Beast Restoration: Union & Reunion

If you have ever restored a Car, of any vintage, then you’ll know that the Final 10% of a Project can take just as long as the First 90%. Reassembly isn’t just about sticking it all back together, it’s about Electrics, Trim, Dialling, Snagging and ultimately Roadworthiness. Nevertheless, bolting it back together is the first step.

Body Mount Kit

These are harder to come by than you’d think. As I mentioned, this generation of 4Runner [or Surf] isn’t well catered for in the Aftermarket Parts World, and so for kits like this the Home Engineer tends to be a port of call. I found Flat Out Offroad in New Zealand who offered the it on Back Order and 4Crawler in the US who produces the Mount Kit to order; I went with the later.

When the Kit arrived, mysteriously packaged to look like a Summertime Christmas Present [insert Wink Emoji], the finish looked great.

Curiously, two of the Bolts in the Kit weren’t threaded sufficiently, having too long a shank [!], and so a couple of replacements were sourced; these were for the forward most Mounts. Once installed and tightened down, a Magic Thing happened – the Body and Chassis were reunited..

I wish I had been there to witness this momentous occasion; what a Journey the 4Runner had been on this far. What a journey we have been on together to see it this far. I feel a bit emotional.. Hug..?

The Doors

Did you know that excessively Rusty Doors can be an MOT Failure point..? Well, I didn’t, and even though the Beast’s Doors might not have been that rusty as to warrant a Failure, I didn’t want to chance it, nor did I want an Advisory on the MOT highlighting that they were less than solid. On went the replacement Doors, sourced from a Breaker’s Yard for £250; not bad really..

Fluidic Space

Coolant, Engine Oil, Transmission Oil and Differential[s] Oil all need refilling, so for reference, here’s what went in where:

• Front Differential – Triple QX 75W-90
• Rear Differential [LSD] – Castrol Transmax Limited Slip 80W-90
• Engine Oil – Valvoline SynPower 10w-40 Engine Oil
• Transmission Oil – Triple QX Fully Synthetic EP 75W90

Attitude

New Suspension, Uppers & Lowers and Steering Assembly meant that it all needed to be dialled in, and whilst it would be less resistant that trying to persuade Old Bolts, it would be a pretty comprehension Job. Hours of fettling and adjustment later, the attitude of the Beast was levelled, with not only the Body sat level on the Wheels, but the Panhard Rod also keeping the Live Rear Axle centred.

Road Testing

Out in the Wild, the 4Runner reportedly drove like a New Car, indeed it practically was. There were a couple of items that came up as a result of the Open Road, primarily that First and Third Gear were reluctant to stay engaged which could be sorted with a Gearbox Oil flush; along with the Gearbox Oil flush would be an Engine Oil flush and new Filter, just for good measure.

When I received the Video above and Photo below from Hellbent I smiled Happy Tears, seeing the Beast out on the Road. Yes, yes, the Doors are Blue, but everything under the Skin is absolutely perfect; restored, refreshed and refinished. As an Instagram Account follower put it “the best example [of a] 4Runner in the UK”; I was quite happy with that appraisal.

Yes, yes, the Doors are Blue, but everything under the Skin is absolutely perfect..

Looking at that photo, note how it sits absolutely level. I have read several complaints on Forums regarding the rear of the 4Runner sinking on its Springs, but the Beast was setup up perfectly, and its handling would reflect that; I cannot wait to pick it up and find out.

MOT

You know when you know that you know, but you’re not quite sure, but then you realise you know..? That’s how I felt about the Beast’s MOT. It had to Pass, it was Brand New..!

Emissions are always a Bone for Contention. I’m paying £325 [Road] Tax a year based on the Emissions Specification of the Beast, and then having to pay an additional £12.50 each day that I drive inside the M25 London Orbital, why does it matter if it meets any Standard..? Surely I qualify as paying my way..? Pretty soon there will be a Clear Air Policy in all major Towns and/or Cities taxing any Vehicle that doesn’t meet the qualifying Euro Emissions Standard.

Whatever the argument, the Beast passed the Emissions Test, for what it is worth.

So yes, the Beast passed its MOT..! And not so much as a mention of an Advisory.. I knew I knew..

Collection

Christmas was coming early, only Two Days early, but early..

London Paddington Train Station could only have been busier if it were Christmas Eve, but nonetheless, being the day before it was pretty bloody busy. Prospective Travellers looking up at Concourse Screens awaiting Platform Announcements was the zeitgeist, and I was no different.

Arriving at Bath Spa, a local and good friend had offered to meet me at the Train Station and drive me to Hellbent. Breaking down twice en route wasn’t planned but certainly made the Journey more interesting, and reminded me of the smell of an MG Engine running too Rich. Despite the delay, it was good fun and wasn’t so bad in the Grand Scheme of Things, his MGB GT is a lovely Motor perfect in its BRG Paintwork.

Arriving at Hellbent, the nose of the Beast was just visible at the open Entrance to the Workshop. I could barely contain my excitement, I had not seen the 4Runner in the Metal in some time, let alone in one piece, and never looking more Roadworthy..!

I climbed in, started up the 3 Litre V6 and laughed to myself.. Wow.. What a Transformation..

I took the 4Runner out for a Drive, a quick Blast on the local Lanes. It sounded amazing, a raucous V6 thirsty for a Long Journey. I couldn’t believe this moment had arrived, that I was driving the 4Runner at all, that it had been 15 Months since I had been behind the Wheel, that I had never felt so surefooted and planted in the 4Runner. Sure, there was obviously handling reminiscent of the old Beast, but this Tighter, Lighter and Louder Beast was a different animal altogether. It inspired some confidence, and it was happy to be driven.

Good Job too, as there were some 120 Miles ahead, back to its place on the Driveway.

Hitting the Open Road, I navigated my way to the A303 through several Villages and Hamlets, twists and turns abound as I rode high.

Hitting the A303, the straight line driving was revelatory, I had never felt so comfortable and confident driving the 4Runner. It used to Tram Line quite a bit, but none of that happening here, the Tracking absolutely dialled in perfectly. When it comes time for New Tyres, I think I’ll go up a size to 18″ and sort some new Wheels whilst I’m at it.

Three Hours later I was rolling off the M25, amazed at the ease of the Journey and thoroughly impressed and [dare I say it] proud of what had been accomplished by Hellbent. It was a different Beast, one that I felt confident driving at speed and at great distance; I had already started planning Surf Trips to the South West along the way.

Sitting in the Cockpit for those 3 Hours, it was obvious it required some attention. Cosmetic upgrades have been planned, mostly contact points in the Cabin, but also new Carpet throughout. And despite Hellbent’s best efforts, it really could do with a damned good valet in there.

Pulling up in the Village, I pulled over for a quick Photo Session. The Beast was back..!

Paint

Yes, I know, the 4Runner has Blue Doors, so obviously the issue of Paint has to be tackled; preferably sooner than later. I have painted a Car before, and whilst that was some time ago, I have seen up close Spray Painting without the use of a Booth. So do I think I can do this myself..? Hell yes. At least, I’m going to give it a go. And if I fail, well, I can always hand it over to the Professionals.