My red 83

Discussion in '1976-1983 Build-Up/Project Threads' started by fred.d.k, Nov 13, 2016.

  1. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Thought I would start a thread for my recently acquired 83. I have been searching for a while for a late 70's or early 80's Toyota pickup. I have had a number of 1st and 2nd gen Celicas over the last 10 years (and a 73 back in the day in high school). I purchased a 81 Celica a while back to convert a Sunchaser I had from auto to stick. I was told the engine had been rebuilt about 20,000 miles previous. I pulled it and have had it on a stand for a few years, and started to look for a pickup to drop it in.
    Came across this 83 on Craiglist down in Austin Texas (should mention I am in Canada, near Niagara Falls). I am on a 1stgen Celica forum. I approached a member on there (who I hadn't had any contact wigh before) and asked him if he would do "a stranger a favor". He said he would, and went and had a look at it. Between what he said, some pics he took, and the sellers pics, it looked to be solid. It needed engine work, but that wasn't a concern. I pulled the trigger, (probably a little to quick).
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    Had it shipped to Buffalo. Picked it up from there and imported it (easier as it is over 25 years old). Last Saturday pulled the 22R, swapped the intake and exhaust manifolds over, and dropped it in yesterday. Up and running by the end of the day, so was happy with that. Had time to look at the floor, and was disappointed to see my rust free southern vehicle had rust issues.
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    I have a welder and can weld a little, but not much of a fabricator. Concerned about the area of the body/cab mounts.
    On the plus side, I am up a couple of bucks! (probably worth close to 3 bucks Canadian!)
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    And my favorite part of the truck! I know most guys like to swap them out, but love the old school look of the bench!
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    So first I have to deal with the floor, so I can get a safety and get it licensed. From there, we will see. Lower it, but not looking to "restore" it. Just drive it, and "tinker" with it. Look forward to learning and getting help here! So if anyone has suggestions for replacing the portion of the floor that has the mounts, I would love to hear them.
     
    Utility 77 likes this.
  2. jetas

    jetas Grand Toyotaholic

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    Looks like a good start bro, Welcome to TM
     
  3. elliott

    elliott Member

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    good luck with your truck and thanks for sharing.
     
  4. Dux77Lux

    Dux77Lux Newbie

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    I had a little more of a rust issue than you. I made cardboard templates and brought them to a metal shop and had some sheetmetal made for what I needed. I welded it myself - also a noob welder - but take your time and look at a bunch of sample welding videos on youtube and you will be fine.

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    I ordered cab mounts from these guys - they were great:

    http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/ToyotaPickupBodyLift.shtml#FullKit-I
     
  5. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Well before it got too cold up here, I got the floor looked after. Cut out the rot, had a buddy fabricate some pieces for the mounts, welded everything back in. Some red Zero Rust, seam sealed everything and finished off with black Zero Rust.

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    Bought some black PlastiDip and going to paint things I can pull off and bring inside. Bupmpers, rims, grille, etc. Updates to come.


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    Last edited: Feb 4, 2017
    ace89 likes this.
  6. Justin Danger

    Justin Danger Toyotaholic

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    Nice! I like those early 80s, glad to see you're trying to bring some life back to it. I would just be weary of plastidip, in my experience it doesn't last long before it peels and gets nasty.
     
    Utility 77 likes this.
  7. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the heads up. I read mixed reviews. Bought 6 cans, figured I would give it a go. I did a couple of small pieces. I like the texture/finish. Will see how it holds up. If it doesn't, hopefully it peels of easily if I want it off!
     
    Jeffrey l deyoung likes this.
  8. Justin Danger

    Justin Danger Toyotaholic

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    For aure man! i painted a few things with it, left it for a while and was able to peel it off when i wanted.
     
  9. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Well, repaired my grille and Plasti Dipped it, along with some other stuff. As I mentioned, I like the finish, we'll see how it holds up.
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    Last edited: Feb 18, 2017
    ace89 likes this.
  10. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Also decided to remove the rest of the factory sound deadener. found some more rust, both sides in the same area, cut it out and welded in some new metal.
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  11. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Made a purchase last night

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    Last edited: Feb 23, 2017
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  12. Tuhd The Troll

    Tuhd The Troll Veteran

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    Those are gonna look really nice on your truck. Good find!
     
  13. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Thanks Tuhd. Got a coat of zero rust on the entire floor today.

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  14. Dan McBoost

    Dan McBoost Enthusiast

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    Nice work man! Also those wheels, NOMtastic.
     
  15. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Thanks Dan. Time to think about getting lower!

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    Think I am going to have to go a little narrower rubber up front tho.
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  16. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Thought these might work, but the red clashes with my faded paint!

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  17. jetas

    jetas Grand Toyotaholic

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    Doubt anyone will nit pick the color match.
     
  18. Tuhd The Troll

    Tuhd The Troll Veteran

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    Leave them in the sun for a month. It'll match
     
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  19. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Had the dash out to find the source of my leaks. Painted the metal and cobbled the cracked panel back together with crazy glue then painted it, as well as the rest of the plastic and the glove box door. Have to find a ash tray and figure out what I want to do about the butchered radio opening, but looks better than it did. Also got a second coat of Zero Rust on the floor. Ordered some carpet, sound deadener and some 3" lowering blocks.

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    Last edited: Apr 1, 2017
  20. fred.d.k

    fred.d.k Enthusiast

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    Sound deadener came in. Not sure how much difference it will màkes as far as road noise goes, but the doors sound more solid when closing them!
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