Hello,
First of all I have a 04 Escape Limited. Any info I have *should* apply to older models, but the center console changed in the 05 and above so I can't help there.
If you don't know about it already, join
www.escape-central.com. It is a great resource of information. Specifically poke around the Modifications forum.
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What make/model lcd did you use?
I am using the the 7" Lilliput using the WRX housing. You'll need to do the following things to get it to fit:
1) Remove the dash trim panel.
2) Take out your current head unit.
3) Remove the steal guide that the head unit sat on. (actually, you might be able to use it. The plate as at the back was welded in crooked so putting the LCD on it left it skewed badly. If yours is level, you might be able to use it and skip step 5)
4) Trim the opening so it is big enough for the LCD case (including the bezel) to slide all the way in (it should stick out about a 1/4 inch).
5) Make a new platform for the LCD case to rest on (i.e. replacement for the steal guide). I used plastic card stock to fashion a platform that rests on the plate in the back that the steal guide was attached to and on the plastic frame of the dash at the bottom of the hole for the head unit.
6) Make some kind of filler to fill the gaps on the side of the LCD case. I glued plastic card stock to the back of my dash trim.
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What tools did you use to remove the center console and the cubby in the escape?
You need to pull off the piece that has the cup holders. I find the best way is to stick my hand in the hand brake slot and pull up (make sure the cubby door is open). Then there are two bolts at the front that go into the floor board and two at the read on the sides that attach to a bracket. Once you take those out, the whole things lifts right out. I find it easiest to work with the front seats out.
The side panels are attached with a few hex screws (3 each I think) and have some hooks that just slide into slots. I would advise taking the panels off so you don't mess them up. There are also some star-driver screws at the top of the inside of the cubby that you'll need to remove.
The rear cup holders have two bolts hidden up towards the top. Take them out and then just pull (kinda hard) the whole panel off.
The cubby is held to the base by 4 star-driver screws. Take them out and it just pops off.
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Any other Escape centric tips would be helpful. Thanks.
Originally I just cut a small hole in the front lower right of the cubby and a similar hole on the top of the base to run cable through. That proved to be a pain as it meant that I had to keep taking everything apart to do the smallest thing. I still use the same hole in the cubby, but I have since cut most of the top of the base (under the cup holder area) away.
Also cooling is an issue. I assume that you have seen my work log so you can see how I added two CPU fans to move the air. After running them up to 12v, even on 100 degree days with it parked in direct sun my Mini's fans barely spun up (the CPU fans are on an always on 12v line with a switch that I turn off at night). Prior to the fans the Mini would be howling and my 15 minute commute wasn't enough time for it to cool itself off.
Hope that helps. Let me know if there is anything else I can try to answer.
-dave