Cheap/Free Mods

Updated the Locker Anytime mod (#3) after Jason'sLawnCare mentioned there was a problem if you bought a different relay. With help from db67fm we have a wire color code for the other relay (Radioshack stocks 2 version of the DPDT relay: a 125VAC one and a 12VDC one. Apparently I used the 125VAC one, Jason and db used the 12VDC one).

So now the write has both wire diagrams, both part numbers and both Radioshack links.

 

I had problems with this mod this weekend. One bulb cracked when I was cutting the wires. I was able to cut the other one and installed it, but it burned out about 10 minutes later. I only used it a few times to test it.

Do yours still work well?

 

Thank God I'm sitting at a solid oak desk, but knock on wood...Yes they do.
I've used them a lot more than I originally thought I would. Hooking up trailers, Checking trailer tires/cargo while cruising down highway (I have a second switch to allow this), lighting up the machine shed looking for things, plus general backup use, etc.
Varying times between 30 Sec to 10 Minutes.
I'm really drawing a blank as to why their not lasting. I'm sure your already did this, but it's the only thing I can think of: Use rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the glass just after installing in socket to remove excess oils.
Another hint: You can find 50w bulbs without the plastic housing in the lighting section of your local Home of Economy type store. Their used in 12v lighting fixtures. I also cracked one cutting the housing off and went this route instead. And it was 100 cents cheaper!

 

This Is a springnut:

It is designed to be installed into unistrut (an 1 5/8" rail similar to the one on the back of our trucks)

Because the springnut is slightly larger than the rail on our trucks, It does not fit, except where the rail is bolted to the box. (as shown in photo)


The springnut can be modified to fit anywhere with some minor grinding, you need to be careful to keep close to the same shape, as the rounded corner allows you to simply insert the springnut where you want it, then turn it in place, if the nut was square, it would have to be inserted in one end and slid to where you want it.



The spring should also be shortened, to make it easier to insert into the rail.

It took me about 15 min with a bench grinder to make 2, so it is a fairly quick process to make them. Springnuts sell for anywhere from 75cents to a two bucks, you can also get stainless ones. The holes on them come in a range of sizes from 1/4" to 3/4" and they can be purchased at most electrical suppliers, or parts warehouses. they are made by T&B, Unistrut, and Hilti. Here is a link to buy them, and to give an idea of price
http://www.supertruevalue.com/thomas-betts-za100-1-4-5pk-1-4--20-spring-nut.html

 

I'm not sure offhand. I just used a small quick splice I had on hand.

 

I'd say just go with the smaller one. Again, I have no idea what gauge it is and I don't have a way to measure mine. I don't pay much attention to exact gauge sizes.

 

Does anyone know if it is possible to turn off the chime that is made when you have to door open with the key in the ignition? I was to turn it off somehow so I can listen to my music outside my car without having to hear the annoying chime.

I searched but didn't seem to find anything so I apologize if this has already been covered.

 

Turn the key to ON. The chime goes away after a few seconds. Just make sure to turn the fan and lights off to help save your battery. Dome light auto shuts off too I think. After maybe half a hour? Seems like it did it to me once or twice and I had to close then open the doors again to get it to come back on.

 

Ah ok. I see how it works now. Thanks for the help!!

 

if you want your light off you could use the switch on the dome light to shut it off and not have to wait

 

which is why I said to turn off the fan and lights.... Turn the dome light off with the rest of the lights, or if you forget it auto shuts off.

 

My bad...I thought you ment the headlights... Since you spoke about the dome light auto shutting off after that

 

I figured if it auto shuts off one doesn't really need to worry about it. It won't drain the battery like leaving the headlights or fog lights on. It will if you leave it on over night, but the auto shut off would prevent that. But it is still a light you can turn off if concerned about it.

And personally, I hate when my wife fucks with the switch as she never turns it back on so they lights don't come on when I open a door at night. So I have a general rule in my truck to not touch the switch.

 

I've looked through several pages of this thread and haven't seen any photos of the switch, and how the leds where hooked up. Can some help me out?? Please.

 

Added http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/37321-vehicle-tracking-systems.html to the TOC.

 

you have no idea what that mod means to me. Thanks a bunch!

 

That's awesome, as an electrician, I have access to as many of these as I like. I was considering actually removing my bed rails and installing unistrut for this exact purpose, but maybe I'll just grind a few of these suckers down...

 

i bought a battery for my truck but it was too short to fit the bracket. i tried a chunk of 3/4 inch ply wood first but the stock clamp slides out if you tighten it too much.also i use my truck to get to the bush as a logger and the battery slides all over. so here is my solution.

i went to toyota and bought a new clamp bolt. same as the adjuster bolt.



i took it and put it in my vice, cut it back, heated it up with a butane torch, then bent it into a "J" i also bent the stock one into a "J" as well so now they lock into the holes better.



i then took the stock one that is pressed on and bent it back and forth till it broke then hammered it till it came off. then ya just gotta get a washer and a nut, and reinstall bracket.


there now it will fit any battery securely and looks stock

MOD TIME: 30 minutes PARTS: 7 dollars i think?

 

this is actually a real simple mod. no money and about 10 minutes to do the simple way.

First of all i suggest you get some aftermarket lights like mine in the pic.



the stock bulbs will burn up to quick on you otherwise and may even damage your headlight housing.

SIMPLE WAY
open the fuse box under hood and pull out the dim switch relay. solder the following prongs together with a piece of wire. or wedge a wire in the prong slots.





result (i did the fog light mod too)



to do the mod the hard way pull the fuse box apart like you do in the fod light mod hard way and connect the 2 terminals together on the inside. this is the way i did it but my camera was recharging and i am not pullin the thing apart for a pic to involved.