4Runner build

[pardonmyn00b]

Finally got one of these trucks and wanted a challenge. I'm attempting to make a 4runner from the ubiquitous hilux. At times I think it's a little too ambitious for me, but worth a shot right? I've been holding off posting until I had something substantial, still a long way to go. Trying to use as little filler as possible. Mostly everything is filled with styrene. This is way early in the game so wheels, tires, body height will all be changed. The chassis is still set up for the goofy CF-100 body.

I need some encouragement





I'm currently stacking up the fenders then will begin shaping them tomorrow.

[californiadrft]

looks like a pretty good start man

[fernando]

Off to a great start. Keep us posted.

[kurtz49]

My college roommate had an original 4Runner with a lift kit. That thing was a blast to drive with the top off. Keep at it!

[671offroader]

i wonder how it would look as an 1987 hilux.great job

[tutit]

great job!

[MississippiMudd]

Can't wait to see how this one turns out. I always wanted a 1st gen 4runner.

[CORES]

Here is mine. It's a lot of work, but you'll have a beautiful car.

My name is RUNNER, 4 RUNNER.

[pardonmyn00b]

Originally Posted by californiadrft

looks like a pretty good start man

Thanks

Originally Posted by fernando

Off to a great start. Keep us posted.

Thanks. Will do.

Originally Posted by kurtz49

My college roommate had an original 4Runner with a lift kit. That thing was a blast to drive with the top off. Keep at it!

They are awesome trucks for sure.

Originally Posted by 671offroader

i wonder how it would look as an 1987 hilux.great job

I was thinking about doing the old pick up version at first, but couldn't resist a 4runner. Thanks!

Originally Posted by tutit

great job!

Thank you.

Originally Posted by MississippiMudd

Can't wait to see how this one turns out. I always wanted a 1st gen 4runner.

I hope it turns out decent. You and me both.

Originally Posted by CORES

Here is mine. It's a lot of work, but you'll have a beautiful car.

I'm quite familiar with your 4runner. You did an amazing job. I hope mine turns out half as good as yours.


I started shaping the rear fenders today. This may take a while. I'm pleased in where it's headed though. The fenders had me stressin' for a while.





Let the sanding continue:-(

[JOOTZ]

looking good so far bro, keep going on the rig

[nascarkeith]

Definetly a great start. Keep it going and remember most of the minor imperfections that are obvious to you, will never be noticed by the rest of us.

[1BadJeepBruiser]

I think you are off to a great start so far, the front/rear fenders and tail gate area looking real good at this point. Ill be watching for sure

[pardonmyn00b]

Originally Posted by JOOTZ

looking good so far bro, keep going on the rig

Thanks. I'm going, I'm going!

Originally Posted by nascarkeith

Definetly a great start. Keep it going and remember most of the minor imperfections that are obvious to you, will never be noticed by the rest of us.

Thank you, that's true. I just won't show you guys the pictures of the bad areas;)

Originally Posted by 1BadJeepBruiser

I think you are off to a great start so far, the front/rear fenders and tail gate area looking real good at this point. Ill be watching for sure

Thanks, I hope this will entertain.

Looks like I can do a fender a day. So tedious! Got a front one done today as a change of pace. So, passenger side is about as awesome as I can get it. The roof is taking shape. I added some styrene to the back to get rid of the slope. The Grille is near completion. I just need to make the corner marker lights and such.

Question for you. I want to make the shell/cap removable. No real purpose, just for fun. Best method? I was thinking of small screws from underneath.


These will probably be the wheels. Tires still undecided. Rok Lox are cool, but probably too big for the look I want. I want to go for the daily driver type.

The inside of the bed is a mess. Going to cut it out and start fresh.

[Code454]

you can also use velcro to hold the top

[nascarkeith]

I've seen very cool things done with magnets. I think I remember a post with someone who had taken an Ambush body and an Ambush CGR and cut the top off of the Ambush and glued magnets inside the top and then put the other magnets behind the paint of the CGR and they held strong.

[671offroader]

it would look best as a 1987 toyota hilux

[TexasSP]

Many of the tank guys have gone to rare earth magnets to hold their tops on and I have started converting mine as well. It works really well.

Nice progress on the 4runner so far.

[BBCorvette18]

i wish i had the skills to make a runner I just dont trust myself to not mess it up

[pardonmyn00b]

Originally Posted by nascarkeith

I've seen very cool things done with magnets. I think I remember a post with someone who had taken an Ambush body and an Ambush CGR and cut the top off of the Ambush and glued magnets inside the top and then put the other magnets behind the paint of the CGR and they held strong.

Originally Posted by TexasSP

Many of the tank guys have gone to rare earth magnets to hold their tops on and I have started converting mine as well. It works really well.

Nice progress on the 4runner so far.

Magnets sound cool, I'll check into that. Do they slide side to side easily? I'd hate for the top to come off while driving. Thanks.

Originally Posted by 671offroader

it would look best as a 1987 toyota hilux

Pretend it's a hilux with a cap then:-P

Originally Posted by BBCorvette18

i wish i had the skills to make a runner I just dont trust myself to not mess it up

I wish I had the skills too...I was afraid of the same thing, but the only thing you are really messing up is a hilux cab and bed. The cost of failure isn't that much. lol.

[pantablo]

Originally Posted by pardonmyn00b

I wish I had the skills too...I was afraid of the same thing, but the only thing you are really messing up is a hilux cab and bed. The cost of failure isn't that much. lol.

Exactly. And you never know what you're capable of until you try. It looks like a great start. Fenders and tailgate look good. When its done you'll have a unique and rare thing-a 'scratch built' body (as they say). You'll have something special that you helped create. Its a pretty awesome feeling of accomplishment.

Good for you for trying it. Keep at it. The sanding is the worst...it seems endless.