Commander Mods to Go

YB Normyl · Nov 25, 2006

Bought a 2006 Commander 4x4 base with the 3.7. I'm not one to leave things alone, as my wife knows well. Got a bunch of mods on a list, guess I'll start with the least expensive.

I don't know if you can really call it a mod, but the first mod I did was add a locking fuel door.
Then I replaced the knobs on the MTC (climate control) with the chrome ring knobs from the ATC controls of a WK.

You squeeze the knobs like in the pic and pull out the white plastic indicator and swap it with the plain knobs. You'll need to fill the gap around the center with epoxy. The chrome knobs will be recessed into the control head more if you don't swap the insides. Either way they will sit farther in, less knob to grab.

The next mod will be adding radio controls followed by opening up the radio bezel for a NAV.

YB Normyl · Nov 25, 2006

Got some part #'s and prices for the two remote steering wheel radio switches and the harness.

right switch 4685728AB $20.45 CDN
left switch 4685729AB $23.85 CDN
Switch harness 52029319AA $12.70 CDN

I didn't price the steering wheel backing with the holes for the switches, couldn't find a part #. A dremel should do.

As far as the clockspring goes there's only one part # but there's no guarantees there will be a wire for it on the column.

other parts

instrument panel/radio bezel 5JT12XDVAF (dark gray) $134 CDN

Here's pics of the base bezel radio surround, yellow arrows show plastic welds. A nice stainless or carbon fiber replacement would go nice here.

multifunction switch with auto headlight position 5143313AD $73.35 CDN
possible future mod but would also need sunsensor

out of curiosity I priced a garage door opener 56054008AC $315 CDN

These are all list prices.

YB Normyl · Jan 19, 2007

The steering wheel radio switches are in and it's Plug & Play. The clockspring has an extra connector for the switch harness so it was basically cut out 2 holes and plug everything in. Works fine with the base radio.
I wanted to do the NAV install at the same time but it was just too cold in the Commander. I'll post some pics and a little how-to as soon as I find a place to host the pics.

drewman141 · Jan 20, 2007

Nice mods, now lets see some pics. www.photobucket.com is pretty good for images.

YB Normyl · Jan 20, 2007

Here are the pics

http://www.picturetrail.com/ybnormyl

YB Normyl · Jan 20, 2007

*The service manual says that the connector side of the switch goes to the bottom,
that's not right. For the XK, the connector side of the switch goes towards the top.
The manual is showing what looks like a section from the Dodge Intrepid manual
with Intrepid steering wheel diagrams.

drewman141 · Jan 21, 2007

YB Normyl said:
Here are the pics

Click free!!!

drewman141 · Jan 21, 2007

YB Normyl said:
*The service manual says that the connector side of the switch goes to the bottom,
that's not right. For the XK, the connector side of the switch goes towards the top.
The manual is showing what looks like a section from the Dodge Intrepid manual
with Intrepid steering wheel diagrams.

No Clicking

YB Normyl · Jan 25, 2007

drewman141 said:
No Clicking

? What is no clicking?

Thanks

drewman141 · Jan 26, 2007

I just quoted your posts so the pictures show up without having to click on them. The "No Clicking" is just to put 10 Characters in the text for the post. :thumbsup:

YB Normyl · Jan 26, 2007

Just replaced the display on the ebay NAV.

YB Normyl · Jan 26, 2007

REC navigation radio install

YB Normyl · Jan 26, 2007

Next step, trim or fabricate new radio surround.

drewman141 · Jan 26, 2007

Great work man, it's looking awesome and thanks for becomming a supporter!!! :2thumbsup:

bfr · Feb 26, 2007

just ordered the parts to add the audio controls to the steering wheel.

the backing is part number 1FM342J8AA (for a dark khaki interior)

Did the steering wheel require any superexotic puller?

YB Normyl · Feb 26, 2007

Standard puller for the steering wheel, I didn't need one though. I came off by pulling and wiggling it.

bfr · Mar 5, 2007

Ok, got the parts from the dealer, and the steering wheel backing part number above does not have the cutouts for the switches, the correct one is not available by itself it appears you have to order the entire "leather wrapped" wheel to get it. Time to break out the dremel

YB Normyl · Mar 5, 2007

bfr said:
Ok, got the parts from the dealer, and the steering wheel backing part number above does not have the cutouts for the switches, the correct one is not available by itself it appears you have to order the entire "leather wrapped" wheel to get it. Time to break out the dremel

You'd think if the one without holes is available, the one with holes would also be available. Did they give you a price of the leather wheel?

bfr · Mar 5, 2007

I didn't ask the price of the entire wheel, too impatient

bfr · Mar 8, 2007

:2thumbsup: well, the switches are in and working like a charm.

rwmorrisonjr · Mar 30, 2007

Just ordered the switches and harness, will be here next Wed. and I'll install them after my Florida trip. I miss the wheel switches from my Crown Vic and it'll be nice to have them again.

rwmorrisonjr · Apr 17, 2007

Just got the parts from my dealer, so will do the install this weekend if the weather's nice.

I got a price on the leather wheel: $410.00 USD. And it doesn't specify if it has the cutouts for the switches or not. I decided to save my $410 and cut the holes myself.

YB, how did you make the templates for the switches?

YB Normyl · Apr 17, 2007

rwmorrisonjr said:
Just got the parts from my dealer, so will do the install this weekend if the weather's nice.

I got a price on the leather wheel: $410.00 USD. And it doesn't specify if it has the cutouts for the switches or not. I decided to save my $410 and cut the holes myself.

YB, how did you make the templates for the switches?

I used the holes from my Grand Cherokee switches. You might be able to print out one of my pics and use it if you can get it the right size. Don't forget the switch faces a different direction on each side so the little notch on the oval cutout will be on the opposite side.

Let me know how it goes.

YB Normyl · Apr 17, 2007

Just bought the parts for my next mod. I'll be trying the auto headlight switch mod as soon as it's delivered. That'll give me some time to look up the wiring.

rwmorrisonjr · Apr 18, 2007

YB Normyl said:
I used the holes from my Grand Cherokee switches. You might be able to print out one of my pics and use it if you can get it the right size. Don't forget the switch faces a different direction on each side so the little notch on the oval cutout will be on the opposite side.

Let me know how it goes.

I'll take the switches and trace a template out from them, then position it on the wheel before cutting. Worst case: I'll buy the leather wheel (still contemplating it).

YB Normyl · Jun 11, 2007

Just an update, I have the auto headlight switch and a sunsensor ready, just working out the wiring. Bought a set of rear chrome grab handles, MAS Sagitta 18x9.5 wheels, and while at a local automotive flea market I picked up Brembo brake calipers and Dodge SRT8 front seats. Not sure if I'll use the Brembo's or the SRT seats on the Commander but you can be sure they'll get used. Couldn't pass them up at $100 ea for the Brembo's and $70 for the seats.

Commander Mods to Go

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