Everyone starts somewhere!

So this is my first restore type project ever. Here's basically what I'm starting with! On the list of TO DO is replace/rebuild the frame. Prio # 1!!! Once we get that, gonna work on repairing the more minor rust bits, then more to cosmetic things like repairing the bed-side dmg and making it pretty again! Super excited!

I am curious tho, are there any cross reference part #s for body panels from say 4 Runners or such that could work and might be cheaper/more easily available?

 

Welcome to TW!

I love your Invader Zim avatar/profile pic!

 

Thanks! =) Have the Irken symbol tattooed on my right calf ^_^

 

I love it!

 

Looks like you got some work to do! I just bought one with a similar amount of rust on it so I look forward to seeing how yours turns out.

 

I repaired, reinforced and boxed my frame. in the end it came out nice but if I had to do it over again I would have swapped the frame out.

Im not sure about body parts from a 4 runner.

Welcome to Tacoma World

 

GL with the build bro.

 

Looks like someone has already patch the frame numerous times. You have a really big (and costly) decision to make about that. Replace it...probably $4-5000 if you can find one. Plus your gonna break many, many parts in the process. You'll want brake lines, fuel lines, probably the tank and straps,... This gets discussed pretty regular here on TW, and the dealers seem to be charging $10-15,000 for a frame swap.

Or, you can clean it up, patch it anywhere where it's weak, still replace many of the parts I mentioned, and assume it will last 5 years or so, depending on how you plan to use the truck. I've patch (multiple spots) two of the three 1995s in my family and they are still on the road. However, we don't go off-road and really stress those frames either. Just mild off-road mud and Winter snow/ice. I doubt they would survive a strong flex without cracking somewhere.

I just make my own patches, but a lot of people have said good things about these:

https://www.autorust.com/product-category/toyota/tacoma-xtracab-4wd/

 

We have access to a sheet cutter so if we can get a decent CAD file with the precise measurements and angles, we're basically going to rebuild the frame from scratch with our own pieces. The plus side of having several metal workers in your sig other's family (including your sig other xD)

The tank isn't in *terrible* condition, mostly want to clean it up. The brake lines and fuel lines for sure need to be replaced but they aren't too terribly expensive.

 

has that been an Iowa truck all of its days (if you know?)

 

If you do find a CAD file, I'd sure be intersted in a copy.

 

Unfortunately all of the 3rd gen body panels are different than our Tacomas

 

Years ago ( mid seventies )there was a major Cross reference books about.

I have not looked for anything like that in years they might be around

 

I believe it has been. Bought it from a gal up in Des Monies

 

We might be making it ourselves. Can try to post what we use. Apparently the file type needed is dxf for the machine.

 

There aren’t any body panels that are the same with the 3rd gen 4runners. Fenders are different shapes and obviously the back is very different.

The 3rd gen 4runners do have a lot of the same front suspension, though. Not that that makes them more available, or less expensive. Generally speaking, it doesn't make much sense to seak out 4runenr parts unless you have a donor vehicle sitting in front of you. If you are looking for new replacement parts, just get tacoma parts.

 

Around me and on local Craig’s list, tacos seem far more rare/expensive however 4Runners are everywhere and usually run about 25% cheaper or more. Pick ups are just more scarce it seems. Figured if there was cross over I might be able to save a few bucks

 

There is crossover, but just not quite enough to really matter, imo. Especially for aftemarket parts,

People have done some hood/grill conversions, and that sort of thing. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.

 

I def need a new front bumper/grill so honestly was mostly looking for that. Hoping the junkyard near me has a few older ones! Plan on cruising thru there after my vacation next week!

 

So progress bump! Working on getting the frame cut/removed. Got the brake lines removed, spare tire, gas tank, muffler, and other tid bits! (Just a TINY exhaust leak and yeah, expanding foam fixes EVERYTHING!!!) =)