When we bought the 4Runner it came with the OEM hood air deflector. Shortly after, I took it apart to size up the grill for a plasti-dipping. When I went to re-install it, the hardware fell apart in the process.
Toyota wanted $45 for a new kit but I only needed a few of the rubber grommets for attachment points. At Handy Man Hardware/True Value, I found 6/32 - 1/2" Expansion Nuts that just needed to be modified and they did the trick.
Expansion Nut
Cut it in half
Peel the rubber of the threaded (inner) part
Cut a slit down each of the sides.
Wedge the threading into the stopper.
...fixed
Cosmetic Enhancements
Plasti-dipped front grille, badges and other chrome.
Supplies
Before Plasti-dip
During Plasti-dip
After Plasti-dip
Next, I moved to the interior and built a cargo box for everything I had rolling around back there. The design parameters were:
1) Work in conjunction with the double decker cargo shelf
2) Easy access from the back window (outside the car)
3) Maintain additional room on either side for small stuff like ice scrapers, etc.
4) Silent & stationary while driving, turning, etc.
5) Easily installed or removed by one person.
6) Not look like part of the stereo system
HERE (
4th Gen Custom Cargo Container) is the full thread on the build.
I decided to use 1/2" & 3/4" MDF because it was cheap and easy to work with. I used spray on truck liner for the inside of the drawers and areas like drawer fronts & lid that will see the most abuse. The rest of it I just painted flat black with rattle can. The double decker lid is locked into place, which keeps the box from moving while driving.
Tail gate open
Up close
Flip up lid for access from window
Pull out drawers
Tie down and drawer latch
Space on either side of the box
Shot from outside
wife wasn’t too keen on not having the running boards to help her in and out of the 4Runner. Luckily, about this time, T4R.org member, Paisano saw my WTB thread and contacted me. We worked out a deal and he shipped his SE side steps right over to me.
Linear Mode
