I've been reading some of the threads and it seems some 4runner lovers loosing the fight on RUST. Well out here in L.A. I'm seeing about one first gen 4runner every 2 months at the local boneyard, and yes they get striped very quickly, but no one takes the rear quarter panels, one because it's a self serve yard, and cutting that panel by hand could take days. two rust isn't that much of an issue. I just got a decent size compressor and I'm thinking of getting some metal shears, would salvaging full and partial rear panels, maybe even fender archs for 4runner transplant around the country be a good idea?
considering time, effort and shipping costs.

And also NO one takes the camper shells ever, seen a red, white and 3 black ones go to waste.

Anybody who's going to install one of those is going to have to cut out their old panel, which means they can get their own junkyard panels... I don't think you can sell these for enough to cover your time.

I hear ya on the tops, though. I've wondered if there's a market for converted and refinished tops.

How much are we talking about for a rear quarter? I am looking for one right now. Need it from roughly the middle of the wheel opening back. Around here these trucks never end up in salvage yards, they end up on deer leases, making parts very hard to find. Give me a rough idea of how much you would need to cut one off & ship it to 77845.

yeah if toyota would have made the full rear quarter panel unbolt like fenders, they truly would have made the perfect vehicle.

Maybe when I replace mine I will see if I can make it bolt on?

That's an awesome idea!

Well rob, this is still speculative. Guessing $300 including shipping, but this is how it would have to be done.
A. I'd have to see if they have one right now, (no online inventory available.) there was 1 4runner 2 weeks ago, might not be there any more or there might be another one, going tomorrow if I can fix the broken thermostat bolts on my ride,
B. Shipping would be limited to FORWARD AIR pick up hubs for full panels Forward Air Location Coverage
or grayhound shipping stations for half the panel like you need.
in order to be cost effective. forward air is really affordable.

C. if this is deemed a good idea I would buy whole 1st gen beds and cut them to have them handy instead of having to see if there is one.

That's what I like to hear. I went an looked at my 4runner in the drive way.
the upper bolts to the camper would provide an easy mounting point, the replacement "fender" being the "washer" as the bolts thread into the original beds threads, but the rest seems very complicated with the clearances for the doors and tail gate, but If any one of us could make a kit to do this...
... and If I could get some shears that make really clean cuts...

I haven't even begun to start taking mine apart to see how complicated it would be, but I am a decent fabricator & have lots of reasources so if it can be done then I will see what I can do & let you guys know.

No first gens at the boneyard today, just a red 92. I'll check other yards

Could be a good idea depending on shipping cost. Any 1st gen tail gates w/window rust free there? Pm me about the tail gates

No first gens at second bone yard, just a silver '92
also if your window weather striping on the doors is falling off because of broken clips (1st gen), the '85 collola has the same plastic ones.

Tailgates are rust free too, and there is to electicity to tap into so no one can take them unless they know how to unlock it with out rolling down the window.
I don't even know, hell I'd like to know which wires to tap into to see if I could roll it down with a 12v makita drill battery. So yes tailgates available too. Shipping check the forward air link, they delived and engine from detroit to the LAX hub for $65 I pick it up in my for runner.

Hey Turbo,

You still cutting those quarter panels out of the 4runners going to the shredder? I am a Canadian boy with some Canadian rust. I am trying to get some steel panels so I can do up some body work this summer. And I am looking for a cheaper alternative other than fiberglass because this is too expansive...


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if you can still get panels I need for a 2nd gen 4Runner, I got a 92' 4door. My email is [email protected]. Thanks!