Restoring my 1988 All Original 4Runner - Original Owner

1st Time Poster. I am an original owner of a 1988 4Runner. I ordered it January '88 took delivery of it March 16, 1988. It's all original all parts except some mechanical parts. 22RE 5 speed Manual It's undergoing a partial restoration. I say partial as it will be a partial restoration/survivor. I have all the paperwork and every receipt for anything ever done to it. Will post pictures of it. This picture is the original dash I had sent out to be restored. Just Dashes in California. The imbecile who removed the dash cracked the L vent. I have a perfect replacement for it. I had extra dye sent me to dye bits and pieces that will be replaced. I just dyed the original steering wheel.

Runner is headed out to have the dash and associated components reinstalled. Then to a restorer to fix screw ups the previous restorer did. Pics will follow.

 

Before headed for TLC to be returned to New Condition.
New Wheels with 31.50x10x15 KO2s will be installed this week.
The West Coast Mirrors are factory installed at a $109 option. I ordered it this way. Waited 8 weeks on this from Japan.




Just Delivered March 1988

 

Picked up a mint condition inclinometer for 100.00 that will be installed.


All Original interior 33-1/2 years old will look new again when done
Interior is nearly mint seats are perfect except for driver's seat that the fabric will need some attention.

 

Welcome! Sold mine as I have too many projects and not enough time. I hope yours will be a good friend for another 33 years.

 

Thanks........ It will go to my oldest son who will teach his sons to drive it like I did mine. I have several collector muscle cars. GTOs and Trans-ams. This 4Runner is the most sentimental. Had offers over the years to sell it I declined and just hung on to it. It sat in storage for just about 10 years before deciding to revive it. Can't wait to have it back. Was a ton of fun and will be again.

 

Very cool. I bought mine with issues and spent quite a bit of time getting it to run right and got the AC working decent. Ended up finding rot under the windshield around the same time the shut down happened, so with a lack of income, I gave her up. Truck was really fun to drive and still capable off road.
Love the idea of a legacy 4Runner too!! Your Son is a lucky man!!

 

Love it! My first T4R was the first T4R in central TX. 1984.5:

 

Another step completed. Interior pretty much done, will install shifter boot once the exterior work is done, I need to dye the bezel. Bezel is cracked need to plastic weld the crack or JB weld it unless I can find one reasonable. Just Dashes restored the dash looks like new. Need to find the door lock trim ring that fits around the lock. Cannot find 84-88. Can find 89-95 though. Need one in gray or can dye one to match. Next step is to have the crank case, differentials fluids changed all are original, then rear diff gasket replaced, then get AC working then its off to body shop to have the exterior completed.

 

Very cool. going to have to follow this thread. I had a new Toyota pickup in 88, but sadly got rid of it a few years later. But you got me curious about others in your stable. Trans-am? GTO?…

 

I have a restored 1970 GTO Judge.
2005 GTO Ordered this from factory as well
2002 Trans-Am WS.6

This 4Runner is the most sentimental. I wanted an '88 Toyota PU 4x4 V6 when it was introduced. I really wanted the 4Runner but when shopping for the P.U. I thought it was too pricey. I then thought, for the V6 I can get the 22R 4Runner for the same. The SR5 Runner was what I wanted but was not spending over 20K then for it so I ordered the Delux, it had the same power plant. So I waited 8 weeks for it from Japan. When I got it I added some SR5 additions, the wheels, stripes. Saved $ Now with the restoration I nailed an Inclinometer for 100$ a while ago in anticipation of restoration, and added it. Saved $$ doing it that way. I learned then the 22R 5 speed is the most sought after for collectors. Whod'a thunk then? Hagerty has these 1st gens value climbing so after it sitting in storage for a long, long time......... game on.

 

I would put one of those altimeter/inclinometer units in my 5th gen if I could fine one!

 

There are a few on e-bay but way too $$$$$$.

 

What did the dash refurbishment cost you? I would like to diy mine or get someone to do it.

 

Total delivered back to me was 857.00 This included $75 for a quart of dye I purchased extra to dye faded parts and $82.00 shipping.
They include a pint of touch up dye with the finished dash.

http://www.justdashes.com/

 

Why would you not just get one from a Land Cruiser / Prado?

 

Not the same charm as a totally mechanical system.

 

At least it'd look period correct and not out of place.