The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[m napier]

Hi all,

Not wishing to buck the trend of asking probably straightforward questions as a first time owner of the fantastic landcruiser ( in my case a 2003 LC4 )....... i'm looking to upgrade the factory fitted audio system with my own kit from my previous car. Specifically, my bluetooth stereo ( to stay the right side of the law ! ) and upgraded speakers etc. but am having real difficulty in identifying the appropriate fascia adaptor, wiring adaptor and speaker dimensions.

So far i have drawn a complete blank with the local toyota main dealer (John Roe ), Halfords and specialist car audio centre ( the latter's answer being, " we don't get many requests for that car" (!) ). Its too nice a car for me to start prodding around in it ( like i've done on my previous cars !) so i'd be really grateful for any experience or suggestions people could share and ideally suggestions as to where i could order the correct pieces of kit from.....

I recieved a helpful reply around speakers on the general forum ( before realising that this was the appropriate place to post for my particular model ) but the question about whether i will need a fascia adaptor, wiring adaptor and where from for both remains. In particular, the current radio takes up two "slots" on the dashboard wheras the stereo to be fitted only takes up one so i can't see it fitting without an appropriate fascia adaptor?

Unusually for me i've booked an autoelectrician to do the work for me ( for the reason given above - i'm too nervous to let myself loose on my new pride and joy ! ) and i booked him 3 weeks ago for next Monday - working on the basis that i therefore had loads of time to get the parts finalised. Clearly now i'm starting to panic !

Many thanks for any advice that could be given.

[Google]

[uk_vette]

Well Mark?

This is a tough one.

I have seen a write up on a guy who pulled out the stadard factory unit, and upgraded it with the dogs dangly bits from a new LC5.

I am sure some one here will also have read the method.

It wasn't easy, I remember him saying shed loads of dash had to come off, as in all the silve looking stuff, right down to the sticks.

I don't want to worry you, but I was considering doing the swap to a LC5 unit, but then canned the idea.

[m napier]

Thanks for your reply uk_vette, even if it sort of confirms my worst fears! As i've got an LC4 im blindly hoping that it may be a tad simpler than the fully loaded LC5 sat nav unit....as it looks like my radio unit may "slide" out of the fascia. One can always hope.

PS it was remiss of me not to give my name - its Mike - and i live in the not so glamorous Cleethorpes ( albeit not originally from there i hasten to add ! )

[uk_vette]

Thats ok Mark,  

Now we just need the pictures of the new steed .

[m napier]

No probs re: posting piccies - just as soon as it stops raining long enough for me to take them in the first place ( 'its grim up north' even more so in GRIMsby 3 miles from where i live ! )

[uk_vette]

Hi Mike,

I remember when I first got mine.

I knew then it was a great vehicke, and I am still very impressed with it now.

When I replace it, it will be with another one.

Graham

[Landcrusher]

Hi Mike, here is the unit that you were asking me about. I think that it was from Autoleads. There is a serial number on the reverse which is TOY K 975. As you can see it's made by American International and was for a RAV 4








LC
_________________
HDJ 80 but still a 90 owner at heart (yeah right!)

[m napier]

Thanks LC. Confirms what i've ordered. Unfortunately still waiting for the product to arrive, been waiting over a week, 3 emails with no replies so gone into dispute with vendor via Paypal ( in case anyone is thinking of using them the company is Deals on Ice ). Its realy frustrating as i've had all the wiring done ready etc but cant connect the head unit up until the fascia adaptor arrives ! Until then i've got mono sound via a sole new speaker which is currently hooked up. I went into Halfords to price a second adaptor up as i was so frustrated - they only wanted £26 for it !

Talking of steep prices, went into John Roe Toyota today to price up a replacement locking mechanism for my spare wheel cover ( rear door mounted version ) as the current isnt clicking into the locked position meaning the cover duly fell off yesterday and i nearly lost it. They quoted - wait for it - £85 ! For that price i'd want it to come with its own security guard as well. Politely declined and chose rather to put 3 small screws in as an alternative - even with a drop of touch up paint on the screw heads its a damn sight cheaper !

[Landcrusher]

Always been a mystery to me - wheel covers. I just pulled mine of and chucked them. Wouldn't fit on a mud terrain anyway, would crack the rear light cluster when the door opens fully. The collect crud and rub on the paint behind the wheel.

Still it's somewhere to have a tasteful picture of a native American or a Cougar or something. Please don't tell me that's what you have.

; )
LC
_________________
HDJ 80 but still a 90 owner at heart (yeah right!)

[m napier]

tasteful piccie......god forbid !  If i did it'd probably have to be one of a scouser in a shell suit with a perm ( cos im originally from there but dont look anything like that ) or better still, just some writing that says "the car in front of you is a Landcruiser, and it'll still be in front of you when the terrain gets rough!" ( mind you rough terrain takes me back to scouseland again !! )

[Landcrusher]

NICE!

LC
_________________
HDJ 80 but still a 90 owner at heart (yeah right!)

[m napier]

two weeks on from my original posting and i think all i can say is that these things are sent to test us. Radio still not upgraded on account of first fascia adaptor supplier failing to deliver and after a week of constant pesteing on my part refunding the money, second supplier ( Halfords ) not doing so after a further week. I really thought i'd be able to rely on them but alas not the case. I think the next option is matchsticks and glue !

I know a radio isn't quite the same as an engine or transmission problem but driving round with a single speaker working while therest of the job waits to be done for a fortnight because of false promises from two companies is really testing my patience.

Tempted to start my own list of companies i wouldn't deal with again - based on factual experience of course.

[Landcrusher]

You can't be beaten by a bit of plastic.

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

There's three to start with.

Keep trying.

LC
_________________
HDJ 80 but still a 90 owner at heart (yeah right!)