Owl Expedition Media Mount Install (1 Viewer)

[Toyoland66]

Documenting the install procedures for the Owl Expedition Media Mount, there are instructions on the Owl Expedition website but they are specific to the 100 series, and the GX is significantly different.

Link to thread with more info:

GX470 Media Mount

Hey everyone! I've posted here before about my media mounts, but now its totally official. The mount will fit all GX470's that have the factory nav. These things are super popular over on the 100 series forum and people have come up with some cool nav/cell phone/ radio solutions using this...

forum.ih8mud.com

Start by removing the Nav/ Radio cluster from the dash. I had the dash apart recently to install a bluetooth module, so getting it apart this time went a bit faster, start by removing the two trim pieces on either side of the center console. The one on the left comes off easily, just lift up on the back edge of it, then pry up back to front:

The one on the right is bit harder, you can get it with a plastic trim pry bar, or with your fingers by lifting up on the center console from the cup holder, this will pop up the console and trim piece together, then you can push the console back down and pry the trim piece off the rest of the way, from back to front.

 

[Toyoland66]

Next remove the wood trim pieces on either side of the radio by prying the bottom edge rearward, and then once that pops loose work the rest of the trim piece off from bottom to top, unplug 1 electrical connector from the back of each one.

Next remove the ash tray and cigarette lighter by pulling rearward

Remove one 10mm bolt from the electrical connector (this is a captured bolt so it doesnt come out of the connector itself)

Remove the other 4 10mm bolts from around the radio, 2 left 2 right, and pull the radio rearward to remove from dash, disconnect all electrical plugs

 

[Toyoland66]

With the radio cluster out now we need to remove the tape deck from the assembly

Remove 2 8mm bolts/ screws from both sides of the tape deck

Remove 2 8mm bolts/ screws from the drivers side of the nav screen

Remove 1 phillips head screw at the bottom of the bracket, and 1 from the top of the bracket

 

[Toyoland66]

The bracket can now be removed

Pry the tape deck face up from the face trim, Slide the tape deck slightly to the drivers side of the radio, and remove it from the assembly

Now remove the face of the tape deck by removing 1 screw from either side, and gently pry the plastic from the metal

Remove every phillips head screw from the front, back, and sides of the tape deck

 

[Toyoland66]

Continue removing all phillips head screws

Remove plate from rear of tape deck, and plate from face of tape deck

Now you can gently pry apart to separate the top half from the bottom half of the tape deck case

 

[Toyoland66]

The media mount completely replaces the tape deck

Remove 4 phillips screws that attach the guts to the case, and disconnect the ribbon cable

Attach the media mount with the 4 provided allen screws and washers

Reassemble the tape deck case

Test fit the face plate, and mark where the foam tape should go

I had to use a credit card to allow the faceplate to slide across the foam tape to reassemble.

 

[Toyoland66]

Reverse order to re-install the tape deck into the radio assembly

Reinstall radio assembly into dash, being sure to reconnect all electrical connections

Attach ram ball and ram attachments of your choice, and enjoy your new media mount

 

[Toyoland66]

I have a charging cable on order for my grom bluetooth adapter so I can run power through the tape deck opening to the phone mount. If you plan ahead you should install this while you have everything apart. Hope this helps, the mount works very well, doesnt require any holes to be drilled in the dash, and is very secure.

Kudos to @Ramathorn15

 

[TahoeLX450]

I have a charging cable on order for my grom bluetooth adapter so I can run power through the tape deck opening to the phone mount. If you plan ahead you should install this while you have everything apart. Hope this helps, the mount works very well, doesnt require any holes to be drilled in the dash, and is very secure.

Kudos to @Ramathorn15

View attachment 2373013

Thank you for the step by step photos! Great job.

 

[subspd]

Awesome write-up this is how it should be done! I have had one of those in mind for years and never pull the trigger. I just don't know if I actually want to mount anything there... Let us know what you think.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Thanks so much for the write up @Toyoland66 !! Looks great!

 

[Arailt]

Thank you for the detailed write up! I just ordered one and a Ram mount for my phone. Are the buttons and knobs on the tape deck slot still active after removing the tape deck?

 

[Toyoland66]

@Arailt i think so except for the “tape” button. I use a Grom Bluetooth module and listen to Bluetooth 100% of the time so I’m honestly not sure…

 

[Arailt]

I installed mine last night. I can confirm that the AM/SAT, FM, and AUX/CD buttons still function. Radio still functions as it did before, minus the tape deck. Thanks again for the write up!