Fiberglas vs. steel panels
04-19-2015, 03:17 PM
#1
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Fiberglas vs. steel panels
I picked up a rusty bucket recently. 1989 t4r 66500 and clean inside. That's the good,really just a little old lady with a antique store upgraded to a rav. The bad you ask ? I have a couple of rusty spots around the gaping holes in the body. I have worked with cut and patch and am somewhat comfortable with this. I usually get it right on the first try or two, but have never had experience with glass. Since I will be replacing two fenders and two quarters the idea of permanent fix intrigues me. I do have another toy project in the garage 3/4 done and have acquired knowledge from your boards before so I will trust the opinions given and weigh them sincerely. What think you sages of Toyota cages?thanks for the input.ps. I'll figure the pix out later , sorry
Last edited by tlibe; 04-21-2015 at 02:08 PM. Reason: Add pictures
04-19-2015, 11:30 PM
#2
I guess it depends just what you like.
To me going the Fiberglass route was always to much money or the time frame to get the fiberglass parts.
When I have the metal and can have it done and painted in 2 days.
If your in the Great Rust Belt and can go fiberglass go for it.
To me going the Fiberglass route was always to much money or the time frame to get the fiberglass parts.
When I have the metal and can have it done and painted in 2 days.
If your in the Great Rust Belt and can go fiberglass go for it.
04-20-2015, 05:57 PM
#3
fiberglass all the way ...
but like I tell all my customers , it really depends on what YOU want !
if it's a truck your going to flip , or sell in a couple of years , then don't spend the money . if it's something your wanting to keep for a long time , then do your truck a favor , and put our glass on it
as a manufacture , and we sell world wide ... and we are NOT Wal-Mart .. there is a wait for our panels
.
but like I tell all my customers , it really depends on what YOU want !
if it's a truck your going to flip , or sell in a couple of years , then don't spend the money . if it's something your wanting to keep for a long time , then do your truck a favor , and put our glass on it
as a manufacture , and we sell world wide ... and we are NOT Wal-Mart .. there is a wait for our panels
.
04-21-2015, 01:45 PM
#4
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Thanks to both. Let me add to the quandary, not rich and not flipping it buuuuuuttttt
I am going to turn the keys over to a teenager. I couldn't let this one go and I have something else in the garage so that was the deal with my lovely bride. I know, don't get to attached but I'm too late for that. So what I think it's going to be glass in the back and steel up front. If anyone has any experience with FGlas panels I'd appreciate pointers or if your critical say it I will listen to all opinions
I am going to turn the keys over to a teenager. I couldn't let this one go and I have something else in the garage so that was the deal with my lovely bride. I know, don't get to attached but I'm too late for that. So what I think it's going to be glass in the back and steel up front. If anyone has any experience with FGlas panels I'd appreciate pointers or if your critical say it I will listen to all opinions
Last edited by tlibe; 04-21-2015 at 02:14 PM. Reason: More pictures
04-23-2015, 04:08 PM
#6
If you decide to go for metal, I have a pair of OEM quarter panels for sale. They're brand new from toyota dealership. I've found a good clean shell that I'll be using as a donor truck. Lmk if you're interetsed.
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04-23-2015, 05:22 PM
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Appreciate the look Hiluxer And yes I am interested. I'm getting some thoughts from locals that say metals the way but to tell the truth I'm a working guy with three kids so price is always the deal.
04-28-2015, 10:33 AM
#9
I've got two trucks that are running fiberglass. my DD has fiberglass bedsides and the other is fully restored with a fiberglass box and fenders.
In my opinion fiberglass is the way to go. The panels don't dent and never rust out. The front fenders needed some work to fit and finish but the box sides and replacement box were great. I'm seriously looking at getting the fiberglass door skins next. Totally glad I went this route. The way I look at it is these parts are good for life. If the truck dies or gets in a wreck I can pull the fiberglass off and put it on the next one.
All the glass on my trucks came from Slacker. The body shop was really surprised with how they fit and had nothing but good things to say about them. The panels have been on the truck several years now and haven't warped. I'm totally glad I went this route
On a side note: Metal will need to be welded painted and finished. You can probably attach the glass yourself and run it bare without painting to save cash and if you work it out that way the cost will probably be a wash...
In my opinion fiberglass is the way to go. The panels don't dent and never rust out. The front fenders needed some work to fit and finish but the box sides and replacement box were great. I'm seriously looking at getting the fiberglass door skins next. Totally glad I went this route. The way I look at it is these parts are good for life. If the truck dies or gets in a wreck I can pull the fiberglass off and put it on the next one.
All the glass on my trucks came from Slacker. The body shop was really surprised with how they fit and had nothing but good things to say about them. The panels have been on the truck several years now and haven't warped. I'm totally glad I went this route
On a side note: Metal will need to be welded painted and finished. You can probably attach the glass yourself and run it bare without painting to save cash and if you work it out that way the cost will probably be a wash...
Last edited by Innocent Fool; 04-28-2015 at 10:42 AM.
04-28-2015, 05:38 PM
#10
^^ thanks for the props bud ...
and YES our biggest "issue" is people just don't know about OUR fiberglass... I have talked to thousands of people , whom have "talked to there body shop guy" and they said no way ! but the body shop guy has no idea about our stuff , or is afraid because they have just never installed it before , he's been doing "insurance" replacements for years , what do they care if they replace it with metal , and it only lasts a couple of years .. warranty ? NO ! .. kick it out the door .
just recently did a 2nd gen 1/4r replacement
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f209...-1-4rs-287826/
body shop quoted him 6G !!!!!!!! I did it in my shop , with "extras" (rear window repair including parts) for 3700.00 taxes included !
He was so impressed , he has already booked an appointment for next year ..
anyway .. I guess people have there own opinions .. it's all about longevity in mine
.
and YES our biggest "issue" is people just don't know about OUR fiberglass... I have talked to thousands of people , whom have "talked to there body shop guy" and they said no way ! but the body shop guy has no idea about our stuff , or is afraid because they have just never installed it before , he's been doing "insurance" replacements for years , what do they care if they replace it with metal , and it only lasts a couple of years .. warranty ? NO ! .. kick it out the door .
just recently did a 2nd gen 1/4r replacement
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f209...-1-4rs-287826/
body shop quoted him 6G !!!!!!!! I did it in my shop , with "extras" (rear window repair including parts) for 3700.00 taxes included !
He was so impressed , he has already booked an appointment for next year ..
anyway .. I guess people have there own opinions .. it's all about longevity in mine
.
04-29-2015, 05:39 AM
#11
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I agree, fiberglass all the way. I installed my quarter panels in my carport. I've never done bodywork before, this was my first try. The fiberglass quarters fit so perfectly it was easy to get them on. Getting the old ones off was a different story. I never drilled so many spot welds. They have been on the 4Runner for 4 years as still look perfect.
06-07-2015, 09:21 PM
#14
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waht about a total fiverglass bed, lol. I live est of the Mississippi and rust is big problem over this way. or could do only side panels and be done with it, what would be the cost for both so I can compare plz???
06-08-2015, 05:23 PM
#15
super busy though ... right now , we're BOOKED for a year . (till May2016)
if your interested , it is best to email me cj@toyotafiberglass.com
.
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