Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum banner

Installing an Overhead Console in my 98'

19K views 75 replies 19 participants last post by  ArtX  
#1 ·
I just picked up an factory overhead console to install in my 98" It just so happens that the console is out of a 98' as well. I am assuming that the rear of the console mounts were the original dome light mounted. What about the front of the console? I would assume that I need to cut a hole in the headliner. The console looks to use one spring clip and one screw to attach the front. I would hope that the hole for the spring clip and screw would be in the roof support under the headliner. As for wiring, does the console connectors just plug into the wiring for the dome light or do I need to run new wires? I have not pulled the dome light yet to look. I still need to find a temp sensor and then see if I need to run wiring for that or if there is an unused connector behind the grill. I remember seeing an unused connector under the radiator and fan shroud but I wouldnt think that was it unless there is a lead that ran up to the grillle support if the van came with the temp sensor.

What can you guys tell me that have added a console to your van? Thanks, G.B.
 
#2 ·
Does anyone have any input on this? I had thought a bunch of people have done this mod when reviewing old posts on the topic. I pulled the dome light and did not see a connector for the console in the headliner. Bummer, that would have been too easy. However it looks like the dome lights will plug into the current dome light connector but I am not sure about the rest. Any info from people that have added an overhead console would be much appreciated. Thanks! G.B.
 
#3 ·
Gone Blue said:
Does anyone have any input on this? I had thought a bunch of people have done this mod when reviewing old posts on the topic. I pulled the dome light and did not see a connector for the console in the headliner. Bummer, that would have been too easy. However it looks like the dome lights will plug into the current dome light connector but I am not sure about the rest. Any info from people that have added an overhead console would be much appreciated. Thanks! G.B.
I've not done that mod myself. It sounds like a visit to the junk yard is in order. I understand that there is a mounting bracket for the console. The JY will have the bracket, wiring, and all associated sensors. They will even have the headliner, Useful if you wanted to go back to the stock config of your van. Sorry I couldn't offer up more. Jim
 
#4 ·
Im almost 100% positive you need the wiring harness and at least the temp sensor, which on mine is behind the grille. And as turf said, you'll need the mounting bracket as well. Other than that, I didn't have to do that mod...
 
#5 ·
Leeann_93 said:
Im almost 100% positive you need the wiring harness and at least the temp sensor, which on mine is behind the grille. And as turf said, you'll need the mounting bracket as well. Other than that, I didn't have to do that mod...
That is kind of what I thought. I found a pick and pull yard that is an hour from me that has 45 Astro and Safaris on the ground. I am going tomorrow to see what I can get. Thanks, G.B.
 
#7 ·
Leeann_93 said:
Nice! Where's that?
It is about 15 -20 minutes South of Lansing Michigan. I understand that each vehicle is up on stands so you can get underneath it as well. It is cool that they have their inventory and price list on line.

http://www.u-pullandsave.com/

G.B.
 
#10 ·
I visited the U-Pull lot today and had a blast. They had plenty of Astro and Safaris with lots of parts left. It was very well laid out. All of the vehicles were in nice neat rows set up off the ground so you could get underneath them. I got so worked up that I kind of lost track of what I wanted to get there. I never got around to looking at wheels and tires. I want a full size for a spare as my donut doesnt hold air. I spent a grand total of $23 after taxes on the following:

Front headliner for vans with overhead console
Overhead console mounting bracket
Section of wire harness and connectors for overhead console
Section of wire harness, connector and outside temp sensor
(2) motor cover cup holder tall inserts
(4) 7.5" factory aluminum wheel center caps

So now I am off to study the wiring diagrams so I can figure out how I am going to wire the overhead console. Stay tuned. G.B.
 
#11 ·
Gone Blue said:
I visited the U-Pull lot today and had a blast. They had plenty of Astro and Safaris with lots of parts left. It was very well laid out. All of the vehicles were in nice neat rows set up off the ground so you could get underneath them. I got so worked up that I kind of lost track of what I wanted to get there. I never got around to looking at wheels and tires. I want a full size for a spare as my donut doesnt hold air. I spent a grand total of $23 after taxes on the following:

Front headliner for vans with overhead console
Overhead console mounting bracket
Section of wire harness and connectors for overhead console
Section of wire harness, connector and outside temp sensor
(2) motor cover cup holder tall inserts
(4) 7.5" factory aluminum wheel center caps

So now I am off to study the wiring diagrams so I can figure out how I am going to wire the overhead console. Stay tuned. G.B.
Sounds like you got it covered now. Go Blue... Jim
 
#13 ·
selimited said:
I'm trying to do this mod on my 03. I bought the console but I don't have the bracket. Can you post some pics of the parts you bought to assist with installation? Thanks!
selimited, I should be able to post some pictures for you tonight. My camera battery was dead and it is charging today. G.B.
 
#14 ·
Here are the parts I have gathered to see if I can make this work. The outstide air temp sensor merges with a large harness behind the battery. I cut the harness there as it seemed like it would be impossible to remove that large harness from under the hood thru the fire wall. The rear mounting bracket would relplace the one in your van that holds just a dome light. At first I just cut off the connectors in the roof for the overhead console and figured that I would make my own harness. But after reading some more threads on here it seemed that I could remove the complete harness that goes from the console to the convenience center without too much effort. As luck would have it, I found a van in my new favorite U-Pull It yard that someone had removed all the seats and carpeting. I did cut off of this main harness leads that went to the rear of the van, other dome light, seat belt sensors, etc. I am hoping that I can cut apart this harness and use only the wires I need.

Here is what I paid for these parts.

Headliner $11.99
Outside temp sensor and harness $4.99
Bracket $ Free (the guy said it didnt match anything on his price list)
Console harness $6.99

It will be a few weeks before I get to looking at this mod. I need to go thru my daughters car before she gets home from college before I play with this console. G.B.
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Good info and pics! Keep the pics coming as you do the install. I wanna put a overhead console in my '96 now....thanks for the inspiration! :chevy:
 
#18 ·
selimited said:
Thanks so much, that is very helpful. I need to make a trip to the local junkyard.

To clarify: there is no front mounting bracket required? All vans have the mounting point under the headliner?
Correct, there is no front mounting bracket. There is just one screw that is driven thru the console into a push-in metal clip in the windshield header along with a rectangular locating tab on the front of the console that loads into a hole in the windshield header. I have not removed my headliner yet, but I would think that all vans would have the rectanguler holes in the roof rails and windshield header to intall the metal push-in nut clips. G.B.
 
#19 ·
Thanks Mr. Bowtie. I will keep you guys updated on this install. Although, I got side tracked and will be installing an Overland lift kit before I proceed any more on this console.

Webcat, that looks like a nice install. Is that yours? G.B.
 
#23 ·
This project was put on hold when I decided to do a 2" lift before I put on new tires. While I had the front of the van all a part for the lift, I noticed that there was a connector taped to one of the horn leads for the outside air temp sensor. Cool! It makes me wonder if the overhead console lead is not taped up under the headliner somewhere. I had pulled the dome light and pulled down the rear of the front headliner and tried to look for a connector but didnt see one. I had debated about doing this mod without pulling the headliner but now I am going to remove it for sure. I will let you know when I get back to working on this mod. Thanks, G.B.
 
#24 ·
Gone Blue said:
This project was put on hold when I decided to do a 2" lift before I put on new tires. While I had the front of the van all a part for the lift, I noticed that there was a connector taped to one of the horn leads for the outside air temp sensor. Cool! It makes me wonder if the overhead console lead is not taped up under the headliner somewhere. I had pulled the dome light and pulled down the rear of the front headliner and tried to look for a connector but didnt see one. I had debated about doing this mod without pulling the headliner but now I am going to remove it for sure. I will let you know when I get back to working on this mod. Thanks, G.B.
I`am glad that you found your sensor. I have to get me one. and pull some wire to the Headliner.
I bought me a overhead console to. And with a little luck Tony will send me his used caprice mirror to hook everything up.
BTW your lift looks good..
 
#25 ·
chevy57bert said:
Gone Blue said:
This project was put on hold when I decided to do a 2" lift before I put on new tires. While I had the front of the van all a part for the lift, I noticed that there was a connector taped to one of the horn leads for the outside air temp sensor. Cool! It makes me wonder if the overhead console lead is not taped up under the headliner somewhere. I had pulled the dome light and pulled down the rear of the front headliner and tried to look for a connector but didnt see one. I had debated about doing this mod without pulling the headliner but now I am going to remove it for sure. I will let you know when I get back to working on this mod. Thanks, G.B.
I`am glad that you found your sensor. I have to get me one. and pull some wire to the Headliner.
I bought me a overhead console to. And with a little luck Tony will send me his used caprice mirror to hook everything up.
BTW your lift looks good..
Thanks Bert. Have you found any exsisting wiring in your van for the console or outstide temp sensor. Or do your already know that you have to run new wires? G.B.
 
#26 ·
Gone Blue said:
chevy57bert said:
Gone Blue said:
This project was put on hold when I decided to do a 2" lift before I put on new tires. While I had the front of the van all a part for the lift, I noticed that there was a connector taped to one of the horn leads for the outside air temp sensor. Cool! It makes me wonder if the overhead console lead is not taped up under the headliner somewhere. I had pulled the dome light and pulled down the rear of the front headliner and tried to look for a connector but didnt see one. I had debated about doing this mod without pulling the headliner but now I am going to remove it for sure. I will let you know when I get back to working on this mod. Thanks, G.B.
I`am glad that you found your sensor. I have to get me one. and pull some wire to the Headliner.
I bought me a overhead console to. And with a little luck Tony will send me his used caprice mirror to hook everything up.
BTW your lift looks good..
Thanks Bert. Have you found any exsisting wiring in your van for the console or outstide temp sensor. Or do your already know that you have to run new wires? G.B.
This Astro came without a Overhead console , so I have to put some wiring in it..

and a few wires more :rofl: :rofl:
Took the roof off this JY Astro to place it on mine Van..

Image