Body work. What do you think?

I

irritech

New member
Looking at this. Its got the right engine and the interior is in pretty good shape. My biggest concern is the bodywork on the fenders. Plans would be for fender flares but the rust goes way past this. I don't have any issues doing the mechanical work but the bodywork scares me a bit.

Saucy 4runner, '88 Manual - PRICE REDUCED
 
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That is a lot of work and a lot of hours to repair that rust. If you put in the hours and work I say go for it but if your going to have a shop fix that your going to get a nice fat bill. But I assume you already know that. I would say cut of the rust and leave it like that just spray some stuff to prevent it from coming back. Then weld any piece of metal doesn't have to be perfect and weld it on then seal/prime it to prevent rust and just put the flares on top to cover it up. I know That's a half-assed job but it's a cheap fix and it won't be noticeable at the end. The truck is nice other than that's rust on it. I would go for it
 
It'll be cheaper to look for one in California or Arizona for basically the same price minus all the body work.
 
Between the rot and the rear main needing work, I wouldn't pay a dime over $1500. $1300 would be more realistic.

If you go look at it, look very closely under her skirt. That much cancer on the surface generally means more hidden where you can't see it.
 
Peeping an 88' with 300k. I'm so busy with life these days, I barely make it over here anymore, but when I do -- this type of post is nice to see :) - screw you 5th gen! lol
 
I did this sort of repair to the body in a backyard fashion. No tools, and the technique involves zero bending and forming of metal, its all done with 18 guage sheet metal, which naturally forms during the process...

The truck is worth 500-850 imo. He will probably take it, there isn't much time left on the body.


You can repair it like this for around $100:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/170887-89fourrunners-rust-repair-progress-thread.html

It has been two years and two winters and it has held up stupidly well. I just posted a pic a few days ago in the 1st gen picture thread.

That is a super cheap, no tools, easy backyard repair for those of us who just do not think it is worth investing! Haha.

I am just saying, if you grab the 4runner for $500-$750, and you plan to wheel it and arent too concerned - cheap option.

I don't think I would buy this one to fully restore with expensive body work.

So many nicer ones out there.
 
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I dont know where you guys are, but take a llook anywhere in the southeast and thats cheap for the condition. That runner is in great shape comparably. Anything under 3K in DECENT shape is gone in days. I offered her 1500 just to see and did not even get an email back. Talked to her Sunday and she's firm at 2. Repair the fenders half added and I could flip it for 4k, not what I want to do but that's where we are around here. Any more advice is welcome.

I am looking for the 3.0 to do a 3.4 swap. I have a 98 runner that is my daughter's and have done just about everything on that engine exceprt pull the heads.
 
89FourRunner said:
I did this sort of repair to the body in a backyard fashion. No tools, and the technique involves zero bending and forming of metal, its all done with 18 guage sheet metal, which naturally forms during the process...

The truck is worth 500-850 imo. He will probably take it, there isn't much time left on the body.


You can repair it like this for around $100:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/170887-89fourrunners-rust-repair-progress-thread.html

It has been two years and two winters and it has held up stupidly well. I just posted a pic a few days ago in the 1st gen picture thread.

That is a super cheap, no tools, easy backyard repair for those of us who just do not think it is worth investing! Haha.

I am just saying, if you grab the 4runner for $500-$750, and you plan to wheel it and arent too concerned - cheap option.

I don't think I would buy this one to fully restore with expensive body work.

So many nicer ones out there.
Click to expand...


That gives me serious hope. Great job and thanks for putting that post up. I have been looking for something like that!!!!!
 
irritech said:
I dont know where you guys are, but take a llook anywhere in the southeast and thats cheap for the condition. That runner is in great shape comparably. Anything under 3K in DECENT shape is gone in days. I offered her 1500 just to see and did not even get an email back. Talked to her Sunday and she's firm at 2. Repair the fenders half added and I could flip it for 4k, not what I want to do but that's where we are around here. Any more advice is welcome.

I am looking for the 3.0 to do a 3.4 swap. I have a 98 runner that is my daughter's and have done just about everything on that engine exceprt pull the heads.
Click to expand...
Have at it, best of luck and post a lot of pics.

Even the rust in the metal trim around the windows would warrant finding a new top, repairing that rust is just not worth it as folks want gold for just the trim pieces.

What does the frame look like on this Gem?
 
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89FourRunner said:
I did this sort of repair to the body in a backyard fashion. No tools, and the technique involves zero bending and forming of metal, its all done with 18 guage sheet metal, which naturally forms during the process...

The truck is worth 500-850 imo. He will probably take it, there isn't much time left on the body.


You can repair it like this for around $100:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/170887-89fourrunners-rust-repair-progress-thread.html

It has been two years and two winters and it has held up stupidly well. I just posted a pic a few days ago in the 1st gen picture thread.

That is a super cheap, no tools, easy backyard repair for those of us who just do not think it is worth investing! Haha.

I am just saying, if you grab the 4runner for $500-$750, and you plan to wheel it and arent too concerned - cheap option.

I don't think I would buy this one to fully restore with expensive body work.

So many nicer ones out there.
Click to expand...

Wow, really impressed with this! Nice work.
 
Thanks all - it has held up incredibly well. 18 guage is pretty thick, and because it was riveted on top of the cut outs, it has not rusted a bit. It is galvanized and remained galvanized because there was no welding.

But if I had a welder - it would have been welded lol.
 
like mentioned before, I'd look in like Arizona or something. Being northeast Ohio, I know too well that body rust is only the beginning. Any time you have to do work on it, you'll be breaking bolts or knuckles left and right. It'll be well worth the extra money to find one in a dry state so you don't need pb blaster, a torch, and breaker bar to take off any bolt underneath it
 
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