Inherited my dream vehicle: 1999 Green 4Runner

Hi, I'm new here, and a new (used) 4Runner owner (while a lifetime lover).

I have recently inherited a vehicle that I've wanted for over 2 decades. I wanted a 4Runner in high school back in 1996, but couldn't afford one, and life has never really allowed me to go out of my way to get one. However, my uncles (which he's owned since 1999) has recently come to me, and I want to get it up and running properly.

I've put a new battery in it, and need to replace the rear bumper (which is rusted through), as well as probably get the sunroof replaced or fixed (there are leaks around the seals). The thing has been sitting for over two years now, but is in pretty good shape all things considered (especially for a freebie).

Edit: Thought I'd add a few more details. My intentions with this are to use it locally around town and as a family camping vehicle. I don't plan on doing much 4wheeling, so any enhancements I make will be more about fixing it (to make it safe for my wife and daughter) and making it a fun camping / family recreation vehicle.

First, I want to built a set of drawers as a mattress stand for the back, I've seen quite a few plans for those, and as a woodworker myself, figure I can make something work.

After that, I want to have a bit more power for stove, refrigeration, and ham radio.

Other than that, probably a great stereo system and eventually get it repainted.

Cheers!

 

Nice project, welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome!
If it runs good and there's no MAJOR frame rust, then go for it. In addition to my 2016, I have a '98 which I actually like more. Well worth the fix...IMO.

 

Thanks for the welcomes everyone!

Doubleduty, what is the best way for a noobie/layman such as myself to determine the existence and extent of frame rust? I've heard a few people mention that. I've gotten beneath it and looked around with a light and haven't seen anything that's daused a double-take (no holes into the interior that I can see), but other than that, I'm not sure what to look for!

 

A good visual for flaking or scaling, along with tapping as thoroughly as is possible with a small hammer while listening and watching. Wear glasses, lol. I personally would not worry about surface rust, as I'm sure you will see plenty of. I do on mine...no biggie.

 

Welcome and greetings from Minnesota. Bumper parts are available at Rock Auto if you can’t find a nice used one.

 

Welcome! Is that a Toyota of Greenville (SC) sticker on it? That's where I bought my previous one (And would have bought the current one there if they'd had stock)

 

That's where I bought mine as well.

 

Welcome from Oklahoma.

Your short list is cute.... We ALL know what you're really going to do.

1: Aftermarket rear bumper.
2: Suspension is shot, so might as well lift it.
3: Tires are WAY too old. Gonna need to upsize those as well.
4: Gotta tint those front windows the match the back.
5: The lights are antiquated 90's stuff, so need to install some spot and flood lights for SAFETY reasons.
6: etc.....

 

Congrats and great project! How’s it run and drive? No obvious mechanical issues? If so hurrah!

oh, if it’s worth driving it’s worth good tires. Hardly anything is more of a safety issue than tires.

 

Welcome from Texas!

 

Congratulations, and welcome to the forum. My monitor must really suck, because I can't even tell that's green...

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!