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I just bought this from my mechanic's son, who couldn't afford the engine work after researching and finding this 1st Gen 1985 4Runner.
It is "sort of" collectible. I paid 4500 and am putting 2-3k into the engine rebuild. I would like to restore it's body to "show" condition if possible, but not repaint it entirely - retain the original paint "patina" as much as is advisable. The front end has replacement used 4runner parts - from some collision, I think. I think the owner had the front hood and fenders painted red from blue. There is a blue piece by the radiator that is unpainted. The fenders and the hood don’t quite match the red of the rest of the truck.
I'm wondering how to match the paint to the rest of the truck,(or if that is important - would detailing “even out” the mismatch? I think that it is necessary to rehang the hood so that it fits correctly, and it would be nice to go around the rest of the truck and take out the small dents, restore the bondo on the rear left corner, etc. and get the wheels looking good again, if possible.
I'd like to sell it when it's done and hopefully get my money out of it, or more! . (I did my mechanic a favor by purchasing it from his son, but ultimately, I don't want to keep it forever. I want to hang on to it for several years and enjoy it gingerly, but keep it covered and running well and hope it goes up in value. It's a "new" "collectible", near as I can tell, so the value is elusive..... _
This recent sale got my attention, though (it's a 1986, and supposedly the 1985 straight front axle version, like I bought, is far more desirable): http://tinyurl.com/19864runner .
Mine needs some upholstery repair - (seat and inside front drivers door), and perhaps its unrealistic to hope to get it to "pristine" condition. But I'm hoping the market for a "patina" original 1985 4Runner will be strong going forward and am trying to figure out HOW MUCH SHOULD I PUT INTO IT? Or should I just get to a certain point and hope to get it sold for $9-11k? Is that the best I should hope for? Do you have an opinion about what I should do to restore it?
The engine is being rebuilt for about 60 days and we can have the engine compartment painted red while it's out, but I'm trying to figure out the right strategy for working on the truck after it's running again. Thanks for your consideration.
Last edited by auburnin; May 31, 2019 at 09:15 PM.
Welcome!
Your 4runner looks really straight!
I am sort of in the same boat as you, watching values, hoping they increase and enjoying my 4runner at the same time while trying not to be “upside-down” value-wise. I watch prices across the country, have seen most of the ones you linked, and the trend sure seems to be original, unmolested ones bringing the best money. That white 86 from WWV seems to be the new record sale as far as i’ve seen.
With respect to your paint, the good news is your bodywork issues look minor. And you are going for a respray in the same color. Much less work than a color change. The bad news is paint work is expensive, even doing it yourself.
The interior looks like an easy fix. The dome light lens is still available on ebay. ACC makes vinyl flooring if you want to replace that.
The rims and tires i would go a little more aggressive for looks. BFG ko2’s 31 or 32” really add visually to these trucks. l chose 31” Yokohama Geolanders because they drive well and are quiet on the road while still looking good with white letters.
i hope you keep us updated on your resto progress. Congrats and Best of luck!
It looks like real nice place to start! Like you I'm new to the 85 4runner world too as of last December. They are real cool trucks. I'm not as concerned on the values since the last two project vehicles I did eventually got to what I put into them. That and you can't put a price on the fun😉
May 31, 2019 | 08:35 PM
