Stereo Upgrade BASIC How To... (2nd Gen)

Does anyone know the dimensions of the storage compartment under the deck (with the new dash mounting kit)? Is there a cover for this compartment? I'm asking because it looks like a good place to install a Scan Gauge II. I just can't tell if it would work or not.

 

That is what I want to do. I know that the Scosche dash kit is large enough, but the dash kit I got from Crutchfield - I don't know if that is big enough. I will measure mine when I get a chance.

 

If it fits, I know I could make a cover of ABS plastic or some thin plexiglass cut to fit. I would then just have to devise a clever way of attaching it for easy access

 

You could put metal spring loaded clips on your ABS/Plexiglass faceplate and some removal handles. That would make it easy to get in and out, and a clean tight fit while it was all together. I would love to do that.

 

I was thinking magnets or something...

 

:::Bump:::

Did you get a chance to check this out yet?

 

Just be careful with magnets. Now-a-days vehicles have many different computers, and the center column is a good place to put them (digitally tuned radios and SRS computers are among them)

Yep. The opening is 6.75 wide and 1.25 tall. Unfortunately. It doesn't look like it will fit. You would need the Scoche Kit to get it to fit without cutting it up.

Here is a quote from the ScanGauge II FAQ:

What are the dimensions of the ScanGauge II?
The ScanGauge II is 4.8"Wide, 1.5"High and 1.0"Deep

 

Thank you. Pics helped alot.. New ALPINE CDA-9885 installed and sounding sweet! No other changes... WOW what a differance. OEM speakers actualy have life in them..
OLD and UGLY


New!

 

It looks great! Congrats.

 

I installed this exact setup. I've always liked Alpine and I used the 9827 for a few years. This model, the 9885, just sounds smokin'! I hooked up my old extra 40gb ipod to it and satellite radio. the sound is fantastic through the JBL system.

 

looks great,buy the way were did you get your dash kit

 

Were you able to keep the JBL Subwoofer hooked up?
I have the JBL stereo system in my truck also and would like to swap out the head unit for a better one with a iPod hook up.

 

I got tired of waiting. I hope HDRadio is not over charing for device licensing. That will kill the future of HDRadio. But as it turns out almost every station I listen to is HD so I proceeded.

I just picked up at JVC KD-HDR1 from Circuit City. So odd this is the only unit out there with integrated HD tunner... anyway. I'm just waiting on my BestKits dash kit and JVC iPod adapter to come in the mail.

I'm leaving for Colorado Friday so I'm really hoping this stuff all arrives in time to install it.

Listening to audio books on an iPod with an FM modulator turned out to be nauseating (literally) last time. The squeals and interference were quite literally making us sick. But know I know if Harry Potter dies or not

 

What you have posted here is great info. I have been successfully able to get into my dash and my door panels, but do you know where I can find info on how to take out my center console without breaking anything? I want to clean up some wiring to my amps and am thinking about doing a mod with a cup holder heater/chiller.

 

If you have an Automatic, it will take some doing. I have no experience taking the auto console out.

On the Manual Trannys (2nd Gen), you pull the cupholders straight up. They unsnap from the console exposing the forward bolts.

On both the Auto and the Manual trannys, the back of the console has a lower plate with a vent in it. This unsnaps to expose the rear bolts. I believe the bolts are 10mm on both. After removing them, you should be able to remove the center console.

If you have the chance - take pictures and post them on here. If someone helps you, it is always good to help someone else.

 

Thanks for the info, I do have an Auto but will try to figure it out this weekend.

Here are some pics of my truck.

The Stereo system has been my main project and have done it in steps over the last few years. I just put in those infinity Kappa's in the back last week. They sound incredible. I have MB Quarts in the front.

 

Looks good. Let us know how it goes this weekend.

 

Well it went well. I am attaching a before, after, and during pics. Your info led me in the right direction though my truck is a little different. The back 10mm bolts were inside the arm rest compartment. I really just needed to get under that section anyways. There were also some philips head screw holding the front portion down. All in all it was pretty easy and allowed me to really get in there and clean up the wiring to my amps. I am really happy with it now and was able to remove about 4 feet of speaker and power cable. The location is right behind some floor vents which can keep the amps cool if need be.

I have more pics if anyone is interested but this thing only allows for 5 at a time. I think you guys have a better way of uploading but I am not sure how.

Anyways, the next project is to sell some old junk laying around the house to save up enough cash for a Dual Din DVD/Nav system. The only thing I am really worried about though is theft. The location for these things in the tacoma dash seems to be easy to see and a target for a theif. I've contemplated just getting the single din version but I just don't like the motorized screen like that. It just seems flimsy and easy to break. Does anyone else have ideas to prevent getting your $1200.00 after market 2 din nav system stolen?