Overhead console
 

I was out in the garage today looking over my FPD car looking for signs of where equipment was installed. No holes in the dash or console. No signs of anything being mounted to the floor. Weird. While looking at the dome light, I noticed an impression in the headliner from an overhead console.

I took the headliner out (I'm taking the whole interior out) and took a closer look. You can definitely see the impression of a console.

I've only seen an overhead radio console one time. Back in the 90's, the local PD had them in their Crown Vics. They're the only ones I've ever seen. I don't even know who manufactured them.

Anyone have a clue who made overhead radio consoles in the 90's??

Ron Mahoy should be able to help you. Indiana State Patrol used them in their Mustangs. IIRC, I found an NOS one for sale online a few years back and sent him the link.

He doesn't really post here, but you can PM him at ORG (ChipsMahoy).

Here's a thread on this site with a pic for reference:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net...ad.php?p=12114

Also, could have been an early overhead camera system (slim possibility).

I emailed the PD to see if they can confirm that there was a console in the car, but I don't see how it could be anything else. No, the PD doesn't wear stetsons or cowboy hats, so it wasn't a hat holder.

It would be nice if by some weird chance the PD still had this console collecting dust somewhere, but I know I'll probably never actually find one.

I saw that, and you have to consider the source.

I don't have any issue with the reply. I just figured I would note it up front before someone else mentions it. However, I have been meeting a lot of resistance in the SSP secret society, so I may be getting a bit over-sensitive on some of the subject matters.

I'm only familiar with the Mobile Vision systems. If anyone knows of an in-car camera console that would have fit that outline, please let me know. I do believe the PD was using in-car cameras in the 90's.

It's all good. I've been following the PA thread, and am in the middle of working on a VIN project here as well. if you are able to get the VIN of the '85 (and any documentation) shoot me an email. It'll certainly help out.

I'm not super-schooled up on the in-car video systems. We didn't get them until the late '90s and they used 50 different vendors. Mine never worked a single day I ever worked the road.

Got a reply from the PD:

Good to hear....you've been on a roll finding info out about this one.

This really sucks. I'll never find an overhead console. This means I'm another step farther from being able to put the car back to it's in-service condition. :(