Who needs manly points....

I've got a long driveshaft!

 

I had the rear plastic panels in my 4Runner crack a few years ago. At this time i was still fighting off the rust and the rear bed area was beginning to develop a few holes, so I got a LARGE piece of sheet metal and bent and cut it to drop right into the back bed area. I also cut some holes in the sides to retain the storage areas in the rear quarter panel. The sheetmetal is riveted into the side supports and it is all covered with Herculiner roll-on bedliner. So far i have had no problems and the entire setup is very solid.

 

RAD that looks super clean. Good Job.

Anybody have any idea how much heavier aluminum would be than the plastic sides? Would I be adding like 20 pounds if I do both sides? Just wondering

 

I would imagine the weight gain would be negligible as aluminum is like air compared to carbon steel and very comparible to plastic weightwise...

 

eh, i just posted in the other thread about 1st gen interiors...

 

good to know weight isn't much of an issue, I would like fairly thick aluminum for stiffness.

 

yeah also it wont dent as bad from throwing stuff in the back.

4rocker how much weight was it with the sheet metal and hurculiner? i think that is what i want to do.

 

Im not sure of the exact weight, but I remember that it was pretty heavy dropping it in. I have had no problems with this custom install, and the steel is thick enough that if you manage to dent it, youre a hero. I definately recommend the Herculiner. By applying it yourself you can make it as thick as you want. After covering the bed, I covered the outside of the truck below the body line all the way around. Locking diamond plate covers for the side panels make a nice custom touch too.

 

looks awesome Brian, but have you thought about just rhino-lining it?

 

Anybody else doing anything cool inside? I had some side panels made and when I get that all done, I'll post pictures and maybe details of my install.

 

I just had the cargo area of my 89 4Runner Rino-lined. I took out the plastic and just had it rino-lined as is. I love it. I use the space inside the fnders for storage. I attached some hooks and some brackets to hold things like a first aid kit, air compressor and hose, tow straps, gloves, Fix-a-flat..... you get my point.
I'll take some pics this weekend

 

cool. pics would be awesome

 

Sounds like a good idea. Pics will help.

 

I used 3/8s plywood and covered it in matching (red) vinyl. Cut out for the 6x9's and routed space for the bolts on the seat back latches. Attached with screws to the inside. No rattles/squeaks. and the 6x9s sound good with that big sounding board. I also cut out for the factory cargo access covers and still use those. I cut/routed the room for the rear deck light too. The plywood makes it easy to mount stuff to. The 12V power port in the back comes to mind.

 

I've thought about doing diamond plate for the back of my yota as well the rear cargo and the rear seat area. havn't checked with local metal fab shops, probably your best bet, but a quick search on the net got me this

http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/...OVMTC=standard

a 1/8th thick 4x8 sheet was 231.68 plus a 114.00 dollar delivery charge to my house. 1/16" thick is 139.00 and 3/32" is 189.00 for 4x8 sheets.
If ya want diamond plate though check with local metal distributors, they might even have a plasma cutter to cut them for ya, using the old panels for the shape. Curious how it works out though. keep us informed.

 

I already had panels cut, I made custom teplates out of cardboard. I din't even use the existing panels at all. I'll try to make a writeup on what I do to the rear sides. The panels are pretty slick.

 

Mkaing progress, but going thorugh lots of expanding foam. Anyone know of a similar product taht can be bought in bulk. They used some two part stuff on monster garage.