Sunglass compartment on overhead console

Hey everyone. Just bought my first (used) 4Runner. I'm a SAR volunteer and am planning out the desired mods and com installs.

I have a good plan for running the antenna, power cables, and transceiver location. Just trying to finalize the transceiver head mounting.

A couple cars ago I mounted the head from the overhead console and really loved it. I'm hoping to do it again but it depends on whether or not the sunglasses compartment cover piece and be removed.

I tried searching online and youtube but can't seem to find any info.

Do any of you know if it can be removed?

 

Sunglass/moonroof control (if you have it)/map light overhead unit can be removed. Get your fingers under the forward most edge of the whole console, pull a bit towards you (backwards) and down and the whole thing will pop out. There are two push in clips directly above where your sunglasses sit behind the plastic, and then 3 or 4 tabs that just sit on the inner edge of the headliner trim is how its held in. After that you can see in towards the metal roof. If you actually want to take the whole headliner down, there are definitely youtube videos for that.

 

thanks! I'm not looking to remove the console assembly, I already know how to do that part, lol. I'm wondering if the sunglass compartment, itself can be removed from the console without breaking it.

 

Also yes, albeit with a more tender touch. Just did it Saturday myself. Look at the unit at you can see the holder isnt actually 'secured' in place, its only got the two pins on either side as mounting points/rudimentary axles. On one side just pull the outside console away while pushing in on the sunglass holder and it will pop out with some effort. Then on both sides be sure to grab the opening spring and little direction gear so you dont lose them.

 

I have my HAM faceplate mounted where the sunglasses holder was. It fits like it was meant to be there. There were even indentations in the metal roof to accommodate the screws I used. My radio is a Kenwood TM-V71A. As I recall I had to take the whole plate down and very carefully work the sunglasses holder out of it.

 

Excellent. Thanks for the feedback!

@MattAK do you happen to have pics on how you attached the faceplate mount to the assembly? Is it just a couple screws up through the top that fit into the roof indents?

 

I don't, sorry. I didn't even really plan it, I just fit the bracket for the head unit where it made the most sense and got lucky that the indents lined up. you might not even need to worry about it, I don't know how close the screws are to the underside of the roof.

 

No, worries. I'm sure I can figure it out. Just glad I don't have to buy a second assembly and then break it, lol.

 

Yeah. Just be careful like @iamincrediboy mentioned about the spring and gear on the side, they'll want to go flying. Otherwise just be gentle with it and you should be able to flex the holder enough to get it out.

 

@LMCjr would you be willing to part with the spring/tab component of the sunglass button of the removed holder?