Introducing 2nd and 3rd gen antenna cover replacements

Quick shipping, item arrived today.

 

Just a quick update:

I let the introductory pricing slide for a bit. I was originally going to cap it at the first 50 orders. I let it slide past that, by about 150 orders. Oops. So all those that got in on that deal, kudos to you!

The introductory pricing has now expired and I need to actually recoup my time and investment on this project. The pricing increase is nominal. Ordering is still the same easy process as before, you just click, click away on the website(www.trpoffroad.com).

I realize that the 3rd gen Tacoma antenna is still something the market really wants addressed, however, its a design challenge that I'm not quite sure people are going to want to pay for. the cost of replacing the factory antenna with something that's been redesigned but retains factory funsctioanilty is extremely high. I have been through 7 different designs now, and I'm not satisfied with any of them. plus, the individual cost would be high, very high. And that would be due to manufacturing costs(small parts assembly). Still I have committed to try and finding an economical solution.

On another note; I am currently working on a few Drifter oriented design items that some might be interested. As well as a 2nd gen overhead console...

 

Has Anyone with an Access cab done this install? One guy posted a month or more ago, said it was a bit more involved than the double cabs. Looking to do my install in the next couple weeks just looking for any helpful techniques/tips/hints. I find other install info (audio and such) but after reading through it's all doublecabs and dont really find much on access cabs.

 

Yes. Someone even did a bit of a write up on it. I believe it @MapJunkie ? I’ll look for the post in a minute.

 

Got mine installed today, not a tough install but annoying with all the stuff you pull out of the way. The new truck is getting closer to being ready to swap over the GFC

 

Looks great!

 

Here are the photos of my 2015 Access Cab install. A bit of a project, but I had never done anything like this - Complete Taco Mod newbie. It was well worth it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pragmatic-overland-build-vo-drifter.638732/

 

Thank you for the assist sir!

 

Thanks for info as well. When I do my install I'll take some pictures and hopefully add to the install instructions, especially for us access cab owners

 

And another little project I’ve been working on...

https://youtu.be/AbJHHZmqjEM

considering I know some of you guys are Drifter owners and all.

 

I agree. I am trying to find a solution.

I can flip it, but the tines will impact the door due to the design features/flaws of the quickfists. I have the Frontrunner ratcheting mounts on order. They should arrive tout de suite. I also ordered a tine cover for the shovel that should help mitigate other issues.

Again, this is why we prototype...

 

Just a little update to the side saddle bracket project:

https://youtu.be/GLERehtm4VA

 

Found a new way to install the cover.

One of the local fellas was willing to be the guinea pig for this type of install.

We removed the clothes hanger hooks on the rear of the headliner and went in from the rear window. You still need to pop the white plastic forming tray down to have enough room to get at the harness clip and the retaining nut. But it’s completely doable. I also included a pic of the size of socket used. I would recommend a stubby ratchet, as the space is limited.

With just removing those clothes hanger hooks, the headliner has enough room to be able to pop the forming tray out of its retaining clips(drivers side forming tray only-the white plastic thing that keeps the headliner shaped correctly) and then have access to the electrical harness junction and the retainer nut for the antenna.

Also, highly recommended are gloves. Lots of unfinished sharp, slicey things to carve up your delicate man hands.

22mm socket and stubby wrench is all you need to get this job done!

 

Really hoping you make one for 3rd gen
There may be more interest than you think. Unfortunately for us 2020 owners with factory roof racks, the rear bar hits the shark fin. So far no fix from Toyota or service bulletin yet. This may be an opportunity for you guys as there are plenty of guys out there with this issue and probably plenty more that haven’t even realized it yet.

 

here’s the thread:


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oem-roof-rack-on-2020-hitting-antenna.643849/

 

It is something I am still trying to work on. When you say “you guys” you are really just referring to me.

The first cover I was working with a friend on design. He is an excellent pro at this type of stuff. But getting his attention can be difficult. We have a few rough designs and I working on them myself when I have time.

CAD and CAM design work is something I’m personally new to. I’ve been learning on the fly as I go. This is all a new adventure for me.

 

My bad man! Thanks for the reply and great job on the Gen 2 design .

I’ll watch for updates .

 

You didn’t have a “bad”. I just didn’t ever give any background on who/why/what/when/where regarding design/modeling etc.

Thanks for the kudos.

The 3rd Gen Tacoma/5th Gen T4R design is quite a bit more complicated as it requires several different components to acquire the same level of end process modeling. One step at a time.

 

I will have to try this method with my access cab and see if it works the same.

 

@CrashN'Burn and I used the same method, though i did pull down the side plastic panels by the doors since I had already pulled them out before we tried going from the rear window. Josh was able to use the socket to remove/install the antenna from the rear window while hunched in my drifter and I was able to wiggle out / put in the new antenna from the outside. seems way easier especially if your antenna is obstructed over the cab by a shell or something.