Factory Switch Options?

Hepar

Hepar

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I'd like to add a switch to my power antenna line so that I can raise and lower it when I want to. Would like to use a factory switch so that it's nice and clean. I was wondering what my different options are. I know I could use one of the switches for the fogs. Any other ideas?
 
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thats a pretty cool idea. i think ill subscibe. The only switches ive heard of are at the dealership ive never seen them though. I got a decent looking one from O'Reileys its a direct fit in the little square things but im not sure if it looks factory
 
Yeah, it would be nice if they would let someone just go back into their parts department and look through all the different options. Other ones I thought of were for the heated seats, center diff, e-locker (I guess those are more buttons, but they would still work). I think preferably I just want as blank of a switch as possible.
 
haha that would be sweet! I don't think they think like a lot of us enthusiast do. i bet there are tons of parts that would work. but they only see direct application stuff.

I think ive seen some pretty sweet looking Fj switches that worked but wasn't able to find pics them.

but i went out and snapped a pic of what i had, i guess it's a little off but i cant even tell unless i examine it

001-5.jpg~original
 
My 86 4 Runner had a power antenna switch from the factory. So that might be a good starting point if you want a factory switch. was nice being able to lower the antenna without having to turn off the stereo. (like for car wash when listening to cd or IPOD)
 
My antanna crap out on me, so when it turns on, it goes to the top and makes a terrible clicking noise. Instead of buying a new ant. I used an extra rear window switch i had and wired it to work the antanna. I put the switch on the blank switch spots on the left side of the steering wheel. now i can control the antanna to any height i want or leave it down for woods riding.

To be honest. i keep it about 4" up and i have the same reception as if it was all the way up.
 
Pikeman said:
My 86 4 Runner had a power antenna switch from the factory. So that might be a good starting point if you want a factory switch. was nice being able to lower the antenna without having to turn off the stereo. (like for car wash when listening to cd or IPOD)
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'86? That's awesome. I had no idea they did that back in the day. Wonder why they got rid of that. I'll definitely look into that.

hogester said:
Anyone know how the wiring would need to be redone for this to work?
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Well, I have an aftermarket deck and I know where the power antenna wire is, so I just assume I can splice a switch into that and I'll be good to go.

Singtoe said:
My antanna crap out on me, so when it turns on, it goes to the top and makes a terrible clicking noise. Instead of buying a new ant. I used an extra rear window switch i had and wired it to work the antanna. I put the switch on the blank switch spots on the left side of the steering wheel. now i can control the antanna to any height i want or leave it down for woods riding.

To be honest. i keep it about 4" up and i have the same reception as if it was all the way up.
Click to expand...

That's a thought too, although I think I would prefer just to have an on/off option.
 
Taco whip taco whip taco whip.

Seriously worth it. Looks better than the chrome collapsible stick too. It's bendy so branches don't bother it on the trail and if you get a long enough mast you can use it as a height gauge. Example, if my antenna clears the rest of me will too. My mast is off of some Isuzu or something and is about three inches taller than my cab. I get much better range than I did with my retractable to boot.
 
Hepar said:
I'd like to add a switch to my power antenna line so that I can raise and lower it when I want to. Would like to use a factory switch so that it's nice and clean. I was wondering what my different options are. I know I could use one of the switches for the fogs. Any other ideas?
Click to expand...

I'm doing this mod cuz my new Kenwood head doesn't retract the antennae when playing USB sources. I'm using a ECT on/off switch as they are cheaper than the custom or factory replacements - $12 off eBay. I found one on eBay with the plug after I bought one without.

Here's one without the plug for $10:
99 00 98 96 97 Toyota 4 Runner Power ect Norm Switch | eBay

Will be connecting the two antennae plugs via a splitter/adapter when I go back into the dash - didn't know there's an antennae in the rear glass - pretty cool. Will also run some RCA plugs for a subwoofer if I ever get the desire.
 

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Singtoe said:
My antennae crap out on me, so when it turns on, it goes to the top and makes a terrible clicking noise. Instead of buying a new ant. I used an extra rear window switch i had and wired it to work the antennae. I put the switch on the blank switch spots on the left side of the steering wheel. now i can control the antennae to any height i want or leave it down for woods riding.

To be honest. i keep it about 4" up and i have the same reception as if it was all the way up.
Click to expand...

Dunno what year your 4R is but you might could just use the auxiliary antennae (rear glass via small antennae radio plug in '99s) and disable the power one, eh?

PS: the word is 'antennae'...
 
I grabbed a switch out of the junkyard. Any on/off toyota switch will do.
Dual voltmeter---Back window
KC roof lights----Antenna

If I remove the 'ECT' from the switch it could even sort of refer to the antenna. :D
I bought the truck with a broken antenna, replaced it in '05 and put a switch in not long after. So 10 years old and I can put it up-or down- whenever I want.

My husband put a small aftermarket switch in the back top corner of the cubby for his antenna but he has the rear antenna connected so uses his front antenna even less than I do (no rear antenna in the 96) and I don't have a cubby. Any more.

EDIT: Oh dang, sucked into Old Post land. Leaving it though, still relevant.
 
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infamousRNR said:
cut that blue wire and never look back....... no switch necessary
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Never! Listen to way too much AM radio for me to do that.

Troybylt said:
Taco whip taco whip taco whip.
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You know, I was thinking about why I have such an attachment to the motorized antenna and I came to this conclusion. When I was in my early teens, my parents told me that they needed another car and when they got it, it would then most likely be the car I would drive when I got my license. One day after school my mom picks me up from school in a brand new 1991 forest green Toyota 4Runner 5spd. I about shit my pants. I had been drooling over that ride ever since it was released. My parents quickly (and smartly) came to their senses and decided not to let me drive it and had me buy my own car. But that didn't stop me from admiring it from afar. And one thing that I distinctly remember being amazed at was that antenna.


I ended up adding a switch with my setup. I'll be keeping a lookout for one a bit more subtle. I like the LC switch, but no way I'm paying $40+ for one.

unnamed-5_zpsfbb7135c.jpg~original
 
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