JPRunner's 2000 Toyota 4Runner build

[JPRunner]

Hi guys. Just getting started on this project. Ever since I bought my 4Runner I wanted to do something "different" with it and I think I finally figured it out. I want to make a JP themed staff vehicle. I've attached the concept photoshop below as well as the first image, showing my mirror painting in progress.

I'm doing the whole thing with Flexidip (Rustoleum's version of Plastidip). Basically I'm just going to paint the mirrors and the body panels as shown then slap a couple of driving lights on the front and some JP logos on the doors. I will also be doing:

• JP front plate
  Gear box with flares and flashlight
  JP staff tag hanging from rearview
  Raptor claw also dangling from rearview
  Replica shotgun and/or tranquilizer gun mounted in cargo area
  Roof cargo basket (maybe)
  CB radio & whip antenna

Photoshop concept

JP 4Runner.jpg (88.99 KiB) Viewed 17035 times

First mirror being painted

jp4_001.jpg (82.93 KiB) Viewed 17035 times

[COBrian]

Neat design. I love how you are doing this with random plywood strapped to the top.

[JPRunner]

haha. I went and picked up some plywood to fix the floor of my shed and while I was at Home Depot I found the Flexidip I'm using to paint the truck.

[JPRunner]

The red Flexidip seems to come out pretty smooth. The color isn't terribly vibrant but it's actually quite close to what the jeeps look like in the movie.

One thing I'm really digging about the Flexidip is that it dries FAST. Even in conditions above 80% humidity it dries in only 5-10 minutes. Plastidip has, in the past, taken some times WEEKS to try to the point that it was no longer tacky. Our humid weather does not let spray paint dry very quickly. It also seems to dry, after a few coats, into a nice even finish. After the first coat it looked terrible, very splotchy, but after two more it looks great. Cleaner finish than most Plastidip applications I've tried.

With any luck tomorrow I'll get the other mirror and maybe the stripes done. Will keep everyone updated.

[JPRunner]

Okay, getting to work on one side of the vehicle. Seeing as how it took about 2 hours of hard work in the Louisiana heat to get it taped up I'm going to be done for today. I'll tackle the other side next week and probably the wheels.

Crossing my fingers that the tape comes up without peeling up the rubberized coating. I'll post pics once it's done.

[JPRunner]

finished the side. had a couple of edges want to peel...had to end up using a razor blade and scoring the crap out of the paint underneath but oh well, I guess I have no choice now but to keep it a JP 4Runner. Even if the Flexi-dip comes off I'll just have to redo it with regular red car paint.

If the Flexi-dip does fail to hold up I will have to choose either going with actual car paint (in rattle can form, I can't afford a pro job) or maybe get a local vinyl shop to do the panels for me.

[COBrian]

plastidip holds up well,, however after 2 years, the front edge of my stripe is starting to lift a little.

[JPRunner]

Okay. Sit-rep:

Woke up early, went to the dentist to get a piece of friggin' bone that was sticking out of my jaw filed down...then with a numb mouth proceeded to rip off all of the Flexi-dip I had already applied because I wanted to remove the pinstriping from the truck first. I then spent the entire day redo-ing the whole thing (both sides) as well as installing some front driving lights and a Jurassic Park front number plate.

Tomorrow I do some detail work removing the rest of the pinstripe residue (in the spots where the red is NOT currently applied) as well as (hopefully) apply my side-door decals. Also I'd like to get the wheels painted but I'm not holding my breath. It's summer in south Louisiana and it HOT and HUMID as all get-out.

I will say that although I prefer the idea of paint so that it's more maintenance-free I noticed in many of the shots of the Jeeps from the actual first movie that the red part seemed very dull and matte in appearance, something the Flexi-dip manages to replicate very well. Honestly I think when the Flexi-dip starts giving me trouble in a year or two I will just get a vinyl shop to apply a matte vinyl to the areas I've been coating and be done with it for 7 years.

Couple of obligatory progress pics included.

perspective view

front view, wanted to go with JP21 but couldn't find it so I did JP12

[ratrace427]

can you pull the masking right after you paint? I like to time my tape removal while the paint is still tacky. I havent messed with rubberize coating but i think it could be done if you painted in the lowest heat of the day and made with the quickness. The scratch you left in the clear from the blade could be buffed out if you didnt go through the clear coat.

[JPRunner]

No the coating dries pretty quickly and you need a good 3-4 coats for it to look right. Not too worried about original paint. It's an old truck and paint was already not in super condition. Will probably some day go with vinyl for the red parts and have them go a millimeter or two bigger to cover any razor scratches.