stereo in console or in dash

[sethashton]

Landpimp, and others. I am debating on putting stereo in console-once purchased, or in dash. I have 80 fj40, all stock. I want to maintain stock, however putting the stereo in dash seems much more practical. Any thoughts?.........

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

I am not landpimp and probably won't ever be but if you want an opinion, this is mine. I once asked myself the same question because installing a stereo in the dash requires some trimming of the dash opening correct? In my opinion, unless you have a museum quality land cruiser why not just put it in the dash like every other vehicle on the road? I really don't think it would effect any resale value and it may just make life easier for you. The biggest reasons for me to just put it in the dash rather than the glove box or center console is 1) safety- you want to be able to adjust volume or whatever without distraction. 2) convenience- I thought it would be a pain to have to open a door or unlock the center console to change a cd or whatever. nowadays most recievers have a removable faceplate. I would just get yourself one of these and remove the faceplate if you are ever worried about weather or theft. I would by the way, suggest pioneers "premium" models cd players they have amazing play quality on even the roughest of roads in an FJ40 I don't think I've ever heard it skip-amazing. Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

 

[chuglife]

mines in the dash and to tell you the truth i wish i had it in a console. my complaint is that i can no longer use the air vent that is in the cowl, the deck gets in the way of the lever... also the stereo is too long to actually fit and sticks out about a quarter inch. its convenient to have it right in front of you but after a few weeks i end up memorizing the layout anyways i think i'll end up putting it in a console if/when i get one.

 

[chitown40]

Got my original AM radio still in the dash for the vintage look, and my CD/MP3 in a Tuffy console. Tuffy makes a nice console with a separate radio compartment so once you open the radio slot, you can keep the console closed and still have access to the radio. Once you memorize all the radio controls you can turn it up without even leaning in your seat. My opinion is go console.

http://tuffyproducts.com/consoles/center/deluxe_stereo.html

 

[Landpimp]

actaully the CD in the Tuffy is easier to use/adjust as its right at your finger tips, never even have to look at it. No reaching to the dash to adjust.

got an Alpine head unit, MB Quartz in the doors(they already had been cut) and Bose 151 in the back, it ROCKS.

I would do the exact same set up again, LOVE it.

 

[fj40mayo]

I'm with Chuglife. I like everything about the unit being in the dash, except the part about not being able to open the cowl vent - for me thats a problem. Also, some water leaked thru my cowl and ruined my first unit. Get the warranty. Console mount is way better looking, IMO. A head unit with a remote makes it easy to adjust things while your bouncing down the trail.

 

[Trevor]

Pimp, What size speakers are those in the doors? My doors are the same way, already hacked for 4" speakers. However, the backing is all torn up and they are kinda flimsy. I was thinking about cutting out a little more (gasp!) so I could fit 5-1/4" speakers. Will they fit?

 

[Landpimp]

I think they are 4.5" I would NOT go bigger, my mustard 82 has 5-6" in the doors and the problem is rolling the window down is a PITA, you have to hold the crank with just 2 fingers(vrs just grabing it like normal). and the ones in the mustard 82 stick out alot farther, problem is with that is when getting of the 40 the grills act like a cheesegrater on your knee.


Stick with something that sits as flush as you can and as small as you can. Put a bigger set in the rear.

I'll see if I can snap a pic of the other 40 with the bigger speakers.........should be able to still see skin and blood on the grills

Pimp, What size speakers are those in the doors? My doors are the same way, already hacked for 4" speakers. However, the backing is all torn up and they are kinda flimsy. I was thinking about cutting out a little more (gasp!) so I could fit 5-1/4" speakers. Will they fit?