This seller on eBay has a tendency to track down very clean vintage Toyota trucks, and this 1987 4Runner is their latest find. Surprisingly, the listing indicates the 4Runner benefits from a frame-off restoration, and while it’s not typical for us to feature vehicles that have been completely redone, it’s worth noting here as an indication as to where the market is headed for 1980s Toyota trucks. That being said, the truck is fairly limited in that it’s one of just 3,636 4Runners sold in the U.S. in 1987, and it’s equipped with a manual transmission. Find it here on eBay with bidding to $30,000 and the reserve unmet.
As someone who will likely never buy a fully-restored vehicle, this particular 4Runner doesn’t get me particularly excited. But if you’re someone who is sick and tired of finding rust buckets or poorly modified trucks when you go hunting for a first-generation 4Runner, a vehicle in this sort of condition may seem well worth your time and money if it means you can stop chasing ghosts on craigslist. 4Runners are tough trucks, so many of them are used accordingly. If you find a survivor-grade example today, you better be ready to pull the trigger instantly, as they rarely last long once posted up for sale.
My concern with exuberant restorations like these is whether the restorer did things the right way, or approached the project knowing 4Runners haven’t quite reached a level yet where you can justify pulling out all the stops. The interior doesn’t look quite as polished as I would hope for having new carpeting and upholstery, and the seat material doesn’t match all that well. And, the seller notes the original steering wheel remains in place, which seems like an odd detail given it displays signs of wear and it’s not all that hard to spend a few minutes on a forum asking if anybody has one in better condition. Plus, the horn doesn’t work – making even more of a case for swapping out the steering wheel.
The original engine has been rebuilt, along with the five-speed manual gearbox. Although it has over 150,000 miles, plenty of vehicles – including my 1987 BMW 325is – haven’t required engine rebuilds at this juncture. And given how stout Toyota engines from this era tend to be, it’s surprising that it was even necessary. Now, don’t interpret my observations as casting doubt on the integrity of the work, as I’m not – it’s just an unusual phenomenon to see a truck like this with average miles for the year undergo so much work. The good news is, build receipts are included, so hopefully the next owner will walk away with the necessary documentation proving the level of work conducted on this 4Runner. Would you restore one of these?
Crazy to see these things bring so much money today. Seems like yesterday seeing these driving around everywhere. And they all needed a new set of rear springs. Good engines but they have to work hard pulling these around. Pretty slow by today’s standards. Much rather have the truck.
And their frames rotted..maybe that why it is a ‘frame off’ restoration :)
alphasud:
Compared to things like the Equinox and RAV4, 4Runner IS a truck!
My neighbor had a brand new 87 4Runner. Black with burgundy interior. He lifted it a little, put some black and chrome rims on with oversized tires. I thought it was a pretty badass looking truck. It reminded me of Marty McFly’s SR5. The money for these is crazy though. This one appears to be missing a window crank also.
This dealer has had several of their cars featured on this site. A quick look at his completed sales, hints that they are overpriced. Over the last 90 days they average 20 cars for sale, yet they have only had a grand total 10 sales, 4 of which were vintage McDonald’s game pieces. They may have nice stuff, but eBay does not appear to be their primary sales porthole.
Steve R
Do not change steering wheel. Worst thing you can do. Looks so cheap, Kmart cheap.
I believe that the correct terminology is body off.
Toyota supplied the frame free install….
This may of had a frame off because the frame was bad, there was a recall on some of these I don’t remember what years but I friend had to have his done and Toyota paid for it
EBAY is still a good place to ADVERTISE and no longer a good place to sell.
Most dealers list a car on EBAY knowing they will git wide exposure for the vehicle with little of no expectation of selling the vehicle on EBAY listinig however they know there is a great chance they will sell the vehicle because of EBAY their listing.
I’m with Steve R, the guy is just a flipper.
Definitely not what I would call a restoration. A restoration would return it to showroom condition and although a nice example of a sought after model, still just a used 4 runner with a rebuilt engine and tranny and maybe a new frame. However the bidding doesn’t lie. Someone is willing to pay big bucks for it. Got me thinking about listing my 99 Limited.