Cup Holder Mod - Center Console Upgrade

[Ststephen7]

Not moving switches... console instal

I know this is an old thread, and...

I really appreciate all of the time and energy that you all put into helping others with repairs and mods!

I didn't really want to move my switches when changing to the newer center console, so I didn't.

I made a little panel from a piece of aluminum. I cut out the switch holes with my scroll saw (was a pain!), cut out the little hole/space/dirt collector spot on the newer console, and then used pop rivets to hold it there.

There is one empty space, and the middle one is for my antenna... since I rarely listen to the radio I mostly leave it down, and I can use the switch to put it up when I want.

Far from perfect, and at least my switches are still right there at my fingertips.

Steve

 

[3dkustoms]

I looked everywhere but couldnt find my answer, what exactly do I need from the donor vehicle to make this mod work?

 

[hoksibish]

Thank you to all that posted. Great information! Now to source parts for mine.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

I looked everywhere but couldnt find my answer, what exactly do I need from the donor vehicle to make this mod work?

From my thread on this topic:

What parts to get - I got the console from a '99 donor. As one of the references above recommends, when you get the console, try to get the following parts from the same year donor. If you get all these parts, you won't have to do any redrilling of mounting holes or modifying of brackets that many of the references above did. Keep in mind that 99-00 brackets are different from 01-02, and there may be other differences year to year. So try to get all these parts from same year vehicle.

- console - try to get one that matches your vehicle, i.e. with or without rear heat. You can add the heat control cutout if you have rear heat but buy a console without it, but why do the extra work?
- rear mounting bracket – this really helps ensure that all the holes line up, and will help you avoid having to drill the floor, modify brackets, or trim the bottom of the console, like I saw in the YouTube video. There is no need for that if you use the brackets that come with the console. This thread describes this really well - center console swap/cupholder mod - plug'n'play
- e-brake – people have made their ’97 e-brake work with the '99 console, but it requires either bending or drilling new holes. If you get the ‘99+ e-brake, it’ll bolt right up and point in the right direction.
- e-brake tub - this one is debatable in my mind. The newer e-brake tub positions the e-brake cable towards the passenger side by about 15 deg, and is located a bit closer to the passenger side, to shift the e-brake handle to the right and make room for the cupholders on the left. The problem is that the ‘99+ tub does not fit into the '97 floor cutout, so you have to widen the floor cutout by about 1/4". I hate cutting into nicely painted OEM metal. On the flipside, if you retain the older tub, there is no cutting or drilling, but the e-brake cable comes in straight instead of at an angle, and has to make a bit of a jog to line up with the e-brake handle. I don't think it's very much of a jog, and I think it would have been fine - but when I considered the choice of a one-time cutting operation vs. every-day strain on the angled cable, I decided to go with the enlarged cutout. But I think the other way would have been fine too.

 

[Tiktiki]

Well. I picked-up parts to do the full 99 conversion.

From the donor, I removed:

Console (it's in much better shape than my 97 too)
Rear bracket (silver bracket mounted near the rear heater controls)
e-brake lever
Console cover/cup holder

I also wanted to upgrade to 99 dash (I really hate them cupholders).

Dash bezel with both air vents
In-dash air duct (a single screw holds it, but you have to wiggle it to get it out without removing all the A/C controls).


The only difference I see right now is the A/C control cover plate is clipped over the bezel on my 97, and it was under the bezel on the 99. Probably will fit anyways.

For 12v outlets, I plan on using a relay and tap to a 12v source at the fuse box (preferably some direct/unfused), and ignition at the same place (probably on the stock lighterplug circuit). Obviously fuse all that with in-line ATO holders behind the bezel.

Will try to snap some pictures and post them here for full write-up and button/switch conversion.

 

[4Runner4Leon]

The only difference I see right now is the A/C control cover plate is clipped over the bezel on my 97, and it was under the bezel on the 99. Probably will fit anyways.

For 12v outlets, I plan on using a relay and tap to a 12v source at the fuse box (preferably some direct/unfused), and ignition at the same place (probably on the stock lighterplug circuit). Obviously fuse all that with in-line ATO holders behind the bezel.

Will try to snap some pictures and post them here for full write-up and button/switch conversion.

It's pretty straightforward, except most everyone seems to get hung up on the defogger switch function. It's not that hard, but takes some research. This might help you avoid reinventing the wheel.

 

[Tiktiki]

It's pretty straightforward, except most everyone seems to get hung up on the defogger switch function. It's not that hard, but takes some research. This might help you avoid reinventing the wheel.

Thanks!

Pretty much what I expected, and since my job was vehicule outfitter, that's nothing compared to installing a full GPS/LTE/tracker setup with SATPHONE and RTK station in a truck.

Will still take some pictures as that's always good to have!

 

[chipmunk7000]

I ended up designing and 3D printing a 3-switch plate that fits between the front bezel and the cubby hole to keep my switches in place and vertical if you're interested in switching it up. I don't know to upload an image here, so here's a link to it on Thingiverse. 3rd Gen 4Runner Center Console Switch Plate by nickvan - Thingiverse

 

[307Vintage]

I ended up designing and 3D printing a 3-switch plate that fits between the front bezel and the cubby hole to keep my switches in place and vertical if you're interested in switching it up. I don't know to upload an image here, so here's a link to it on Thingiverse. 3rd Gen 4Runner Center Console Switch Plate by nickvan - Thingiverse

And in for the win is chipmunk7000. That is great. You gonna sell them?

 

[Gori#1]

Console mod-trying to find a console

I encourage you to do it. Frankly I spent more time cleaning crude out of corners and edges since I had it apart than I did on the entire modification.

I've noticed on the internet that there is a salvage yard in CA getting 4Runners in all the time. I tried to email the yard I linked to but they never answered. CA is about a 12 hour time difference from here so I couldn't really call. I ended up having a family member pick up the parts from a yard in AZ for me.

Thanks for this. I've been spending a lot of time on Google emailing places, I can't get into the CA link, do you have the name for the place in AZ? The mod looks simple, if I can only find the parts!

 

[BetterontheMtn]

I ended up designing and 3D printing a 3-switch plate that fits between the front bezel and the cubby hole to keep my switches in place and vertical if you're interested in switching it up. I don't know to upload an image here, so here's a link to it on Thingiverse. 3rd Gen 4Runner Center Console Switch Plate by nickvan - Thingiverse

This is brilliant.
Is there any chance you'd be open to making another?

 

[Hvacman]

Cup holder upgrade

I know this an old thread and I have done the upgrade twice, but on automatic 4wd’s.
Now i just got a 5speed 4wd and the salvage parts guy is leading me to believe that the black plastic cup holder section is different between 5 speeds and auto’s.
Is this true?