New guy with an old pickup, Arizona

[Ollis]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I picked up an 81' 4x4 from Southern California for cheap. It had been wrecked so I spent the spring bending it back straight. I just put in a remanufactured 22R and it is running as good as new, aside from 32 years of interior abuse .

Anyhow I bought this to restore it and I am making slow steady progress. I am sure I will have a lot of questions for direction on how to find things. So I look forward to hearing from all of you.

 

[LoveTaco]

@Ollis welcome to the the site

 

[ToyotaTruckTrends]

Welcome to the club. Do you have any picture to share with..

 

[Ollis]

I just uploaded 9 photos. I will continue to post more as they come.

I have to mention: I love this truck. there is nothing better than sweating over something then seeing it working out as planned. after the exterior is complete, then I will dive into the interior. It's pretty much stripped, but I am buying parts as I come across them to make it whole once again. This thing was abused and had no love for a very long time judging from what I found under the seats. anyhow, check out my album for pics.

 

[TruckRider]

I have browse your photo gallery, it was nice to see that the truck you have working on is looking good now,


Before I forgot welcome to the site buddy.. Keep updating on the other things you have done on your truck


i have a question does the truck is in good running condition right now?

 

[Ollis]

When I got it, the engine had been repaired by some individuals south of the border. It ran, but it ran like garbage so I took the motor out to rebuild it. Upon this I discovered that three of the pistons didn't have top rings. All sorts of things were wrong. Cracked intake, carb was very nasty. The clutch was aweful also.
The front hit a Joshua Tree from what they said, so the bumper was messed up, the light bezzles were broken and missing, and the wiring harness was absolutely removed.
So why did I buy it? Because the suspension is intact and the truck just had potential. $1000 for title in hand. I had to take it, plus it was the exact year I wanted.

Now it has a new engine and runs so very smooth. Very glad I am investing in this little truck.

 

[TruckRider]

Wow that's nice it has a new engine, does it has the same engine you have install?

 

[Ollis]

Yes. I bought the same model/year 22R carb motor to replace it. In the end I want all components to be original or at the very least a good replacement that wont change its specifications.
In this motor I have new cams,springs,arms, bearings. Also, new crank, pistons, rods/caps, main seal, plugs, pumps, pullies & oil pan. Among many other parts, I just want it to move like the day it was built.
As for now it drives smooth, no shift issues, no alignment issues and no crazy noises coming from components.
Now the bad part still here is that the previous drivers deleted the fuse box under the hood. I spent a long time trying to wire back some of the electrical issues. Like the horn/hazard/lights/blinkers/breaklights did not work at all. It was a nightmare. Now all of that works, but I intend on buying a full replacement harness to bring everything back to normal.

- - - Updated - - -

also, it has a 2 year/24K mile warranty on the engine so I am happy with that as well.

 

[LoveTaco]

[MENTION=4174]Ollis[/MENTION] I have never thought that when you buy a new engine replacement it will have a 2 year/24K mile warranty, that is very nice to know

 

[Ollis]

Warrantee is always good

I don't believe that is too common, it just happened I came across a company there that would do it so I jumped on it. It will be as good as a new truck in my opinion. Keeping in mind the constant state of upgrade I have it in. This week I ordered a new set of external lights/markers. The front turn signals in the bumper, the front and rear side indicator markers as well. JC Whitney had them as an exact fit, so I googled/amazoned/ebayed for a decent price for all 6 of them. I think I did pretty well in what I found.

If anyone wants the part numbers to find those side markers for the 1st generation pickup hit me up. I will gladly share.

 

[toyotafan]

Hey, welcome to the site.

 

[ToyotaTruckTrends]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I picked up an 81' 4x4 from Southern California for cheap. It had been wrecked so I spent the spring bending it back straight. I just put in a remanufactured 22R and it is running as good as new, aside from 32 years of interior abuse .

Anyhow I bought this to restore it and I am making slow steady progress. I am sure I will have a lot of questions for direction on how to find things. So I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Is There any update on your restoration?

 

[Ollis]

Hey guys. I spent my 4 days off nitpicking wiring and corrosion from the grill to the tail lights. Some of the wires were exposed so I bought long strands and replaced them the proper way. Takes a while and a bit of sweat. Also I installed the corner markers and replace each bulb on the truck. With the markers on and the lights bright the truck is starting to really take shape.

Speaking of shape, I am now in the process of pounding flush the front body where it has been damaged. Also I ordered a replacement grill and steel bumper for the front. So this is the current progress. Slow but steady. Pictures to follow soon.