It's a little different but have you seen this;
http://ramchargercentral.com/jungleshddodgecomponents/shelf-it-any-progress/
Jim

 

thanks but that is not really what i am looking for. i want something to replace the not so great stock in cab lighting. now if i can also get a compass and temperature gauge to work that would be a bonus.

 

Try a search here on RCC because a few guys have done that.
Jim

 

i have seen a few threads that say it is possible but there is is also other threads that say i would need a ccd or something like that. then there are lots of other threads with dead links so any pictures or info is no longer available.

 

I cant say for sure how it works but can say almost all temperature sensors of the type, require a computer to process the raw analog signal to digital. Not sure if the caravan uses a stand alone module computer or signal processing via pcm.

Can say you would be a lot further ahead to simply add thermometer and lights to an aftermarket console.

 

yup it all runs thru the PCM /l,ve tried several times to help guys install them with NO luck / the CCD bus is the data lines from the PCM to the console display

 

I'd have to look at the wiring diagrams, but majority of the overhead consoles with temp and compass are stand alone.  Now if it has fuel mileage and what not, it's specific to the computer for the vehicle and normally engine as well.  I know on the consoles I've looked at, they are stand alone and do not require any additional computers, just the temp sensor, and normally the compass is built into the OHC or is a module that plugs in closely to it. 

 

heres the diagrams i have been looking at that make me think it should work. the temp sensor seems to hook directly to the over head console.
95 jeep Cherokee

95 dodge caravan

 

i got some good news and some bad news. good news. i found a overhead console ant temp sensor out of a 93 jeep for $30. now hopefully it will work as is. if i need any other parts the guy i got the console from would most likely sell them to me for a reasonable price.
now onto the bad. i found that the roof in my ram charger is leaking somewhere. water seemed to be coming out of the front light as i was driving it around today. think i might have to fix that before installing the overhead console.

 

and now for the pictures
here it is. it came out of a jeep without a sunroof so it is the full length one which should be perfect for my ram
charger

i wired it up for a test and it seemed to work. not sure if the direction was right but the temp seemed dead on.

 

that's a cool idea.
the universal app rearview mirrors with compass/temp are $$$.

 

ya. i have wanted to do it for a while but the parts i was looking for were just not popping up and some of the ones i did find were kind of ridiculously price. the guy that had a 94 overhead console was wanting $60 for it. i know the local junk yard was only asking $40 for a overhead console if i could find 1 that i liked but i never did look. in the past people have even suggested using a chevy mirror. since i didn't have much access to chevy info i kept to what i know best and that was dodge.

 

How good does it fit the contour of your roof?

 

don't know yet. never really checked. i was just glad to find one. i am hoping it will fit but if nut i will make it. i haven't come this far to be stopped by a little plastic and some material.

 

I would love to see this in the vehicle.
I will keep an eye on the progress of this.

 

i finally got to test fit it today and it looks like i might have a bit of work ahead. the center seemed to fit great but the ends will need some work. wish i could have got better pics but holding the thing up with one had and taking pics with the other hand is a difficult.
the back part

the front.

the reason the front is not sitting flush. i think i remember the jeep having a hole or dent in the metal for all this stuff.

 

don't know if they had the same electronics but was read on here that the console from a caravan fits the roof contour..

depending on how "factory" you want it to look , might be able to fab the temp stuff into the other console.

  just a thought.

 

i think the electronics may be same but who knows. if i could have found one out of  a caravan i would have probably bought it but i found the jeep one for cheap and i only had to drive about 3km to pick the stuff up.

i think as soon as i am done it might look factory. i figure once you add some metal or plastic and put some new material on it it should look good.

 

If I want just temp and compass, I might grab a rearview mirror from a Chevy and wire it in. I've added 2 to my vehicles so far.

 

If I want just temp and compass, I might grab a rearview mirror from a Chevy and wire it in. I've added 2 to my vehicles so far.

Please elaborate more on this subject..

 

Please elaborate more on this subject..

x2. like i say before. i don't know chevy's so i going to the junk yard searching for parts could be a waste of time. i don't even know where i would look for there temp sensor.

 

I'll post some pics and information in a little bit.

 

i started working on installing it today and i think it might be a bit easier than i originally thought. when i took the headliner out there was a area for the computer to fit. just had to cut the plastic thing shorter.

 

after you figure out how you're going to mount it, i'd consider puting some saran wrap or plastic sheet on the ceiling, fix something to hold the console where you want it and take a can of "great stuff" and fill along the gaps.  after it cures you can trim the excess and have something to work with/recover and it'll fit like a glove.

if you've never used great stuff, it really expands alot.  just a note. 

 

That's not too bad of fit