What's behind the dash storage cubby?

[dinorunner]

New to this forum. My apologies to the members and moderators if I posted this incorrectly.

Purchased a certified used 2008 4wd sr5 v6 with sport package about 6 months ago. This is my first 4runner. [I was a ford explorer fan but I lost 2 of them to mechanical problems within a 1 year period and decided enough was enough.]

I would like to install a CB radio in my new ride. I have spent a few hours reviewing multiple threads and seen many options. I have also gone to the castulucci.com site which many folks post to see how to remove the current radio and A/C controls.

My question is this: It seems like there might be a lot of available space behind the small cubby storage thingy that is right below the A/C controls. Has anyone attempted to remove that? I know the door to the storage compartment can be removed, but there is a solid plastic piece behind it. What secrets are behind that piece of plastic and can it be removed or cut through with a dremel. It seems like a good place to install a CB radio if there is some space behind the plastic, but I could be wrong. Thanks in advance for any advice. [I plan on keeping this vehicle a long time, so I am not against some cutting if that is necessary.]

 

[dthudon]

New to this forum. My apologies to the members and moderators if I posted this incorrectly.

Purchased a certified used 2008 4wd sr5 v6 with sport package about 6 months ago. This is my first 4runner. [I was a ford explorer fan but I lost 2 of them to mechanical problems within a 1 year period and decided enough was enough.]

I would like to install a CB radio in my new ride. I have spent a few hours reviewing multiple threads and seen many options. I have also gone to the castulucci.com site which many folks post to see how to remove the current radio and A/C controls.

My question is this: It seems like there might be a lot of available space behind the small cubby storage thingy that is right below the A/C controls. Has anyone attempted to remove that? I know the door to the storage compartment can be removed, but there is a solid plastic piece behind it. What secrets are behind that piece of plastic and can it be removed or cut through with a dremel. It seems like a good place to install a CB radio if there is some space behind the plastic, but I could be wrong. Thanks in advance for any advice. [I plan on keeping this vehicle a long time, so I am not against some cutting if that is necessary.]

This sounds like a great idea to me. The blower fan and filter for the HVAC are back there but there may be enough room for what you are planning. I think all you have to do is take off the glove compartment door and a few screws to access the area. I am interested in what you find out. Good luck.

 

[dinorunner]

Thanks for the quick reply, but I am not talking about the storage area inside the glove box. I am talking about the small storage compartment that is immediately below the A/C knobs on the front dash. Toyota does not really have a unique name for that compartment. In my 4runner manual it is just called auxiliary storage or something like that. It is big enough to hold a pair of sunglasses and that's about it. The storage area has very little depth due to the plastic behind it. I was just wondering if anyone has ever explored behind that plastic or attempted to remove it. I have not reviewed every thread on this board, but I have been unable to find a pic where anyone has used that space. So, that tells me the space may not be usable.

 

[dmalis12]

Behind cubby

Radio Removal Video will get you what you need to take apart the center council. for the HVAC and AC controls to get you behind the cubby.

GTA Car Kits - Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009 iPod, iPhone and AUX adapter installation - YouTube

 

[dinorunner]

Thanks dmalis12. That is an excellent youtube video of removing 4runner 4th generation center console floor and the center console dash. I wish there was a better view of what was immediately behind that small cubby. Looks like there is blockage there unfortunately. I may just have to disassemble it myself to get in there and take a real good straight on look and see if anything can be moved and or shifted around.