I just installed a new stereo in my FJ60. I have been using the music on my phone for a few years now. My phone has a 1TB micro SD card with over 800GB of music. It can play music for over 120 days 24/7 and never play the same song twice. I also use my phone for navigation. There is a magnet mount for my phone that is just above and between the two vents over the heater controls. It is a decent location for viewing. I wanted to have a simple installation and something I could control without having to reach for the buttons on my phone (which is never safe while you are driving).
I took the old stereo out that the previous owner had installed. I put in a NVX Universal Bluetooth Audio Receiver and an amp connected to the old two door speakers. I mounted the bluetooth receiver along with a USB charger and a power switch on a piece of 2" angle aluminum screwed to the center console. All 3 of these inset into 1 1/8" holes. After I drilled the holes, I painted the aluminum angle with some hammered black spray paint. I pulled the drivers seat out to install the receiver/charger/switch bracket onto the console and mounted the amp under the seat. I'll be replacing the door speakers soon and adding some 6 1/2" in the panels in the cargo area. All told I had about 8 hours into this between making & painting the bracket, tracing the door speaker wires and rerouting them to the new amp location, installing the bracket onto the console and wiring the whole thing up.
Once I had it installed, I paired my phone to the controller. I turned on my music app and hit play. It works great. It takes a couple of minutes to get used to how the knob works. Turning the knob quickly to the right will advance to the next song. Holding the knob to the right will increase the volume. Turning the knob quickly to the left will go back a song in the playlist. Holding the knob to the left will decrease the volume. And there is a slight couple of second delay in the volume control. The best part is that the control sits right under my hand. If I am not in the mood for the song that is playing, a quick glance is all it takes to see if I want to play the next song. I might have to figure out a microphone next as my phone calls now come through the stereo speakers.
I also had a radio blank 3D printed from a person on Etsy, that I got the file for off of GrabCad. I had to register with GrabCad to be able to download the file. The unit screws into the stock radio brackets. I have the typical cracked dash that I have a vinyl repair I will be doing. I have tested it out and it fits just fine. I'm not sure how to attach the file or I would add to this post. There are links below for the file and the 3D printer.
For less than $150, I've got a bluetooth control for my phone that is easy to reach. As long as my next phones have bluetooth, this set up should last me a very long time. Once my dash is done, I'll be adding a longer magnet above the radio hole for my tablet.
NVX Bluetooth Controller
Boss 4 Channel Amp
USB charger
Panel Switch
FJ60 Radio Blank
Etsy 3D printer
I took the old stereo out that the previous owner had installed. I put in a NVX Universal Bluetooth Audio Receiver and an amp connected to the old two door speakers. I mounted the bluetooth receiver along with a USB charger and a power switch on a piece of 2" angle aluminum screwed to the center console. All 3 of these inset into 1 1/8" holes. After I drilled the holes, I painted the aluminum angle with some hammered black spray paint. I pulled the drivers seat out to install the receiver/charger/switch bracket onto the console and mounted the amp under the seat. I'll be replacing the door speakers soon and adding some 6 1/2" in the panels in the cargo area. All told I had about 8 hours into this between making & painting the bracket, tracing the door speaker wires and rerouting them to the new amp location, installing the bracket onto the console and wiring the whole thing up.
Once I had it installed, I paired my phone to the controller. I turned on my music app and hit play. It works great. It takes a couple of minutes to get used to how the knob works. Turning the knob quickly to the right will advance to the next song. Holding the knob to the right will increase the volume. Turning the knob quickly to the left will go back a song in the playlist. Holding the knob to the left will decrease the volume. And there is a slight couple of second delay in the volume control. The best part is that the control sits right under my hand. If I am not in the mood for the song that is playing, a quick glance is all it takes to see if I want to play the next song. I might have to figure out a microphone next as my phone calls now come through the stereo speakers.
I also had a radio blank 3D printed from a person on Etsy, that I got the file for off of GrabCad. I had to register with GrabCad to be able to download the file. The unit screws into the stock radio brackets. I have the typical cracked dash that I have a vinyl repair I will be doing. I have tested it out and it fits just fine. I'm not sure how to attach the file or I would add to this post. There are links below for the file and the 3D printer.
For less than $150, I've got a bluetooth control for my phone that is easy to reach. As long as my next phones have bluetooth, this set up should last me a very long time. Once my dash is done, I'll be adding a longer magnet above the radio hole for my tablet.
NVX Bluetooth Controller
Boss 4 Channel Amp
USB charger
Panel Switch
FJ60 Radio Blank
Etsy 3D printer