Modification: Switch to Activate Backup Camera
Radio Shack Paddle Switch
(about $7)
Also need: some speaker wire, small zip/wire ties, and shrink wrap
Difficulty Scale (1 to 10): Eight (again - I hate wiring stuff up, but Antman had already done this, so it was lowered to a pretty quick “2”)
Sp8ball’s Personal Intimidation Factor (1 to 10): Seven (mitigated to a “two” by Antman's involvement)
Install Time: About 45 mins, at most
Reason for Doing It: Because Antman did it, and I thought it was cool, and then the forum got curious, so we did it to my truck in an effort to document it for the masses!
Benefit: Gives you the ability to observe the area behind you while driving (observe something you’re towing); great when you’re putting a boat in the water
Cons: You have to cut a wire…scary! And you drill into a blank! That’s permanent change!
Other Products Considered: None
_____________________________
I know the message board is all a-clatter about this mod, waiting for it to get posted. Once again, I’ll tell you that this is an “Antman Original” – something he did to his vehicle (he will tell you he got the idea from the Tacoma forum), then inspired me to do it to mine, and to document it while it happened so we could share his genius with the rest of you.
Or something like that.
This will be picture-heavy (again), but I think you guys will appreciate the detailed, step-by-step process we can document by using a lot of pics.
Let’s get this thing started, shall we?
Here’s the switch we both used for this mod:
View attachment 42911
Identify your overhead console. It looks like this if you have an SR5 (Trails and Limiteds may have different buttons and whatnot):
View attachment 42912
If you have an SR5 like mine (and Antman’s), you have a “blank” on the passenger side of the overhead console. That’s where we mounted our switch.
View attachment 42913
Lower the sunglass holder compartment thingy. There will be two screws in there that hold the console to the roof.
View attachment 42914
View attachment 42915
Once those screws are removed, you can just pull down on the console and it will pop out. See that white wiring harness on the driver’s side? You have to disconnect that to completely remove the console.
View attachment 42916
Pop off this plastic cover between your rearview mirror and headliner/console.
View attachment 42917
Disconnect the white connector that runs between the mirror and the overhead console.
View attachment 42918
