Vintage Air 3-Knob Horizontal Control Panel with Black Anodized Face and Knobs
Vintage Air 3-Knob Horizontal Control Panel with Black Anodized Face and Knobs
’81–’93 Dodge Truck Vintage Air Gen 5 System — A modern HVAC upgrade for square-body Dodge pickups. Clean controls, efficient Gen 5 evaporator tech, and a tidy install with a factory-style look and feel.
Related product: See the full system page
Vehicle Fitment (YMM)
| Years | Make | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981–1993 | Dodge | Pickup (D/W 100–350 / “1st Gen” Ram) | Fits square-body trucks; verify dash style and accessory layout before cutting |
If your dash, ECU, or accessory layout differs from typical ’81–’93, send us photos and we’ll confirm details before you cut.
Key Specs
- System: Vintage Air Gen 5 evaporator/control architecture with modern efficiency and quiet operation
- Controls: Streamline 3-knob horizontal panel (anodized) with backlighting (dash-lamp tie-in)
- Electronics: Requires Gen 5 ECU (p/n family 246404). Gen IV panels use 246204 ECU—confirm before wiring
- Harness: Universal control harness interfaces panel ⇄ ECU
- Look & Feel: Clean dash integration with precise cutout; factory-style ergonomics
Backlight lead ties to dash lamps; follow wiring diagram and fuse placement guidance.
What’s Included
- Streamline 3-knob horizontal control panel (anodized finish)
- Universal control harness for ECU interface
- System components as listed on the product page for your chosen kit configuration
Check the product page for the exact bill of materials for your selected configuration.
Installation
- Difficulty: Intermediate (dash cutout + wiring + HVAC integration)
- Dash Cutout (panel opening): Mask a 1.5″ × 4.5″ area; mark from the provided dimensions; measure twice, cut once. Cut undersize and file to a precise fit so the panel doesn’t shift
- Panel Mounting: Install face through the opening; locate the control PCB from behind; hand-snug screws, then add ~½ turn—do not over-tighten
- Wiring: Plug the control harness into the panel and the Gen 5 ECU; tie the tan backlight wire into dash lamps for illumination
- Diagrams: Use the Gen 5 wiring diagram for connections; mount fuses near the battery; route wiring cleanly away from heat/motion points
- Final Checks: Verify blower, mode, and temp functions; confirm A/C annunciator and backlight operation; test defrost/heat blend
Cutting the dash opening precisely is key to a factory-clean look. If your truck’s wiring has been modified, validate circuits before splicing. Ask us about FFS Professional Installation services.

