Info Needed after repair

[Smitty1]

Hey Guys

Well I finally got my 4 Runner repaired after an accident with the trailer - they had to replace the whole rear gate - everything looks great except I noticed last weekend when I was washing it - there is a gap between the plastic and the metal – the black part where the Toyota symbol and 4 runner name is – just wondering if that is normal – I did not notice this before the truck was "fixed" - can someone check there's and let me know if there is a rubber gasket or something in this area?

I could actually see daylight when I look into the gap - so both the top and bottom are not tight to the metal.

I live in Canada - so I am worried about road salt and water getting in there and rusting the gate out.

Here is a pic - I stuck a business card in the space.

thanks for your help
Paul

 

[terminator]

Though mine is a Limited, a card will go in maybe 1/8" before it hits a gasket called "handle panel seal" number 2

 

[westwind77]

can someone check there's and let me know if there is a rubber gasket or something in this area?

As pointed out there is a black gasket that goes in there.... I had a 'mishap' and have to replace that entire 4R chrome 'structure' on mine (no damage to the tailgate though). My local body shop had a very hard time getting the top part (Toyota symbol) to clip into place, actually gave it back to me with a lot bigger gap than yours! One of 3 things:

1) They did not realize they missed a part and it was an honest mistake
2) They had a hard time getting to to 'click' into place so they removed the gasket to give them the extra room so it could snap.
3) They realized after they installed it they forgot a piece and hoped you would not notice

I ended up removing the rear gate panel, disassembling their work and fixing it myself. It a real PIA to get that top piece to secure where it should (as they could not seem to do). There is just a little white plastic insert on the back of the Toyota symbol that has to extend into the gate and 'snap' into place. I had to apply a LOT of force to get it to secure!

I have photos of everything...but on my home computer. Best of luck!

 

[Smitty1]

Thanks guys - this was all done threw an insurance claim - so I am going to get them to fix this properly - the dealership has been good to deal with - so hopefully they will make it right.

I will keep you posted on how I make out.

thanks again
Paul

 

[Smitty1]

Hey Guys

Well I spoke with the dealer and they claim they have one in stock and it appears to look the same – this is for drainage he told me…that sounds a little “fishy” that the drainage would actually go into the rear gate – I told him I would be in to compare – he kept telling me its normal – no need to compare.

I will keep you posted on my findings – thanks for all your help

Smitty

 

[terminator]

Hey Guys

Well I spoke with the dealer and they claim they have one in stock and it appears to look the same – this is for drainage he told me…that sounds a little “fishy” that the drainage would actually go into the rear gate – I told him I would be in to compare – he kept telling me its normal – no need to compare.

I will keep you posted on my findings – thanks for all your help

Smitty

My Limited is definitely sealed across the top... per the diagram

 

[Will733]

this is for drainage he told me

:lmao:
I love the cheasy lines they come up with once you catch something wrong. There should be a seperate thread dedicated to all the bad lines we've heard from bad cover-up attempts like this.

 

[philsey]

Hey Guys

Well I spoke with the dealer and they claim they have one in stock and it appears to look the same – this is for drainage he told me…that sounds a little “fishy” that the drainage would actually go into the rear gate – I told him I would be in to compare – he kept telling me its normal – no need to compare.

I will keep you posted on my findings – thanks for all your help

Smitty

Sounds fishy to me too, so I just went down to my garage and checked mine - with a flashlight and business card.

Your dealer is full of it! There in NO gap on mine, and I couldn't even force the corner of a card under it. Drainage, my azz! What a load!

 

[philsey]

:lmao:
I love the cheasy lines they come up with once you catch something wrong. There should be a seperate thread dedicated to all the bad lines we've heard from bad cover-up attempts like this.

Here's yer sign...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/72024-my-dealer-says.html

 

[westwind77]

:lmao:
I love the cheasy lines they come up with once you catch something wrong. There should be a seperate thread dedicated to all the bad lines we've heard from bad cover-up attempts like this.

That threat actually EXISTS!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/72024-my-dealer-says.html

 

[philsey]

– he kept telling me its normal – no need to compare.

Smitty

/Obi Wan - waving hand/

"You don't need to come in to compare".

 

[Will733]

Here's yer sign...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/72024-my-dealer-says.html

That thread actually EXISTS!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/72024-my-dealer-says.html

Oh yeah, forgot that thread. I guess this can be added as a new favorite... You gotta admit it was pretty clever of that guy to come up with the "drainage function" on the spot like that. Sounds like a pretty important benefit, to prevent all that water from gathering on top which could possibly lead to creating water spots. Maybe Smitty should tell the repair guy that Toyota should do a recall so we can all have this great drainage feature.

 

[tempus6]

Smitty, where in Canada are you located?

 

[Smitty1]

I am near Ottawa, Ontario

I am going to the dealership tonight - I will let you know how it goes.

thanks guys

Smitty

 

[Smitty1]

Hey Guys

Well I went in last night to the dealership and surprise surprise - the business card would not fit into the new 4 runner they had there - he seemed shocked saying "it fit yesterday"....sure it did.

So we looked at my vehicle - he did agree it was a big gap and he said they could try to tighten it up - but when the weather is warmer - since the plastic might break in the cold (it was -10 out).

He still claimed it was for drainage...what a guy - I said I want it fixed like the new one - please put the gasket in.

I might go to another dealership and get it fixed right - what a place.

Thanks for all your help on this.

Smitty

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I actually looked at mine yesterday and I have a gap on mine on both sides and its never been wrecked I could probably fit 2 maybe 3 business cards in mine.

 

[westwind77]

Hey Guys

Well I went in last night to the dealership and surprise surprise - the business card would not fit into the new 4 runner they had there - he seemed shocked saying "it fit yesterday"....sure it did.

So we looked at my vehicle - he did agree it was a big gap and he said they could try to tighten it up - but when the weather is warmer - since the plastic might break in the cold (it was -10 out).

He still claimed it was for drainage...what a guy - I said I want it fixed like the new one - please put the gasket in.

I might go to another dealership and get it fixed right - what a place.

Thanks for all your help on this.

Smitty

WOW!!! Run far, Run fast! I know taking it to another dealer, that you did not purchase it from, can be a PIA sometimes. If you are honest with them they most likely will do the job right and happily knowing they most likely will gain you are a customer from now on. I am shocked this joker claimed it was for 'drainage' again, I think someone put some drainage holes in his head! Personally I would speak to the manager/owner of the dealership, explain to him how you are insulted by the pathetic attempt at a lie so they do not have to fix their mistakes. I would be a wise arse, ask him with a strait face if maybe my high beam fluid being low has something with the emblem not fitting, and if he did not pick up on that one I would keep going until he did. People like him is what gives dealers bad names, not all are like that, hence why I said take it to the owner. In this economy bad word of mouth about a dealer hurts, every single sale counts....end rant!