Anyone using mobile DVD in 4Runner with sunroof?

[amheck]

Hi gang,

2004 4Runner Limited owner here. We're thinking about installing an aftermarket DVD system for the kids in back. I looked online and saw a Sony DVD drop down DVD player which looked kinda nice and it seems to be onsale for $799 lately. But...when looking in the truck, there isn't much room on the ceiling for the DVD player to be mounted behind the sunroof. Not to mention the switch for the rear lights is already there.

So what have you guys done to get around this?

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[linvillegorge]

I'm not sure of the answer to your question, but if the system you are asking about is the Sony Dream Machine, you can find one all day long on eBay for $300 - 400. Alot of wholesalers are getting into the whole eBay thing now. The retail markup on electronics is absolutely ridiculous, sometimes up to 200%

 

[Fortyounces]

aaron,

check out www.crutchfield.com.....they have a little video you can download about how to install aftermarket flip down monitors like the Sony you mention. You should be able to tap into the power lead from your rear light and install your drop down in place of the light switch panel there. Just make sure the sony flip down has lights incorporated into it or you'll lose em.


check out the video on Crutchfield, it's a good overview of your options for both units and ways to install them.

And I can attest that the Sony Dream Systems can be had for $300-$400 on ebay. Just check the feedbacks of the seller before bidding.

 

[amheck]

Thanks guys. I'll check out the video.

Sony seems to have 2 systems. The Dream System 1 has a 7" monitor and the new one has a 9" monitor. Have to do some research on them still.....

 

[vandert]

Portable 7in

I mount it in between the front seats and add an extra monitor to the passenger side or to the front seat if needed. It's pretty nice becasue we use it in the motels too. If I was to do it all over again I would go wit hthe headrest from crutchfield, and a nice reciever, but thats big bucks, got my setup from SAMS for like 450 wit hthe extra 7" screen.

T

 

[linvillegorge]

which Sony system has the 9" screen? I'd like to know

 

[amheck]

It's the Dream System II. $200 rebate right now.

http://www.crutchfield.com/I-rprsc6HQ/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=158MV900SD

 

[Fortyounces]

How old are your kids?

That Sony System looks like a real pain in the ace to load DVDs into, unless your kids are old enough to be able to reach that from their seats.

If your kids are small, your best bet would be to mount a DVD player in your glovebox or center console and just mount a flip down monitor screen in the locations you suggested in your last post.

It would keep the young kids from playing with/destroying the system and would likely cost less than what you'll spend on that all in one Sony unit. Also, imagine a worse case scenario where the kids wreck the screen...you'd have to replace that whole unit whereas if you piece it out, you'd only have to replace the monitor.

I'm sure your kids are little angels ...but I've seen it happen with my friend's kids. kids fighting over what to watch, one slaps the screen and it snaps off backwards.

 

[otterball21]

The Sony Dream system has one issue, The screws they use to mount the video system to the metal backplate that is inserted in between the ceiling, is WAY TOO SHORT!!!! They didn't account to the thickness. The dream systems need a 4mm bolt, machine screw. Preferabbly a hex head, thus you can balance it well on your drill/driver and hold the unit steady to screw it together. (I'm a mobile installer... I had some icky horrendous fustrating sony dream system installs, and not understanding why, and I finally figured out the problem)