Need to trade HVAC controls panel with an 01 ST.

[Kevin Long]

I have been trying (for quite some time) to replace my dash lights with blue LED's. The problem I have ran into is the HVAC controls face plate has the green color painted on the back of the plastic face plate, I can't get the green paint off, I have tried everything. It was not as easy as my spedo stuff.

I have bought a whole new assembly from the dealer twice, and both times ruined them trying to get the paint off. My ST is an 03...if you look at the project linked here, you will see this is one from an 01. Look at the 6th picture down, there is a green piece of plastic that makes the color...and it is removeable.

I need someone with a similar faceplate that is willing to give me theirs, and I will buy you a new one from the dealer. The ones I bought from the dealer, I specified I needed one from an 01, but they sent me the same one I already have in my ST. They said that it is all they have, it is the same part number as an 01.

I see the one in the project is black, I am willing to have that color (in my 03, its a silver color). Keep in mind, if I order you one from the dealer, it will be silver...not black.

I want to make sure everything fits, so I will order one and send it to you when I get it, and you can make the determination if you want to trade when you get to take a look at it.

If anyone could point me to a place I can buy an aftermarket faceplate, that could help also.

TIA

 

[Jeff C]

You can get the faceplate from a Mustang on eBay and it's a perfect match. Blue and red controls.

 

[Kevin Long]

They seem to have ones for Sport Tracs...I guess that is what I need.

Many thanks.

 

[Dallas Starr]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/White-Face-Blue-Flame-Ac-panel-Ford-Ranger-Explorer_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33675QQitemZ8073479512QQrdZ1



or



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WHITE-Face-AC-Panel-1995-2004-Ford-EXPLORER-HVAC-531_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43952QQitemZ8073444409QQrdZ1QQsspagenam



or



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Red-Flame-Ac-panel-Ford-Ranger-Explorer-White-gauge-95_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33675QQitemZ8073529300QQrdZ1



or



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995-2004-Ford-Explorer-Reverse-Style-AC-Panel-617_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43952QQitemZ8073759514QQrdZ1



Personally I bought the white one with the blue that shines through then replaces the lights with blue leds from ebay as well.



I have pics if you wou like to see them. You can always check my library

[Broken External Image]:

 

[Kevin Long]

Big D...if you recall, you helped me do my speedo.

I ordered the white one, and I still have some LED's left over from my speedo project.

On the Ebay page, it says you have to know wiring basics. Did you just put in the blue LED's and not have to re-wire anything?

Did it come with just the faceplate, or the whole plastic assembly?

After this, my next project will to be the window controls...yours looks great!

 

[Dallas Starr]

you only get the faceplates.



Now it depends on what faceplate you are getting. You can get ones that have the light shine through (like stock) or you can get the ones that are wired in (like the dancing flames one etc)...



I personally just took the stock ones, used 400 grit sandpaper and sanded off the green film and then changed out the 194 reular bulbs with 194 blue led bulbs. I also changed out the speedo needles for white ones from a late 90's explorer.



If you have any questions feel free to email me if you like.