First post on this forum although I've been reading it for two plus years since I bought a 2006 GX470. One of the first things I did was remove the CD changer mounted above the glove box as I no longer own a single CD. But now I have an opening I feel could be appropriated as extra cubby space. Anyone know of any aftermarket replacements for the CD changer or have any ideas on fabricating one myself from easy to find parts at a hardware store or other? Any ideas, pictures if you've got them, are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

I haven't seen any products for this. But I did see someone who gutted the changer and lined the inside with felt, as a way to conceal a pistol.

Chip H.

 

I gutted the changer and stuck the OMs in there. I "think" there's a part you can buy from a GX or 4Runner that didn't have the changer. It's a big plastic piece that has a little cubby instead. It was just cheaper (free) to gut the changer.

 

Thanks, Chip. Appreciate the advice.

 

Thanks, offroad200. I like this option. Pretty sure I saved the changer and all the mounting brackets. I've found most things I've taken off can be cut, shaved down, etc. and repurposed, like the illuminated "shroud" to the original running boards. I replaced the boards with White Knuckle Off Road rock sliders and used a Dremel to cut off most of the shroud that runs parallel to the rocker panels then reattached the front portion right behind the front wheel well covering up the hardware where it attaches. It makes for a much cleaner/finished look. Even though it came out nice, some other mods I've done look a bit janky...and I like it. Adds to the overall character of the truck.

 

I did the same with my running boards when I install my sliders. Except I used the whole length of the top part of the running boards to go down the whole car. Then used the running board light wiring harness to power some cheap amazon rock lights. So they go on and off just like the original.

 

Nice. Does it have a separate on/off switch to turn on while driving or is it activated by opening the doors? Do you have any pictures of the final product?

 

No on/off switch. They come on when I unlock the doors and I assume turn off after I start the car. Never really looked. They come on when getting out of the car and turn off when I lock it. It's wired to the stock harness so it operates just like the factory running board lights. I'll try to remember to take a pic when I get home. Been driving the GF's CT. She got a job 2 miles from home and with gas what it is, I've been driving the CT to work.

 

Just some metal brackets I had laying around and made them work for the lights. Bolted the brackets into the factory running board holes.


Just some cheap amazon lights but have held up well.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

chiph9, see attached picture (if they're not too dark). I gutted the CD changer and made a make-shift storage compartment. Lined the inside with felt I bought at Michael's arts & crafts store. I opted to leave the CD changer door on it. I like it as an additional security measure as at first glance it still looks like a regular CD changer. Pretty sure no one under 50 uses CD's anymore so no reason to open it and steal the CD magazine believed to be inside. At any rate, it keeps the knick-knacks I do keep inside it from bouncing out.

 

offroad200, the lights look nice.

 

...and here are some before/after pictures of the repurposed running board skirts.