Overhead console swap

[Rockken]

For the guys who have removed the overhead console. Would it be easier to remove just the overhead console from a 1999 XJ and install it in either a 1998 XJ or a different 1999 XJ, or swap the entire headliner? If the headliner swap is the cleaner way of doing this, will a 1999 headliner fit in a 1998? I’m guessing the answer is yes it will fit, but wanted to make sure before I choose which XJ for the swap. Also, if there are going to be unnecessary holes let in the original XJ, I may just want to swap headliners anyways. Lastly, what all needs to come over with the overhead console swap, other than the console itself?

Thanks
Ken

 

[DrMoab]

Are you installing a console in your jeep or taking one out? I'm confused by your post.

IF you are installing one in yours you have to cut out some huge holes. It's not a big deal. When I did mine, I cut part of the headliner out of the donor jeep and used it as a pattern for the overhead.

If you are putting it in your jeep, you need the whole wire harness that goes from the fuse box behind the pass side kick panel up to the console and the bracket that is either bolted or pop rivited to the roof of the jeep that has the console in it.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Yeah, the console is held in place with one screw at the front into the bulkhead just behind the windshield. The rest is supported in the middle by a bracket that is glued to the roof AND riveted at the rear to one of the roof support braces. You'll need some body panel adhesive and rivets or screws to re-install that bracket in the receiving XJ.

The very rear of the console is supported by the headliner - the console has a "pinch" bracket built into the rear that slips into the inside of the headliner and pinches the console to the fiberboard.

The headliners for '98-'01 are all interchangeable. '97 headliners didn't have the sound bar built in like the '98+ but will swap in if you don't need the speakers.

To get the console to work, you'll want to grab the harness. It's a plug and play deal with all '98+ XJ's. The harness has 2 plugs that go into the fuse panel on the pass. side kick panel. Just plug those into the empty slots of the receiving XJ, run the harness the same route as it was removed from the donor.

 

[DrMoab]

Not to argue with you Troy but that's not totally true about being plug and play from 98+

98-99 and 00-01 had a different plug. Same wires and all you need to do is repin the plug using your old one but they are different.

 

[time2getdirty]

I bet you don't need to remove it if you don't want it in another jeep...

 

[DrMoab]

I bet you don't need to remove it if you don't want it in another jeep...

I was confused by his post. If you are taking one out you will defiantly need a new headliner. The consoles leave big ugly holes.

 

[time2getdirty]

He is caging a jeep that had one and I think he wants to put it in a different jeep

 

[Rockken]

He is caging a jeep that had one and I think he wants to put it in a different jeep

That is correct. I currently have two 99's and a 98 XJ and David is going to tig weld a cage in the 99 with the overhead console. So I'd really like to take the console out of that rig getting the cage and put it into either the other 99 or the 98. So it looks like the entire headliner and console will need to be swapped and swapping between the 99's will be the easiest as the plug on the harness will not need to be modified.

 

[DrMoab]

You still might end up in trouble with the plug. My dad put a console in his 98. It had three plugs. When I put the console in my 01 it came out of 99. It had two plugs. The 99 should have had three. They don't always seem to follow the year split.

My Dad's console came out of another 97 but the plugs were different even though they were the same year.

 

[Rockken]

Got to love the inconsistency.

 

[DrMoab]

Yeah but at the same time you are just as likely to have it directly plug in too.

 

[O-Gauge Steamer]

I installed a 99 OHC into my 98. The plugs were a bit different. The installation was fairly easy, I only had one "extra" wire left over... It was for the SKIM module that, thank the stars, is not on my heep. Just make sure to grab all of the wiring from the donor.

Cutting the headliner was easy, I used the blue painters tape on the headliner so as to be able to mark the cutouts. Just measured to find the center line and went from there.

One of the easiest mods there is. The XJ getting the OHC will have to have the existing rear mount (the one that holds the mini-console) removed. Also easy.

Entire project took a morning to get done.

 

[Rockken]

Thanks O-Gauge. I own both the donor and the recipient, so I'm going to end up swapping headliners as well as I don't want a big hole in the donor. Any trick or special tools needed to get the trim and or headliner out?

 

[DrMoab]

They come out easy. Just unbolt everything and make sure you didn't forget anything. Once you get all the trim off they are kind of "clipped" into the sides. You'll see what I mean. Use care not to bend it while removing it from those clips. This is one job where an extra set of hands is a huge help.

 

[Rockken]

Thanks for all the great info guys.

 

[O-Gauge Steamer]

Yup, just pull all of the trim and the visors and the headliner will practically fall onto your head. Easy-Peasy.