Buff build

C

Colorado buff

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So like a typical noob, I asked a lot of probably stupid questions and didn't see the t4r guide and rust threads until later which led me to buy a 2000 4 runner with 125k miles. While the engine looked in good shape the frame was less an ideal. Considering i got this for practically nothing I decided to rebuild this, as I believe it will be a good ride once it's fixed up, as it drove well, has not been in any accidents and had a knowledgable buddy check out other issues.


Here is what I am doing:

Fixing rocker panels left and right
New gas tank
Lower and upper ball joints
Tie rods
Water pump
Radiator
Spark plugs
Timing belt
Wiring
Other maintenance on engine based on what this board brought up

Paint job
New carpet
Seat covers
Stereo
Shocks and coils
 
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Looks like a lot of work, probably more than I would do. I would probably go et a body from another, less rusted 4runner and swap it, but your work looks solid as well, just more tedious and metalworking skill intensive.

Anyway, well done so far, looks good. Have you fixed any parts of your frame since your body is so rotted? It always seems like the frame goes first on these trucks in regards to rust...
 
MxwlT4R99 said:
Looks like a lot of work, probably more than I would do. I would probably go et a body from another, less rusted 4runner and swap it, but your work looks solid as well, just more tedious and metalworking skill intensive.

Anyway, well done so far, looks good. Have you fixed any parts of your frame since your body is so rotted? It always seems like the frame goes first on these trucks in regards to rust...
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Generally the rest of the frame is fine. It needs to be blasted of surface rust. The problem was the rocker panels due to pooling of water getting to the frame. Again this vehicle cost nothing, so getting some metal work done makes it a wash, but with thicker steel sheet metal!.
 
Some more frame work. Got a body shop to put thicker steel. Should be iron clad now.
 

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Looks good man. Rust sucks. I got some to. Not to much. I also just repaired a small section of rocker pannel. I also sprayed fluid film inside. And for bondo, I used a product called USC ALL METAL, its bondo with aluminum in it. Different then bondo. It doesn't shrink. It also hardens like steel.
 
kolelt said:
Looks good man. Rust sucks. I got some to. Not to much. I also just repaired a small section of rocker pannel. I also sprayed fluid film inside. And for bondo, I used a product called USC ALL METAL, its bondo with aluminum in it. Different then bondo. It doesn't shrink. It also hardens like steel.
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Thanks for this. Once they are done painting and doing engine maintenance and interior, I am going to get the surface rust underneath blasted, and then oil sprayed.
 
Check out these photos. Frame fixed. Shop is going to blast residue rust spots than paint "thundercloud" type colour.
 

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Awesome work, looking forward to that paint job..Dont see that much commitment everyday, especially into a common truck. Are you going to recoat the belly are just spray oil?
 
Tyota89 said:
Awesome work, looking forward to that paint job..Dont see that much commitment everyday, especially into a common truck. Are you going to recoat the belly are just spray oil?
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Thanks tyota89. I kind of went overboard but, the engine tested well, low miles 125k, and most of the electrical was in good shape so I figured why not. Also, the previous owner did brakes and tires, so I saved a good amount there.

I want to blast the surface rust underneath and after that possibly oil spray, but I am open to your expertise on the subject! I figure since they are doing the frame up top properly than I should get the same care underneath.
 
Well this thread just got a lot more interesting. I'd love to see the color in the end. I'm a big fan of "Thundercloud-type colors".
 
I'm a little confused. You say you got the frame fixed but only show the body. My body was in pretty good shape but the frame -not so much. I'm sure you've looked at it closely but I feel compelled to mention just make sure the FRAME, specifically in front of the 2 rear, lower control mounts are OK. They may even look ok on the outside but water collects in this spot and rots it from the inside out. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten one of those bore scopes and examined the frame.

Some crazy amount of work you're doing there. Looks like you really want it to last.
 
Colorado buff said:
Thanks tyota89. I kind of went overboard but, the engine tested well, low miles 125k, and most of the electrical was in good shape so I figured why not. Also, the previous owner did brakes and tires, so I saved a good amount there.

I want to blast the surface rust underneath and after that possibly oil spray, but I am open to your expertise on the subject! I figure since they are doing the frame up top properly than I should get the same care underneath.
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I wouldnt say expertise, I am getting rid of some rust on my frame. All surface but I have a metal spin wheel, clr and undercoating.
 
JRZEE2000TR4LTD said:
I'm a little confused. You say you got the frame fixed but only show the body. My body was in pretty good shape but the frame -not so much. I'm sure you've looked at it closely but I feel compelled to mention just make sure the FRAME, specifically in front of the 2 rear, lower control mounts are OK. They may even look ok on the outside but water collects in this spot and rots it from the inside out. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten one of those bore scopes and examined the frame.

Some crazy amount of work you're doing there. Looks like you really want it to last.
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Yeah sorry you are right. Limited pictures though. The truck was inspected and it was mainly the rockers and frame underneath rockers due to pooling from the running boards. Yeah will triple check though and thanks. Everyone here is so knowledgable!
 
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