Hey EZ....

Tight one, right? GRRR! lol... Actually, if I just tilt the seat forward, then push back a LIL BIT, it will give me like .5".... (You know, like before it 'CLICKS' into locking position again?) .... I was always able to get a screwdriver in there, lil bit of an angle, but nonetheless it got it started and then out. Definitely more difficult, ...that screw.... but always worked it out.

I've seen guys use different year consoles and have problems too... (second gen in 1st gens, etc.).

Trying to get your Great Britain Made Shifter Boot/Cover in? I WANNA SEE! hahaha.

 

Couldn't you just remove the seat to get to that screw? Just a suggestion.

 

If you're trying to remove the plastic bezel do what Chef said and move the seat. You will probably still need a stubby screw driver. I've used mine on my 4Runner a whole lot. BUT if you are just replacing the outer "leatherette" shift boot you shouldn't need to remove the bezel though. On mine I just pried (plastic trim tool, clean Bondo spreader or flat screwdriver with tape on the tip) the boot from the channel it fits in the bezel. The boot has a metal frame like a rectangular ring of coat hanger wire. It fits into the plastic.

 

That's a lot of work for just one screw. Sure the drain plug is easier to get to if the motor is on a work stand, but you're not going to remove the motor to do an oil change. I agree with Chef, slide the seat forward, then all the way back, but don't bring it forward the half inch that finally clicks the seat into position. It's annoying but not impossible.

 

Be very careful when removing the shift boot ring from the plastic trim. The plastic is very brittle and I find that the constant pressure of the metal ring for 25 years fatigues the plastic and makes it crack even more easily.

 

I like this truck. I read the whole dang thread. Nice find! Excellent project vehicle. Do you really need a chrome bumper? It's just gonna get beat up and rusty and fall off again. My opinion: take some 60 grit sandpaper to that fine, practical hitch, then paint it with rust treatment paint, then a coat of black. Have fun.

 

Nervo, ..only thing makes me nervous about that? That plastic is just SO PRONE TO SNAPPING! I felt a lot more comfortable pulling it out and had to anyhow to swap console/shifter housings(the one he's working on)... Then slapped the rectangular frame and my old boot back into the new console/shifter frame replacement... (The new one has the lil coin dish in the FRONT, UNDER the stereo... Which none of mine ever had. So I liked that and the fact it didn't have a cracked off mounting tab on it.

Yeah, exactly what I was saying, guys....

Pull the "Seat recline release"... Then slide the seat up. Then, leaving the seat in the forward position, slide it back all the way and lean on it to keep it there... then get that screw out, IT WILL be reachable that way, even with just a regular long screwdriver,....IF YOU JUST TURN IT A LIL BIT at a time. Once it starts to come out... VOILA, you can turn it by hand at that point.

Not dissing Nervo's idea... I know that ring just barely sits in there, and you could turn probably pull it out of it's clips underneath and tilt it, then slide it out... But I'd just be too nervous! haha.

 

^^

Agreed Chef, I'm too nervous about breaking the plastic. I'd rather just take the whole thing off to be safe.

I'm away for the weekend but am going to try your idea about moving the seat when I get back. If it doesn't work, I'll find a smaller screwdriver and fit it in there.

 

Nogarage, Thanks! I'm pretty psyched about it. I definitely want a chrome bumper though. I want to get this thing to look as close to stock as possible, and I intend on resolving all the rust issues before the winter, and will coat everything and take good care of it so it doesn't rust in the future. Besides, my front chrome bumper is actually in pretty good shape.

 

Well, okay then. I respect that you are into keeping her stock, and good to know you have honest intentions in caring for her. She's your girl. Looking forward!

 

90$ for a PERFECT fit stock Chrome Bumper replacement... Of course, PHOTOBUCKET IS LOCKED UP and I can't sign in... But I will find the pic and hopefully the site if you want it.

 

Here it is, installed........

 

Chef,

Hell yes I want it! How much for shipping to 19002?

 

I'm not sure if shipping from them is more.... As I think they ship from several diff warehouses, ya know? I posted the link in my build, but now I can't find it.. Just no time to fish through 190+ pages, haha. I believe it was either;

www.autopartswarehouse.com

or,

www.discountbodyparts.com .......

NEITHER of them seem to have the Chrome bumper right now in stock. ..... Maybe send them an email and see when they'll get it in, if at all? I'll look a lil more when I have time.

 

PS> Also got rear light lens covers from the first link.... WHAT A GREAT improvement for cheap, ya know? Reverse lights, brake, running, turn... all like daylight compared to before.

 

I hate to tell you this... But it looks like some freak thing like "Hey Bob! That idiot cousin of yours lost the ONLY 1st GEN 4RUNNER REAR CHROME BUMPER CASTING EVER MADE!".... kinda thing, haha... Honestly, I looked at all 5 of the MAJOR wholesaler OE replacement stores online.... NOT ONE has a Chrome rear bumper... many don't even have a Black one. If you wanted it quick, you'd have to grab a primered one that seems to be available and have it chromed? NOT that it would be worth the cost in the end... But the primered one is 54$ WOW, I'm really tripping, man.

 

I know I've been looking around for a chrome one and have been having a hell of a time finding one.

 

I feel like I am going to end up sucking it up and getting a black one. It's a shame though, I wonder why nobody has the chrome one in stock.

 

Well, first, CALL THEM! Don't just give up... IIRC, www.autopartswarehouse.com or wholesale.com or whatever the first one is that I posted? That one owns MANY other names.... I think they own www.bodypartswholesale.com and several more.. So if the first is out, its' no wonder that the others are. They are a HUGE company with like 40 warehouses IIRC.... Anyway, CALL them first, ask them when if any will be coming in? At least send an email, right? You don't wanna compromise, EZ,.... because every TIME you look at her butt.... you'll think, "Sure, black is slimming... but I WANTED BLING, NOT SLEEK!" hahahha.

 

Hang in there Zucker. I would imagine if you troll the yota forums and especially Craigslist you will be able to find a chrome rear bumper from a part-out vehicle. With all these old first gens that come up for sale with blown engines, you gotta be able to find the right bumper cheap.

Patience grasshopper.