Internal Trim Removal

phillyd2

Senior Member
Yes Dear, I did search but must be using the wrong key words. Anyways, I'm installing lights on the Gobi along with a CB antenna so I need to remove:

Center console (to put the Cobra 75 box under there)
Lower Part of Driver Dash (to install light switch into open spot)
Rear Head Liner to run wires (Okki mentioned a trim removal tool in the link below. Would a flat head screw driver work?)
Side rocker panel (I think its easy enough but anything I need to know before I just pry them up?)

I did find:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...free-ladder-sun-roof-insert-7.html#post827672

which helped but still need more info. Also, I will be putting the light switch into the open space in the bank above where Okki did his. Any other tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. And oh, a special custom mount is in the works to fold down the CB antenna - details to follow if it all works out.
 
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Yes, I have printed pages 4001 - 4011, but I'm looking for more direct insight of any that have done it before to make sure I do it right such as how to remove the 4HL knob on a Limited, for example. Thanks for playing anyway.
 
Yes, I have printed pages 4001 - 4011, but I'm looking for more direct insight of any that have done it before to make sure I do it right such as how to remove the 4HL knob on a Limited, for example. Thanks for playing anyway.

He has pretty much de-installed the entire interior of his limited, and will probably be able to help you...

I'm not playing.
 
Yes, I have printed pages 4001 - 4011, but I'm looking for more direct insight of any that have done it before to make sure I do it right such as how to remove the 4HL knob on a Limited, for example. Thanks for playing anyway.

I haven't taken the center console apart yet, but for the roof lights etc, there is a full write up in my build thread (see my signature below).

You may want to check Antman's build thread for the CB stuff. He's got a firestick install and has done a number of things with the center console.

Hope this helps!

Okki
 
Yes Dear, I did search but must be using the wrong key words. Anyways, I'm installing lights on the Gobi along with a CB antenna so I need to remove:

Center console (to put the Cobra 75 box under there)
Lower Part of Driver Dash (to install light switch into open spot)
Rear Head Liner to run wires (Okki mentioned a trim removal tool in the link below. Would a flat head screw driver work?)
Side rocker panel (I think its easy enough but anything I need to know before I just pry them up?)

I did find:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...free-ladder-sun-roof-insert-7.html#post827672

which helped but still need more info. Also, I will be putting the light switch into the open space in the bank above where Okki did his. Any other tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. And oh, a special custom mount is in the works to fold down the CB antenna - details to follow if it all works out.

Flat screw driver might work, but since it's narrow it will likely do more damage than good to the headliner (not enough dispersion of forces) I would sooner use a flat metal spatula actually. You can use the edge to push the clip, but the larger surface does not bend the headliner as much.

Okki
 
Philly, depending on the switches you are planning on using, the stock locations will not work. the switches I used are taller, so you'll need to modify the hole (can be done, but it's nice to know ahead of time).

If you are planning on using the location that is marked "Compressor" in the attached image, BE VERY CAREFUL!

That location has various step-downs molded into it and if you mess it up you'll be using a LOT of JB Weld to fix things. If you are planning on using the contura switches like I did, send me a PM with your number and I can talk you through the issues I ran into. it'll be easier to talk through than try to type up in a sensible manner.

Okki

PS. I Did NOT use the locations as indicated below for the lights; I installed a fresh bank of switches. see my build thread for details.
 

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I haven't taken the center console apart yet, but for the roof lights etc, there is a full write up in my build thread (see my signature below).

You may want to check Antman's build thread for the CB stuff. He's got a firestick install and has done a number of things with the center console.

Hope this helps!

Okki

Thanks. Yours and Antman great posts take be about 90% of the way. Its the other 10% that scares me :)
 
Philly, depending on the switches you are planning on using, the stock locations will not work. the switches I used are taller, so you'll need to modify the hole (can be done, but it's nice to know ahead of time).

Plan is to use the spot you called Driving Lights. What you called Roof Lights is option B. But we know what happens to plans after contact with the enemy. Question is how to get that trim off to get access.

I'm using a Toyota rocker switch like this: Susquehanna MotorSports - Auto Performance Product which I understand will take some trimming.
 
Grab that panel and pull towards yourself. It yanks right off and them you can disconnect the wires. Doesn't get any easier!
 
Plan is to use the spot you called Driving Lights. What you called Roof Lights is option B. But we know what happens to plans after contact with the enemy. Question is how to get that trim off to get access.

I'm using a Toyota rocker switch like this: Susquehanna MotorSports - Auto Performance Product which I understand will take some trimming.

Hi PhillyD2, I used a different switch, so I can't speak to the installation challenges you might run into, but the covers just pop out from the back. drop the lower half of the dash, stick your hand up there and push. Be careful though, because there is a LOT of sharp metal behind the driver dash; I sliced my hand open pretty well (left a couple scars) when I was running the wiring on my installation.

Just take your time and if things dont go as you thought... STOP.. take a deep breath.. and look at it again. Things only go really wrong when you lose patience :wow2:

Okki
 
Grab that panel and pull towards yourself. It yanks right off and them you can disconnect the wires. Doesn't get any easier!


The panel is the one around the one labeled Driving Lights in the picture above. Where the hell does one grab to pull?
 
Hi PhillyD2, I used a different switch, so I can't speak to the installation challenges you might run into, but the covers just pop out from the back. drop the lower half of the dash, stick your hand up there and push. Be careful though, because there is a LOT of sharp metal behind the driver dash; I sliced my hand open pretty well (left a couple scars) when I was running the wiring on my installation.

Just take your time and if things dont go as you thought... STOP.. take a deep breath.. and look at it again. Things only go really wrong when you lose patience :wow2:

Okki

Ouch! Thanks for the heads up. Patience and I usually are not the best of friends but will do my very best.
 
The panel is the one around the one labeled Driving Lights in the picture above. Where the hell does one grab to pull?

Open the driver's door and stand outside the truck. Right hand on the right side of the panel by the steering column, left hand flat pressing against the left side of the panel, and pull towards yourself. Use some muscles, man! Don't be skeered, it will not break. Promise.
 
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Oh great. First I need patience and now muscles? Should have bought a KIA :zoom:

Seriously, thanks guys. Actual install will be done tues with a friend but all panels and center console are loose and ready. Don't know how but nothing is broken, yet.

All came apart just as you guys said but I do admit to pucker moments every time I pulled harder than I think I should but as promised it does come apart like legos.

At this point I think I'm set to go running the wires as recommend unless anybody has any other words of wisdom.
 

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