Altimeter - need your opinion for install

[AZ4FNER]

OK, so a buddy of mine has given me a great gift for Xmas.

It's a 2nd GEN altimeter from Japan.

So, I'm trying to figure out where to put it?

I have four options in mind, but NEED your inputs on how/where to install...

1) Buy a dashmat, cut a hole, velcro to dash and insert thru hole = EASY
2) Remove guages from casing, customize to fit upside down into casing, and install above rearview mirror - between sun visors. I like this idea, but I think it's a lot of work.
3) Install into console space below radio. This is not optimal as you need to look down during wheelin'... I think this option would not be too difficult.
4) Buy a single DIN radio, remove guages from casing and custom fab to intal above/below radio. Another idea that sounds more difficult than my present skill level.

HELP! Anyone else installed one of these?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I like #2

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Or #5, package it up, ship it to PitbullRescuer and let him decide where to mount it. I like #5 best.

 

[Tucson4runner]

I'm on the same boat buddy! You nailed all options I've come up with. I like the dash but 1) the cover on mine is grey and my interior is tan so I don't want that and 2) if its on the passenger side but slanted towards me I think it would be dangerous as its on the cover of the air bag. The overhead sounds good but I have my scan gauge there and would create another problem moving that around. Below the radio sounds good but like you said I don't want to look down at it. I was thinking of somehow putting it on the dash right above gauges. It's a curved surface so it would involve cutting and fab work but with my current seat position it doesn't compromise any view. It simply makes it so I can't see the hood. Does yours light up?

 

[AZ4FNER]

I'm on the same boat buddy! You nailed all options I've come up with. I like the dash but 1) the cover on mine is grey and my interior is tan so I don't want that and 2) if its on the passenger side but slanted towards me I think it would be dangerous as its on the cover of the air bag. The overhead sounds good but I have my scan gauge there and would create another problem moving that around. Below the radio sounds good but like you said I don't want to look down at it. I was thinking of somehow putting it on the dash right above gauges. It's a curved surface so it would involve cutting and fab work but with my current seat position it doesn't compromise any view. It simply makes it so I can't see the hood. Does yours light up?

It will light up if I provide the juice, but I think it is not necessary as I don't plan to "Wheel" at night.

My interior is also OAK, so I will have to paint it to match if I use the stock casing.

Anyone else with experience/ideas?

 

[Nelsonmd]

FYI, you can paint that vinyl to match one of the oak colors pretty easily. I did it on my FMU.

I think mounting it in place of the roof console would be REALLY cool, but like you said, it would take some fab work and might not turn out very well.

I would say try the dashmat idea first since it doesn't require and permanent fabbing to the 4runner. Fabbing to the clinometer itself would even be minimal. Try that first, then decide if you want something else later after you have gotten to use it a bit.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, keep it coming!

Does anyone have any photos of having installed on a 3rd GEN?

Looking for more help.

Nelson, I'll definitely color match to Oak if I use the casing. Thanks for the tip, what paint did you use?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, keep it coming!

Does anyone have any photos of having installed on a 3rd GEN?

Looking for more help.

Nelson, I'll definitely color match to Oak if I use the casing. Thanks for the tip, what paint did you use?

Not many people have swapped these into 3rd gens. You might check yotatech, I think 1 or 2 guys over there have done it different ways.

I used SEM Color coat paint, and I had very good luck with it. I used saddle tan to match the stock roof console color, and it was VERY close. The dash is a much darker shade of brown though, so you will have to guess yourself which the use. Check some stores that carry vinyl paint; I know that carquest carries SEM paint.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Not many people have swapped these into 3rd gens. You might check yotatech, I think 1 or 2 guys over there have done it different ways..

Thanks again Nelsonmd. I guess you are right, not a lot of feedback/examples from the site.

 

[Kurtis]

Keep us posted. Any result will be badass.

 

[004wd]

ever install this thing? just got mine and brainstorming about putting it in my 2000 sr5

 

[Tucson4runner]

Still have mine sitting in the box. I'll see if I can get some working done for it this weekend

 

[Singtoe]

This is what I did.

 

[Tucson4runner]

Ugh and you were selling it too! If you had done that to a wood grain dash I would of been all over that.

 

[AZ4FNER]

ever install this thing? just got mine and brainstorming about putting it in my 2000 sr5

I never did. Altimeter stares at me sitting on my workbench every time I'm in the garage...ha.

I really couldn't find a clean way to install...IMO. I don't like interior clutter, or anything that looks non factory.

I even went with an all-in-hand CB because I didn't want to install anything on the dash. I ran the coaxle for the CB to my center console under the carpet/driver seat. You wouldn't know I had CB from inside, except for the 4ft Firestik outside...

Did you get a 4Runner altimeter (1st or 2nd Gen) or the one from the Tercel? They are similar but different.

If you look at the Tercel version that Singtoe has, it has nice clean edges. If you look at the 4Runner version I have...once removed from the case it has lots of jagged edges. I determined it needed to be in a case or recessed to have a clean install.

Long story short, still haven't decided if I'm going to use it or not.

Anyone want it? If the price is right, I could move it along. Trade is good too, anyone have a good condition driver seat cover for Limited (leather), a +99 center console, or sport hood?...

 

[Tucson4runner]

I thought singtoe's was from a runner. Thought the tarcel one had a car instead of an suv on it. Either way mine is a runner one and it does have a lot of jagged pieces under the cover. Id probably cut them off if I wanted it installed without the cover.

 

[AZ4FNER]

I thought singtoe's was from a runner. Thought the tarcel one had a car instead of an suv on it. Either way mine is a runner one and it does have a lot of jagged pieces under the cover. Id probably cut them off if I wanted it installed without the cover.

I could be wrong, but that looks like the Tercel Wagon to me...

 

[004wd]

I never did. Altimeter stares at me sitting on my workbench every time I'm in the garage...ha.

I really couldn't find a clean way to install...IMO. I don't like interior clutter, or anything that looks non factory.

I even went with an all-in-hand CB because I didn't want to install anything on the dash. I ran the coaxle for the CB to my center console under the carpet/driver seat. You wouldn't know I had CB from inside, except for the 4ft Firestik outside...

Did you get a 4Runner altimeter (1st or 2nd Gen) or the one from the Tercel? They are similar but different.

If you look at the Tercel version that Singtoe has, it has nice clean edges. If you look at the 4Runner version I have...once removed from the case it has lots of jagged edges. I determined it needed to be in a case or recessed to have a clean install.

Long story short, still haven't decided if I'm going to use it or not.

Anyone want it? If the price is right, I could move it along. Trade is good too, anyone have a good condition driver seat cover for Limited (leather), a +99 center console, or sport hood?...

ahh gotcha bummer! i was hoping you found a nice clean way/spot to put it , i have a first gen that i ripped from a 87 runner for freeezies
the only realy cool spot for it would be on the roof , like the fjs or where the hilux had the field moniters but i want it to look perrfect
iw was thinking reverse the gauges (so there not upside down) re upholster the case so it matches my newer grey interior but i would have to modify alot sooooo idk might end up beeing the coolest bench ornament ever!!

 

[nissanh]

How about this?

You can use double sided tape to stick it to the dash if you don't want to make holes in your dash. You can run the wires behind the inclinometer/altimeter unit towards the windshield.