putting a bed in a runner

[uzibear]

i'm looking to buy a 4runner right now (most likely 1st gen, though 2nd and 3rd are possible - my budget TOPS OUT at $8k, though it would make me supremely happy to spend much less). i really want to learn to work on it myself, and start building a tools-cabinet etc. ok, that's beside the point, but one of the main reasons to get a runner is that i want to build a bed in the back. i'm out climging eveyr weekend, and i want to sleep in my runner comfortably. the main question i have is: are the rear seats removable? and if so, will i still have some metal moutning brackets or something bolted to the floor?? the bed would basically be a platform maybe a foot high or so with a mattress on top. under the platform i'd construct two cabinets on wheels that would roll in and out for storage. on top i also have a roof-box, or whatever you call it that will provide extra storage. the 1st gen is also intriguing because it could be much easier to get this thing in with the top off, not to mention with the tailgate coming down (i really need that), it provides more of a platform to pull the cabinets out.

thoughts??

 

[Gryphon]

I would suggest a nice 1st gen for what you want. The top comes off! (at least thats why I want one!)

The seats fold down in my 2nd gen. They would also come out easily enough.

Sleeping in a Runner is ok if you are alone; there really is not enought room to be comfy with two in there. I find mine REALLY lacking on headroom. If you were to build the drawer-under bed I think you would find the headroom VERY scarce. I cannot sit up in mine without anything in there.

I am thinking of one of those SUV tents instead...that and the condensation really builds up inside there overnight, especially in the cold.

I toss an inflatable mattress back there myself. This seems to work the best. If I were to build anything in, I would just do a drawer insert. I find also that (at least with the wife and kids along) I need a roof rack really bad as the rear space is just not enough. Climbing gear would take considerably less space than lawn chairs and coolers, but still: space is space.

BTW: there is a CHERRY 1st gen at the local Toyota dealer for 5k

 

[uzibear]

I would suggest a nice 1st gen for what you want. The top comes off! (at least thats why I want one!)

The seats fold down in my 2nd gen. They would also come out easily enough.

Sleeping in a Runner is ok if you are alone; there really is not enought room to be comfy with two in there. I find mine REALLY lacking on headroom. If you were to build the drawer-under bed I think you would find the headroom VERY scarce. I cannot sit up in mine without anything in there.

I am thinking of one of those SUV tents instead...that and the condensation really builds up inside there overnight, especially in the cold.

I toss an inflatable mattress back there myself. This seems to work the best. If I were to build anything in, I would just do a drawer insert. I find also that (at least with the wife and kids along) I need a roof rack really bad as the rear space is just not enough. Climbing gear would take considerably less space than lawn chairs and coolers, but still: space is space.

BTW: there is a CHERRY 1st gen at the local Toyota dealer for 5k

thanks. which toyota deeler man?? what are the specs, link??? don't leave me hanging yo yes, i see your point. that might be best. i need to take a good long look inside a first gen. i've got a roof-box as well, so i'll be pretty darn good for storage. one of the reasons to do the platform is to get the mattress ABOVE the wheel-wells (which i assume stick in on both sides). that would give a lot more space width-wize. i'm a rather large fellow though thankfully my wife is tiny

i need to check one out.

 

[Gryphon]

It is in Kalispell Montana, at Glacier Toyota.
No rust that I could see, but I didn't crawl under it. The pic makes it look like there is a little on the running board by the rear wheelwell...I've not gotten close to that side if it yet.

I can go look at it if you want me to tho, not a problem.

http://www.glaciertoyota.com/
http://www.glaciertoyota.com/used.html

 

[uzibear]

did you mention mileage?

 

[Gryphon]

1987 Toyota 4 Runner (5P58) 4x4, 2 Door , 5 Speed Gray 130,349 miles
$5,999

From their website link

 

[uzibear]

1987 Toyota 4 Runner (5P58) 4x4, 2 Door , 5 Speed Gray 130,349 miles
$5,999

From their website link

that is low. i still think that's seriously overpriced for any vehicle that old, though

 

[Gryphon]

I agree on the price. It is a nice ride tho. There are some others about too. I may go down there this weekend and "play" with the sales staff just to drive it

 

[uzibear]

i think the front range might well be the #1 spot to find a 1st gen runner these days. no salt so less rust, and they were quite popular so there are a bunch, respectively. i came from socal and you pretty much can find any used car you want. here, it's not quite like that, but for what i'm looking for, it's perfect. i'm going to bide my time. i must sell atleast one car first because i don't want to take out a loan to buy a runner. i haven't mentioned it but i'm actually selling two cars: one is a 95 subaru legacy wagon with 84k miles (oh yeah, rather cherry barring some rust on the bottom-new hampshire originally), and a 94 ford explorer 2wd. both were gifts. the subaru from my wife's grandma and the ford from my dad (yes, i know i'm a lucky sob ). funny, cuz both of them have features i want. hehe. in fact, i'm basically combining the best parts of both in getting a runner. the awd on the subaru is great, but it's too cramped to sleep in and it's got very little clearence for off road. the ford is nice to sleep in and lots of clearance, but it's a freaking 2wd! and i can't have that here (rear wheel drive on ice with no weight in the back is nasty!). boulder doesn't get much snow, but we get these nasty "slush storms' that freezes at night- i think you catch my drift. the subaru is perfect for that, but it doesn't meet my other needs! and both my wife and i take the bus regularly so i most certainly don't need two cars. it's rather funny. subarus are so populare here and you can't find one with nearly that low miles, so it's in high demand. i've got the price pretty high right now at $6500, have had some calls, but no visits. i might drop it to $6000, but patience is my middle name the explorer will be a bear to sell here in front range, so i'll sell it on ebay when the time comes. got to sell the subaru first though, cuz i need a vehicle (explorere) to drive while i'm looking for mrs. right-runner and the subaru is already up for sale. glad i did a runs-till-it-sells add!! hehe. autotrader hates me. i have them doing revisions all the time

so it goes like this:
1. sell subaru
2. find and buy runner
3. sell explorer

ps: mike_d is THE MAN and has offered to help me find a runner and avoid getting scammed. thanks man! there are a couple nice looking 1st gen 22RE's up for sale now in the $2k price range. i'm really eager to sell the subaru. heck, maybe i'll even buy one first if i find a great deal. hehe. have 3 cars for awhile.

ps: i need a great toyota mechanic in the area. doesn't have to be too close-must be well-priced and dead honest.

 

[mike_d]

ps: i need a great toyota mechanic in the area. doesn't have to be too close-must be well-priced and dead honest.

tim's toy shop in longmont. a bit on the expensive side: $72/hour. but they're honest and do great work. never had a problem with them.

 

[uzibear]

to bring up an old one; i'm still thinking about this, though college plans and money issues have got in the way a tad. so; if anyone can offer any further advice, i'm all ears. getting the title for my subaru (don't know if i've mentioned this horrible experience) has taken 6 months and we should have it soon. then i can sell my subaru. don't need to buy a car asap because i can do well without one in boulder with the bus. i can take my time and be selective.

 

[uzibear]

questions
1. if i remove the seats from a 1st or 2nd gen runner; will the floor be level, or not? in other words, is the base of the seat level with the floor, or not? (i'm having a hard time describing this, but i hope you can follow me)
2. how difficult IS it to remove the rear seats?

 

[Down2TheC]

G2 is flush with them folded down. Wheel wells stick up about 4-6" only. I can measure if you want.

You could rip out the rear seats and build in storage to fill the gap. (killing two birds...) Shouldn't be too hard to do since the lower part swings forward and the upper part is hinged too. But you could also just leave them in and you loose about 4" of length.

Also, If you could "mod" a mattress to have notches for the wheel wells you'd be in business.

 

[yotatilla]

For me, the ability to sleep in the back of a trcuk was one of the deciding factors in buying my 1st gen. I also happen to be "big dude" and I sleep comfortably in there. Another plus about the 1st gen is the sliding side windows just above your head. If it gets too hot or too stuffy, just crack one of the windows. I just spent the weekend in the back of mine and had no problems. The rear seats in mine do not fold completely flat, but more to like a 20 degree pitch toward the back. I find this especially comfortable. The only thing that I will recomend for an option is to locate the wiring for the rear window switch and tap it, and put another switch out back. Reaching to the front is too strenuous for me, especially when you really gotta go. I put a roofrack on mine and have no problems with gear storage. As for tools and what not, the sides of the bed just have a plastic cover over them, and there is about 6 iunches between the cover and the fender. You could custom fab a set of drawers built right into the side of the bed from the inside. Hmmm..... Now you got me thinkin.....

 

[fourwd1]

1987 Toyota 4 Runner (5P58) 4x4, 2 Door , 5 Speed Gray 130,349 miles
$5,999

From their website link

Tha's insanely overpriced !
In my area $999 would be more realistic.

And it's IFS to boot

 

[yotatilla]

I completely agree with the issue of price on that 4 runner. Dumb. I payed $1000 for mine, and it is in decent shape. There isnt anyhthing wrong with it, its just a little brokem in, like to the tune of 215,000 miles. If you even consider buying that, I will get very upset. Not only will I sell you mine for 2500 less, I will deliver it