How To: Change Factory Clock into Voltage Meter

Thanks guys. It's been almost two years since I did this mod and it's still working just as good as the day I installed it. It has been extremely helpful as well.

 

Cool idea and simple to understand write up. If I stretch out the silver springs in the clock will it keep my clock from fading off? I know tapping on the clock helps bring it back for a while.

 

Very cool!!

 

Awesome writeup! Couple questions though. My '97 didn't come with a clock but I found one at a salvage yard. Does my truck already have the wiring harness? Like tucked behind where the clock should be or something? And if so, at what reading would the voltage be dangerously low?

 

Thank you very much for the write up! Ive been wanting a "factory" look for this

 

It's very possible. Just pull the dash off and look to see if the plug is taped up somewhere.

Not running, with the key on, I would say anything below 11 volts is bad. While running, if it gets down under 13 volts then I would start getting scared, if it goes under 12 then that's a bad thing.

 

Thanks for the write up, finally got it done today. Took all of 1/2hr and looks killer.

 

Looks good! But whoa, I've never seen a taco with an illuminated ignition key thing. Is that a factory option or custom?

 

No. I believe it is standard on Tacomas

 

Found this on customtacos

"No - it wasn't 'stock'. In 1999 and 2000 there was an optional 'lighting package', which included:

• 
  unknown said:
  
  "... glove box light, key ring light and ashtray light."

Seems you can also get it out of the 4runner and it fits right in.

 

Dude, nice investigating! Just might have to get me one of those.

 

No problem. Looks good man and the green turned out awesome. Mine is still working fine and I'm enjoying/using it so much more than the old clock.

 

Does anyone who completed this mod have any rubber bumpers they wouldnt mind mailing me? I lost one when thoroughly cleaning my new (to me) clock..

 

The harness is there on my 96 without a clock and actually plugs into a dummy plug on the back side of the blank. YMMV

I believe that they can also be retrofitted from Camrys but I could be wrong

 

@zenn1102

 

Correct, the Camry definitely seems to be the most common vehicle to pull them from. I've pulled them from Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Solara,(all from mid to late 90's and early 2000 models) etc models and they all have worked with a small bit of dremel work to the ring body. Just make sure you have a 1-1/4" OD key cylinder and pull or purchase ring setup of same size 1-1/4" ID

BTW, nice mod Southern01Taco!

 

very creative.

Too bad my 01 doesn't even have a CLOCK!!!!

 

I have a '98 Limited that came with illuminated key ring, glove box light and ashtray light. Definitely stock on mine.

Awesome cheap mod, OP. Definitely going to do this.

 

This is awesome!

Dare I say.... STICKY?

 

I owned a 2000 Tacoma SR5 that had the illuminated ignition key, easily visible at night. Unfortunately when I purchased my 2004 model this option was not there and my truck is fully loaded w/TRD package. I might try a mod with this.