JBD's '97 Sunfire Red SR5 T4R
- Thread starter jbrentd
- Start date
jbrentd
New member
After reaching out to the previous owner to ask some questions, it looks like I'll be ordering a TB/WP kit sometime soon. He indicated that he did not have it done while he owned it.
On a related note, I guess he regrets selling it and I think I made it worse by sending a recent pic after the lift kit was installed. :nod:
On a related note, I guess he regrets selling it and I think I made it worse by sending a recent pic after the lift kit was installed. :nod:
jbrentd
New member
I had some free time this afternoon and thought I would pull the flares off to inspect the condition of the paint underneath. And so I could dip the chrome strips (for another day). All looked good underneath. I'm torn on whether or not to leave them off. Gave her a bath too...
I noticed there's a decent amount of dis-coloration on the bumper right above the exhaust pipe. I tried to hit it with some steel wool, but it didn't phase it. I'm open to suggestions if you have any.
I noticed there's a decent amount of dis-coloration on the bumper right above the exhaust pipe. I tried to hit it with some steel wool, but it didn't phase it. I'm open to suggestions if you have any.
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96BladeRunner
Banned
Love the build so far! Just wondering how the rust is on your 4runner as its from Wichita because I have a fair amount of rust on the frame from 16 Kansas winters. They love to use a lot of salt on the roads there lol. Oh and I have that same issue on my bumper from the exhaust except my spot is a lot bigger. Ill just end up buying a new OEM bumper to get rid of that and the tiny rust spots on it.
jbrentd
New member
Thanks! No rust on any of the body panels or bumpers (that I’ve seen so far). There’s a little surface rust on the rear axle.
I did run across some rusted up bolts this weekend when I removed my front bumper to paint it. It was the bolts that hold the top and bottom sections together.
Road Bull
Senior Member
Looking good! I like how your 4runner is looking without the skinny flares. I know you have plans to dip and reinstall the flares, but I think it looks pretty tough and to the point without. I am sure it will look good either way.
And having a good floor mat before winter hits gives you some nice piece of mind for sure.
And having a good floor mat before winter hits gives you some nice piece of mind for sure.
jbrentd
New member
Thanks. I put 5 coats on the flares and front bumper yesterday. Will probably do a couple more before bolting everything back on.
jbrentd
New member
Rather than masking off the entire back end of the truck, I decided to remove the whole bumper. I started out trying to remove it in sections, but several bolts were giving me trouble. Had to use my butane torch to get a couple to break free. So, it came off in one piece.
I think I might do the hitch flip mod while I have it off and prior to painting it. But I’m reluctant to do permanent mods like that.
I think I might do the hitch flip mod while I have it off and prior to painting it. But I’m reluctant to do permanent mods like that.
jbrentd
New member
I feel pretty lucky and thankful today. I put my charger on the 4Runner last night, like I’ve done on so many vehicles before. When go out to the garage this morning, I was hit with a strong burning smell and see the battery is literally smoking! Only thing I can figure is the charger has gone bad and doesn’t trickle charge anymore.
Looks like I’ll be in the market for a new charger and battery.
Looks like I’ll be in the market for a new charger and battery.
jbrentd
New member
Got a few things done to the 4Runner since I've been off work. Painted the chrome bumpers and chrome flares, blacked out the rear emblems, added a TRD sticker to the rear quarter panels, and installed an iPhone mount on the dash.
And I got one of these for Christmas. It's got Homelink, compass and temp. Will try to install this week sometime.
And I got one of these for Christmas. It's got Homelink, compass and temp. Will try to install this week sometime.
jbrentd
New member
So, I’ve had all of the wiring done for the new rearview mirror for a while. But it’s been pretty cold lately and I think the temps have been my issue with trying to mount the mirror to the windshield. After three tries and three install kits, I gave up and paid $15 for a pro to do the install.
Loving the new mirror though!
Loving the new mirror though!
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jbrentd
New member
Weather was nice this weekend, so a few of our cars got baths.
Here's a comparison shot of when I bought her and now.
I also bypassed the rear heater core this afternoon. Hopefully, I did it correctly. I used the two existing lines. The end of the return line from the rear heater core is now connected to the supply line to the right of the heater control valve.
Here's a comparison shot of when I bought her and now.
I also bypassed the rear heater core this afternoon. Hopefully, I did it correctly. I used the two existing lines. The end of the return line from the rear heater core is now connected to the supply line to the right of the heater control valve.
4Runner4Leon
Senior Member
Me too! And unless I missed it, I didn't see a description of prep or paint for the bumpers - share!
jbrentd
New member
jbrentd
New member
Thanks. As for prep, they were removed, cleaned and rubbed down with alcohol. I went with plasti-dip, since I wasn’t sure how I’d like it. If it doesn’t last, I’ll sand, prime and paint.
Really glad I removed them, even though it was a PITA. I was able to clean up some bolts that were pretty rusty. And the paint coverage is better with them off.
