Improving 1st Gen - ideas, what do you have?

[platonicbomb]

I picked up an '86 T4R. Needs new wheels (I have new 31" Cooper AT3s to mount). Not looking to lift. Has a small bit of rust on rear left panel so may get fiberglass panel.

May paint - color ideas? I like red but then again dark green, or something out of the ordinary.

It's my first 1st Gen, figured this group would have a few ideas!

 

[fourwd1]

Moving from For Sale section to 1st/2nd Gen section.

 

[Griswald]

maybe throw some old school decals on her if you decide to paint

Toyota Stripes and Decals - Discontinued factory stripe kits, logos, graphics and decals.

 

[Th3B3an]

Get some new mirrors, those things don't look so great imo

 

[Jeffy]

My first step would be to get an alignment/ fix that crazy tire wear :shocked:

 

[platonicbomb]

Thanks! Yes already bought 31" tires to replace the 28" and wheels as well. Completely agree re: mirrors. Did they have another type that year?

And I will paint it. Looking around the site for photos of Gen1 paint jobs to get ideas.

 

[Melrose 4r]

Congrats on the purchase!

1) new tires
2) roadworthyness test to be ready for summer.
3) Soft top!

Put up some more photos. I love seeing relatively rust free first gens.

How many miles? did you buy it locally?

 

[Quatre Coureur]

I would paint it the original color.

 

[old87yota]

That is a pretty clean 4Runner!

Its definitely time for new tires and an alignment.

Some people love those "farm truck" mirrors and some do not. I think they are good for better visibility but don't look as nice as the smaller mirrors. Both came stock from the factory.

Just Google "1986 Toyota 4Runner" under images and you will see the smaller type of mirror that came stock.

 

[Dropzone]

My first step would be to get an alignment/ fix that crazy tire wear :shocked:

that tire wear is bad.

go through the front end, bet you need TRE, Ball joints, brakes, bearings etc

 

[BigSquints]

If I were you I would go ahead and replace the outer weather strip on the rear window if it’s not in great shape. And spend some time greasing in the tailgate. Also make sure the window wiper in the back has little to no play. It’ll keep the glass from working right. As far as paint goes I love a greyish blue. That’s what mine will be.

 

[Ohoktimmyg]

That is a pretty clean 4Runner!

Its definitely time for new tires and an alignment.

Some people love those "farm truck" mirrors and some do not. I think they are good for better visibility but don't look as nice as the smaller mirrors. Both came stock from the factory.

Just Google "1986 Toyota 4Runner" under images and you will see the smaller type of mirror that came stock.

I think the only issue with this is the lower mirror arm bracket will remain on the door or at the very least the threads will be there.

I like those mirrors they're cool

 

[Wanderinglost]

Congrats on your purchase! I also just bought a first gen 4runner and have spent the last few weeks tinkering with it. I agree that the first thing you should do is make sure that all of the routine maintenance is up to date. First gen 4runners apparently like to rust so it would be a good idea to spend some time looking around underneath for any problem areas, also check underneath the battery too. As far as improvements go I have replaced the transmission and transfer case oil (manual) with Redline MT90 and it made a HUGE difference. I also replaced the shocks with Bilstein, also big difference over the stock ones.

The battery that the original owner put in my 4runner was from Walmart and was apparently for a Honda. I managed to pick up a new 100AH group 48 AGM battery for $110 and although it is not the correct size it seems to fit nicely and has much more capacity than what I had.

I plan on driving the thing for a while to see if it is capable of doing what I need as is before I spend a ton of time and money on upgrades that I may not even need

 

[Blind Cleric]

Depending on how large the rusty area is I would probably just patch it.

My favorite colors for the 1st generations are the stock silver, followed by black and then blue. Good luck with it and keep us posted.

 

[platonicbomb]

sold... got another!

Thanks all for your suggestions! Yes, it needed a new front end. I sold it for what I had in it. Now I have another '86... same seller (I bought 2 at once, just took delivery of 2nd). It has no problems on front end. No A/C though! Should have stripped a few things before selling it.

The 2nd truck has 267K. Transmission was changed from automatic to stick.

This one has a much stronger engine. Only problem is power going up hills. I can get it to 70 but it takes a lot of pedal.

Rear window control doesn't work, but I think it's just a wire that needs plugged in.

Question: since the transmission was switched, is there any point treating it like a collectible? Choosing original paint options for instance? I was thinking about going with the "quicksand" color + white top.

WHere can I find a portfolio of paint schemes?

 

[Dropzone]

The 2nd truck has 267K. Transmission was changed from automatic to stick.

This one has a much stronger engine. Only problem is power going up hills. I can get it to 70 but it takes a lot of pedal.

Rear window control doesn't work, but I think it's just a wire that needs plugged in.

You can do 70 up hill? Call that a win and be happy!

Rear window:
Start with Roger Brown's trouble shooting page
4Runner Rear Window Cheap Tricks

 

[fendall]

Cup holder

I found a cup holder attachment on eBay that someone has manufactured. Mounts onto existing screws and sits right behind the 4wd shifter. If you've driven a 1st gen as a daily driver you know how nice this is.

 

[xmindbender]

I would find and hoard some POR15 zinc oxide, strip off all the trim and treat the whole thing for rust then coat... it is creeping elsewhere... guarantee it. I'm talking inside wheel wells (from interior), frame and everything... especially if the top is coming off. You can get panels welded in to patch the rust... the sooner the better. The POR15 will disrupt the oxidation process and give you some time.


I have an '89 that is rust free and I will be doing the same. No sense waiting for the cancer to show its ugly head elsewhere. Ck out the windshield seals... mine are not good. I like 235/75r15's or 30x9.5 max but use what you got. mpg and low-end torque will suffer...whether or not that is an issue... personal choice.

Since mine is completely stock and with 109k... I am going to keep it that way with a few functional upgrades along the way like stereo system and a 3.4 once the 3slow is done.