Cup Holder Mod - Center Console Upgrade

[12811]

has anyone replaced the center dash trim around the radio and a/c controls with one from a newer 3rd gen.?

Having had my '98 since just the beginning of last month, I'm already feeling the motivation and need to perform this mod. Looks like this thread is still dead, but it's all new ground for me : )

I'm interested in the same question: Would replacing the dash panel from a 99+ simplify rewiring, and is it even a possibility? With zero experience in any of this stuff, replacing the console looks relatively doable from my pov until it comes to moving the rear window/yota security/ect buttons.

Anyway- glad to be here, eager to learn, and appreciate any replies.

 

[JohnsD90]

Having had my '98 since just the beginning of last month, I'm already feeling the motivation and need to perform this mod. Looks like this thread is still dead, but it's all new ground for me : )

I'm interested in the same question: Would replacing the dash panel from a 99+ simplify rewiring, and is it even a possibility? With zero experience in any of this stuff, replacing the console looks relatively doable from my pov until it comes to moving the rear window/yota security/ect buttons.

Anyway- glad to be here, eager to learn, and appreciate any replies.

Center console and moving the rear window switches is .easy, you will not be able to switch the bezel unless you know what your doing

 

[12811]

Ah, bezel, that's the word. I've removed the bezel from an '07 Focus to mess with the radio but that was with instructions.

I can see how this would be more complicated. I will take your advice and stick with the console switchout, which has well-laid out writeups, and move on to greater things from there.

 

[JohnsD90]

Ah, bezel, that's the word. I've removed the bezel from an '07 Focus to mess with the radio but that was with instructions.

I can see how this would be more complicated. I will take your advice and stick with the console switchout, which has well-laid out writeups, and move on to greater things from there.

I wrote the writeup this one is based on, just click below. But the problem with the bezel is that the hazards switch is completely different as is the rear window switch and a few others depending on auto vs manual, and it not a simple as a cut and splice, and when I was looking into it only 1 person had done it, they didn't really write how they did it and they sold the truck. Besides the wiring there was the Rerouting of the bezel Vents so you had to grab the routing to the vents from a 99 and put them in. And you do all this for an extra DC plug or 2, and then you lose the dash cupholders which are still pretty useful even though you have them in the center console now, so I gave up on the 99 bezel and I am happy as I have an inverter under the passenger seat, extra storage from the new console and old bezel, all while having room to hold 6 drinks.

 

[remac]

I just want to say that this is probably the best mod I have seen yet. Man what a difference. I also wanted to add a couple of things I found that I did different that seemed to make it even easier.
1. I pulled my new console out of a 2001 truck. When I pulled it out I looked at the bracket that holds it in underneath via the two bolts found inside of the console. The bracket assembly was a lot different in the newer truck than in mine. What I did was to remove the two bolts that hold the bracket that the console actually bolts to (same two that you remove to take the bracket out of the older style). Now these bolts are not just for the console piece of the bracket assembly and the bracket was tack welded to the rest of the assembly so you cannot just remove it at this point. The weld is just one tack on the underside in the center of the bracket. I gently (so I did not bend it up) rocked the console piece of the bracket back and forth until the weld broke and took that piece as well. When I got it all home all I had to do was unbolt my old bracket and bolt the new one in. Everything lined up perfect and there was no modification needed. Bolted the console right in.
2. When moving my rear window and ETC power switches to the dash on the left side of the steering wheel I did not have to cut or extend any wires. I accomplished this by removing the shifter bezel and the radio bezels. I then un-taped the wires to separate them all the way back under the dash as far as I could get to them. This gave me enough wire to route the harness right over to the new location with no issue.
3. I did not have any issue with my rear window switch being upside down when I installed it in the dash so I am not 100% sure why that had to be done. I apologize if I misread the thread.
The mod went great and is an amazing upgrade for $40. I am sorry I did not take pictures but will be happy to answer any questions and if need be remove the console and take a picture of the bracket I used.

 

[mattgold]

To take this one step further... If you're getting the eBrake, get the mount the center console bolts to at the same time (it also houses a few sensors, depending on model).

Then, it's 100% bolt on. No bending, no fuss.

That said, thanks again for the tips.

-M

 

[hrt4me]

To take this one step further... If you're getting the eBrake, get the mount the center console bolts to at the same time (it also houses a few sensors, depending on model).

Then, it's 100% bolt on. No bending, no fuss.

Matt, do you happen to have photos of the mount to which you are referring?

 

[hrt4me]

To take this one step further... If you're getting the eBrake, get the mount the center console bolts to at the same time (it also houses a few sensors, depending on model).

Then, it's 100% bolt on. No bending, no fuss.

and which sensors?

I'm going to do this mod (and the overhead console swap) this weekend...

 

[mattgold]

Matt, do you happen to have photos of the mount to which you are referring?

It's the 99-02 version of this:

This pictured one is from a 96-98, but aesthetically, it's very close. The bend is a tad different, and I believe it is more of a gold color.

It's under the center console, in fact the two screws that are IN the center console when opened connect to this piece.


Make sense?

 

[mds4752]

I just want to say that this is probably the best mod I have seen yet. Man what a difference. I also wanted to add a couple of things I found that I did different that seemed to make it even easier.
1. I pulled my new console out of a 2001 truck.

I'm thinking about doing this mod also....but not until after the temp's get above 9*F. :smow:

What year is your 4Runner? Mine's a 97.

What model 2001 truck did you get the parts from -- Tacoma, I assume?

Thanks,

MDS

 

[JohnsD90]

I'm thinking about doing this mod also....but not until after the temp's get above 9*F. :smow:

What year is your 4Runner? Mine's a 97.

What model 2001 truck did you get the parts from -- Tacoma, I assume?

Thanks,

MDS

Taco's have a different interior, any 1999 until 2002 4runner will have the correct console, just make sure the interior color is the same.

 

[mds4752]

Thanks for the clarification John!

I'm looking at using the website partshotlines.com to source the console; I'm sure they'll have several to choose from.

I'm also going to give a shot at changing the fender flares. I've got the real skinny black ones with the thin chrome trim on them. Want something wider and will paint them flat black. Problem in buying those online is I'm not 100% sure which model years' flares will match up to mine, nor do I know what each of them looks like!! I cringe at the thought of buying a set from the dealership or thru ebay.....all complete sets have been WELL over $400....for plastic! Ugh!

 

[shadow247]

The only flares that you can bolt on without making permanent mods are the Bushwacker flares or the SR5 "Skinny" flares. The Limited flares/SR5 Wide flares will require drilling holes in the outer sheet metal, which makes it tough to go back to stock if you don't like it. The SR5 Skinny flares can be found on forums for around 200-250 a set if you are patient. They will probably be faded and need to be be painted, but you can use some SEM trim paint or Krylon Fusion, to make them almost any color you want. They could also be taken to a body shop and painted to match your truck if that is the look you are going for.

I have the SR5 "skinny" flares and plan to paint mine with Krylon Fusion. I am leaning towards going black or grey, but haven't made a final decision. I've got 2 cans of Rustoleum "hammered" grey laying around too, so I may do a test spray and see what that looks like. I had good results using the Krylon Fusion to paint the radio bezel and door handle bezels on my Chevy Colorado. I did it in 2009 and when I traded the truck in 2011 they still looked as good as the day I painted them. I cleaned them with windex and never had a problem with them flaking or fading.

 

[4estRunner]

Thank you! Center Console Mod.

I would like to thank all who posted to this thread and made the job of completing the center console mod on my 98 T4R so well guided and easy to follow. I chose the left side of the dash for my switches. I separated the wires back to where they merge with the stereo and heater wires, and it was like Toyota provided just enough wire to get the rear window and ECT switch's to make it and the icing on the cake is that the switches just pop right in to the factory cutouts! The biggest challenge was getting the Toyota security connectors apart. I just gave up and cut them apart, they wouldn't come loose no matter how hard I pressed with a mini flathead driver. I still have to get the console in but have the e-brake and bucket bracket to the console on their way to me. I look forward to having cup holders that arent so fragile and in the way, not to mention, broken. So a big thank you to Asmara, JohnsD90, and remac! You have all been a big help.

Howard

 

[hrt4me]

I had no trouble getting my Toyota security connectors pried apart

 

[Tmiron]

$5 Wedge cup holder chopped in half and bolted on

 

[mrsharky]

Digging up an old thread.... does anyone know what the plate looks like for the swap? I'm having trouble understanding the bending part... maybe makes sense when you open it up and look at it? If I can find the replacement plate, I'd go that route... just don't know what I'm looking for, and that picture link is not working.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

 

[mrsharky]

To take this one step further... If you're getting the eBrake, get the mount the center console bolts to at the same time (it also houses a few sensors, depending on model).

Then, it's 100% bolt on. No bending, no fuss.

That said, thanks again for the tips.

-M

This is the one i'm referring to....

 

[TorqueOfTheDevil]

Was there a version of the later centre console that had switches mounted in it?

I've seen one on a build, but wasn't sure if it was a REALLY neat custom retrofit, or factory switches.

The one I bought has a weird and uselessly shaped hole there.

I also found out that they greys appeared to come in different shades (that might be a JDM thing) :frusty: mine is has a blueish tone to it.

 

[Freb_mc]

Was there a version of the later centre console that had switches mounted in it?

Not that I am aware of, But I just did the console swap on mine, and if you cut back the harness to the console switches there is plenty of wire to move the ect, rear window and security switches to the blank just to the side of the steering column on the dash. No wiring necessary, just cut the loom and rewrap it if you want it clean, pop out the blanks and put your switches in.