Mag light mounting. And wtf is this thing?

[quicksilvr]

I'm getting ready to screw my new D cell maglight clips onto the center tunnel on the passenger side. However, I wanted to verify that the best way to do this is just to use some self-tapping metal screws?

Also, there are currently two of these:

...attached to the general area where I want to mount my Mag light. They are only attached to the carpet. Any idea what they are from/for/to? There's a couple on the drivers side, or there were. One on the drivers side is missing.

Before I yank these plastic clips out, I'd like to know what they were used for initially if anyone recognizes them.

 

[offthebeatenpath]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are there to hold the factory floor mats in place via grommets in the mats. If you don't have factory mats, you shouldn't need them any longer.

 

[quicksilvr]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure those are there to hold the factory floor mats in place via grommets in the mats. If you don't have factory mats, you shouldn't need them any longer.

I think you're wrong. lol Actually, I know you're wrong. Unless there were some weird dealer installed mat options that I've never seen in a 3rd gen.

They are up on the side, way above where the mats go.





Is it ok to just use self-tappers and drill into the tunnel area?

 

[jham]

Is it ok to just use self-tappers and drill into the tunnel area?

cut the carpet first if you do. Carpet fibers will wrap around a screw like a hooker on a pole, then you've got a little mess.

 

[Brilliant]

I think you're wrong. lol Actually, I know you're wrong. Unless there were some weird dealer installed mat options that I've never seen in a 3rd gen.

They are up on the side, way above where the mats go.

Is it ok to just use self-tappers and drill into the tunnel area?

There are studs on the carpet to prevent the mat from sliding forward. That's why OEM mats have a hole in them and a little piece of plastic retaining clip. Pretty std on cars on dside since late 90s. Prevents mat from getting under the pedal.

 

[quicksilvr]

There are studs on the carpet to prevent the mat from sliding forward. That's why OEM mats have a hole in them and a little piece of plastic retaining clip. Pretty std on cars on dside since late 90s. Prevents mat from getting under the pedal.

Ok, i don't think you guys are understanding where these studs are. They are 6 inches up the side of the trans tunnel. WAY higher than the floor mats ever are. I've been in no less than 7 3rd gen 4Runners, and never seen these. Never seen them in any vehicle. (and I used to work at a dealership)

 

[offthebeatenpath]

Ok, i don't think you guys are understanding where these studs are. They are 6 inches up the side of the trans tunnel. WAY higher than the floor mats ever are. I've been in no less than 7 3rd gen 4Runners, and never seen these. Never seen them in any vehicle. (and I used to work at a dealership)

Yeah, that information would have been useful YESTERDAY!!!

Hahahahaha, j/k-

All that to say- you're right, I have no idea what they are.

 

[Acidmeld]

Judging by the design of the clip something with a hole has to go around the pegs but I've worked on hundreds of 3rd gens and have never seen those. Gotta think aftermarket, maybe a trash can/flashlight holder?

 

[tinman]

Just snatch (unscrew) the tabs out! J/K. Maybe they were used to stabilize some kind of storage bag or something similar that stayed on the trans tunnel. (Obviously a wild guess...but I doubt they were for the mats being that high up.)

 

[Shawn5800]

Looks to me like someone ran a remote wire from an amp up the trans tunnel and mounted a switch somewhere to the middle console. The wire just probably pushed into the clips. Probably would be easier to answer this question if you actually took pics of the placement of the both of them from afar.

I have also seen these clips used to mount that crappy looking tube lighting in vehicles.

 

[bolantej]

if they aren't in use, just pull em. I would use self tapping screws to provide a more sturdy mount. YMMV

 

[quicksilvr]

Looks to me like someone ran a remote wire from an amp up the trans tunnel and mounted a switch somewhere to the middle console. The wire just probably pushed into the clips. Probably would be easier to answer this question if you actually took pics of the placement of the both of them from afar.

I have also seen these clips used to mount that crappy looking tube lighting in vehicles.

Hm...lighting. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe I needs to get me some red led tubes and make my ride start blinging......

(I tried taking a far away pic....they are so close to the same color as the carpet, you couldn't even see them)

 

[SCRunner12]

I know it's not entirely convenient, but I mounted mine just below the cargo cover in the back. It works well for me.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I think you should scrap the idea of mounting it to the transmssion tunnel. You'll notice that the trans tunnel has a bulge in it when looking down at it from the top. That is going to make it challenging to get your maglight brackets aligned properly to where they will securely hold the light, not to mention a full size maglight mounted on the tunnel is going to cramp your leg room a bit. Also, remember that you'll be drilling holes into the body of your truck... that opens it up to rust issues if you don't properly seal those holes/coat the metal.

I had considered mounting a full size there but ultimately, for the reasons above, I did this instead. It's just as handy, puts out plenty of light, takes up much less space, and I only had to put screws into the plastic trim.

 

[Bighead2001]

They look a lot like the ones in my old 99 Land Cruiser. Those clips were for an aftermarket floor mat...maybe old style Weathertechs or something similar. You should be able to unscrew them and be left with a hole cut in the carpet.

 

[quicksilvr]

BFAD: Too late. lol

No, it doesn't sit completely square in the clips, but it's close enough that it grabs it good and looks fine. I put a whole bunch of RTV over each screw that poked through into the tunnel. I could just squeeze my skinny arm up there and glob it on. Should keep it sealed.


Bighead2001, you're correct. I pulled the first one, and then discovered that they have threads. So I unscrewed the other one out of the carpet. Just a couple little holes that disappear. I'm going to hold onto them in case I find a use for them at a later date.

 

[LakeRunr]

quicksilvr, I mounted my 3D cell Maglight laterally to the plastic under the leading edge of the driver's seat (when I had a 3rd gen)...where it would be right under my kneecaps. It was out of the way, somewhat hidden, and very accessible.