Mike located an Expedition console that matched the Thunder's tan interior. In fact, the console originated from a '98 model. The dismantlers had two in stock, one for a Navigator laden in wood trim, the other, directly from an Expedition. We went with the latter unit due to the larger size.
Three remote controls operate each facet of the CD/GPS/Stereo/DVD system.
Mike removed the Cerullo center section and easily bolted in the Ford unit. However, like most consoles, the NOS unit is a two-piece composed of a base, which bolts to the floor (and makes up the sides), and a top that bolts to the main body. No big deal, except that the aforementioned wires now protruded through the top of the console and wouldn't allow the cap to bolt into place.
Mark DeCapite and his technicians at Mark's Auto Sound in San Gabriel, California, came up with a solution and went to work removing the stock stereo and fitting the Alpine system in place, which, for the most part, popped right in. The protruding wires were dealt with (read, removed) as if they didn't even exist.
Many manuals attempt to educate owners on the exotic system's use; however, we think it's best to learn by playing with it.
The trick to this multifaceted system is that either of the three remotes will operate the stereo, and, if in the right mode (some would say "mood"), the GPS remote will operate (within certain limits) the DVD and vice versa. Through trial and error, we found that you can have the radio playing when navigating with the GPS--but something went weird, and now the radio won't play while the GPS is activated. Switch to the radio, and the GPS deactivates. At least Alpine supplied us with a one-inch-thick manual.
Regardless, Alpine's turn-by-turn navigational guidance is friendly enough. Entering your destination is a snap: simply type in the destination address, and the system calculates your location and tells you how and where to go. On the LCD monitor, you can see your path highlighted in blue. If a restaurant is desired, check under the options menu and click "Restaurants" from the list, which will ask you to choose what type you want: Italian, Chinese, American, Brew House, Cajun, Indian, and so on. When you click your selection, the system comes up with various options within a certain radius of the vehicle's location. Choose one, and the navigator tells you how to proceed.