I have been looking into an entertainment system for my 99 expedition. I ran across Stillen's web site and saw a picture of a center console (aftermarket) that has a spot towards the front of the console (below the AC controls) for a TV (I would guess about 7"). It also has a door / area for a Play Station or Nintendo in the back. I contacted Stillen directly and they said "that is part of a 30K upgrade and we won't sell individual parts". Has anyone found an aftermarket center console that has a similar place for a TV. I know you can put one on the roof but I am trying to get one for the front seat passenger. I have considered a visor TV but wanted to try to see if I could find this console first. Thanks!!

Michael

P.S. I will try and put the picture of it here, but if not go to this web site to see the pictues.

http://www.stillen.com/gt/gtx/gtx.html

 

I have the Clarion Perfect Fit system and love it. It doesn't have a screen in the front but it does have a nice set up otherwise. Do a search for my system under clarion mobile video. By the way having a screen in the front is not a great idea if you are ever at fault in a accident. Why add the complication?

 

NMCOBRA98,

I would suggest that you go with either the in-dash TV, CD, DVD, Turner package from Kenwood (6.5')or Alpine(7'). Also, Performance Products has the center console w/ pop up screen and VCR (screen will be for second row viewing). I have the first model Kenwood in-dash monitor and a Panasonic DVD/CD player with the Kenwood tuner installed under my front row passenger seat. Lastly, if you want to go all out you can get the 4-5' monitors w/ the headrest shroud for about $200, to install in back of the driver and passenger seats. I will post pictures of my "entertainment on wheels" 99 Exp if you want a visual idea of what I'm talking about.

 

I went to ebay and picked up a 4"LCD monitor for about $100 and took out the radio/cassette remote controls out of the rear of the center console. I didnt need the controls because I had a aftermarket CD put in the dash with a wireless remote control. In the back of the console I put the 4"LCD monitor. Power comes from the power point just below in the same console. Switch for the LCD is mounted on the top of the console in a tray that is above the opening in the console. I angled the screen pointing up because if you are not looking straight at the screen the color washes out. Hooked it up to a video game system( ran the wire from the video game (video signal)under the carpet and up into the console. The adio wire goes over to a adio amp under the seat. I have a piece of lexan that is glued into the back of the console, between the LCD and the opening in the console. This gives a factory look to the installation. The only thing you see, that is not stock, is the video game sitting under the rear middle seat and the inverter (12V to 110VAC) where it is plugged into the power point at the bottom of the console. I have $270 in the installation, not including the inverter and the video game.
This does include the cost of a small 15 watt audio amp for game sound also setting under the seat. Kids can use head phones or small speakers can be used. All the electronic stuff is setting under the middle seat except for the LCD which is in the console.
I plan to felpro the components under the seat to the carpet when I get round to it.

This install is not for someone that does not understand basic electronics installation. But if you ever put a small TV in the back of your truck with a inverter for the kids to watch on a long trip , this just permanently mounts the TV screen. The only thing you have to figure out is how to get the panel off the back of the console and mount the LCD.

If you try this dont unplug the remote control for the radio in the console without testing the radio/ CD. When I unpluged mine one set of radio speakers didnt work. I left the radio controls plugged into the wiring harness and stored it under the console (its hidden and cant be seen)


Final words of caution, if you are not comfortable with electronics installation spend the money and let the people that make a living doing this do the installation. This install took me 8 hours . A pro can do this in 3 hours.

 

I purchased a system from JC Whitney that replaces the console cover.... included the VCP and all the needed wiring. Very easy to install. I added a cassette adapter from a CD auto kit for driving the sound through the stereo system. You can also use the included head sets (2).

One nice thing about it.. you hide it under the storage cover when not in use... keeps it out of sight. You can even take the VCP with you since it comes with it's own carry bag... or just hide it under the seat.

It's been one of the best investments I've ever made. It makes traveling with kids a breeze.