Replace audio panel with dc outlets?

[phippsj]

Has anyone replaced the audio controls on the back of the center console with a couple of power outlets?

My 100 is a '05. I've never had the kids want to use the audio controls, but they always want more power outlets on road trips.

I'm thinking of pulling the audio panel and installing a couple of 12v power outlets. However, I don't want to screw up the audio system by disconnecting the panel.

Anyone with experience want to comment?

 

[RobRed]

It's doable. You can order the blank panel from Toyota. 55549-60030

You can look at the end of my build thread for an example.

http://forum.tlcfaq.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=19&p=688#p688

 

[phippsj]

Looks good. Thanks for the p/n.

 

[Lx470iH8Mud]

If your planing on throwing out the old unit please let me know. I need a volume knob for the rear setup and would rather stay stock than going the RadioShack rout. Cheers!!

 

[sum4all]

I think I may do the same thing, but has anyone done the USB route. Meaning using the USB as a power charger. Nowadays, all the gadgets the kids have uses a USB to charge them. I know I can buy the plug at Walgreens, but it would be cooler not having to buy an extra plug.

 

[OregonLC]

Yep, I'd go for one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082CXEI8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2CK5NG72UVSTT

 

[RobRed]

^^^ I have two of these. They are pretty cool.

 

[FMKV]

I installed the the bluesea duel usb in the center console blank and used flag (right angle) connectors.The panel wouldn't fit back in with normal connectors.

 

[OregonLC]

Ya, there isn't much space behind that panel, maybe 1" before you get into the cubby. I actually have the interior out of the 04 right now cleaning the carpets, I'll see if there is maybe space at the bottom between the two vent outlets.

 

[SmoothLC]

I've been wanting to do this for quite a while.

Thanks for the links RR and OLC!

 

[phippsj]

Right. I would probably skip the connectors and solder the wires directly to the terminals.

Would there be a need to include an in-line fuse behind the outlet, or is the OEM fuse panel sufficient?

 

[OregonLC]

Huge room down low, although it is way down low.

 

[RobRed]

I installed the the bluesea duel usb in the center console blank and used flag (right angle) connectors.The panel wouldn't fit back in with normal connectors.

^^^^^ This

 

[sum4all]

Cool, thanks for all of that. I haven't gone back there, but is that rectangular blank panel removable from the front? I don't want to mar it if it's screwed down from the back like some of the things in the truck.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

I put one in the third row cup holder. The front one is USB for rear seat passengers and the back one is for the fridge.

 

[fireball]

That rectangular blank just clips into place. You can pry it out very easily. Use a plastic putty knife, or the end of a flathead wrapped in tape. FYI, you've got a bout 2 1/4" of depth to work with behind it.

 

[PabloCruise]

I installed the the bluesea duel usb in the center console blank and used flag (right angle) connectors.The panel wouldn't fit back in with normal connectors.

Like these?

Flag Disconnect - Female - 16-14 Awg Flag Disconnects - 22-16 Awg Flag Disconnects - Buy from

 

[leucadiacruiser]

For those of you that have done this mod by removing or tucking away the audio control - how the heck did you get in there? Hoping there is a shortcut instead of extracting the guts of the cd changer in the center console I've been eyeing this mod for a while - finally have all the parts - and now can't get in the door. Assuming I need to remove the dual cup holder but can't even see how to get that out - the thing is flimsy as heck and I'm hoping not to snap it. Thanks in advance!

 

[socalmtbiker]

For those of you that have done this mod by removing or tucking away the audio control - how the heck did you get in there? Hoping there is a shortcut instead of extracting the guts of the cd changer in the center console I've been eyeing this mod for a while - finally have all the parts - and now can't get in the door. Assuming I need to remove the dual cup holder but can't even see how to get that out - the thing is flimsy as heck and I'm hoping not to snap it. Thanks in advance!

There are two screws in the center counsel you have to remove along with the four on outer rear center moulding. You have use a long screw driver. It hard to see but they are there.