[Kanoe]

I admit, I have a bit of an OEM, original obsession. I grew up with these Toyota stereos and have a fondness for them. Plus they have great radio reception which is handy in a lot of places where towns are far between. They are actually made in Japan. The cassette deck still worked, but I was getting tired of the 4 tapes we still have. I wanted an Aux cord. So I put one in.

I have disabled the tape deck so it no longer works (easily reverted) and now selecting tape on the face keys switches to the Aux input. I taped into the cassette audio lines after the first pre-amp so the audio levels are pretty nearly matched between FM radio and Aux in with the Ipod set to 50% volume.

Very happy with this mini mod. May be my favorite yet.

I won't bother with any details as I doubt anyone would have the same stereo (or want to do this) but could provide if there is any interest.

[ToyotaBrah]

Neato! Really dig this. Which Toyota is the radio from? And was it still plug in play with the factory harness? OEM radios always look the best. Period correct and better made (especially this being made in Japan).

[brillo_76]

I just use bluetooth receivers that just broadcast to whatever FM channel you want. They work excellent for music. And you can answer your phone as well but best to put your phone on hands free for better call experience.

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[Endlessblockades]

@Kanoe - That's super cool!

@brillo_76 Agreed - The latest gen of $20 BT to FM transmitters (and they do much more) that live in your ciggy lighter are pretty amazing!

For example:

Amazon.com: IMDEN Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, QC3.0+Type-C PD 18W Wireless Bluetooth FM Radio Adapter Bass Sound Music Player FM Car Kit with Hands-Free Calling and 3 USB Ports Charger Support USB Drive

[Mighty Buffalo]

That is very slick, I like that it has an OEM appearance.

[brillo_76]

Kanoe mod is very neat... I just like to have the Tape, CD and Radio options is all.. The mod does look just about factory though and thats a great setup. :-)

[Kanoe]

Originally Posted by ToyotaBrah

Neato! Really dig this. Which Toyota is the radio from? And was it still plug in play with the factory harness? OEM radios always look the best. Period correct and better made (especially this being made in Japan).

It is the factory radio that came with my 96 base model 4Runner. I’ve not seen any others at junkyards so it might not be a common one.

Only 3 wires were connected and those were in the radio itself. Audio L, R, and signal ground. Harness was not touched.

[Kanoe]

Originally Posted by brillo_76

Kanoe mod is very neat... I just like to have the Tape, CD and Radio options is all.. The mod does look just about factory though and thats a great setup. :-)

You are right, the FM converter is a lot simpler. This was not efficient time wise. I just wanted to do it. I had the radio out to look into flickering lights so I figured why not?

[brillo_76]

Originally Posted by Kanoe

You are right, the FM converter is a lot simpler. This was not efficient time wise. I just wanted to do it. I had the radio out to look into flickering lights so I figured why not?

Nothing wrong with that at all.. It looks like darn near factory done too..:-D

[19963.4lsr5]

Put a T1819 scion radio in it. It’s a good 300w Bluetooth, USB.

I put it in two 97 4Runners and my 2002 S Series Saturn.

Then I upgraded my 97 SR5 to a 2013 Corolla NAV unit.

Did I mention it looks factory.


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[brillo_76]

Originally Posted by 19963.4lsr5

Put a T1819 scion radio in it. It’s a good 300w Bluetooth, USB.

I put it in two 97 4Runners and my 2002 S Series Saturn.

Then I upgraded my 97 SR5 to a 2013 Corolla NAV unit.

Did I mention it looks factory.


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I am considering doing your Toyota upgrade to newer radios idea. I am only on the fence as I may wish to go android to run my torque pro apps on the screen ar all times as well as interface 4 cameras in as well. I just need to decide my best course of action..


I still say Kanoe setup is perfect for some users and I glad he took the time to share

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[19963.4lsr5]

The Android is way more capable. My NAV unit has the rear camera ability. Never bothered hooking it up.


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[fourfive]

Originally Posted by Kanoe

I won't bother with any details as I doubt anyone would have the same stereo (or want to do this) but could provide if there is any interest.

Details.

[bdjcl]

Originally Posted by 19963.4lsr5

Put a T1819 scion radio in it. It’s a good 300w Bluetooth, USB.

I put it in two 97 4Runners and my 2002 S Series Saturn.

Then I upgraded my 97 SR5 to a 2013 Corolla NAV unit.

Did I mention it looks factory.


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Did you have to do any wiring finagling for the scion radio in the 97 4runner? Or was it a straight swap?

[19963.4lsr5]

Originally Posted by bdjcl

Did you have to do any wiring finagling for the scion radio in the 97 4runner? Or was it a straight swap?

You need some adapter cables to convert new Toyota wiring to old Toyota wiring and a Bluetooth mic for hands free calling.

My build and repair thread shows the install.

It does require some dash trimming and mounting bracket modifying.

It’s not plug and play. The adapter cables are plug and play. And you will need an antenna adapter.


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