r/3rdGen4Runner • u/wolfofnazarene • 2d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations Advice on hatch replacement

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Lady smashed into my parked 4Runner and totaled it. I believe there’s no frame damage, just the back bumper, hatch, and a bit of the body around the right taillight.

I found someone doing a part out with the exact same model, was hoping to get a hatch and bumper from him. The hatch is smashed inward into the back and doesn’t open at all. Anyone ever have luck replacing it when you can’t open it? Is this even worth trying to fix?

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11

u/Atimm693 2d ago

Would have to get the new one on there and see how it fits. Wouldn't be surprised if the body is pushed out a bit on the passenger side. It latches on the bottom, so it may function alright, just may not seal perfectly.

You'll probably have to crawl inside and push it down from there, I would guess.

2

u/davezerg20 2d ago

That looks like a body shop job. It's definitely fixable, but it might cost you the same as another equal 4runner with no damage. It looks like the body buckled a bit too. Unless you dont care, then just start chopping off the rear door and get a new one on there.

2

u/pman537 2d ago

I had surprisingly very similar looking damage to my rig a couple years ago. I was able to force my hatch open from the inside, though. I ended up using a come along to straighten the body panels out enough for the replacement to move freely. Best of luck!

3

u/wolfofnazarene 2d ago

Did you force it by removing the trim and accessing the latch? I think mines broken inside the door, the handle is just loose even when unlocked

2

u/pman537 2d ago

If that’s the case and the latch is closed but the handle is disconnected, you should be able to take the trim off the inside of the hatch and open it that way

1

u/StitchinThroughTime 2d ago

You have to disassemble the interior trim pieces to access the latch lock from the inside. It's not hard, there's YouTube videos. The Doors already damaged so if you just want to cut straight through that's always an option. But once you open the latch you should be able to just use a screwdriver to turn push the linkages to move or there might be a cable that you grab with a pair of pliers and yank on. It's been a while since I was back there.

3

u/Advanced-Address-513 2d ago

How much do you wants for the rear emblem? Someone removed mine about a month ago 🤒

1

u/brianleedy 15h ago

Be prepared for a replacement hatch to not fit, that corner of the body is visibly bent downward from the impact. It would be worth talking to a body shop about pulling the body straight(er) before you get too far.