roof mounted dvd monitor
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tarheeltp17
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I have put one in. I put in an audiovox 10.2" all in one unit.. part number is VOD102 .
It can be done but it is a tight fit. Personally I've been installing for about 3 years now and have done well over 100 overhead tvs...
First thing was to pop out the dome lights in the center, and unplug it. Then basically to put it in I used the trim ring and light it up to center of the car about an 1.5 inches away from the moonroof. I traced inside the center of the trim ring, then using a razor knife i cut out the part that i traced.
After that I took a half inch thick peice of mdf and cut it about an inch wider than the roof that i cut out on each side, and made a notch on the corner of the wood so that the wires could come through.
The only wires that you need to run are power and ground, unless you are doing video out, in, etc... Using a long homemade flexible pull-stick, I started at the driver door jam and ran in through the headliner and out the hole I had cut. Using electrical tape I firmly taped the power and ground wires i needed to run and pulled them through the headliner. I also made sure to double check and make sure they weren't being hit by the moonroof when I opened it.
Then you can run your wires down the headliner and to a 12V switch supply. I normally get power from the iginition block but you may find it easier or more convienient somewhere else.
Next part is probably the trickiest... mounting the piece of wood in the headliner... Because there is basically no room from the metal brace that separates the headliner from the moonroof, just screwing it up isn't an option. You can use silicon to hold it up, or liquid nail works too. You can screw it up but you won't be able to use very long ones and you'll need to make sure the moonroof doesn't hit them.
Other than that all you have left is mounting the tv, and you can line it up basically by just eye balling it.
It can be done but it is a tight fit. Personally I've been installing for about 3 years now and have done well over 100 overhead tvs...
First thing was to pop out the dome lights in the center, and unplug it. Then basically to put it in I used the trim ring and light it up to center of the car about an 1.5 inches away from the moonroof. I traced inside the center of the trim ring, then using a razor knife i cut out the part that i traced.
After that I took a half inch thick peice of mdf and cut it about an inch wider than the roof that i cut out on each side, and made a notch on the corner of the wood so that the wires could come through.
The only wires that you need to run are power and ground, unless you are doing video out, in, etc... Using a long homemade flexible pull-stick, I started at the driver door jam and ran in through the headliner and out the hole I had cut. Using electrical tape I firmly taped the power and ground wires i needed to run and pulled them through the headliner. I also made sure to double check and make sure they weren't being hit by the moonroof when I opened it.
Then you can run your wires down the headliner and to a 12V switch supply. I normally get power from the iginition block but you may find it easier or more convienient somewhere else.
Next part is probably the trickiest... mounting the piece of wood in the headliner... Because there is basically no room from the metal brace that separates the headliner from the moonroof, just screwing it up isn't an option. You can use silicon to hold it up, or liquid nail works too. You can screw it up but you won't be able to use very long ones and you'll need to make sure the moonroof doesn't hit them.
Other than that all you have left is mounting the tv, and you can line it up basically by just eye balling it.
A/V1
New member
tarheeltp17 said:
If I don't put headrest monitors in, I'm planning on installing a Rosen A9 in my 03 T4R LTD, w/ moonroof. I haven't removed the headliner yet to check it out, nor have I removed the dome lamp assembly yet either. But instead of using the screws you were mentioning, I was thinking about using rivets, or a bolt & lock nut (shallow). Rivet of course really doesn't need any depth. The bolt I could cut to size. Have you used any rivets? Would it hold?
I'm gonna run a vid in, & vid out. So do you usually run down the center pillar? Or is it easier running it through the rear trim? I know where the equipment is mounted should normally determine this, but with side airbags & all, what's the safe or proper way?
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tarheeltp17
New member
I'm not real sure about the easiest route for running multiple wires. Best advice I can give you is just pull it apart and see what looks the best for you, but generally speaking it is easier to go down the side pillar.
I've never used rivets nor bolts. But as long as it firmly mounts the piece of wood or the supplied mounting bracket that is included with most tvs, I say go for it. From my experience, I never use the supplied mounting bracket. The bad thing with those is you have to have it completely center or the tv is off center as well. With a piece of wood you have a bit of play.
Once you pop out the overhead lights you're gonna see a steel plate that extends about a foot from the start of the moonroof. That's what you'll be mounting to. It's been a few weeks since I did the tv so I can't remember everything about it, but I remember it not taking more than an hour and a half to do it and this was my 1st 4runner that I had done a tv in.
I've never used rivets nor bolts. But as long as it firmly mounts the piece of wood or the supplied mounting bracket that is included with most tvs, I say go for it. From my experience, I never use the supplied mounting bracket. The bad thing with those is you have to have it completely center or the tv is off center as well. With a piece of wood you have a bit of play.
Once you pop out the overhead lights you're gonna see a steel plate that extends about a foot from the start of the moonroof. That's what you'll be mounting to. It's been a few weeks since I did the tv so I can't remember everything about it, but I remember it not taking more than an hour and a half to do it and this was my 1st 4runner that I had done a tv in.
TX4runnerguy
New member
dude, put in the headrest system. it's so much easier to install and your passengers (or kids) won't have cricks in their necks after each viewing.
tarheeltp17
New member
Agreed they are much easier to install... BUT they are about $400 more expensive and there are only a select few that actually come with DVDs built in to them that aren't a piece of shit....and the ones that aren't a piece are very high.
villahidalgo
New member
tarheeltp17 said:
How much is the audiovox unit? Without a moonroof, do you still have to cut the headliner?
tarheeltp17
New member
I think the 10.2 goes for around $900...? And yes, you will have to cut the headliner with any roofmounted dvd you choose unless you can somehow get your mount inbetween the headliner and a metal support brace in the roof.... No moonroof makes it much easier though.
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