Out with the old, in with the new(er) - BlackAck's 4Runner thread
#121
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Thanks buddy
![Fluffy](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/fluffy.gif)
#123
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Supposedly shipped them Thursday night, but the shipping is still...
Electronic Shipping Info Received
February 08, 2013
Friday
No updates![Annoyed](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/annoyed.gif)
Meaning he didn't even print the label till Friday
Electronic Shipping Info Received
February 08, 2013
No updates
![Annoyed](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/annoyed.gif)
Meaning he didn't even print the label till Friday
#125
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
#126
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
So, since my whole dash and center console are STILL out after 3 1/2 weeks, I continued on my LED swap. I've yet to find 1 bulb that was easy to get out or replace, however I've been moving along. Took the center console radio trim out to get to the 4wd switch. I used a wide angle LED, but it still will need some work.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2304_zpscdf14125.jpg)
Not perfect, but it matches way better than the orange
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2306_zps971621a4.jpg)
Also while that piece was out, I was able to get to the cup holder bulb finally
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2302_zpsb2bae78a.jpg)
Here's the shifter and the cup holder
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2303_zps622f46fa.jpg)
Here's most of the center console, minus the ashtray cluster that I am waiting on an LED to solder in to the cig lighter.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2307_zps60b21dea.jpg)
Now the fun begins![Why Me](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/whyme.gif)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2304_zpscdf14125.jpg)
Not perfect, but it matches way better than the orange
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2306_zps971621a4.jpg)
Also while that piece was out, I was able to get to the cup holder bulb finally
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2302_zpsb2bae78a.jpg)
Here's the shifter and the cup holder
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2303_zps622f46fa.jpg)
Here's most of the center console, minus the ashtray cluster that I am waiting on an LED to solder in to the cig lighter.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2307_zps60b21dea.jpg)
Now the fun begins
![Why Me](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/whyme.gif)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2308_zps82007870.jpg)
#128
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
thanks man
#129
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
So the gauges have FINALLY arrived in Pittsburgh, and are at my local post office. Praying they make it on the truck and show up today
![Wish](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/wish.gif)
#130
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
About time
#131
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
![Werd](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/werd.gif)
Priority Mail®
Out for Delivery
February 13, 2013, 9:05 am
Out for Delivery
February 13, 2013, 9:05 am
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
#133
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
About 90% complete on the LED swap now!
And here we go...
So, here are the gauges that I waited almost a month for, back where they belong, and looking amazing
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2316_zps2d003051.jpg)
Here they are fully lit up
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2324_zpse6586166.jpg)
Here is the HVAC controls with full LED conversion, there is a hot spot or 2, so I will be ordering some wide angle bulbs for those 3 switches, but overall they look great
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2319_zps61b555a9.jpg)
Here's the center console all reassembled, with the DAC switch converted as well as the ashtray and cup holders visable
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2326_zps44da9425.jpg)
Here are the 3 switches on the left that I finally got converted to blue, the process involved filing the bulb socket openings in the switch to widen them, and then sanding the head of the LED bulbs down almost to the diode in order for the switch buttons to actually move freely
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2323_zps3c8227c2.jpg)
The Downhill Assist Control switch also had to be modified, here it is with the ashtray light showing but no ashtray
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2327_zps529d04e3.jpg)
Here you can better see the hot spots on the switches that I will attempt to eliminate with different bulbs.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2328_zps7c125868.jpg)
And here it is with the ashtray replaced
So, here are the gauges that I waited almost a month for, back where they belong, and looking amazing
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2316_zps2d003051.jpg)
Here they are fully lit up
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2324_zpse6586166.jpg)
Here is the HVAC controls with full LED conversion, there is a hot spot or 2, so I will be ordering some wide angle bulbs for those 3 switches, but overall they look great
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2319_zps61b555a9.jpg)
Here's the center console all reassembled, with the DAC switch converted as well as the ashtray and cup holders visable
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2326_zps44da9425.jpg)
Here are the 3 switches on the left that I finally got converted to blue, the process involved filing the bulb socket openings in the switch to widen them, and then sanding the head of the LED bulbs down almost to the diode in order for the switch buttons to actually move freely
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2323_zps3c8227c2.jpg)
The Downhill Assist Control switch also had to be modified, here it is with the ashtray light showing but no ashtray
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2327_zps529d04e3.jpg)
Here you can better see the hot spots on the switches that I will attempt to eliminate with different bulbs.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2328_zps7c125868.jpg)
And here it is with the ashtray replaced
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2329_zps8908ecfa.jpg)
#134
Nice!
#136
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
That looks great.
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#137
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
#138
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
#139
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Finally got the cigarette lighter LED replaced. Bought a prewired LED from superbrightled's and then made my own LED bulb out of it.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2335_zps9230d94a.jpg)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2338_zpse3fcb186.jpg)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2335_zps9230d94a.jpg)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2338_zpse3fcb186.jpg)
![Fluffy](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/fluffy.gif)
#140
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Almost done with the LED project, picked up another set of steering wheel controls so I can solder the led's on the board ahead of time, but I ordered the wrong size SMD's so that's gonna wait a while. I did swap my hvac controls and rear window controls over to SMD bulbs to better match the gauges. Still debating if I like the 2 tone with the defroster, recirulator, and reset/mode switches. I may end up buying SMD's for those also. But here's a pic of where it's at now.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2352_zps942e1028.jpg)
Also did my glove box LED, was one of the hardest and most frustrating ones to do simply because I've never messed with it. It was in a cage, mounted up under the passenger airbag. I took the glove box out, did the cabin filter while I was in there, and then had to take the trim piece above it out just to get to the bulb, then remove the little cage piece that held the bulb, but thankfully it's all back together now.
Here's a before with the incandescent bulb, you can see how dim it is
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2353_zps15cc00c6.jpg)
Here's the after, I did cool white LED to match the interior dome and door bulbs.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2352_zps942e1028.jpg)
Also did my glove box LED, was one of the hardest and most frustrating ones to do simply because I've never messed with it. It was in a cage, mounted up under the passenger airbag. I took the glove box out, did the cabin filter while I was in there, and then had to take the trim piece above it out just to get to the bulb, then remove the little cage piece that held the bulb, but thankfully it's all back together now.
Here's a before with the incandescent bulb, you can see how dim it is
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2353_zps15cc00c6.jpg)
Here's the after, I did cool white LED to match the interior dome and door bulbs.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20LED%20Conversion/IMAG2355_zps0611d8f3.jpg)
#141
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Hard to believe I've had this thing over a year, time freaking flies
#142
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
![Cheers](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/cheers.gif)
Time for more projects
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#143
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
![Nod](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/nod.gif)
![Cheers](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/cheers.gif)
#144
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
#145
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Been working on the ack and haven't played with the truck, have a number of projects I still need to finish like the highs amp and steering wheel controls led. Looking into doing a bi-xenon retrofit if I can track down another OEM headlight
#146
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
Sounds sweet. We need updated pics of the Ack then
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#147
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Oh yeah, that...
#148
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Haven't done much with the truck, just been driving it mostly. Finally threw this bad boy in on Friday though
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20130824_001042_zps5e9be644.jpg)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20130824_001042_zps5e9be644.jpg)
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20130824_001049_zps9ea71a04.jpg)
#149
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
I'd be wary of the new Optima yellowtops.. after they changed hands a few years ago, the QC has been shit. They were selling 2 for 1 directly out of their warehouse by San Antone.. I was going to jump on the deal before I figured out why.
#150
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Yes, I'm aware that they moved their operations to Mexico, however, my last yellow top lasted me almost 10 years, and I have them in both my cars, so I'm willing to take a chance. I killed and brought back my last optima more times than a normal battery ever would have dealt with. That said, I keep a jumper box in my trunk, but I'm not worried
![Shrug](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/shrug.gif)
#151
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Working on swapping to an all in 1 remote/key setup. Will post some pics
#153
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,431
Received 1,485 Likes
on
1,049 Posts
Don't the majority of cars have it now? My Accord and Jetta have it
![Dunno](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/dunno.gif)
#155
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
Just ordered a set of these to replace my 1" door tweeters
#156
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
#157
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
So, my old 03 4Runner had the JBL 10 speaker system which I replaced with all aftermarket speakers, including cutting a 3.5" full range speaker into the center channel. The biggest downfall of the 08 is that it had the stock 6 speaker stereo and no center channel. I missed having that crisp clarity in the center of my old truck so I did the next best thing. I bought another set of the Infinity 3.5" speakers and replaced my 1" MB Quart tweeters with a set of 3.5" coaxials.
Here's the original setup
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/2012-12-28_23-41-21_411.jpg)
I kept the MB Quart 6x9's and just replaced the tweeters to add more depth and midrange to the stereo. The speakers almost fit right out of the box, however I did have to trim down the tweeter brackets a bit with a dremel, and drill new screw holes in order to mount these bad boys. Here is my first test fit before any trimming. This is actually upside-down in this pic, but you can see how high it's sitting because the basket was hitting on the sides of the bracket
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131116_214706_zpsf8b0038d.jpg)
After some cutting, grinding, and a little bit of hammering on the door panel, this was the final result all screwed down, I also kept the stock screw holes for whenever I want to trade it in and put stock speakers back in.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131116_235510_zps482797f2.jpg)
The driver's side was the first attempt, so most of the time (a couple hours) was spent on that side to perfect everything. The passenger side went quick, probably about 20 minutes total. Here's a test fit of the the passenger side before I started trimming the bracket.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131117_004014_zps29974290.jpg)
And here's the passenger side all complete
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131117_004019_zps78e2c0dd.jpg)
I trimmed back the tweeter ring around the inside of the door panels, just to make sure that they didn't touch or contact the speaker, although I'm not sure if they would, it was just to be on the safe side. I debated on using bass blockers, but decided to go without since I spent the money and time to upgrade to these full range speakers. If I ever put my highs amp in, I may put a cross over in there, but right now everything is powered off of my JVC navi and sounds amazing.
Here's the original setup
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/2012-12-28_23-41-21_411.jpg)
I kept the MB Quart 6x9's and just replaced the tweeters to add more depth and midrange to the stereo. The speakers almost fit right out of the box, however I did have to trim down the tweeter brackets a bit with a dremel, and drill new screw holes in order to mount these bad boys. Here is my first test fit before any trimming. This is actually upside-down in this pic, but you can see how high it's sitting because the basket was hitting on the sides of the bracket
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131116_214706_zpsf8b0038d.jpg)
After some cutting, grinding, and a little bit of hammering on the door panel, this was the final result all screwed down, I also kept the stock screw holes for whenever I want to trade it in and put stock speakers back in.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131116_235510_zps482797f2.jpg)
The driver's side was the first attempt, so most of the time (a couple hours) was spent on that side to perfect everything. The passenger side went quick, probably about 20 minutes total. Here's a test fit of the the passenger side before I started trimming the bracket.
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131117_004014_zps29974290.jpg)
And here's the passenger side all complete
![](http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae194/97blackackcl/4Runner%20Audio/Part%20Deux/IMG_20131117_004019_zps78e2c0dd.jpg)
I trimmed back the tweeter ring around the inside of the door panels, just to make sure that they didn't touch or contact the speaker, although I'm not sure if they would, it was just to be on the safe side. I debated on using bass blockers, but decided to go without since I spent the money and time to upgrade to these full range speakers. If I ever put my highs amp in, I may put a cross over in there, but right now everything is powered off of my JVC navi and sounds amazing.
![Rock On](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rockon.gif)
#158
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
Now get that highs amp installed already
![Tongue](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
#159
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
I don't know if I'm gonna install it now
![rofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
#160
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mooresville, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 43,593
Received 3,791 Likes
on
2,555 Posts
![what](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/what.gif)