Last week, in a hypoglycemic blur, I forgot to set my e-brake in my 1988 V6 4runner. It rolled down my driveway backwards, and smashed into a tree at about 25 mph. The tailgate is destroyed, with a big tree-shaped dent, and the glass shattered. The right-rear quarter panel is pretty bent up, and the Marlin Crawler bumper is bent. Looks like the frame is straight still - only bent on the little tabs where the bumper mounts. I had it insured, but it looks like it will be totalled. I'll probably be able to buy back the car from the insurance co. if they total it, but I haven't heard the verdict yet.

I've put a lot into the rig - remanufactured V6 75,000 miles ago, full Dynamat, custom carpeted plywood interior side panels, Marlin bumper, rear leveling leaf springs, clutch, alternator, water pump, and more. I'd really like to keep the vehicle going!

What do you think my best bet for fixing it would be? I would like to find a used tailgate (with glass), and I could buy a toyotafiberglass quarter panel, and have the local body shop install those.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Post up some pics so people can get a better idea of the damage.

And the obligatory: "It'll buff out".

 

will do, when I get home from work.

 

waiting for pics....

 

I'm just amazed that you carried full coverage on an 88'

 

coverage was cheap. And looks like it might have been worth it!
Here are the pics:

 

I'll buff it out.

 

Looks like it pushed the entire part of the bed forward and crumpled over the rear wheel well..
I wouldnt try to salvage it, maybe buy it and part it out, but its your choice whether or not you wanna try and straighten it.

 

That 1/4 panel looks pretty trashed and who knows how bad the entire body is tweaked. I say just throw on a new tailgate or straighten that one out enough for new glass and leave it like it is.

 

here your go .. where are you located ..

search the phone number from the ad .. he has everything you need .. i know the guy , cool dude..his names rick
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts/2685670886.html.
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Well hot damn. There ya go.

 

Ouch.

I once watched my neighbor's old Chevy C-10 roll down our street after the e-brake gave out. Was standing there talking to him, no more than 25 feet away when it gave out. Rolled down the street, fairly steep hill, hit a tree a half a block away, then careened across the street, dropped over a 5 foot wall and into the neighbor's garage. Surreal.

 

At least you didn't have a remote start and watch it drag itself with the starter across the parking lot into a tree. Wasnt me
Buy it back from insurance, pull your motor and parts, sell what youd ont want, scrap the rest.