2009 Tacoma Access Cab Navigation Antenna Install

So I installed a Pioneer AVIC-5100NEX navigation radio in my truck and I didn't want to just throw the navigation antenna into or on the dash. There was already a little nub antenna on top of the roof (for satellite radio I think or maybe factory navigation) so I figured I could replace it with the antenna that came with the radio.



NOTE: It's a bad idea to install a radio in the middle of July in Texas.

Also, thank you to all the posters on this forum before me that documented their radio install. They were very helpful.

First off I removed the headliner from the roof. I went ahead and removed most of the plastic holding it up. This revealed how the antenna was fastened to the roof.

It didn't take much to unscrew it and get it off the truck. After disassembling and inspecting the antenna there was no way that I would be able to get the new antenna in the old case.



But I kind-of figured that by the size. I had ordered a shark-fin antenna of of eBay that had enough room to hold the new antenna.




I took the guts (a small antenna out of the unit, drilled out the screw hols a little, and found some larger screws at the hardware store (#4 x 5/8" stainless steel machine screw). The new antenna had a nice magnetic bottom to hold it in place so that worked out great.


I tapped a few holes into the roof (a scary proposition) and secured the shark fin cover and rubber seal.




I ran the wire along the right side of the roof and down along the windshield pillar. The behind the glove box to the radio area.

As a bonus I was trying to figure out a way to pull the wires through the dash without shredding my fingers on whatever nasty metal bits are back there and found this lovely item in my garage.

It bends easily around things. I did have to the grabber prongs a little on mine to get it to hold on to some of the wires but it was better than trying to feed things through small holes.

 

That looks great! How do you like the Pioneer? I'm looking to upgrade my 07 to a touchscreen nav unit with a backup camera for when the wife drives. I wondered about the antenna and where to run it for the best reception. I didn't like the idea of leaving it behind the head unit. I will definitely have to try this once I take the leap!

What's that little tool there?

 

I think the Pioneer is a pretty good bang for the buck. My android phone pairs up pretty easy and my MP3's play. The navigation is more responsive than the factory navigation in my 2012 Lexus. On the nav screen there's a small tab that shows my actual speed which is more accurate than my dash speedo that runs a little higher than actual. Probably kept me away from some tickets. I didn't hook up the backup camera because I've got one built in. Maybe some time in the future.

The little tool is some kind of grabber tool. I don't know it's specific name and I've had it for a while. You pull on the spring-loaded handle and these 4 hard metal rods open up on the other end to wrap around whatever and hold it. You can probably find one on Amazon or at your local hardware store.

 

In the military, the tool you are referring to, we called them mechanical fingers. They have all kinds of great uses.

 

Hey, those mechanical fingers aren't too pricey. I'll have to grab a set. Seem like they'd come in pretty handy with other projects too.

 

Just wait until you drop a nut, bolt, screw, or something that's not magnetic into a place that you can't get to. That's when you're thankful you bought them.

 

Oh I'm sure. Too had it won't help me pull out a stripped rivnut where my running board bolts attach.

 

No they won't do that unfortunately, but you can pick it up once you get it removed with them. LOL. Good luck with that stripped out rivnut.