So there is one part on the removable top that is metal and, of course, it's rusting. It's a piece that's in an L shape and is coated in plastic.

Here are some pictures.







Now I'm curious... Is there a way to remove that piece and replace it? If I can't replace it I was going to just sand it down and bed line it. I've seen this rust on multiple first gens so I know other people have had problems w/ it.

I'm grateful for any and all advice

 

it doesnt look too far gone yet, they do come off but i am not sure how. it looks like you could repair the 'surface' rust quite easily on it. you wont know how bad it is until you get it off.

check the vendor section, i think someone on here makes replacement piece and the price is reasonable, iirc.

lee

 

check out http://toyotafiberglass.com/4runner.htm
they are $150 for a set and they wont ever rust again.
pm slacker for more info

 

Damn rusting fiberglass.

 

you can do 2 things put some por15 on the rust spot or look for a person who is giving away another top

 

Or http://www.toyotafiberglass.com/IM001424.JPG

But that might just have been suggested before. I have a couple of Cory's products and he does very solid work. Great to deal with, too. He's got a passion for the 4Runner.

 

eightnine & robd, thanks for helping an old man remember!

lee

 

To fix it right, you'll need to remove them so you can get the bottom edge and possible rust on the back side. You will have to cut the "glue" around the window out from the inside. The L trim screws on the window frame from the back side, which faces the interior, but you can't get to them without removing the window.

 

I have the same issue with my 89. Typically, once the rust makes it outside of the piece, its toast. They rust from the inside out, so if the rust out the outside looks not too bad, the inside is usually junk.

 

Hazen - your profile dosn't give your locale...
but I have a set of these, still attached to some windows. Leftover from my last 4Runner "targa top" project. They're a bit rusty on the outside, but fine on the inside (unusual) and can be dressed up nicely. If you happen to be in NC, you can have them for a six pack and a handshake, windows and all.

 

i paid little over $100 for ONE side! that is with a employee discount also! (friend works at toyota) now my other side is rusting out......damn thin metal crap!

 

it starts rstung at the spot weld...

I woudl LOVE to get some made out of stainless steel... maybe 'll go to a industrial kitchen supply place (aka custom food prep tables etc) and see about making one up...

 

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to save up and get those from toyotafiberglass... I don't want to risk another pair rotting out...

One question though.

If I cut all that glue will it have any effect (leakage) or is it just for show?

 

"all that glue" is what holds the window on...
So, yes, if take it off, you will definitely have water coming in, b/c you won't have a window, lol.
It's installed just like a windshield. To get an idea, do some Googling on windshield installation.

 

Hey dude, go for corey's (toyotafiberglass), i would have but they werent out when i restored my truck. i have his side panels and cowl.

Best way to get those windows out, is to let them sit in the sun.
Get a large (3/4"-1" wide) flat screwdriver and pry out the whole window frame starting from the back and along the top. and it will pop right out. You can screw around with trying to pull the string out, but my way is honestly the easiest way, it's just gotta heat up.
Alternatively you can get someone on the outside to catch it, and push on teh windows with your feet from the inside, but there is a chance you can shatter them.

AND FINALLY,
you can find where the screw holes are, based on teh new frame you get, and drill out the fiberglass top from the inside so you can get to the screws and remove them. Afterwards, just plug the holes, it would be very hard for water to get in there so some standard grommets would work fine....