1st Generation Toyota 4Runner, Plywood Seat Backs

1st generation Toyota 4Runner rear seat back replacement.Show more

The original factory rear seats were designed to fold down into a recess below the rear seat bottom cushion and that bottom cushion folded up behind the front seats. With extremely limited access to the rear seats, they are not very useful so I removed them over 20 years ago.

However, the factory seat backs folded down did make a nice extension to the bed. But the cushions used up all the space below. So I built a set of seat backs out of some scrap plywood. I added a raised piece of wood across the front to stop cargo from sliding too far forward. These plywood seat backs open up a nice storage area below. I keep things like spare belts, hoses, and bulky tools under there.

Materials used:
1/4" plywood cut to match the factory rear set backs.
Assorted pieces of wood to make a stiffening frame below the plywood. I mainly used scraps of hardwood left over from an old wooden shop creeper I had.
8 - threaded inserts and screws for the factory hinges

1/8" x 39" x 78" neoprene foam rubber sheet:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubber-Cal-Closed-Cell-Sponge-Rubber-Neoprene-1-8-in-x-39-in-x-78-in-Black-Foam-Rubber-Sheet-02-128-0125/304363423

The foam pad is non-adhesive and simply rolls out under the cargo mat and is held in place that way.

Killer Toy Tops:
https://killertoytops.com/

Some web archive links to soft top companies mentioned.
Kayline Mfg.:
https://web.archive.org/web/19990428193849/http://www.kaylinetops.com/
Specialty Top Co.:
https://web.archive.org/web/20010819040832/http://www.specialtytopco.com/
Can-Back:
https://web.archive.org/web/20010202070000/http://www.can-back.com/

#4Runner #softtop #seatback