Seanz0rz's interior mods

[Seanz0rz]

So, any of you lucky enough to see or ride in my truck know what a fricken mess the interior has been over the last couple of years. the center console was a mess of wires, the AC controls weren't mounted to anything, etc, etc, etc. and the biggest pain of all was the complete lack of cup holders!

so after much thought, ive decided my carpc just does not belong in this vehicle, it has been replaced with a stock dash unit(thanks Avy, i owe you for that... haha):
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0838.jpg

to this, ive added 3 12v outlets, fused hot off the battery, but only come on with ACC:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0845.jpg

my custom center console is staying however. the stock 98 console was crap, the lid cracked, and it was generally useless in every respect, especially as an arm rest. the new purpose for this console will be to house all my wiring experiments, a good set of cupholders, ample storage, and potentially a refrigerated compartment(thats a WHOLE other thread...).

the console now houses my CB radio (and will later house my ham):
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0836.jpg

my E-locker ECU (newly redone):
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0837.jpg

a dedicated fuse block that is only hot on ACC:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0835.jpg

cup holders will go in the 99+ spot, to the left of the ebrake lever:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0841.jpg

part of this new console is moving some switches around. i never enjoyed having the rear window switch in the middle, so it and its brother the ECT switch now reside on the left side:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0847.jpg

the rr diff lock switch will go in the center console, likely with a master cutout(for all my offroad only goodies)

working on the outer skin for the console next week, hoping to finish it by the end of may.

i should add, if you have any awesome ideas, feel free to shout them out! always looking for new, creative ways of doing things!

[DHC6twinotter]

Sweet! :thumbup:

[YotaFun]

looking good Sean!

what gauge wire did you run for your aux fuse block?
I have the same exact one waiting to go in

[CJM]

Awesome..

I have the same exact fuse panel too. I ran the same gauge too it seems. iirc it was maybe 8, could be 6 tho? Bought it at napa and its just small enough to CRAM into the yellow ring connectors I had. Good tip: find a common wire nut (i use an AC one I had laying around) so you seal off the exposed bolt head on the block. This way no shorts period!

[Seanz0rz]

yeah it will all get covered up, and that block will be relocated once more when i finish the inner and outer skins.

i also have that same fuse block under the hood for my lights and to run some of these things off of. that is hot off the battery.

to round out the front seat mods, here's my husky liners, my mag light mount (LED converted) and 25 dollar autozone seat covers:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0848.jpg

next pictures will be of my cargo area modifications.

[Crinale]

that looks pretty good... i kinda want to do a full custom center console and hvac controls on mine... i want my dash to light up a little better, and the clock doesnt work (and is in a horribly useless spot)...

[Obi..]

Four words for the true electrical pimp-itude to do to the console..

Temperature Controlled Cup Holders! ;)

For those winter runs to and from the coffee shop and to keep the Summer beverages in pristine flavor?? Rob them off a wreck and splice 'em in??

BTW..almost, almost did that myself. :thumbup:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0847.jpg

[Obi..]

Also..bypass switch and harness for operating the rear window while car camping.

[Seanz0rz]

i was considering adding an interior switch for the window, but what i really want more than anything is an interior door handle to open the hatch... otherwise i have to roll down the window and reach outside to do it...

maybe wire in a solenoid to pop the latch? wire it through the alarm remote, that would be pretty cool! something to look into someday.

[Crinale]

Temperature Controlled Cup Holders! ;)

...Rob them off a wreck and splice 'em in??


what vehicle you get them from?

[Crinale]

i was considering adding an interior switch for the window, but what i really want more than anything is an interior door handle to open the hatch... otherwise i have to roll down the window and reach outside to do it...

maybe wire in a solenoid to pop the latch? wire it through the alarm remote, that would be pretty cool! something to look into someday.


I like how it is on the gen2.. there is no outside door handle... the handle is on the inside, just wish i had a window switch in the back... so i wouldnt have to have the key in acc or use the key on the tailgate...

[corax]

Looks good Sean :thumbup: - I like the gratuitous Dr P product placement :D, you should just write them a letter and ask for sponsorship



. . . . just wish i had a window switch in the back... so i wouldnt have to have the key in acc or use the key on the tailgate...


It's not that difficult, I got a switch from the junkyard for < $5 and had it wired and mounted in 45 minutes . . . I can't remember which wires wires I tapped into for it though. Here's one way (http://www.whitethaiger.net/mods/rear_win_switch/) of doing it. I prefered to not mount the switch on the tailgate so it wouldn't get wet, so I tapped into the wiring right behind the factory jack location - here's mine (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=4256.msg61287#msg61287)

[Obi..]

Benz or Cadillac for the cupholders. Sorry O/T on this Sean..bad part of opening the 2nd gen from the inside is the likelyhood of dropping the door too fast and snapping your tension spring/wire. (Pic Later.)

[Seanz0rz]

hey, yall know i cant take a picture with out a can in it!

yeah my parents had a 90, so i understand the tailgate. ill seriously look into adding a solenoid to the door latch mechanism, the window and door are due for a good cleaning and lubrication, so ill be removing that panel soon.

if im going to do heated/cooled cupholders, i will make them myself. i love robbing junkers as much as the next guy, but i love making stuff even more. the reality of it is, this is pretty far down on my list. at this point im more interested in getting a functioning center console again!

[Seanz0rz]

ok so the mods continue!

here's what i have so far on the rendering side for my cup holders. im trying to minimize curved surfaces as much as possible, since they are very difficult to make (although i might go get some pipe and slice it to do those parts)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/cupholder.jpg

edit: added the newer picture //i need to add the holes for the cupholders. lol

i started out with alot of cardboard and a pair of scissors:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0849.jpg

let me know what you think! i wont start cutting plastic until later this week, and i will take all ideas into account!

[Seanz0rz]

decided to ditch the radius, it makes the design too complicated and im already short on space as it is.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/cupholder2.jpg

so there it is. id really appreciate any comments, thanks guys.

[Seanz0rz]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/cupholderback.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/cupholderright.jpg

[Crinale]

looks good... im trying to picture where this is going and its orientation... what program did u use for these? AutoCAD or something else?

[Seanz0rz]

all done in solidworks. same could be done in google sketchup! which is free. but im more familar with solidworks.

it is going just rear of the shifters, in this spot:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0841.jpg

with that big notch on the side giving clearance for the ebrake. this view is what it would look like from the passenger's seat:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/cupholder2.jpg

since no one has any suggestions and i actually have a bit of free time today, i printed each flat drawing on paper, and cut them out:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0850.jpg

here is the unit flattened, but generally lined up in a sort of exploded view:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0851.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

ok, here it is all traced out with a silver sharpie on my 1/8" thick abs sheet:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0853.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0854.jpg


i will be using a bandsaw with a fine tooth blade to do my cutting, which im off to start now!

[04 Rocko Taco]

Traced 8 minutes ago and it isnt cut out???? GET TO IT! :)

[Crinale]

looks like it should turn out well, and definitely be more useful that the cupholders in my gen2 :-P

[Seanz0rz]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0855.jpg

as youll notice, the edges still have some silver on them. i need to cut the pieces down to remove all silver, as that is the final dimensions needed. anyone who has used a band saw (esp one with a very thin blade) can attest to the ability of it to make a complete hash out of a straight line. all of these must be carefully cut by hand (no miter gauge or rip fence). also, my "glue" is in the sun warming up so i can get this thing going today!

cup holders are waiting for final sizing. i had 2.75 but im not sure if that is the correct size i want. need to make a trip to home depot to find something with that inside diameter, or have to roll my own with a sheet of plastic and a torch.

updates to come later today!

[Seanz0rz]

ok so here we go!

got all the pieces assembled. just a thin strip of sludge on the mating surfaces to get everything in place:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0856.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0858.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0858.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0861.jpg

everything fit together very well. some sanding is in order after everything is finalized, but that was highly expected.

after getting everything in place and checking a few important measurements, i went ahead and filled in some of the seams. to do this i had to add an extension to my sludge dispenser. some foil wrapped around some large gauge wire:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0862.jpg

its all sitting outside curing in the warm air. acetone evaporates much faster than MEK does, so hopefully it wont take too long.

[Seanz0rz]

and....




it doesnt fit. dammit! i will let the glue dry and then stregically cut where it needs it. basically its too wide.

[Erich_870]

Doh! :hillbill:

Cool build! Check your PM's. I have a couple questions for you.

Erich

[YotaFun]

Sean would you like a measurement from us gents that have the 99+ console?

[Seanz0rz]

sure, what is your cup holder diameter?


heres my post about plastics, direct all plastic related questions here: http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=7705.0

[CJM]

Didnt want to spoil your other thread, but heres some thoughts.

While this isnt a whole lot of work to do, its kinda complicated in a sense you need to know the plastics, make chips, sludge, etc.

I have used a easier solution with GREAT success. I put together the entire bezel for my radio surround with it and am very happy. What it is, is an airless plastic welder. Basically a giant soldering iron that melts and works plastics. If your not going for the neat look or can hide the lines then its perfect-makes SUPER strong bonds and even comes with plastic thats made to weld with. I find it much easier tbh, done the fiberglass/wood combo, bondo, you name it and I always find this the easiest.

This method you describe is cool too, but im a stubborn jackass. link for those interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5600HT-Mini-Weld-Airless-Plastic-Welder-Model-6_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1240Q7c66Q3a2Q7 c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1 Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3e f40e573bQQitemZ270382552891QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiv eQ5fTools

[Seanz0rz]

yeah, ive looked into getting one for a while now, and probably will so i can work with more thermoplastics that are chemical resistant (pp and pe).

however, i am so used to doing it this way, and can actually really make cool shapes, build up material, etc, so its easier for me. also nice is that i can fill voids and literally mold it around something.

[CJM]

Yea I got ya on the molding parts and filling, I personally have used bondo before myself.

[Seanz0rz]

problem with bondo is it will crack and doesnt adhere properly to plastics, esp the PP and PE derivatives our interiors are constructed of.

more progress (finally have a sorta free day to do stuff)

working on the cupholders. i found my ideal diameter to be about 2.75". unfortunatly, finding something ABS with that inside diameter is near impossible. so ive settled on 3" pipe with a section cut out and welded. this first cup holder will be 2 7/8", the next will be 2 3/4", figured id make them staggered for big cups. they are pretty deep, about 2.5 inches. on to the pictures:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0875.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0876.jpg

inner seam (the part you will see, it will be sanded later):
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0878.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

measured and fixed the console cover, it fits now:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0879.jpg

its sitting outside drying. i also went back and reinforced all the interior joint:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0884.jpg

finished the other cup holder, and placed it where it will go on the underside of the console:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0881.jpg

i hope you can tell the differences in size:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0882.jpg
smaller
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0883.jpg
larger

im waiting on the cup holder wells to dry so i can cut them the same height (somehow one is a bit taller than the other) and make a bottom for each, then glue it all in place and let it dry for a few days/weeks.

[Seanz0rz]

got the cup holders glued in. waiting on all of that to dry, then i will cut a bottom for them that ties the whole thing together structurally.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0885.jpg

im so glad i picked plastic and not metal to do this with. i would be here for months working with metal.

[Seanz0rz]

here it is in the vehicle. the silver dots roughly represent the center of the holes for the cupholders, which i will probably cut out tomorrow.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0886.jpg

if you look close, i made a mistake in my initial design, not sure how i did that but ohwell, it will get patched, sanded, and painted and you will never know it was there.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0887.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

SHES DONE!

ok so not really, but i do now have functioning cupholders!

here is the base of the cup holders being glued in place. adds a great amount of strength to the unit and im very pleased with the design as a hole:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0888.jpg

and here are the cupholders in all their beverage conveying glory:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_0893.jpg

now all thats left is ALOT of sanding, priming, painting. not to mention constructing the rest of the console. goal is to at least get rear cup holders made (shouldnt take me long at all) before my expedition this summer.

[slosurfer]

:thumbup: Looks cool! I'm already thinking of plastic projects to try now. LOL

[strykersd]

I like it. I was planning on just hunting down a used one armrest to replace the broken one in my 4runner, but after seeing this I'm starting to reconsider. It would allow me to have some much needed cup holders which weren't included on first gen 4runners...hhhmmm

[Seanz0rz]

yeah, just be warned, its ALOT of work! but im thinking its very, very worth it!

[Cebby]

I got these for my project. It's obviously low on my priority scale right now... but what's nice about them, is that they have a lip to make them easy to mount (and a hole in the bottom to attach a tube for a drain)

http://www.boatfix.com/shop3/store/listItems.asp?strSearch=232-LCH1DP

BTW, I saw a plastic welder for sale for $125 for a US Made Seelye brand. Is that a good deal?

[Nuthuts96]

nice! brings back memories of when i made a console for my '87 pickup after the bench was torn out and replaced with camry buckets. constructed out of 3/4" pine... i, too, had to have cupholders and settled on woofer ports. the beverage would just rest on the floor. maybe i have a pic of that beaut... well, maybe there's one on the other computer. i'll have to check at a later date. the ports were something like this:
http://www.supplierlist.com/photo_images/144022/Port_Tube_for_Woofer.jpg

of course, that was amateur, while this is something i wouldn't exactly consider "amateur"... again, nice work sir.

[Seanz0rz]

opening an old thread, but i see no better place to put this.

some will remember my previous stereo install:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/DSC01960.jpg

well, in the 3 years since that was installed i have outgrown the need for a bitchin stereo. the amps always got in my way when loading my vehicle, and the sub box took up a bit of room (although very efficient in its utilization of space). it was time for a change.

i removed my sub box, and two amplifiers, and fitted another amp i had sitting in storage. i wanted to impact the cargo as little as possible. under the front seats was not an option as i use that space to store extra bolts, bulbs, first aid kits, etc. i chose to use the right rear quarter as my mounting place, seeing as i wouldnt miss the box (the box has been long gone with the install of the sub box). i simply bolted my amp to the interior panel using #8 machine screws and nylon standoffs:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_2382.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_2383.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/interior/IMG_2384.jpg

plenty of room to breath, and i will find the door to it, someday!

trying to keep this thread up to date with all my modifications. thanks for looking.