Eugene13's 1984 4runner Build Thread

[Eugene13]

Big Moves!!

Made some very good progress on the tire carrier today! Finished sanding and grinding up the other bracket. Drilled the remaining holes.

Then was the big moment, drilling into the sheet metal. This was nerve racking to say the least, didn't wanna mess this up!

Then got some temporary hardware and mounted everything.

Made sure to not stress the sheet metal in any way as I don't have any internal bracing, which is the next step. After that it just comes to the latching mechanism and giving a good coat of paint! Coming together better than I expected! :bigok:

 

[Eugene13]

Decided to tackle building a center console today. Had the weekend free and found some 1/2 plywood, so why not try? Started out by making a template out of cardboard. Knew I wanted a real nice high armrest, good storage, places for my switches, usb/12v outlets, and 2 cupholders to fit 32oz Hydroflasks.

Built the storage box, padded the armrest with some foam and leftover canvas. The empty hole is where I plan to put an ABS plate with my usb/12v power.

Then started building the cupholders. (I'm making this in three separate pieces to make everything easier). These are wider than the storage box on account of trying to fit the flasks side by side. Cut the top out with a jigsaw then boxed the rest in. This piece will not be bolted in to make taking it out and cleaning it easier.

Then came the bezel which was the easiest part to build, but the hardest to cut the holes for the switches.

Not finished however. I gave it a nice sanding to take down an abrasions but I plan to wrap it with either vinyl or felt. Should be done next weekend with the wrapping and the ABS plate with the electronics.:artist:

 

[Eugene13]

Finally got around the wrapping the center console. Just used black vinyl that I got at Hobby Lobby while they were having a sale. I'm gonna clean it up a little bit in the meantime.

 

[OzSurf]

That center console came up sweet! Good job.

Did you end up getting the tire carrier finished?

 

[Eugene13]

[MENTION=57873]OzSurf[/MENTION] Thanks! and no, I have been busy at school and my dad has been busy at work. Its on the back burner at this point. I wanted to try to get it done by a big bear trip I'm taking next week but I just don't think it'll happen.

 

[Eugene13]

Hinges are done! (hopefully)

THE HARD PART IS OVER! Today we finished the plates that will sandwich the sheet metal. These are 4 separate plates that go on both sides of an internal brace in the rear quarter panel. They are threaded so no need for nuts to hold it in but we may put a nylock nut just for safety.

Bottom hinge:

(This top bolt was too long so I trimmed it about 1/2")

Top Hinge:

I then found a 1/16" piece of rubber to put in between the sheet metal and the hinges to act as a gasket and not to scratch the paint.

Overall it seems very strong. The original plan was to create more bracing that would come off the inside plates like an "L" and then sandwich that inner brace. But now I'm not sure that its necessary as it seems plenty strong. What do you guys think?

 

[Eugene13]

Here's more pics of the tire carrier when its hung up. Didn't want to add the tire yet as I'm not done with the bracing yet.

Got nice and close with the latch! Thought I was going to have to us a spacer, but I don't think so now.

 

[Eugene13]

Got it all together and super happy with the way it turned out! Finished all the internal bracing in the taillight housing. I'm gonna add more bracing on the tailgate as its a little too flimsy for my liking. All I need to do now is take it all back apart and give it a nice coat of gloss back paint!:dancin:

 

[Chuckles89]

That looks great! Nice work! Please post some pictures of the inside after you finished!

 

[Eugene13]

[MENTION=97483]Chuckles89[/MENTION] Thanks! Will most likely post tomorrow when I take them apart to paint them.

 

[Redthies]

That looks awesome Eugene! Very OEM look to it. Carrier was off a Pathfinder, no?

 

[Eugene13]

[MENTION=155990]Redthies[/MENTION] Thank you! That was the goal. And yes I got it off an early 90s pathfinder from a junkyard, like this.

And here's pictures of the inside bracing.

Inside taillight top:

Inside taillight bottom:

Inside quarter panel top:

Inside quarter panel bottom

And the inside of the tail gate is just a 2"x6"x1/4" piece of steel bent to the contour of the tailgate.

The paint is currently drying on the carrier and I still need to do some finishing touches on the hinges like sanding and filling pit holes.

 

[Redthies]

[MENTION=155990]Redthies[/MENTION] Thank you! That was the goal. And yes I got it off an early 90s pathfinder from a junkyard, like this.

At least Nissan did SOMETHING useful!

 

[Dropzone]

Nice job! Tight fit getting stuff up inside the corner isn't it?

 

[Eugene13]

[MENTION=155990]Redthies[/MENTION] :lmao: I actually like these old pathfinders, really clean ones are hard to come by but they're nice when I see one.
[MENTION=101372]Dropzone[/MENTION] Thanks! And yes it took really carefully planning and trial and error for everything to cooperate together in there

 

[Eugene13]

Well with the tire carrier the rear is now sagging from the weight and I was thinking of ways to fix this. Would say a rear 1" block work? 1.5"? Has anyone had experience with this before?

 

[Redthies]

Well with the tire carrier the rear is now sagging from the weight and I was thinking of ways to fix this. Would say a rear 1" block work? 1.5"? Has anyone had experience with this before?

People do the “zuk” mod which seems to consist of putting a coil spring between the frame and leaf spring. This seems to be the accepted way to deal with sagging rears, instead of putting appropriate leaves in... A 1” block might work, but I believe people seem to blame broken leaves on lift blocks.

 

[NG51T]

Nice looking build!

 

[Chuckles89]

From what I've seen, stock 3rd gen 4Runner rear springs work great for the ZUK mod

 

[4runner_kid]

Tire swing out came out trick.