My paint is about dead. I was thinking of adding some flat black graphic vinyl to the roof to stave off oxidation, but the rest of the paint is so blemished with chips, pin striping and sand blasting that it seems only right to redo the entire truck.

I intend to keep this vehicle forever, and with the engine out in the next few weeks for a 1UZ swap, I can do a total color change.

The amount of prep looks VERY intimidating. This is a big vehicle to strip down. From my initial assessment, it looks like the best way is to remove all the doors, most of the interior along with a ton of body and glass molding/trim.

Anyone ever repaint a 3rd gen? Any tips on what kind of paint to use or prep? I was thinking about covering the whole truck in clear vinyl after the paint cures to ensure there's no screwing up my hardwork on the trail.

 

i would use Sherwin Williams paint and use 600 to 800 grit sandpaper to sand the whole thing. and if you do multiple clear coats sand the whole thing between each layer. when you sand everything try not to have any shiny spots and a tack rag would be a good thing to have to

what color do you want to paint it

 

I would say a 3rd gen is really not worth all that trouble for a full repaint. I would save your money for something else. if you want to get rid of the exterior blemishes just do a much cheaper exterior coat of paint in the same color. If you want a cleaner truck , sell yours b4 you swap the motor and find a really clean 3rd gen with original paint. Just not worth doing a total color change on a 5-10k vehicle.

 

I think a 3rd gen would look sweet in that desert tan that the FJ Cruisers come in!!

 

 

Thinking about Magnetic Gray Metallic (nearly all newer Toyotas come in this) or something similar



The Audi and BMW shades are also nice.

I had always wondered whether or not you sand between base color to clear and coats of clear. Thanks!

Was looking at Sherwin Williams since they have a dedicated automotive paint store here in town. Also thought about Valspar, too.

Can you recommend a decent gun that isn't mega pricey?

Tell that to the Honda tards! Hell, a CRX isn't worth more than $2000 these days but you'll see examples with $10K+ in them all over the place!

I've got way too much done to this truck to ditch it for another one.

 

Sand smooth, if you're priming the whole truck I would sand to 320 or 400, if not you could used 600+ or some scotch brite pads (red). If you're using Sherwin Williams products you should not have to sand between coats, but on your base coats DO tack the surface to minimize dirt/dust in the paint. Then use your clear, if using Sherwin Williams, you will want to get a "slow" clear like their 5020 and use the correct reducer for the weather conditions in your area. They usually recommend 3-4 coats of clear for proper thickness, you can wet sand any dirt/debris/orange peel out later. If you do let the clear cure and you want more clear coat on it, you'll have to scuff/sand it to knock the shine off and re-apply the clear coat as directed.

The way I was taught to paint vehicles you do it in these steps:
1. fix any metal and do your light filler, rough sand, block it level and clean.
2. if down to metal, use an etch primer (2-3 coats)
3. apply a filler primer (Sherwin Williams has an awesome surfacer called P30)
4. block sand with 220 then 320, guide coat and wet sand with 400
5. clean and shoot a coat of sealer, then spray your base coat and clear coats.
6. let cure and wet sand with 1500, 2000, and up depending on desired results.
7. buff and polish to a brilliant luster.

I know that's over simplified and not accounting for little steps in between and tools etc, but that should give you an idea of how to proceed depending on your desired results and the condition of your 4runner to begin with. Hope this helps you out.

Nice color choice too!

 

I just figured when the paint's done on mine, it's gett'n a flat camo job.