Space in front of cupholders

[RandyDaytona]

What mods has anyone made to the (what I consider) useless space in front of the console? Anything?

I can never get into that little drawer very easily, so I'd like to take it out, but I'm not sure what I'd do with the space.

Ron

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

When open, it is a pretty good resting place for a phone turned horizontally being used for GPS. Other than that, i keep my phone chargers in the cubby.
It is tough to use with phone GPS if you have anything bigger than a 20oz bottle in there though...

 

[Rdf5186]

I removed mine and installed my sat radio in its spot. Wires run nicely through the pivot holes that were already there. It is also recessed enough that it doesn't interfere with drinks that are in the holder.

 

[TechWrench]

I recently installed an aux input adapter on my factory radio, and routed the mini jack wire into this storage drawer. I keep the wire in the drawer, when not in use so as to not have it not laying on the console all the time.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I keep my garage door opener and parking lot card in there, I haven't seen many useful replacements done there sadly

 

[Ryan H]

I recently installed an aux input adapter on my factory radio, and routed the mini jack wire into this storage drawer. I keep the wire in the drawer, when not in use so as to not have it not laying on the console all the time.

I did the same thing. I have a 3.5mm input in the dash below the caution lights button and a USB connection in that little compartment.

 

[SUP3RJEFF]

My truck came with the factory iPod interface jack installed in the glove compartment. I took my dremel and notched out a hole in the back of that little compartment, then fished the wire through from the glove box. I put an old iPod touch in there, it stays charged and I never have to touch it.

 

[morphious]

I removed mine and installed my sat radio in its spot. Wires run nicely through the pivot holes that were already there. It is also recessed enough that it doesn't interfere with drinks that are in the holder.

I did the same and placed my rear camera display here as well.

 

[Adventure Copan]

I just keep misc junk in there, but I'd love to do something more useful. Sadly I don't think there's enough room behind it for much (guess that's why they put it there).

-Daniel Kent

 

[HHIRunner]

I just use it as a hidden location for my iPod with my aftermarket head unit. Chose that location for convenience over wiring it into the glovebox.

 

[KS_4RUNNER]

I did the same thing. I have a 3.5mm input in the dash below the caution lights button and a USB connection in that little compartment.

I'd love to hook up a USB attachment to the stock radio/head unit!! I have a 2007 SR5. Can you tell me if this is what you've got, how you did it and what you used? Thanks!

 

[RandyDaytona]

Good ideas folks - thanks!


I think I'm going to put more charger outlets (of varying types) in that spot, since I'm usually charging half of the planet at any given time (2nd battery mount mod, here I come!).

Ron

 

[riceandpho]

was thinking about drilling the holes for the leds to go in for my knightrider scanner from the pc.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Good ideas folks - thanks!


I think I'm going to put more charger outlets (of varying types) in that spot, since I'm usually charging half of the planet at any given time (2nd battery mount mod, here I come!).

Ron

If you're charging a lot of stuff, you should also look into the smoker's kit dual outlet mod

 

[Ryan H]

I'd love to hook up a USB attachment to the stock radio/head unit!! I have a 2007 SR5. Can you tell me if this is what you've got, how you did it and what you used? Thanks!

I probably should have private messaged you this since it's a bit off topic, but I figured a bunch of people probably have the same question.

I got an iPod/MP3 integration kit from GTA Car Kits. The USB is for iPod/iPhone though, but you can still use the 3.5mm function of the kit for any MP3 or phone you have with music on it if you don't have an iPod. They don't look all that professional but take my word for it, you will love their product. I bought one for my 2005 Camry and absolutely loved it. When I got my 4Runner, I immediately bought another one without hesitation. I had never even heard of this kind of product before until a buddy of mine that I work with told me about it. I always thought you had to buy an aftermarket radio to get MP3 integration. Anyways. It is $99, but in my opinion it is the best 100 bucks I've spent on an aftermarket accessory by far. If you have steering wheel controls, they will work it too (when connected via USB of course). The USB also charges your iPod/iPhone as well. Here is the one you need:
http://gtacarkits.com/toyota_4runner_2003_2009_car_kit.php

Basically it's just a box with a special cord that plugs into the CD changer port in the BACK of your factory radio. And yes, your SR5 4Runner does in fact have the PORT available for a CD changer, it's just not actually equipped with one unless it's a limited or whatever. So right now it's just an empty plug in the back of your radio ready to be used.

I hate to sound like a commercial haha. But the best part about these guys is that they have a detailed, step-by-step instruction video that is specific for your year, make and model. That is extremely rare. Don't have any doubts in your head that you can't do the install yourself. Here is that video: GTA Car Kits - Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 iPod, iPhone and AUX adapter installation - YouTube

The kits, however, do not come with the in-dash 3.5mm mount that I installed on mine (see pictures below). I bought mine on Amazon for $20 bucks and have also had no problem with that product either. If you do go this route, you'll need a female red/white to male 3.5 adapter to join the in-dash with the kit. Here are these products:
Amazon.com: PANEL MOUNT 3.5MM PLUG: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: HDE ® 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter: Electronics

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/1bnf.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/827/1bnf.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/zt2a.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/19/zt2a.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

 

[04rnr]

Ive seen others put ext. speakers there from their CB/HAM etc.
or air gauges from their OBA systme

 

[kevinpt]

i might pull the compartment and mount a tablet. nexus 7 can fit almost perfect with a little work

 

[bredinla]

Gta car kit

Ryan,
I'd like to begin by applauding you on the write up and the awesome work you did on your 4Runner regarding the GTA CAR KIT awhile back. I'm new to the forum but have been browsing through it quite often since I bought my 03 T4R a year ago now. I had a couple of quick questions for you about the (PANEL MOUNT 3.5MM PLUG) and (HDE 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter.) If you'd be willing to answer them. 1. Are they both necessary or can I get away with just installing the Panel mount solely? Question 2. When you drilled the hole for the mount into the panel below the Hazard switch, btw, great idea it looked like it came like that from the factory. Which drill bit or size did you use and was the panel in place or did you remove it for drilling? I know it's more than a couple of questions but your experienced advise would truly be appreciated. Thank you.
LAbred

I probably should have private messaged you this since it's a bit off topic, but I figured a bunch of people probably have the same question.

I got an iPod/MP3 integration kit from GTA Car Kits. The USB is for iPod/iPhone though, but you can still use the 3.5mm function of the kit for any MP3 or phone you have with music on it if you don't have an iPod. They don't look all that professional but take my word for it, you will love their product. I bought one for my 2005 Camry and absolutely loved it. When I got my 4Runner, I immediately bought another one without hesitation. I had never even heard of this kind of product before until a buddy of mine that I work with told me about it. I always thought you had to buy an aftermarket radio to get MP3 integration. Anyways. It is $99, but in my opinion it is the best 100 bucks I've spent on an aftermarket accessory by far. If you have steering wheel controls, they will work it too (when connected via USB of course). The USB also charges your iPod/iPhone as well. Here is the one you need:
AUX and iPhone Car Kit for Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 | GTA Car Kits

Basically it's just a box with a special cord that plugs into the CD changer port in the BACK of your factory radio. And yes, your SR5 4Runner does in fact have the PORT available for a CD changer, it's just not actually equipped with one unless it's a limited or whatever. So right now it's just an empty plug in the back of your radio ready to be used.

I hate to sound like a commercial haha. But the best part about these guys is that they have a detailed, step-by-step instruction video that is specific for your year, make and model. That is extremely rare. Don't have any doubts in your head that you can't do the install yourself. Here is that video: GTA Car Kits - Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 iPod, iPhone and AUX adapter installation - YouTube

The kits, however, do not come with the in-dash 3.5mm mount that I installed on mine (see pictures below). I bought mine on Amazon for $20 bucks and have also had no problem with that product either. If you do go this route, you'll need a female red/white to male 3.5 adapter to join the in-dash with the kit. Here are these products:
Amazon.com: PANEL MOUNT 3.5MM PLUG: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: HDE ® 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter: Electronics

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/1bnf.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/827/1bnf.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/zt2a.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/19/zt2a.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

 

[bredinla]

Ryan,
I'd like to begin by applauding you on the write up and the awesome work you did on your 4Runner regarding the GTA CAR KIT awhile back. I'm new to the forum but have been browsing through it quite often since I bought my 03 T4R a year ago now. I had a couple of quick questions for you about the (PANEL MOUNT 3.5MM PLUG) and (HDE 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter.) If you'd be willing to answer them. 1. Are they both necessary or can I get away with just installing the Panel mount solely? Question 2. When you drilled the hole for the mount into the panel below the Hazard switch, btw, great idea it looked like it came like that from the factory. Which drill bit or size did you use and was the panel in place or did you remove it for drilling? I know it's more than a couple of questions but your experienced advise would truly be appreciated. Thank you.
LAbred

 

[bredinla]

I probably should have private messaged you this since it's a bit off topic, but I figured a bunch of people probably have the same question.

I got an iPod/MP3 integration kit from GTA Car Kits. The USB is for iPod/iPhone though, but you can still use the 3.5mm function of the kit for any MP3 or phone you have with music on it if you don't have an iPod. They don't look all that professional but take my word for it, you will love their product. I bought one for my 2005 Camry and absolutely loved it. When I got my 4Runner, I immediately bought another one without hesitation. I had never even heard of this kind of product before until a buddy of mine that I work with told me about it. I always thought you had to buy an aftermarket radio to get MP3 integration. Anyways. It is $99, but in my opinion it is the best 100 bucks I've spent on an aftermarket accessory by far. If you have steering wheel controls, they will work it too (when connected via USB of course). The USB also charges your iPod/iPhone as well. Here is the one you need:
AUX and iPhone Car Kit for Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 | GTA Car Kits

Basically it's just a box with a special cord that plugs into the CD changer port in the BACK of your factory radio. And yes, your SR5 4Runner does in fact have the PORT available for a CD changer, it's just not actually equipped with one unless it's a limited or whatever. So right now it's just an empty plug in the back of your radio ready to be used.

I hate to sound like a commercial haha. But the best part about these guys is that they have a detailed, step-by-step instruction video that is specific for your year, make and model. That is extremely rare. Don't have any doubts in your head that you can't do the install yourself. Here is that video: GTA Car Kits - Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 iPod, iPhone and AUX adapter installation - YouTube

The kits, however, do not come with the in-dash 3.5mm mount that I installed on mine (see pictures below). I bought mine on Amazon for $20 bucks and have also had no problem with that product either. If you do go this route, you'll need a female red/white to male 3.5 adapter to join the in-dash with the kit. Here are these products:
Amazon.com: PANEL MOUNT 3.5MM PLUG: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: HDE ® 3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter: Electronics

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/1bnf.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/827/1bnf.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

<a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/zt2a.jpg/" target="_blank"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/19/zt2a.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" border="0"/></a>

Ryan,
I just wanted to let you know that the GTA Car Kit is finally in, thanks to you. Btw, the kit works great with my iPhone and iPods. The kit is Awesome!
thank again