to restore or not restore

[allan]

Hi,

I just became a member today.
I wanted to find out, get an overview of what it takes to restore a truck. I have a 1980 Toyota SR5. I don't know if it is a candidate for restoration or not. If not I could sell it to a neighbor and his kids can take it apart.

I bought the truck with 14,000 miles on it in 1981. Took good care of it and changed oil every 3000 miles. It has the original engine and most original equipment. It's tranmission was replaced. But a lot of the plastic is starting to fall apart. Where do you find 30 year old replacement parts that won't be in the same shape? Anyone out there with any thoughts recommendations? I have really no experience in this area.

Thanks,
Allan

[1982rn34]

Hey Allen,
I am an original owner of my '82 SR5 truck and these trucks are well worth spending a little bit of money. Everything is original down to the paint, but I do have many aftermarket parts on mine. My engine & exhaust are modified and the wide wheels and tires has always been plus for me. These RN3# model trucks are sought after by many people and people still give me compliments on my truck.

Make a list of parts that you need and post them in the appropriate section here on the message board. I'll give you a hand because we have a Toyota truck dismantlers here in San Jose.

Rick

[allan]

Hey thanks Rick,

I'm in Los Angeles, The SF vallley. I'll have a lot of questions. First off the the paint. This truck was polished through the years and now there is no paint on the top of cab and it has rusted. the hood is very thin ans shows bare metal in spots. this truck is looking pretty tired. I have heard it is more valuable to to keep the original paint and parts but if my truck is looking like this it needs to be painted. Does that de-value the truck? Or do you just go with it at this point?

I'd like to get an idea what would be involved and what kinda costs/time and what is the value of a restored truck with replaced paint so on. I'm wondering if there is anyone in the LA area that has done any work like this.

Appreciate the feedback and am glad you responded.
Thanks,
Allan

[toyotageek]

Hello Allan & welcome to the TORC forums.

To paraphrase Shakespeare, "To restore or not to restore, that is the question". And the answer depends on a lot of things, but mostly you should ask yourself what do you want to get out of the truck?

Unfortunately most of the trim for your truck is no longer available from the factory, so about all that leaves is the junk yards. So Cal junk yards get pretty well picked clean, but if you have friends elsewhere they may have more luck in getting good replacement pieces for you. Rick's offer to help is worth considering, especially since he has access to a truck dismantler, and he's an all around nice guy!

As far as a paint job goes... well, if the paint is shot, it's shot - so a repaint is perfectly fine. Again, depending on what you want will depend on what kind of paint job to get. Persoanally I recommend going with the original color, but if originality isn't your thing, then feel free to go with whatever color you like! After all it's your truck & you can do whatever you want with it. Go with your own instincts, not what other people want. Remember, if you decide to put time and money into it, you might as well make it fun and enjoyable.

~mike

[1982rn34]

My Toyota has seen a lot of sun. It is parked outside every day at work, although it is garaged all the rest of the time. After 28 years, I had a complete detail job last month. That Clay Bar stuff is absolutely fantastic!!! After the wax and polish, a towel would slide from one end of my hood to the other. It is that smooth And all of the minor scratches were filled in. My plastic drip rail mouldings are still holding up, but are dull in some areas. Luckily, I ordered the last pair in the country a couple of years ago.

Post some photos of you truck. After getting a visual, then we can guide you.

Rick

[allan]

Sorry to take so long getting back to you, Ric and Mike. Been distracted because of health issues with my wife. I'm not sure I'm gonna have the time or cash to put into this right now. But your comments have intrigued me and I think it would be cool to do.

Just not sure when or how but...

I'll take some pictures in the next week or so and try to get them up here. it's a cute little car and I's like to see it get a smile back on it's tired ol' face.

thanks for all the comments so far.
Allan

[1982rn34]

I sent you an e-mail via PM. Respond to me with your e-mail address and I'll show you some photos of my truck.

[allan]

Hi Rick,

Again sorry for the delay. Got my hands full right now. I didn't see any email and I'm wondering what PM means? I'm not very tech savy
Thanks
Allan

[1982rn34]

Hey Allan,
PM means Private Message. Once you log in on the TORC site, you'll see the PM counter at the top of the page next to your screen name and the TORC logo.

If you still don't see it, then you can leave your e-mail address here and I'll send you pictures of my truck

No problem about responding late.
Rick

[allan]

Hi Rick,

I responded to your PM. check it out and will contact you,
Best,
Allan

[1982rn34]

Ok, Allan! Check out your PM inbox