87-89 4Runner Interior quarter trim restoration How To

**DeathCougar** · 02-21-2009, 06:18 PM

*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.

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**DeathCougar** · 02-21-2009, 06:18 PM

First step in the process, is clean the surface. I didn't get any pictures of the cleaning process, but its best to use a clean lint-free rag to clean the surface.

This is how they looked after cleaning. Same as before, nasty and sunfaded:

You can see the staining even better here. Notice the runs in the color. I hunted around for an appropriate elevated device, and this old oil box seemed to work well:

Next, each panel will need a coat of Clear Polypropylene primer. When I sprayed the panels, the staining and fading seemed to almost go away, as if they knew of the impending DOOM!

I only applied one layer of primer. Since the paint is formulated to stick directly to plastic, i didn't feel the need to over do it. I also wanted to maintain the texture of the panels, and multiple coats or primer will distort the texture. Finally, i applied two coats of paint. Both light coats, but enough to cover the panel. Again, looking to maintain panel texture here.

After the two coats, i grabbed the storage door to compare how close the colors were. Pretty close, but not quite close enough for me.

I went ahead and painted the storage doors, and while I was at it the Top trim. This way everything matched. And once installed, here is how everything looks!

Excellent color match that should last a long time, and for a decent price to. All said and done, I paid less than $50 for materials and it looks brand new.

**waskillywabbit** · 02-21-2009, 06:52 PM

Pimp.

bigt · 02-21-2009, 06:55 PM

nice!!!!!
i noticed some interir pannels in my hilux the grey is kinda fading..
might have to give this a try.. didnt know they had a plastic primer to help the paint stick but it sounds and looks great

***Corey*** · 02-21-2009, 07:00 PM

Josh, you should copy this to the Tech Article section too without the extra posts.

Good work on the interior.

**DeathCougar** · 02-21-2009, 07:07 PM

Not 100% sure how to do that Corey, you'll have to show me

904_runner · 02-21-2009, 07:09 PM

NICE......

SO uh...........

What you gonna do about that stain on the carpet?

4banginRunner · 02-21-2009, 07:19 PM

Looks great!

just gotta clean the carpet now

874runnersr5 · 02-21-2009, 11:37 PM

sweet, i may have to try this!

Trustyrusty · 02-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Looks good 'Coug but you really need to herculine the back of that thing.. Carpet is getting really nasty..

**DeathCougar** · 02-22-2009, 09:49 AM

If anyone has a really nice rear carpet they want to sell me, PM me. I have been looking for a mint rear carpet for some time now, but those are even harder to find than the panels!

iamsuperbleeder · 02-22-2009, 09:54 AM

lmao, I thought the same thing, "Wow, he did a good job on them panels, but that carpet?

"

damn Cougar, looks great! I'm glad to see there's more people out there that know the procces and know how to handle a rattle-can

littlecommando · 02-22-2009, 10:06 AM

that looks great!

i just wish my panels hadn't fell apart....

dieselloco427 · 02-22-2009, 10:17 AM

wow! looks almost factory!!
haha as for the carpet - a pressure washer works quite well for that. I'm redoing the interior in a buddy's dodge ram 1500 p/u, I pulled the floor carpet out and pressure washed it. It took 90% of the mud, coffee and soda stains out! you just have to let it dry for a few days...

DudeBud · 02-22-2009, 04:01 PM

Looks Great prefect color match.......you don't really need the primer, some adhesion promoter which is pretty much the same thing will work better. some acetone on a rag will work just are good as that prep cleaner.

gte718p · 02-22-2009, 06:42 PM

carpet does not actually look that bad. I ended up bed lining the rear of mine, but I saved the carpet up front. The rug doctor carpet cleaner with furniture attachment does wonders. It takes about six pass, but my carpet up front looks good as new.

Junkers88 · 02-22-2009, 08:02 PM

Coug you are the man!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to post this since I'm hoping to start some work on the 89 and the panels are really jacked up.

a4runnerfreak · 02-22-2009, 08:05 PM

Quit sucking up to the new mod, Junks!!!!!

thook · 02-22-2009, 08:21 PM

Oh, go ahead and suck up. The 'Coug's ego is ever inflative. One day it will get so big he will smile and it will explode in a beautiful array of stars and rainbow colors.........much like the flag he waves.

thook · 02-22-2009, 08:24 PM

BTw, nice write-up, 'Coug. If it still seems important, one day I may do this my doo-doo brown interior. I do like brown, though. I do, I do.

**DeathCougar** · 02-22-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DudeBud

Looks Great prefect color match.......you don't really need the primer, some adhesion promoter which is pretty much the same thing will work better. some acetone on a rag will work just are good as that prep cleaner.

For someone that has never done any sort of paint work on anything, aside from spray painting a race car, that stuff works good for me. I do not know specifics on what plastic will hold up to what chemical, so it was worth the peace of mind for me.

a4runnerfreak · 02-22-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thook

BTw, nice write-up, 'Coug. If it still seems important, one day I may do this my doo-doo brown interior. I do like brown, though. I do, I do.

And you have the nerve to talk 'bout the flag that flies over "Cougs rig......?!!? Wow

littlecommando · 02-23-2009, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a4runnerfreak

And you have the nerve to talk 'bout the flag that flies over "Cougs rig......?!!? Wow

and what flag is that?

904_runner · 02-23-2009, 08:29 AM

DC, that does look pretty friggen sweet!

Do you have any plans for painting any of the other interior pieces?

Shawn6string · 02-23-2009, 08:43 AM

Yea man, good job. I think it will hold up well. Alcohlol cleans it, clear primer or adhesion promoter makes it stick.

Use tire degreaser and a pressure washer on the carpet. I have done it many of times and it works well.

02-21-2009, 06:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,555	Pimp. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

02-21-2009, 06:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 3,201	nice!!!!! i noticed some interir pannels in my hilux the grey is kinda fading.. might have to give this a try.. didnt know they had a plastic primer to help the paint stick but it sounds and looks great __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X turbo diesel right hand drive toyota imported in 2005 from japan, 130,000 km 31 bfg a/t auto current build 1987 LWB suzuki samurai. turning 2 into one.. yota axles welded front to back, yota springs , ifs steering box,, this bad boy will not only eat jeeps but toyotas aswell \m/

02-21-2009, 07:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,077	Josh, you should copy this to the Tech Article section too without the extra posts. Good work on the interior. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

02-21-2009, 07:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
904_runner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chico, California Posts: 3,794	NICE...... SO uh........... What you gonna do about that stain on the carpet? __________________ Mike 1990 4runner: 3.4 swapped, 5-speed, sas'd, Rear leaf swap, Locked, 5.29's, 39.5" iroks on Beadlocks, Armor'd Longfields, Duals coming soon: My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/904_run...thread-158746/ http://www.treadlightly.org/ http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html

02-21-2009, 07:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
4banginRunner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: With all the Ho Butts in Mount Carmel, PA Posts: 1,706	Looks great! just gotta clean the carpet now __________________ 87 Toyota 4Runner 22RE--5spd swap (W56)--4.56s--BJ spacers--Pro Comp Stage II 4" bracket lift--63" Chevys w/2" blocks--40 series--late style steering box swap--BudBuilt Dual Case X-member--V6 calipers--32s--MC rear bumper--SAS parts collecting time... *79 Toyota Longbed 4x4* Frame-off Resto time. *04 GMC Sierra 1500* the DD

02-21-2009, 11:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
874runnersr5 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Canaduh Posts: 2,786	sweet, i may have to try this! __________________ 87' 4runner Sr5 : 22re : 5spd : 32x11.5 BGF Km2 : Cragar 15x8 soft 8s : TG Rock Defense Front Bumper : Sirius radio : Optima Red Top : Pioneer system : Engnbldr tchain kit : Downey 3" leafs : Diff breather : Tube doors : Bikini Top Calgary Toyota Association I <3 my Toyota

02-22-2009, 09:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
Trustyrusty Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: (Rednecks Inbreed In) Kansas Posts: 1,349	Looks good 'Coug but you really need to herculine the back of that thing.. Carpet is getting really nasty.. __________________ 1995.5 Tacoma 4X4 3.4-Jardine Catback, 20% Tint, Cold Air Intake, Skid Plates etc... 1987 Toyota 4Runner 1986 Toyota 4X4-SOLD

02-22-2009, 09:54 AM	#12 (permalink)
iamsuperbleeder Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Casselberry, Fl Posts: 5,253	lmao, I thought the same thing, "Wow, he did a good job on them panels, but that carpet? " damn Cougar, looks great! I'm glad to see there's more people out there that know the procces and know how to handle a rattle-can __________________ 91 PU, 4wd, manual, 22re, .30-over, engnbldr RV head and 261 cam, MC 1200lbs clutch, misc LCE, engnbldr, and MC parts and HW, Pacesetter header and exhaust kit, Rancho UCA's , 4Crawler 1" diff and sway bar drop and 1.5" BJ spacers, WabFab 3.5" shackles, 31x10.5 pavement-pounding ATs on ProComp Extreme Alloys, misc SR5 interior goodies swapped in, 1000watt stereo system MySpace

02-22-2009, 10:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
dieselloco427 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 137	wow! looks almost factory!! haha as for the carpet - a pressure washer works quite well for that. I'm redoing the interior in a buddy's dodge ram 1500 p/u, I pulled the floor carpet out and pressure washed it. It took 90% of the mud, coffee and soda stains out! you just have to let it dry for a few days... __________________ Kyle My Rig: Red 1993 4Runner 3.0L V6 SR5 4WD, +224K miles - fairly stock - engine rebuilt @ 65K miles during HG recall

02-22-2009, 04:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
DudeBud Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: WA ,monroe Posts: 1,886	Looks Great prefect color match.......you don't really need the primer, some adhesion promoter which is pretty much the same thing will work better. some acetone on a rag will work just are good as that prep cleaner. __________________ Dan 95 4runner 3vze A/T 84 4runner sr5 Ford 302 T-18 4spd yota t-case yota front and rear both open 37X13.00 boggers 88 4runner 22re 5spd

02-22-2009, 06:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
gte718p Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 223	carpet does not actually look that bad. I ended up bed lining the rear of mine, but I saved the carpet up front. The rug doctor carpet cleaner with furniture attachment does wonders. It takes about six pass, but my carpet up front looks good as new. __________________ '87 4runner 33", five speed, 4.88, arb, 6" of really bad lift.

02-22-2009, 08:02 PM	#17 (permalink)
Junkers88 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 2,785	Coug you are the man!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to post this since I'm hoping to start some work on the 89 and the panels are really jacked up. __________________ RB4R Life Member. 1989 SR5 4runner. Tread Wright 31/10.50/15's. 4.56 thirds, an Aussie in the @$$, Budbuilt plate, Marlin Crawler front, modified MC rear, Supra MAF conversion, ZUK coils in the rear and 4crawler BJ's in the front, LCE header.

02-23-2009, 08:29 AM	#24 (permalink)
904_runner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chico, California Posts: 3,794	DC, that does look pretty friggen sweet! Do you have any plans for painting any of the other interior pieces? __________________ Mike 1990 4runner: 3.4 swapped, 5-speed, sas'd, Rear leaf swap, Locked, 5.29's, 39.5" iroks on Beadlocks, Armor'd Longfields, Duals coming soon: My build thread http://www.yotatech.com/f152/904_run...thread-158746/ http://www.treadlightly.org/ http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery/index.html

02-23-2009, 08:43 AM	#25 (permalink)
Shawn6string Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 203	Yea man, good job. I think it will hold up well. Alcohlol cleans it, clear primer or adhesion promoter makes it stick. Use tire degreaser and a pressure washer on the carpet. I have done it many of times and it works well. __________________ 88 4runner 3. don't know--- project 88 4runner 4 cyl auto - Bone stock Plus BFG 31/10/50 JACK'EM HIGH CAUSE FAT CHICKS CAN'T CLIMB Shawn

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