New Member here! Hi y'all! Got my new 1st gen today

Hi everyone! Looking forward to some valuable and wisdom filled interaction with you all!
I owned a 88 4Runner from 1991 to 1996.
I realized last year, as a 48 year old guy, that was my favorite vehicle to date and I have had much more expensive trucks.

The key to me was the removable top!
Why don't they make those anymore?

Anyway I said last year I was going to buy another one. I couldn't find my original one, although the search continues. It was a 1988 deluxe with the ugly white steel wheels. It had the 4 cylinder 22re 5 speed. At the time I thought that 22re was weak. I still think that but have come to desire it over the V6.

So a few days ago I found the best option for me.
It was an SR5 with 22re AND 5 speed!!

I bought a plane ticket and flew from Memphis to Chicago today. Took an Uber to Bolingbrook, IL and bought that sucker that I found on Craig's List.

Since I was up all night at a 2nd alarm fire in Memphis (where I am a firefighter) I drove 200 miles and stopped in Effingham, Illinois at a hotel and am crashing for the nifht before I drive another 350 Miles tomorrow to get home. So far so good.
This 1988 first gen is in great shape. 188000 miles on it. Exterior, interior, and undercarriage in excellent condition.

It have a few minor things to fix but nothing major. He put wheels from a 1997 4runner on it which I don't like and will replace soon.

But glad to be here and meet y'all!

John

 

Welcome to the site John, congrats on the purchase, post up some pics when you have a chance

 

Thanks! Well I thought I did post some last night on my iPhone. I will post some later on my computer.

 

Dayuum, that thing is beautiful!!!!

 

Thanks! It was painted in July of this year with 2005 Scion Absolutely Red paint.
I scratched it a couple days ago and it made me sick.

 

That thing is mint. I am officially jealous.

 

Dammit That is awesome what a find, just perfect so happy for you!

 

Thanks guys. I have been looking off and on for a little over a year.
Did a nationwide CraigsList search and found this one.

Need to repair some things. I want to replace the original power antenna with an actual replacement. It is broken.
It's missing a rear wiper arm. Those are hard to find.
The original power mirrors are gone and these are just manual ones. I want to find some original power mirrors. The switch and wiring harnesses are there.
Already ordered a HVAC dash panel replacement (the one in here is white right now....not sure why that is) and a quartz clock which is currently missing.

Planning on putting some black wheels and 33" tires on it.

The existing wheels are off a 97 4Runner and the tires have about 1500 miles on them. They are going to be up for sale.

And lastly I would like to find a factory clip on sun shade that goes inside the factory sunroof. That one may prove impossible to find.

Basically I want to restore this to as close to original with the exception of bigger tires.

 

You have found the coolest rig. Congratulations.