Big Screen Radio Install

Hey all. I’ve seen a few threads asking about installing floating screen radios so I figured I’d share my experience.

I’d been wanting to upgrade to a radio with CarPlay/Android Auto for a while and decided to take the plunge late last year. My requirements were:

• Wireless CarPlay
• Physical volume knob/buttons
• 4 volt pre outs
• Double din sizing

With those in mind, I quickly found that you had to go with either the low end, questionable brands, or spend near $1000 for something high end. I was almost settled on a Boss radio since buying from Crutchfield gets you a 5 year warranty, but I lucked upon an amazing deal on a Kenwood DMX1037S radio from Best Buy. This radio has everything I wanted and a 10.1” screen.

The install was pretty standard apart from needing to mount a GPS antenna for Wireless CarPlay to work. I simply attached it to the top of the central air vent. Of note, this radio is fairly long, so there was barely enough depth to get the radio and wiring in.

The big issue came when trying to shift into park. The automatic shift lever would hit the radio no matter how I adjusted the radio.

I decided to keep the radio and modify the shifter to make things work. I tried going aftermarket, but as far as I could tell, there is absolutely nothing available for these. I then looked to other Toyota Models. And found that the Land Cruiser and 3rd gen 4Runner shifters are able to be swapped. They do fit, but you can only use one of the 2 screws as the spacing is different; the fitment with the screen in place also wasn’t great.

I then decided to bite the bullet and design my own, then 3D print it. I made a simple, straight shifter with a cutout for the stock OD button and I’m quite happy with how it came out. I was able to lower the screen to clear the HVAC buttons and even tilt it back for a better viewing angle. I took it to a local upholstery shop to have the shifter vinyl wrapped and I must say it came out great. If anyone wants the file to mess around with, just let me know. There’s a few things I’d change, but nothing major. I’ll post a few pics of the final setup.

 

Definitely need more info about that shifter design (and/or CAD model )

 

Sure! I’ll try to remember to share the file when I get in from work.

 

Here are the files.