Opening overhead switch plate - what are best pry points?

(Edit: see my last post on this thread below before taking off the panel, you can get 12v off the plug in the back of the mirror.)

I want to hard wire in a dashcam and need a 12v overhead power supply for it near the mirror- anyone temporarily remove the overhead switch plate to do this? How do you open it?

You can see the wire in this photo that I wan to insert under the plate instead of running down to the lighter plug for low wattage 12 volt power. The camera itself uses 5volts, but I have a small variable voltage regulator to use for it to do the same from a 12 volt supply. Thanks!

 

Subbed because I want to hardwire my dash cam also.

I believe the whole panel can be pried off.

I will check later as there are a few posts about this on TW, unless someone answers first.

 

I edited the title because I'm really asking what is the best way to open it safely and where are the best pry points to open it.

You'd think that Toyota would have provided a USB port or at least a 12v plug for it up there for use with the GoPro mount they stuck on the windshield... I'm still waffling between hard wiring my camera and/or putting in a dash mounted USB plug in the unused switch panel on my overhead unit next to the rear locker switch like this one that also displays line voltage (that would be nice for monitoring the battery): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F3I117E/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=ACKFGXOOEC78X&psc=1

 

Only 4 of the red clips holding it up there. (Top of photo). Easy pulls all around, then once started give it the yank.

 

THANKS!!!

 

Shape ways for the panel
Amazon for the USB

Just got the USB 2 days ago and haven't had time yet to finalize the wires

 

You can get a panel pry bar at your local auto part store. There are two tabs in the front, and two in back. Pretty easy to pry off. I did it to install a homelink mirror.

 

That is exactly what I would like to do.

Is this the panel you used?

https://www.shapeways.com/product/8...verhead-center-switch-panel?optionId=63044466

Looks nice btw.

Thanks, I would appreciate any details you are willing to share about this mod.

 

That's the same panel. Google shapeways promo code for a discount. They always have a code floating around.

Amazon USB used the seller "All dazzling " however that took about 2 months to get to my house from china. Might want to find a different seller lol. The USB will sit flush once pushed in, just haven't done it yet.

I'm also waiting for an arb fridge wiring kit to show up, then I'll dig in to the dash finding the passage ways to run the wires from hood to cab.

 

I am not an electrician but I thought my SR5 would have some factory wire harnesses up there not being used by my "base" model that I could tap into for a USB charger.
Anyone know if this is possible?

 

What power source did you tap into for 12V power ?

 

I haven't done the testing yet, but there are probably several places possible there to get 12v - it wouldn't need much amperage, either so some of the accessories wired to turn on with the ignition switch such as the mirror/compass power may work. I'm assuming it's 12v going into them but check it first. There was a member here that sold a jack with power out leads for the mirror plug, apparently not doing it anymore (see next post).

 

Here's a great TW post about wiring in your dashcam- the guy mentioned selling 12v to 5v USB adapters isn't doing it anymore, but there's some good photos of his product still up on Amazon if you are able to do your own electronics.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hardwired-dash-camera-hidden-wiring.508387/#post-15949590

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01AYS4JZ4/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

 

Ok, before you pull your overhead panel to get 12volts for your dashcam, check this out. You can easily DIY it or get the needed part for $$$ from https://www.mirrortap.com/. Keep in mind in either way, you will still need a 12v to 5v regulator if your camera uses only USB power, but those are easy to find in Amazon like this one

GEREE Waterproof DC Converter 8-22V to 5V 3A/15W Dual Power Adapter DC to DC Buck Converter Step Down Power Supply Module Car Power Converter Double USB Cable Connector Car Charger 12V to 5V

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00O...340_QL65&keywords=12v+to+5v+usb+adapter+cable

 

That's what I used to hardwire my Valentine one. I ran wire to my fuse panel for my dashcam. Although I do like the USB port idea looks good. Only thing that might about me is unless you get a right angle USB you're going to have that plug kind of sticking down

 

I slid my fingers under the "back" side (closest to the seats) and pulled down firmly. The whole thing popped right off.

 

I ran a dedicated 12v power wire up the passenger windshield pillar and through the header. I then installed a 12v to USB converter (5v 3A) that is stickied to the roof above the headliner.
Granted I have to pull the console out to unplug / plug in anything, I don't normally need to unplug my camera so having the hidden USB and a single wire coming out worked better.

 

Sounds like a clean way to do it, especially if the camera needs 5v - What converter did you use?

 

This one

DC Converter,GEREE DC Buck Module 12V to 5V 3A USB Output Step Down Voltage Regulator Charge for Samsung Galaxy ，iPad iPhone 4S 5 6/6 Plus etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6R9PCC

 

I just installed mine - here are the overhead pin outs to get power for it: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-and-ignition-switched-power-pin-outs.512640/