1989 ford probe digital gauges, etc.

sheryjane · 05-03-2009, 02:20 PM

Morning,
I own a 1989 Ford Probe, it has 70,000 miles on it. I owned one years ago and enjoyed it so much, I actually searched and found this one a couple years ago. Since then, I have realized that one of the things I liked about the other one, was all the extras, including power windows, power locks, cruise control, power driver's seat and sun roof. I am thinking about installing those on my new one which brings me to my question. I just found a 1990 ford probe that has the power locks, windows, cruise, power driver's seat, sun roof plus a digital dash (gauges), the indash trip computer and a rear wiper. I have a few problems with my car which include the exterior driver side door handle is broken, the windshield wipers stop when they are up instead of going into their park position, there is a small dent in the passenger side front fender (above and in front of the wheel) and I seem to have some sort of water getting in somewhere which causes the windows to fog. The good things are low mileage for a 20 year old car and no rust. My question is Would it be an insane idea to buy the 1990 probe as a parts car with the idea of moving the digital dash, sun roof, cruise control, locks, windows etc. from that one to mine. Buying the 1990 probe would cost a little over $100. and probably a couple hundred to bring it home. The cost of buying all those goodies separately is a lot more than that.
Am I crazy to try it?
Thanks,
Sherry

**octaneman** · 05-14-2009, 10:20 PM

I wouldn't call it crazy, just a little spirited ;) I'm guessing that you were over taken with all the bells and whistles on it that you thought it might be worth it. One thing IMO that you should keep in mind is that even though it has low mileage some parts have worn out. Transferring one bad part to another vehicle doesn't make a whole lot of sense, mechanically speaking. If you really want those goodies, my suggestion would be is to do a little research and look at what the after market has to offer. Going to an open auction house is a great place to get great deals and information on used cars and parts.

Half-Wit · 08-29-2009, 01:49 PM

I would recommend to ANYONE considering purchasing ANY of those options that doing some research beforehand would be wise.

Some makes/models may have 'universal' wiring harnesses that are ready to accept optional equipment that was available at time the vehicle was manufactured. It might be best to invest in the EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for your exact model/year and inspect your wiring to see if the necessary plug connectors are already there to connect the optional accessories.

One quick check would be to open your doors and look for wires going from the each door to the car body. There should be about 10 wires for a speaker, a power window, a power door lock and a power mirror. There may be more for courtesy door lights, security keypad, etc.

Add-on accessories from third-party manufacturers often come with parts and instructions to connect included wiring to your existing existing electrical system. Simple lights and other accessories that only need power and a switch to operate are fairly straight-forward 'follow the instructions'-type setups. Alarm systems and window motors may not be suitable for novices to attempt alone.

That is the opinion of this semi-skilled technician/mechanic who nearly always "bites off more than he can chew." (but I still don't let that stop me :-)

05-03-2009, 02:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
sheryjane Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1 OS: xp	1989 ford probe digital gauges, etc. Morning, I own a 1989 Ford Probe, it has 70,000 miles on it. I owned one years ago and enjoyed it so much, I actually searched and found this one a couple years ago. Since then, I have realized that one of the things I liked about the other one, was all the extras, including power windows, power locks, cruise control, power driver's seat and sun roof. I am thinking about installing those on my new one which brings me to my question. I just found a 1990 ford probe that has the power locks, windows, cruise, power driver's seat, sun roof plus a digital dash (gauges), the indash trip computer and a rear wiper. I have a few problems with my car which include the exterior driver side door handle is broken, the windshield wipers stop when they are up instead of going into their park position, there is a small dent in the passenger side front fender (above and in front of the wheel) and I seem to have some sort of water getting in somewhere which causes the windows to fog. The good things are low mileage for a 20 year old car and no rust. My question is Would it be an insane idea to buy the 1990 probe as a parts car with the idea of moving the digital dash, sun roof, cruise control, locks, windows etc. from that one to mine. Buying the 1990 probe would cost a little over $100. and probably a couple hundred to bring it home. The cost of buying all those goodies separately is a lot more than that. Am I crazy to try it? Thanks, Sherry

05-14-2009, 10:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 505 OS: WINXP	Re: 1989 ford probe digital gauges, etc. I wouldn't call it crazy, just a little spirited ;) I'm guessing that you were over taken with all the bells and whistles on it that you thought it might be worth it. One thing IMO that you should keep in mind is that even though it has low mileage some parts have worn out. Transferring one bad part to another vehicle doesn't make a whole lot of sense, mechanically speaking. If you really want those goodies, my suggestion would be is to do a little research and look at what the after market has to offer. Going to an open auction house is a great place to get great deals and information on used cars and parts.

08-29-2009, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Half-Wit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 24 OS: XP Pro SP2	Re: 1989 ford probe digital gauges, etc. I would recommend to ANYONE considering purchasing ANY of those options that doing some research beforehand would be wise. Some makes/models may have 'universal' wiring harnesses that are ready to accept optional equipment that was available at time the vehicle was manufactured. It might be best to invest in the EVTM (Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual) for your exact model/year and inspect your wiring to see if the necessary plug connectors are already there to connect the optional accessories. One quick check would be to open your doors and look for wires going from the each door to the car body. There should be about 10 wires for a speaker, a power window, a power door lock and a power mirror. There may be more for courtesy door lights, security keypad, etc. Add-on accessories from third-party manufacturers often come with parts and instructions to connect included wiring to your existing existing electrical system. Simple lights and other accessories that only need power and a switch to operate are fairly straight-forward 'follow the instructions'-type setups. Alarm systems and window motors may not be suitable for novices to attempt alone. That is the opinion of this semi-skilled technician/mechanic who nearly always "bites off more than he can chew." (but I still don't let that stop me :-)