*Note* This writeup will work for ANY vehicle interior. However, with the color and supplies used, it applies specifically to 87-89 4Runner interiors in the Gray color.
Toyota built the 4Runner very stout, and the drivetrain is one of the best. However, some of the interior components on 1st gen 4Runners leave much to be desired. One such part is the rear quarter trim.
Apparently Toyota didn't feel it necessary to make the panels colorfast, so after just a few years out in the sun and elements, they became faded and ugly. Even if you never took your top off, if the sun reached the panels, they faded. Toyota wanted well into the hundreds of dollars PER PANEL to replace these, and now, they are no longer available. This weekend, i decided to finally do something about these ugly panels. A trip to my local NAPA netted me a few starter chemicals.
First, i picked up some automotive prep clean spray:
Appears to be some sort of alcohol based spray, and it works really well at removing gunk and waxy buildup.
Next, I grabbed a can of Clear Polypropylene Plastic primer. Very important if you want paint to stick to plastic, and not crack like cheap spray paint.
Finally, i was able to get a can of SEM Bumper spray paint. Medium Gray, part number 39183. This matches the 87-89 Gray interiot color the best I was able to find. I did have to order it, as NAPA did not carry it in stock. I later learned WESCO Auto body supply carried it in stock.
