...which you dont have to worry about so alls you would have to do is to extend the wires up to the headliner....the only thing you NEED to do this, is to have the air hoses that come off of the blower motor itself...you cannot use the ones you have now, they are too short...there are 5 air lines...red/white/black/blue/ and yellow...you would need those lines that extend from the blower motor to the headliner...meaning its a MUST to have when you find an overhead console with the hvac controls...and if you do find one....(DO NOT CUT THOSE LINES!!! OR YOU HAVE JUST SABOTAGED YOUR PROJECT!!!) And run them up the "B" pillar (passenger side) not the "A" pillar, cuz the blower motor is under the dash on the passenger's side...so it would be closer...

the expedition does have one...but cant gurantee it to fit...check it out on ebay....expeditions...interior....console and parts...