BigOly's 2004 TRD DC "CARGO" build, A New Journey Begins

Yeah, I've got a 6' husband, so finding a platform will be interesting at best. And since I don't have any extra battery in my setup, will be using something like this for power at night: http://simage1.sportsmansguide.com/adimgs/l/2/206712_ts.jpg

I have a similar one now that runs my tent fan pretty well all night...would probably work for LED lights also.

 

Ah, I see, well my wife is a bit taller than I am so I'm kinda just the opposite but in the same situation as you, so we both dig tall people so to speak? Hmm, maybe a platform with an optional foldout for our spouses is in order? lol.

I've had cheap emergency all-in-one battery packs in the past similar to what you are looking at getting, but they would never last more than a couple of years, and would stop charging. I'm sure it's because they were really cheap poorly implemented lead batteries and a bit low in quality overall. However the one you are looking at looks pretty nice and rugged...let me know what you think about it if you decide to get that one. The built in jumper cables seems like a nice bonus. I'm still looking at portable power solutions from the Goal Zero site. They have some nifty products but can get pricey.

Are you still looking at getting some automatic lighting inside/under your shell? I saw an excellent writeup HERE and I will probably be putting this on my to-do list.

 

I actually already have a battery unit like that one pictured...it works great and has for about the last five years. I use it for outdoor vending events, running the tent fans when camping, and for airing up the tires on my not currently running 1989 Ford SHO.

I figure if it croaks, I'll replace the battery myself...that's usually what goes bad in these units...or is just poor quality to start with. I replaced one in a solar charging system I got at Harbor Freight...the price I paid for it was low enough to invest in a higher quality battery. It works great now and that solar panel is compatible with this unit, so I can charge it via solar also.

 

Latest interior mod for Cargo-

Well I finally decided to go all black ops style with the green theme since it's the most pleasant for my eyes at night and I really miss having the green color when I owned a 3rd gen 4runner:







UPDATE:

Swapped the incandescent bulbs from the HVAC with some nice LED ones I got from vleds.com. Much richer color:

 

Those dash lights look great! I attempted to do mine a while back, but got stuck because I couldn't pull the dash bezel away enough with the ECT and rear locker switches. Do you have those switches on yours? If so, how did you disconnect them from the bezel?

 

Hey man, thanks again for the link to the taillights. I got them in the mail the other day and really like the look.

 

Yes, I had the exact same experience, and the switch setup, ect, locker, the whole works are the same on mine. It's a pain in the butt!

If I remember correctly, the method for me was to first unplug as many wire harnesses from the back of the switches before pulling the dash out. To do this I had to first remove the entire lower panel thats located below the steering wheel. I think it was only 2 screws and 2 bolts in order to drop the panel. I then had to reach my hands behind each switch feeling for each plug and push the tiny tabs down with my fingers to unlock and slide the plug away from each switch. The ECT switch and the dimmer knob were the ones I unplugged using this method and I do remember scuffing up my hands during the process. If you have small hands and a strong flexible back (i don't), it shouldn't be as bad of an experience.

The locker switch was the one that was impossible for me to remove using this tab pulling method due to the shape of the plug and the fact that the switch is located farthest away from my reach. What I had to do for this badboy was feel for the locker switch from behind and release the switch (not the plug) from its slot. To do that I had to feel for the clips of the actually switch (top and bottom) from behind the dash, these clips keep the switch locked in place, and squeeze them while pushing the switch towards me. This is while the plug is still attached to the switch. Once the switch was out of its slot, it was easy to unplug the switch from the wire harness. I hope that makes some sense.

I hope to never have to remove the dash bezel ever again, it was so frustrating.

 

Awesome bud! I think the new taillights really flow well with the color of your rig, way better than yellow!

 

Thanks! That's exactly what I was looking for. I had the same experience...I had everything apart and got to the point where I couldn't pull the piece out without putting too much stress on the wires...and I couldn't get my hand back there to unplug the wires from the back of the switch. I put everything back together because I couldn't get beyond that point...luckily with no screws left over Will attempt again with your specific instructions!

 

Is the HVAC plate green or you have green LED's behind a clear face plate?

 

It's a white plate. Actually the entire HVAC unit including the white plate is off of a 3rd gen 4Runner. The unit is plug and play from behind accepting the taco's wire harness plugs. The incandescence bulbs covered with green rubber is what makes the white plate glow green. I'll soon swap these old bulbs with brighter green LEDs to give the unit a richer color and help match with the rest of the green LEDs I already have on the rest of the dash.

 

I've been busy with work and raising a family but found a little time in the chaos to check up on my beloved Cargo. Figured this would be a good time to update my build with a little minor mod.

I learned that my 04 taco had a few additional hidden features that came with the keyless system that I've been itching to unlock. Over at customtacos I was a bit dumbfounded that my rig had already come with a fully functional factory alarm and that all it required was the unplugging of a white wire. Seriously? Here's the popular CT thread on how to do it.

I did have a bit of trouble finding the unused plug under the steering wheel. After almost giving up, luckily a helpful member, Smuook, was able to point me to the right direction on where to find the plug on our 04s. He also shared with me how to wire up the Glass break sensor and LED module. Also, found that another guy over at cardomain was able to find the plug as well behind the center console.

Here's the unused plug that I finally found behind the radio:


Here's the GBS/LED module:


Here's the wire diagram I managed to find on the internets:

 

Wow, I didn't know that ^^^. pretty cool, unique mod

 

I just put the Alpine CDT-147BT in my Gen1 Tacoma. Really like it so far. Did you do speaker upgrades as well?

 

Very Nice! The 147BT is an awesome unit! I would recommend accompanying the HU with a Alpine RUE-4202 remote for easy control. I use this remote while driving and I'll toss it in the back so our crazy kids can change tracks on pandora during our long trips.

I don't have plans yet on a speaker upgrade since I've really been itching to save up to replace/upgrade my suspension -- my rear leafs are about to give out due to all the many recent home depot/lowes trips the past few weeks

 

Will consider the remote, thanks for the suggestion. Also wondering if there is some type of mountable USB outlet that I could install at the end of the extension cable in a convenient location that would flush fit in one of the bezels/console for a factory finish look. Seen any such, where did you run your USB cable end to? I'm also playing with the BT mic location currently on visor overhead until I determine if there is a better location.

 

I just finished the car alarm. What a cool little mod. I literally just unplugged that one wire and then tapped into the 4-prong wire and put my red LED bulb in the blank spot next to the center air vents. Once you lock the truck the light stays on continuously for 30 seconds and then starts blinking when the alarm is activated!

Thanks OP!

 

Sub'd

 

I have my USB cable temporarily routed in my glove box for now. I like your idea of adding a USB outlet. I've seen the toyota factory USB outlet style in my brother's new 4runner trail edition. Looks something like THIS unfortunately it doesn't have the exact dimensions to fit in our 1st gen spare slots.

I have my mic mounted up high near my rear-view mirror where it's not noticeable but can still pick up my voice without a problem.

 

Nice!! It's one of the cheapest mods I have done to date! I rewired mine the same, tapped into 2 of the 4 wire plug to an aftermarket 12volt red LED. I ended up mounting the LED up high near my rear view mirror so it's viewable from the outside for my needs. I live in a townhouse where my truck is parked in front under a carport and it's comforting to see the red LED blink from my kitchen window. I placed it there to help reassure to myself -in the comfort of my home- to peek into the window to see if I remembered to lock my doors and that Cargo is safe and armed. Later I plan to wire the aftermarket LED in parallel with the factory GBS/LED module so that there's a status light viewable from the interior as well.