Bodywork question

[Chikokishi]

My 4runner ('87) is starting to rust up decently around the gas tank coverplate. I am not a seasoned repairman, but i do wish to learn how to do it myself. How might i go about repairing this rust spot? Its about 5 inches across and a layer deep into the metal. I would love to remove the panel but it appears to be welded on, is there something im missing to remove it? a first gen teardown post would be excellent if anyone knows of one.

Sorry for a bit of a vague post, ill fill in more information as i see what kind of information people need to help me.

 

[KidVermicious]

I don't have my truck to look at at the moment, but I think the gas tank door hinges are spot welded on. You'll have to drill/cut the welds to remove it.

If the rust hasn't gone all the way through the sheet metal, you might get away with cleaning it out with a wire wheel and covering it with fiberglass body filler. That's not the right way though, because chances are good it'll rust again under the filler. The right way is to cut out the rusted section and patch it with a clean panel.

 

[Chikokishi]

I know my truck needs a new plate added to it and such, but its my day driver at the moment and i honestly dont know how to weld or anything like that. So i want to fix it up so that when im a bit older, i have a nice place to work on it and such, i can fix it then.

 

[slacker]

IMO , don't waste any money trying to fix it then
just use duct tape

then contact us when your ready .. http://www.toyotafiberlass.com


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[Chikokishi]

I found your website, absolutely amazing. I hope you are still around in a few years when i can rebuild her! Can you give an estimate how how much a full restore of a about 70% decent truck would be? Excluding the engine work and all of that - just the cosmetics? I mean.. would it be 10,000, 20,000, 100,000...? Just a huge ball park estimate

 

[slacker]

right now , were booking almost a year in advance for restorations , so i'm POSITIVE we will be here when you need us . We have NEW parts and pieces coming out all the time , including 4Runner rear inner trim panels (currently building the moulds)

have a peek here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/145701-frp-door-skin-install.html one we did about 5 years ago .. looks great except for the steel parts !!

that one was about 8 grand (paint was 4 grand )



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[Chikokishi]

Have you guys considered building dashboards? Thats a pretty sweet business you got going there. I will most def be looking to you in the future when im out of college and have the money.

 

[slacker]

thanks .. I do love my job

we have a 1st gen pick up dash available

and YES , 84-88 + 89 4Runner dashes are coming .. we already have our "mock up piece" being designed

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