Door panel upgrade questions

Howdy y'all, I have a 2000 tacoma extended cab with power windows. The door panels are falling apart and pull away from the door when I close it. I've been doing a bunch of reading into updating my door panels to 01-04 panels but I haven't seen too many people go through with it because of wiring complications. My goal is to replace the panels with the sturdier updated panels while maintaining power windows and audio. I plan to install keyless entry afterwards if all goes to plan.

If I get a pair of door panels with switches, do I need wiring harnesses too? The threads I have seen are from people updating from manual windows to power at the same time so it's a little confusing. Is the conversion from my 00 to 01-04 door panels a simple job or something that takes a lot more work? Thank you so much for any help

 

What do you think makes 01-04 interior panels more sturdy?

What is wrong with your current panels? Have you removed them so many times that the panel side plastic has broken around the clips, or have the clips simply failed and need to be replaced?

 

The panels were messed up when I got the truck, but that's to be expected when the truck is 22 years old and has 240k miles lol. The particle board or whatever makes up the panel is falling apart, I think it got wet or something. The door panels hang on to the door only because it fits over the door lock lol. The newer panels have bigger handles and aren't made of flimsy cork board.

 

I went from 95-00 panels to 01-04 panels.

Obviously the switches are different. I actually put in 4 door switches and made my ext cab windows power. Because of that, I got the door side connector and repinned it to match my existing wiring.
You can do the same if you're just swapping in the newer switches, you just need to verify the pins are correct (you need both wiring diagrams and knowledge of how to read them).

The speakers are different in 01-04. They use 6x9 or 6x8 stock. I already had 6.5" round speakers so I new I would be modifying the back of the panel anyway. Just know you may have to mess with this.

The panels mount the same way, 2 screws in the arm rest. 1 screw on the door handle. And a whole bunch of plastic push in clips.

The connector name for the master window switch is "IH2". Passenger is "IL2"
Keep in mind that these diagrams don't have the door lock control in them even though they go through the same master switch.

I hate how the 02 diagram does not show you the connector while the 99 does. If it did then I could tell if you can reuse it or not. I cannot remember if they are the same.

 

Very detailed, thank you! Any pictures of your truck? I’d love to see the back windows set up !

 

Why not just get your current door panels re upholstered

 

Arguably the 01-04 door panels are much better, and more durable. They’re made of a hard plastic and are more ergonomic. I put 2004 double cab door panels into my 1998 extended cab and I can tell you I much prefer the newer style in terms of comfort and overall aesthetics.

That being said OP I used the 2004 door harnesses and retrofitted all the power stuff since my truck didn’t have power options factory.

 

the particle board backing is so flimsy and disintegrated at all the plastic pins. I’ll have to look around to see what reupholstered looks like and how it’ll hold up.

 

I read your thread, very detailed! Very impressed with the lengths you went to lol. I just hope I don’t have to do as much

 

Thanks! You might need to swap to the newer style master controller and re pin.

 

I appreciate all the information! I'll be doing tons of reading to figure out how electronics in the truck work. I'm a 22 year old student figuring this all out haha.

 

I built that system when I was 16, you got it dude.

 

Braver man than I

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tiffany-the-taco.374490/
01-04 door panels
power ext cab windows

 

My 03 door panels are falling apart. Would it be cheaper to replace them or repair them? Can you get new door panels ?