I clearly remember reading a how to thread for installing one of these (that's how I know what year 4Runner) into a 1st Gen xB. But now I'm really kicking myself that I didn't save a link to it in my favorites as I've searched all over this forum and Google and cannot find it again.
I picked up one of these and have a good idea how to approach it intuitively. But it's always good to read about the path someone else did so I don't do more than I need to.
I'm going this route as I don't like the Prius idea since it seems to depend on the strength of the headliner to hold it up. This approach is a hard mount to the body with a fab mounting bracket to the stock ceiling mount. So the engineer in me likes. Then it's just a matter of snaking a couple wires across the headliner to the stock dome light so it will function like stock.
Anyway, can some one who knows about the thread I'm talking about post a link for me?
Thanks for that link. That's the thread where I got the "prepared for install" picture. Maybe that IS the thread I'm thinking of.
Anyway, I guess I'll make a thread when I do mine. Tomorrow I'm going back to the wrecking yard to hacksaw out the mounting plate section to use as a mounting bracket to my xB. Once I have that, just need to drill a couple mounting holes and run a couple of wires.
Theres a couple of ways to go about it, Ive installed overhead tvs before, I can either anchor pieces of wood to screw into or long strip of aluminum from support beams. Only thing I need is time,lol.
I found a picture of ceiling of a 1st Gen with headliner removed. I see what you mean about strip of aluminum from support beams.
I also noticed that the panel the stock rear view mirror mounts would need some grinding and cutting for mounting the 4Runner lighted mirror because of the protrusions of the light housing. I'm starting to think something more like you're planning is a better idea, adding to the roof structure rather than removing material.
---------- Post added 03-30-2015 at 07:15 PM ----------
Adding a metal sheet between cross beams....perhaps the Prius approach is the way to go after all. No matter what, sounds like my headliner will be coming down in the process.
I considered alot of these same options when I did the prius map light install and wrote the diy. After alot of research, I decided to go minimalist with the prius one. I've had mine in for a long time now and the headliner is very strong where I indicate to mount it in the diy. additionally the light only weighs a few ounces and there is no indication that it is causing any structural issue with the headliner. However you go about it, good luck and I look forward to project pics!
Minimalist was my intention thought as well. But an overhead console where I could mount my ScanGauge now appeals to me. Mounting a piece of sheet metal running above the headliner between the two beams gives all sorts of options. I'm a big fan of over engineering.
Haha yeah that'll give you a whole host of options. I didn't want to drop my headliner to install a maplight but you'll have to to install that crossbeam
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