Fightman's Build Thread

fightman80 said:
Alright, so small update:

I got the truck back... rear hatch was repaired properly, and the shop took care of the little bit of rust I had around the windshield.

At first, when I arrived to pick up the 4Runner, I wasn't too happy. I found that when they did the blow in (term used when spraying in paint to match old paint), they chose not to go up over the roof, and thus, a paint line was very noticeable. Also, when they removed the windshield to do the repair, and ultimately put it back... the rubber trim piece was all crooked.. FML!

I dealt with the paint shop first, and had them buff out the paint line. It's still noticeable, but only to a trained eye.... I'm pretty picky when it comes to paint and body work.... lol!

The next thing I did, was bring the truck back to the windshield shop, before paying them for any work they did. I had it scheduled for today, and they removed the entire windshield again, and put on another rubber trim piece. It looks alot better.... but still not perfect.... oh well...

I'm not sure if it's just me, or what... but this 4Runner just doesn't seem to like being worked on! lol! Every shop I've brought this thing to, has issues of some sort with it! I've even had my share of turmoils with it, when doing repairs.... the darn truck just doesn't like being tampered with! lol!
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I've come to the conclusion that Evergreen Pearl is a cursed color. I have learn ed to deal with it.
 
Well, today the 4Runner hit a little milestone.....

308031_10151237268655020_1298588559_n.jpg~original


200 000km's on the ODO.... or 160 000 miles for my neighbors to the South!
 
Not really an update... but while trying to fix my brakes today, I thought I'd snap this pic of the clearance I get with my 4Runner in my garage... lol!

30755_10151244423230020_848662280_n.jpg~original


It's a little snug.... lol!
 
Fightman's Oily Mess

So, I've been on here for a few years now... and have always advocated the use of recycled Motor oil for rust proofing my vehicles.

Today, my dad and I set up the old plastic tarp, rolled a total of 4 trucks on it, and sprayed the undercarriages and inner body panels with the black/brown stuff.

Now, before any of you chime in saying that it's messy, gross, and ask "Why would you do this??" lol.... Living in North Eastern Ontario Canada, the use of Road Salt plays havoc on sheet metal and undercarriage components. I've been doing this since 1998, and have NEVER had any issues with "acidic oil, eating my rubber bushings" or any other issues at all, other than having a dirty truck for a few weeks.

Now, on to the pics!

Here's the truck rolled up on the tarp:

2012-10-18112144.jpg~original


Here's a shot of one of the many holes drilled in the sheet metal in order to access inner portions of doors, rocker panels and such:

2012-10-18112157.jpg~original


(Note: the holes are later plugged with rubber caps)

Here's some shots of the chasis and other components sprayed:

2012-10-18112213.jpg~original


2012-10-18112218.jpg~original


Seepage.... lol!

2012-10-18112226.jpg~original


2012-10-18112236.jpg~original


The spray gun I use:

2012-10-18112256.jpg~original


All done!

2012-10-18114012.jpg~original


This process involves removing the corner lenses on the front, and spraying inside the fenders.... it's messy, but my 98 4Runner would NOT be in as good of shape if I did not do this every year..... ;)
 
One word to describe this process: dedication. This undertaking alone would have had me headed south long ago.

I guess the Tacoma received the same treatment then?
 
Hepar said:
Nice work. My only question is why would you live in an area where that's necessary?!?!
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Gun Control laws??? lol! Seriously though.... It's where I was born and raised man.... why move away from all my family and friends.... we pride ourselves on our ability to tough through bad weather conditions! lol! Besides.... it's not that bad... at least we still get a summer! ;)

LittleCaesar said:
One word to describe this process: dedication. This undertaking alone would have had me headed south long ago.

I guess the Tacoma received the same treatment then?
Click to expand...

I've done this process with my 89 Celebrity, 95 Monte Carlo, my 4Runner, 04 Impala, and yes.... the 05 Tacoma... lol!

I've also done my dad's 2011 F-150, his 05 Avalanche, his 81 Chevy Half Ton, and my Grandfather's 2004 Extended cab, 2500 Diesel pickup.
 
Nah man.... hatch is fully functional. THere are only 2 marks on the hatch where the rubber buffers sit, other than that.... no negative effect at all... I've had it built for a few years now.
 
The headlight "Decals" are not decals. They were clear lens covers that I masked out and painted with Color matched paint. I ditched that setup a while back.

As for the tire Carrier, if you scan through the pics in my build thread or the Tire Carrier build, you'll see that it does NOT impede the use of the rear hatch. That was the entire reason I built it as a fold down, as I swing out carrier would have been a lot more complicated to build properly, and I didn't want a huge "latch" stopping me from opening my hatch.

Overall, I'm very happy with the tire carrier, it does block some of the view out of the rear window, but at least my spare is no longer under the truck, being caked with Road debris and salt.
 
Can't wait to see the next mod! That oil coating is some serious dedication man. I thought I it was messy when I got under my truck with the wire brush and sandpaper so I could Bedliner the whole frame and undercoat the rest! Whatever it takes to keep the Runners going I guess haha! Truck looks awesome man keep it up.
 
Alright, so I guess it's been a while since I updated this with a promise for that little mod.... still haven't got it done yet. Been working a ton, and basically worked myself into sickness... now fighting a lung infection... lol!

I'm hoping to get it done on Monday... but I'll be completely honest here, I'm nearing the end of my mods for this truck, so don't get too excited about any new mods. lol! The biggest stuff I had planned for this truck are done, and now just looking to enjoy driving it.

Driving it, is something I do 50% of the time.... which is when I'm not driving the 05 Taco. I can say this though, after owning and driving both, the 05 Taco seems to have better brakes than the 4Runner. That being said... I prefer the ride of the 4Runner. It seems to be smoother on the highway, as I think the Taco has some axle wrap going on.

The TAco is alot quicker though.... that 200hp is a huge difference off the line, but 4Runner seems to shift smoother??? lol!

Anyway, Mod should be posted Monday, but like I said... it's gonna be something small. I'll give you a hint though.... it covers 2/8 of a part of the truck, and should make a big difference in the appearance of the truck.

Any guesses??? ;)
 
I might have missed it in the build thread.Did you do the brake upgrade? I saw that you did not like the stopping power. I dont know if it's just me or not I did the upgrade and am sorry that i waited so long to do it. it makes a world of diffrence when towing my jet ski, small bass boat or my pop up trailer. even when it's just me... like i said if you did not do it yet dont wait any longer. I think you and i already had the chat about keeping the chrome stuff on yer truk so i wont get on you about that.... I'm still waiting for my bumpers to arrive... 3 months now....
oh well.
 
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