Bumpers Question

[Geolander]

I've been looking to buy a 4Runner for a while now, and may have found one that fits my list of features and my budget. It's a 2000 Limited 4WD in Millennium Silver with 183k miles, 1 owner. All of the major service has been done recently (timing belt, radiator, water pump, etc), and they have all the service records for it. It ran fine in the test drive, though it will still be going to a mechanic tomorrow to get checked out.

The only major problems are cosmetic: oxidizing paint and chewed up bumpers. The paint I can live with for a while, but the bumpers are pretty banged up:

My question is: is it possible (and how would it look - anyone done this before?) to swap out the Limited bumpers for the chrome SR5 bumpers? They look like they could take a little more abuse, or is that chrome just plastic?. I know the obvious answer would be to put in aftermarket parts (ARB/Shrockworks in front, CBI in the back), but those aren't in the cards for a while unless someone knows of some inexpensive alternatives.

I suppose bedlining them is another option, though they both have dents that would have to be taken out first if possible, and the front has some dangly parts at the bottom, so that portion would need replacement. Which part would that be, by the way?

Anyone have pics of a Millennium Silver limited with bedlined bumpers and/or flares?

 

[Hepar]

Dang. Didn't know Stevie Wonder's Runner was for sale.

Check out BigFishAllDay's build. He's got a silver Sport Edition, which on the exterior is basically the same except his has a hood scoop and yours has some lower body panel additions. He's got his lined.

I don't think the chrome bumpers are any more durable than the painted ones. In fact, I would think the other way around simply because it's easier to paint the bumper than rechrome it.

As far as what needs replacing on the front, it looks like you'd just need the cover to the front tow hook, which is easy enough to get.

 

[Geolander]

Thanks for the advice Hepar. I'd already seen BigFish's build thread, but I forgot about the bedlining. Not a fan of the color-matched stuff; the different textures throw it off. I wonder what it would look like in black or dark gray...

I hadn't thought about rechroming vs repainting, and you're probably right.

 

[dangeruss]

I'm kind of in the same boat in that my rear bumper on my 98 limited got hit the other day. In trying to find another bumper, I've found that there's 3 parts to the whole assembly. On your rear bumper, it looks like you may be able to just replace the passenger side chrome part. **edit: the bit of fender flare/mud flap thing comes off easily so really you would just need the aforementioned side plate.** I've looked under mine and the whole thing seems to be easy enough to bolt on/off. Of course, none of this matters if the rest of your rear bumper is jacked too.

And ditto on less expensive (<$500) options for rear/front bumpers. Any input there from the crowd would be appreciated...

 

[AddictedOffroad]

I'm kind of in the same boat in that my rear bumper on my 98 limited got hit the other day. In trying to find another bumper, I've found that there's 3 parts to the whole assembly. On your rear bumper, it looks like you may be able to just replace the passenger side chrome part. **edit: the bit of fender flare/mud flap thing comes off easily so really you would just need the aforementioned side plate.** I've looked under mine and the whole thing seems to be easy enough to bolt on/off. Of course, none of this matters if the rest of your rear bumper is jacked too.

And ditto on less expensive (<$500) options for rear/front bumpers. Any input there from the crowd would be appreciated...

Here you go: $449
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/addicted-offroad/92605-addicted-offroad-bumper-armor-july-blowout.html

My rear bumper will be available soon as well.

 

[Geolander]

And ditto on less expensive (<$500) options for rear/front bumpers. Any input there from the crowd would be appreciated...

I know Addicted Offroad makes some inexpensive bumpers. $449 for the front. They make a rear as well, but it's not on their website. I'm just not a fan of the tube-style bumpers.

*Edit* whoops, got ninja'd by the man himself

 

[michael833]

Dang. Didn't know Stevie Wonder's Runner was for sale.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

also:

>mfw those bumpers

 

[Geolander]

Well, it's a moot point now. Went back for a second look and a mechanic check and the seller had "lost" all of the service records and the original title. Parts of their story didn't check out either - I asked where in Texas they had lived since the carfax showed dealer service there and I have family in Dallas, and they replied with Houston...the car had been serviced regularly in Dallas. They also claimed that Houston was not humid (hah!). She also had no idea how to engage the 4wd - though in SoCal that's not necessarily uncommon.

I ran away quickly after that...

Back to the hunt!

 

[michael833]

They also claimed that Houston was not humid.

I ran away quickly after that...

i would have too. after backhanding them.

 

[Hepar]

I think that's a good call. A person who treats the outside like that probably doesn't care to treat the inside that well either.

 

[Geolander]

I think that's a good call. A person who treats the outside like that probably doesn't care to treat the inside that well either.

Actually, the inside was phenomenal...it was really strange, because yeah, after seeing the exterior in person, I expected the interior to be shot. But it was actually some of the best leather I've seen yet in a 4runner of that age.

i would have too. after backhanding them.

The conversation went something like:

Me: So, you lived in Texas for a while. Where in Texas? (I'd forgotten where in Texas it said on the carfax)

Her: (pause) Uh, Houston.

Me: Hm, Houston. It gets pretty humid around there...you ever have any problems with rust or anything because of that?

Her: No, it's very nice in Houston. Not humid at all. Lots of good cars from there.

Me: ...

 

[Hepar]

I more meant the engine and general service of the vehicle, but that's interesting for sure.

 

[Geolander]

I more meant the engine and general service of the vehicle, but that's interesting for sure.

Yeah, who knows about the engine and such. Carfax records showed regular dealer service for the first 3-4 years or so, then nothing but inspections. I had no idea what had been done with it since, but the "I have all service records" was a big bonus. When they turned out to not have them, that killed the deal.

 

[Socco]

That repair to the rear bumper is AWESOME! Quite the skilled craftsman with the spray bomb :artist: Does he know that paint comes in more than one silver? Would have less noticeable if he left it alone.

 

[Socco]

My rear bumper will be available soon as well.

...Waiting patiently....

 

[T4R2014]

I personally think the chrome is tougher. If you want to install the chrome then get a rear bumper for a 96-98 Limited and the front bumper for a 00-02 SR5 that had sport flares since these should have the holes for the wider flares.