'01-'04 Center Console Retrofit

I bought an '04 center console to replace the crappy one in my '98. (Square cupholders? What were they thinking?)

The console I bought looks like it's missing a door and latch on the lower compartment, there's some frayed/broken plastic. The upper console also does not latch or attach to the lower console. Could anyone take a pic of how the lower console is in their truck, and where I can get a replacement door/latch? Here's some pics:



Looks like the door is #20 in the diagram, but it's hard to make out any latch mechanism:



Also, does anyone know what this weird square divot adjacent to the cupholders is for? Looks like it pops out.



One more thing, when removing the original center console, and adding the new one, is it necessary to remove the seats to access the screws? Or can I do it without removing the seats? Thanks.

 

Is the square pocket meant for coin change possibly? It might be a 'blank' with a purpose that Toyota put into trucks without a certain option that might've required a switch there, or something to that extent.

 

Looks like the lid for the lower compartment is broken off completely

 

#20 lower lid. I think they put the moonroof switch there? Was that a power option?

 

What? Some Tacomas had a factory moonroof? Dammit, now I gotta be on the lookout for a limited or something? I love moonroofs. I've seen some threads with aftermarket done at dealer or stuff like that. I'd love an OEM one... Mmmmmm...

 

I think the did in the last fee years of 1st gen

 

Well, well, well. Whadda you know..... Wonder if it was only an option on the doublecab?

 

The original owner of the taco before me said a sunroof was an option, but he declined since he thought he would never need it. Same for the power windows, and locks, and mirrors, and no 4WD, and no v6

So, uh, do I need to remove the seats to replace the console? Can anyone take a pic of their lower console so I know what to buy? I don't really understand how the lower latch mechanism would work. Or attach to.

 

I never took my seats out when I did my conversion.
Looks like your missing part #18 from your diagram that's the clip to lock down the lids. Your clip off your 98' console is the same for the 04. I would just go to a junk yard and find some matching clips.
The top section doesn't lock down to the lower section, it just sits there on a pivot point in the rear.
I don't know if the bottom lid will work, it looks like the whole plastic piece is missing from your console.
Do you have the metal bracket that bolts the console in the rear to the floor?

 

I'm headed out shortly. I'll try and get a pic or two of the lower lid for you. I'll report back in an hour or so.

 

Wow I didn't realize how filthy that was. Guess I know what's getting done ASAP! Hope this helps you out.

 

I use that square space next to the cup holders to put my change. I have that exact same center console in my DC

 

That does help a lot! Thanks so much!

 

I see that there's two latches #18 in the diagram, where would the second one go?

 

one for the top box and one for the bottom

 

One for the top lid, one for the bottom

 

Where would it mount to exactly? i'm having a hard time picturing it since mine is missing the lower door and such.

 

I'll go get you some pics, hold on a min or two