Replacing the Center Console

[TheJackal]

OK, so now I'm on to another project... yes, I know, here I go again...

My Explorer has the base model console, aka the "short console" The armrest broke way back in 2000 and my parents never bothered to fix it, in fact, there was still a little time left in the warranty when it happened but...

SO... while I was at the Ford dealer last week I asked about a replacement part. According to the parts guy, you can't order just the armrest but you have to replace the entire center console. It's around $300, and if it's the same poor design it'll probably break within a year as well... Furthermore, the parts guy said my color is no longer available, though a tan one is still available.

Here's the question, for those of you who have bought an aftermarket console for the Ex, which one would you recommend?

I haven't ruled out getting a long console from a junkyard, but there aren't many junkyards near me, I'd have to plan a trip to the next state. If I did get the long console, though, I'd want the rear A/C and radio controls to work too... not sure though if it would be easy to swap in the "high series" radio as it probably requires the factory amp and associated wire harness.

 

[Andy96XLT]

if you take a pic of exactly it is what you need maybe one of the guys here (including me) can find exactly what you need and send it off to you. If its what I think you are talking about I think its a cheap part and not to expensive to ship. I would be more than happy to help you out if I can once things calm down here (which should hopefully be in a week or so)

 

[alohamonte]

Been there done that

This was one of the first repairs I did when I bought my Ex about 6 months ago.

I assume the hard plastic plate under the arm rest cushion broke off from the hinge. Thats' where mine broke.

First, unscrew the back plastic from the cushion and save the cushion part.

Replace the cracked plastic bottom with a metal replacement part. I bought mine off ebay. Make sure the replacement part is metal whereever you choose to buy yours. I paid around $40 for this part. Comes with new mounting hardwear. The fit was exact, no fabrication was needed.

Now this is the "hard" part, and i rate about a 2/10 on the difficulty scale. You need to cut the hinge bolt (pin) off of the old setup. I used a hacksaw. A dremel would have been ideal. Cut it down the middle and push each half out. I used a hammer and screwdriver to push the pin halves out. The replacement kit will have new hinge bolts.

The kit will also have complete directions.

Taking my time... it took me less than an hour to do. I could do it again in about 20 mins now that I know what I'm doing.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

yeah, i have about 5 junkyards available in my city. post a picture if you can and i can keep a lookout

 

[TheJackal]

This was one of the first repairs I did when I bought my Ex about 6 months ago.

I assume the hard plastic plate under the arm rest cushion broke off from the hinge. Thats' where mine broke.

First, unscrew the back plastic from the cushion and save the cushion part.

Replace the cracked plastic bottom with a metal replacement part. I bought mine off ebay. Make sure the replacement part is metal whereever you choose to buy yours. I paid around $40 for this part. Comes with new mounting hardwear. The fit was exact, no fabrication was needed.

Now this is the "hard" part, and i rate about a 2/10 on the difficulty scale. You need to cut the hinge bolt (pin) off of the old setup. I used a hacksaw. A dremel would have been ideal. Cut it down the middle and push each half out. I used a hammer and screwdriver to push the pin halves out. The replacement kit will have new hinge bolts.

The kit will also have complete directions.

Taking my time... it took me less than an hour to do. I could do it again in about 20 mins now that I know what I'm doing.

Someone posted that a while back and I was about to buy one, when i took a look at the armrest I have. Both the black plastic and what it screws into is broken in a few places, so that's not gonna work.

I'm still weighing my options: either long console or replacement armrest from j/y, or aftermarket console.

One thing people mention a lot over on CVN are the "clutter catcher" consoles. Anyone here have any experiences?