I have a (new to me) 2001 SR5 I'm planning to take with me to another country. They have a rule there that any import vehicle needs to have a clear windshield and clear rear glass. I can't recall EVER having seen a 4Runner after about 1995 with clear rear glass. Am I wrong? Thanks for creative solutions.

 

razor blade?

 

base model ?

 

I think the factory glass is not so simple as to scrape it off. I think (so far as I can tell) the glass is smoked (color) from the factory.

 

I don't know, honestly.

 

I truly don't know. I look at the Toyota parts page and see two options, grey or green glass. I might have to take my chances on getting this vehicle approved.

 

I just saw a 4runner today, gen 3 2wd 4 cyl that had clear glass. Well.. untinted that is..
They may call it green.

 

The rear glass in my Surf is clear, but has a dot matrix film applied to it to act as tint. None of the windows in mine are tinted though. It's a '96.

Where are you moving?

 

Not to hi-jack the thread but where was this picture taken? Seems the background has some sort of asian writing? Also noticed your 3rd gen has a factory swing-away spare tire carrier. Was this another of those optionsonly available for the JTM versions? I looked at trying to modify a 2nd gen swing-away tire carrier but could not figure out how to mount it to work with the full lifting rear hatch. Looks like I might have to be looking for some wrecking yards in New Zealand! Tell me more about the rear window. I remember a few years ago seeing a rear window that had the Hilux Surf logo in the glass, is this a factory window or one that had the tinting added later?

 

That picture was taken in Japan, it was part of the FS ad from when I bought the truck. From what I can tell most of the higher trim level Surf's had the rear mounted spare carrier, the tailgate/hatch is also different to allow for the catch, and the licence plate is off to the side. There is reinforcement in the 1/4 panel where the actual hinges are mounted as well. The dot matrix with the Surf logo I figure must have been a dealer option, as I haven't seen many others with this on them.

 

Moving to Muscat, Oman from the U.S.. I hear there is some good offroading to be done, but the Surf and 4Runner are not sold there. I had a '93 VZE a few years ago and other than the (lack of) power, I loved zipping around on trails in that truck. I figure this will be similar, but with a better powerplant. Got coilovers in front and did the OME springs/shocks in the rear. I'm getting excited, but only if my vehicle clears customs.

 

"Green glass" is clear glass.

 

Excellent! That's very helpful to know, thanks. Now I can spend my time blazing trails rather than trying to get my car released from the port.

 

The Hilux Surfs herein Japan have the clear glass on the lift gate.

As for the swing out carrier, they were on the 3rd gen surfs from 96-2002. I went to the Toyota parts shops earlier and a brand new swing out carrier costs the equivalent of $950. I am planning to buy one and have it installed on my 3rd gen but I might not have enpugh time to do it. We're going back to Florida after being stationed here for 6 years.

 

You will need more than just the swing out carrier to pull this off, the entire lift gate is different (latch, plate is on the left side, etc), and the C-pillar where it mounts is reinforced. Just want to make sure you've covered your bases.

 

Thank you all for the information. The truck is now on its way and I hope to have many miles of offroad adventure once it arrives. Stay tuned! (...and stay tanked-up with fuel, and free from major damage, and...)