Sunpilot's 4Runner Official Build Thread

[SunPilot]

Ham Radio Install

Here is a pic of the Yaesu FTM-100Dr/DE dual band Ham radio. This is only the remote head. The actual radio body is mounted under the driver's seat and was easy to do. I just removed the seat and bolted the mounting bracket to the floor. I'm not showing that because it's so simple.
20180503_105443 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
The head unit mounts to a nice little bracket that is easily bent to conform to wherever it is mounted. I didn't want to mount it permanently, so I found a nice place to put it that enables me to quickly mount and unmount the head.
20180503_105441 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
This is where the head ended up being mounted. As you can see, it is in very easy reach for viewing and using the buttons/switches.
20180503_105404 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180503_105415 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
I love this placement. It doesn't interfere with anything and is very convenient.

 

[SunPilot]

To get the head unit securely in place, I cut a slot in the trim around the little compartment in my console. I also cut a slot for the cable to pass through. I can easily slide the mounting bracket and head unit in place and hook up the cable in two seconds, or remove it whenever I need to.
20180503_105503 by sunpilot1, on Flickr

20180503_105501 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
I lifted up the trim and had to cut away a little bit so the metal bracket would slide into position. It's not really that noticable when the head isn't in place either (although it looks gaudy in those last pictures LOL)
After lifting the trim slightly, I was able to slot it enough to pass the thin metal bracket
20180503_105544 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
There was already a slot in the underlying part of the console for the tab to fit into!
20180503_105557 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180503_105557a by sunpilot1, on Flickr

 

[SunPilot]

CB Radio Mount

Here is how I mounted my full size CB.
As you can see, it is a large radio
20180412_085838 by sunpilot1, on Flickr

The first step was removing the arm rest/lid from the console. It's very easy to do...just pop the cover piece off the underside of the armrest
20180501_105750 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
Underneath you will find two screws on each hinge. Just unscrew them and the whole cover comes off
20180501_105754 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180501_105759 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180501_105906 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180501_105912 by sunpilot1, on Flickr

 

[SunPilot]

After the cover was off I made a nice bracket that will sit overtop the cover about a half inch high. This metal bracket will be the main support for the radio mounting bracket. I didn't want to drill holes in the top of my armrest, so I opted for this type of mount. I had to drill 4 holes in the side of the armrest, but they aren't really noticeable when the bracket is off.
20180503_102331 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
I used my make-shift anvil to hammer a piece of sheet steel to the shape I wanted and made a nice tight fit. This is how the main support will fit the armrest
20180501_142822 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
Here is the underside showing how the bolts are secured
20180501_142829 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
Here is the radio sitting ontop of the support to show there is enough room.
20180501_142918 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
I lost my original radio bracket years ago, so until I get a factory bracket, I made a split bracket to mount the radio to the mounting plate
20180503_103118 by sunpilot1, on Flickr

The nice thing with this mounting plate is I can change the size of my radio easily by installing another bracket for a smaller radio, I may have to redrill the holes in the big mounting plate, but that is easy. I blasted a coat of primer and paint on the mount and installed it. It works like a charm. The radio is easy to reach, out of the way and the console bin is still accessible.

Here are a few pics of the final installation
20180503_110918 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
20180503_110930 by sunpilot1, on Flickr
After I decide which CB will permanently reside there, I may even make a small pad to sit on top for my elbow, but all in all, it isn't bad. I know there are other ways to install a radio, but this was just what I came up with. Hope it helps somebody!

 

[TheLander]

Thanks for posting your build, since you used the ground to place an extra bolt for the battery tray, where did you place the ground for the new battery?

 

[Loose Axles]

Elbow Pad Mod seems like a great idea. Super cool idea.