Steel for 1988 4runner

[toygrl]

Hi - We have a 1988 4Runner and are doing some body work on it. My husband has cut out some rust areas in the rear wheel wells and we are looking to replace it with new steel. So far, I have only found steel for front fenders. Is there anywhere you can buy steel for rear fenders or will we just have to have it fabricated?

Thanx for any info you can give.

 

[SV_Dude]

If you are dead set on steel fenders for the rear you will need to find some from another 4runner and cut and weld them into place. There really isn't an aftermarket source for a steel rear fender. The rear is a part of the whole body, it's all one peice.

If you're open to fiberglass, there is a pretty good source for some fiberglass sides.
4Runner

 

[toygrl]

Yeah, we saw the fiberglass sides. I'm not sure what we are going to do - we have someone who can fabricate. I guess we are going to have to figure out the costs involved with both - and also consider what would be the most sellable b/c we will probably be selling it.

 

[SV_Dude]

Unless your 4runner is in 100% original condition and in immaculate condition, I wouldn't see fiberglass affecting the value of it. These 4runners aren't expensive vehicles and can be found for under $3,000 all day long.

Me personally, I would use steel fenders from another 4runner that was salvaged. Guys are parting these out all the time. Go to YotaTech and look in the classifieds section. You may find someone local who is parting out a 4runner. You could cut their fenders off and weld them to your 4runner. Other than that, I would fix them however is the cheapest way possible to fit your needs.

 

[93toy]

I went that route with my 85. Just bought solid used rear quarters and had them welded in.

I'm fortunate. I have 2 different local guys who make their living parting out 80's Toyota trucks and 4runners. It rocks having them close by, anything you could ever need!!

 

[Nervo19]

The most economical solution is to find a scrap 4Runner and cut the parts off. A good excuse to buy your husband a battery powered recip saw! This company sells new body parts. I got rocker panels from them and postage from Canada to VA was $20.: Wolf Steel Body Panels The parts were delivered very quickly.

 

[the_dingman]

A local guy I bought a tailgate from claimed that the flares for the rear are the same as the opposite side front fenders.

Basically you buy front fenders, and cut the right one to fit the left rear and the left one to fit the right rear.

Never tried it, but he seemed legit, he had a LOT of old yotas sitting in his yard.

 

[slacker]

The most economical solution is to find a scrap 4Runner and cut the parts off. A good excuse to buy your husband a battery powered recip saw! This company sells new body parts. I got rocker panels from them and postage from Canada to VA was $20.: Wolf Steel Body Panels The parts were delivered very quickly.

those parts fit like crap ..

 

[toygrl]

That's an interesting idea about the front and rear fenders, and I can kind of see it in you icon pic. It also wouldn't surprise me b/c Toyota is very redundant (in a good way) in their parts making - one thing I love about Toyotas in general is that the driver controls (heat, wipers, lights, fuel release) are pretty much the same on the 88 4runner as they are on my 04 Sienna. I will run that idea by him - either way, there is going to be some welding involved b/c he has cut out some metal from up in the wheel well.

I would love to be able to get some salvaged panels from a non-rusty 4runner, but it ain't gonna happen locally - we live in NY and our 4runner was a Georgia truck until 2002 so it's the nicest looking 4runner you're going to find in our neck of the woods - lol.