Has anyone here ever done it? I am considering buying a new set for my runner but if it requires me to remove the side window then I think I can live with the rust. thanks

 

I believe the entire side window frames have to come out. The bolts to the L-strips are hidden underneath. I'm in the same situation with mine.

BTW: Does anyone know what holds on the black trim pieces (the ones with the 4Runner name plaque on them) on the B-pillars? I can't find any screws or snaps to remove them.

 

have a look at my painting thread. this was done during the hot summer weather so you will need a hairdryer or heat gun to get them out for the cold weather..you also need to get some windshield butyl tape from napa or a glass shop to put them back in..

 

The L trim rusts where the spot welds are for the brackets that the sheet metal screws go in to...

To get to the L trim you have to FIRST remove the sliding window.

Its basically held in by super duty double stick tape..

Its pretty easy to do if the topper is OFF - then simply wedge a screw driver in between the window frame and start prying...

I havent done it with the topper ON however.

The B pillar is held on by 6 clips.
As I recall some slid up/down, others slide L/R.

I last took mine off in like 1990 when it was kinda new. I busted one of the clips but it stays on OK w/o it.

I recall wedging something (plastic spatuala) int here and taking a peek inside...

Now that these trucks are so old I bet the plastic is very brittle...

 

Yeah the B pillar is held on by those annoying plastic clips. Some are the kind that you pop in and break off to get out, others slide up and out. Could never find the clips at any store, but plain old body/fender plastic clips work great with a little trimming to get em to stay. Plus, you get like 20 for $3 so you have extra if they come off.

But it'll hold with only 2 or 3 clips intact if it comes down to it.

 

Pulling the windows is easier with the topper on, in my opinion. Use a box cutter to cut the glue. Use a putty knife to pry the window out. Once out, clean the window and mounting point in prep for the new window clue.

The L-trims come off with three screws, if I remember correctly. New onces may still be available from the dealer. Otherwise, check with www.toyotafiberglass.com for 'glass ones.

 

I should clarify - the ONLY time I actually physically pulled the window out it was on a Gen1 that we were parting so the topper was off and it took seconds per side.

As the link in the pics from DudeBud shows - its pretty easy with the top ON...

 

The part called window glass channel has screws going through it into the back of the L shaped trim. The hardest part is cutting through the adhesive which holds the window in.

 

http://www.toyotafiberglass.com/l_trim_install.htm




we are the ONLY Supplier/Manufacture of these FIBERGLASS pieces .

 

Lotta help here guys. Thanks. I think I'm gonna tackle it!
Should I plan on replacing anything else like the weatherstripping?
Also where do I get that tape/adhesive?

 

It looks like a porous foam tape with black weather adhesive on it.

 

it's butyl napa carries it

 

in most cases ... you shouldnt even have to replace it ...Just reuse . heat it up with a heat gun , and good to go .

in ALL cases , it'll take WAY more time to remove the old stuff (you'll see what I mean) then to reuse .

 

I just did this over the summer and its pretty easy to do.

VERY IMPORTANT

Clean off ALL of the old butyl before you try and reinstall the new window. Use alcohol thats what worked for me.

Press the new butyl on REALLLY hard into the top for a few minutes on each side. Don't touch it and allow as little dirt as possible to attract on the butyl before you put the top back on the truck.

 

Why ?? ... I have reused on about 6 trucks now .. with NO leaks , no rattle no problems at all .

 

It's very easy to get hte old window out, let the truck sit in the sun, use a big flat screwdriver, and pry it out gently from the back to the front, easy as pie!

 

My 87 4runner has made 26 trips from East Coast to the Rockies! Its still going.My L trime needs work,So Id figured id throw my 2 cents in.
I noticed there are 3 cuculare casting marks on the inner plastic trim.Behind that are the mounting screws for the L trim.Im gona try a 1/2 inch drill and drill the plastic out on 1 to see if I can get in there with a 1/4 drive socket.I will let you know what end results are.
Thank you all

 

Really? You're going to drill out the trim? The directions on how to remove it are on this forum if you do a search. The diagram above is a good place to start.