hello all just introducing myself. My name is Joe and I am from Santa fe New Mexico. 3 days ago I bought a 1981 Toyota pick up all original. I will put up some pics as soon as I pick it up tomorrow. My plans are to make a weekend cruiser type truck lowered to the floor, and real clean nothing to wild. My big decision is the power plant. It has the stock 22r that runs "ok" now but needs carb adjustment or tuning. The idle is extremely erratic and the PO took it to a shade tree mechanic who screwed up the carb. This is by far not my first complete build but it is my first mini truck. I also have a 97 Tacoma 4x4 with 4 inch lift that I did all the work on and a Ford expedition sitting on 35's. I just finished a frame off resto on a bmw E30 which I turbo'd and did a custom stand alone fuel management. But the Toyota world is new to me except a Supra 7m build I did 10 years ago. I will be spending the next few weeks reading everything I can about my new toy. If anyone can point me to a 3rd gen bible or a site that is a must read for newbs please feel free. I hope to be active member and contribute as much as I can. I have extensive knowledge of EFI systems and turbo applications so if anyone has questions please feel free to ask. I am a graduate of UTI Automotive school and am happy to help anyone.
So got some pics taken. Really pumped although I know it's not much to look at right now. But I have started with worse! Hope to have the cab and bed off this weekend to paint the frame and start suspension work! anyway here is some pics.
Just thought I would show you guys what I got done today. Static drop 4 inches all the way around. Also ordered some parts today, fenders, new dash pad, precut tint kit, and carpet kit. Can anyone tell me where I can get a fiberglass or carbon fiber hood? Also I am looking for a good write up on adding a/c to a non air conditioned model. Thanks!
Going to have to find a donor truck for the AC parts. And take everything from it. And getting a CF or fiberglass hood is going to be a custom job.
Thanks heading to the junk yard Monday I will check for the a/c equipment. As for the hood looks like its time to warm up the vacuum table.
Joe, Also get the all of the ducts for the A/C setup. You will need the center vent grille, the ducts for the L & R vents, and also the 2 plugs for the firewall. Rick
A quick question. What kind of options do I have for front bumper/lips? Is there swaps from other makes / models? Or bolt on wise am I stuck with the stuck front end? I don't mind fabbing just wondering if there is any common front end body styling mods people do?
as far as the front end id suggest 4wd fenders and many people do a 89-95 truck bumper but youd have to trim the front fenders and i its not quite bolt up
found this looking around its listed for 79-83 but the picture looks 84-88 so i can guarantee itll work but worth looking into 1981 Toyota Pick-up Fiberglass Hoods at Andys Auto Sport
here is a picture of the 4wd fenders they have alot more flare but to do the 89-95 bumper youll have to trim the fenders just under the corner marker. the rear fenders are a factory bolt on flare just got to puch a few holes through your 2wd bed itll open up some room for wide tires and deep dish rims