Rusty Tailgate

[Roarque]

New to the Site! Long time Toyota driver and love my T4R/SR5

My1996 T4R has rust bubbles breaking out around the wiper base on my tailgate.

Any experience out there with this?

Do I dismantle the tailgate and grind out the rust before repainting the exterior, OR replace the entire door with a new tailgate, OR trade the vehicle on a newer T4R??

 

[bulldog-yota]

I would just see if I can replace the tailgate with a rust free 2nd hand one. Obviously if you can afford a new 4R get it, but the best and cheapest route is to replace the tailgate.

Before you do, check for rust in other areas of the 4R, you might be throwing good money into a rust bucket.

 

[Mark86]

Back when my dad had his 1996 4Runner, he also had a rust problem on the bumper and around the gas tank. Since it happened after 1.5 years of ownership, the dealer fixed it for him. Believe me, they weren't happy though. If the rust is getting worse, I would then look into a new 4Runner. From the way you described it, it sounds like the problem is worsening. If you have a chance, maybe post some pictures so we could see how bad it is.

 

[pat161]

A new truck because of a little rust on the body, that's just around the wiper? I can't imagine you are serious, unless you have already considered something new and this just makes it easier. If your frame is not rusted through and your door jams aren't rusted then just go to a body shop and have the rust removed and fixed, or do it yourself. Let's see, you could probably repaint the whole truck with some body work for around 5 grand or less, and have a great job done. Or you could spend 20-40 grand and get a new or newer truck, you make the call. Now if there is more wrong here, such as mechanical or a trashed interior then maybe you have good reason to go new. But I would still look into how much cash it would cost to make the 96 nice enough to keep, and compare that to monthly payments.