Conversion from center console to center seat

I've read dozens of threads on TT, TS, and Tundras about this. I've done an online chat with a local Toyota parts counter guy. I've emailed Toyota corporate directly. I cannot find an answer on this topic.

I KNOW it must be possible. And I'm confident that it isn't terrible to do either. It actually looks quite simple. Toyota isn't a manufacturer that reinvents the entire cab floor, the seats, the dash, etc. when configuring a 40/20/40 seat v.s. a bucket setup with the center console. In fact, no manufacturer today is; it just isn't cost effective. I have a HUNCH this conversion is simply the swapping of a few big pieces:

• Steering Column (to move the trans shifter from the center console to the steering column)
  • Would the Tow/Haul button on the column shifter stalk have to be there, since I have a Tow/Haul button on my dash currently? Could I source a column without the Tow Package? I've discovered the Non-Tow Package columns are both cheaper, and more commonly found online.
• Removing the Center Console
• Installing a matching Center Seat and installing respective seatbelt.
  • possibly a "trim piece/panel" on the bottom of the dash where console was
• Possibly a new wiring harness and/or shift cable if they are different between column and floor shifter configurations.

As I said, I tried to get an answer on this from every viable source I could think of. I've spent plenty of time with wrenches in my hands, so I know I could do this swap! I've even found a steering column and center seat from a wrecking yard that are very affordable. The is that I DON'T know whether the steering column and associated wiring harness is compatible. There's also the heater vents coming out of the back of my center console that would have to be dealt with somehow, as I don't think the center seat has those. I can't afford to "buy parts and try it out and see".


I've also considered doing a swap with someone who wants the center console setup.

Has anyone done this conversion? Or has anyone seen a thread that covers this completely? (Not just talked about it and then the thread fizzle out with no closure)

From this


To this!

 

More info:

I actually WANTED to buy a Crewmax SR5 WITH the 40/20/40 front seat. The salesman adamantly told me that the 2016 Crewmax was NOT available in that configuration. I later learned he was full of . That... or the fact that my CM SR5 has the "SR5 upgrade" package which includes the

• 38 gallon gas tank
• power rear window
• center console.

I read somewhere that mentioned the "SR5 upgrade" package including those features, and so the salesman MAY have been partially correct in what he was saying, but he sure didn't give me all the facts.

I could have gone without the 38 gallon tank. -(That could have been swapped in later, I've seen that swap covered) . But the power rear window my wife loves that feature!

 

Just trade trucks with Almaboy. I dont think he has a woman to sit next to him anyway.

You would probably need new carpet too.

 

Seeing that I was not officially tagged makes me believe you’re being a meany behind my back

@Snoozer ive, too, pondered this....but in reverse of what you’re asking. I can live with the column shifter, but I’m interested in having the center console minus the shift box. I’ve even been told by a parts guy that I should go to a junkyard rather than purchase the parts

 

Carpet is fine. It’s the ceiling liner I’d be concerned about

 

Alma is less than 2 hours from where I live. Would you entertain the idea of swapping columns and center console/seat?

I also think it would be better to find the parts at a junkyard rather than buy them new from a dealer. The money savings is enormous. And the center seats don't get sat in very much anyway.

What year is your Tundra, Almaboy? And what color is your interior?

 

Is your ceiling liner embossed for more head room or something?

 

Im not that cool so i dont know the procedure of how to tag someone but i am cool enough to know that yea i would need to steam clean the headliner.

 

I’d entertain it. Where are you?

2017 double cab
Grey interior, black carpet

 

You’re cool enough, you took a pretty fly stab at someone that talks enough s*** to drive everyone away Nice work!

 

Are you savy enough to swap a column shifter?? I’m not but can see the possibilities if you are...as long as we aren’t screwing anything up

 

Im actually interested in swapping to the column shift but keeping my center console... only if its easily doable. I would delete the console shift and custom build something or other in place of it.

 

My exact thoughts, but @little_pansie_joonbug claims I’m crazy for even thinking about it

 

Try it!!! I dare you.

 

Yes...

IF I can figure out all the chess pieces involved; mainly the wiring "edits" (if any). The rest "looks" fairly straightforward. Again, I doubt Toyota "reinvented the cab" when configuring 2 v.s. 3-passenger front seats. But I don't know that either. The trans hump in the floor might sit taller on a console truck for some reason.

 

I certainly haven’t committed yet, but I’m very interested in hearing what you come up with

 

Certainly not.

What year and grade is your Tundra? -You list no specs at all in your profile page or in a signature...

Are you a pretend Tundra owner?

 

Yep, I’m with the IRS and lurking for pertinent info on all the Tax dodgers

2017 TRD OFF-ROAD 4x4
5.7
Double cab
White
3/1 Lift

 

I totally missed that in the beginning.... my bad.

The 2017 should work. Gray interior?..... Mine is the black cloth. Looks exactly like this:




Although, there's a lot of two-tone black/gray/silver in my interior. A center gray seat might not look totally out of place...

 

Mine is all black

 

Post #9 you say "Gray interior"...

 

Oops

Black with gray trim is actually the color

 

Okay. So what does it look like? Like the picture I posted above?



Edit: Sent you a PM @Almaboy

 

It’s black, with grey trim

The pattern on all gen 3 cloth is the same. It’s just like yours. I thought you would’ve figured it out after I said black w/ gray

 

"Trim" and "accent" or "stitching" are 2 different things. Why would I assume anything you're describing in a conversation like this?

You're wearing a blue shirt!!! Ah... but its a plaid shirt, which the main color scheme IS blue, but there's also white and gray in the pattern, and it has red stitching...... But wait,... I'm wearing a shirt with red stitching too! So it must be a blue shirt! Nope, its just a solid red t-shirt.

 

Sorry, Martha Stewart. I didn’t mean to confuse you with my trim talk

 

Its okay, Shirley.

 

Sooooo.....

What’s the purpose of this?

Extra kids?

 

hells no. outside the city it's called "riding bitch" and it's where the girlfriend used to sit back when every truck had a regular cab with a bench seat.