My solution to organizing the center console "bucket"

[LakeRunr]

I see that this has been discussed many times here, with a few solutions here and there. I wanted to add my solution to the forum.

I used Craftsman tool-drawer divider supplies to divide the bucket into 4 usable parts. Two cool things about using this stuff are (1) you can change it around later without any problem, and (2) it's soft-ish (but also firm), so your stuff doesn't rattle. The "foam" really is firmer than you'd think it would be. It's perfect for this.

The first picture shows the package that the dividers come in.

The second pic shows what's in the package: two plastic rails with double-sided tape, and two sections of firm foam divider. There are actually 4 pieces there (each of the two pieces is perforated).

Third pic shows what the end of the plastic rails looks like. The rails can be cut with a hacksaw or dremel to whatever size you need.

 

[LakeRunr]

I cut 4 rail pieces 5 inches long each.

I then mounted them (they have double-sided tape on them) to divide the bucket in half horizontally. I cut 4 sections of the foam and slid them down into the rails (see first picture).

Second pic shows how the rigid foam matches the asthetics of the bucket. Also note that the foam reaches a little higher than the rails. This was so there wouldn't be any sharp rail edges sticking up.

Third pic shows how my stuff starts to fit in there.

But...not done yet...

 

[LakeRunr]

Next, I started on the longitudinal separators. I installed the other two rails, one at a time (first pic), and cut foam to reach the center piece I already installed (second pic).

The last picture shows the finished product!

I don't remember how much the divider package cost...I've had it for a while...but I don't think it was much.

My next mod is to light up this compartment with LEDs (but only when the lid is open and the parking lights are on).

 

[kdub627]

Great Idea!!!! Doing it tomorrow for sure, that "bucket" has been quite a problem for organization.
:cheers:

Also Where did you buy that from? Local Hardware store?

 

[MSU4Runner]

I believe this is what he got, available at Sears, $12.99 -

Craftsman Universal Tool Divider System

Of course he didn't pop out the tool slot pieces in order to keep the divider solid. Good idea, LakeRnr, I like it!

 

[LakeRunr]

^^^ Yep...that's the one.

Also Where did you buy that from? Local Hardware store?

My local Sears.

 

[Jeffrey_VB]

Great idea and nice right up. I may have to do that to my 'Runner.

 

[VNT]

going to sears tomorrow, thanks for sharing your idea

 

[Bigrupp]

I could do that, but then I would have to look through four spots full of crap instead of one big one

 

[howieb]

Great idea, now do you have a solution for the beverage holder which is either too big or too small for whatever I am drinking?

 

[LakeRunr]

Yea, the cupholder thing bothers me too...especially since the cupholders in the 3rd gen were supurb. It's on my list to fiddle with.

 

[4Runner8]

you do know you can pick up the middle thing in the cup holders and move it over to the left or right and kind of wedge it in for something really small or something really big

 

[chaz]

take a piece of foam I glue to to the cup holder arms. heres a thread on this, with some solutions-- http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/68717-2005-cupholder-limited.html

 

[stockrunner]

Another option is solid, folder, cardboard

Although I think the method shown is quite elegant, I decided to go a simpler, free, route and fold some sturdy cardboard into a U-shape that fits in the space.

My issue was that I wanted to use the electrical plug and aux radio input (stupidly) located at the bottom of the console bucket. So, I got cables for both that had 90 degree angles on the plugs - which is key, then the folded cardboard fit right up behind it.

In the 2nd photo you can see how the 6 foot power cable (hard to find with angled plug - I got at Radio shack, wish they had a 2 ft version) folds up nicely on the left (drivers) side of the bucket without becoming a tangled mess with the rest of the console bucket. The cord has a twistee tying it neatly together except for the last 6-8 inches that can easily come out when needed, then shoved in when not. Similarly, the audio cable is just long enough to reach my iPhone when sitting on the tray on top of the console.

You can even get fancy with the cardboard and make a removable box out of it, and/or split the compartment into 2 sections. Just make sure to use the sturdy type of cardboard.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Very Nice, thanks for the Tip:cheers: