Hey folks,
I have posted this car to the tercel specific forums but never before to this one so I thought I would do so! I am a hobbyist and an amateur wrencher type so go easy on me.
This is my 1985 Toyota Tercel SR5 4WD. Purchased in mid 2018 for two grand on craigslist. It had 124k miles and a practically untouched interior.
I have always had a soft spot for ugly cars. I am the kind of dude who would have driven a pontiac aztek just FOR it's looks. So that informs why I made the choice to buy a slow, ugly, 80's box.
These are unique little cars. The transmission is a 6-speed (traditional five speed with a low granny gear), the 63 hp 3AC engine well....it tries it's best. The rear differential locks in that....it's either engaged or disengaged. I wanted something unique enough to keep me happy and reliable enough to get me to work. My employer would rather put us up in hotels when it snows than let us try and get home..
Mechanical: I have done or had done only minor mechanical work including belts, carb rebuild, catalytic converter swap, and many many many vacuum line leaks. It runs fairly well having put 3,000 miles on it commuting to work this last year. My intention is to drop a rebuilt 4AC into it with some reground camshaft action in the summer of 2019.
Interior: Did very little; very clean. Love the seats. I did install the 'inclinometer' which is native to the 1983-84 models but was dropped for 1985. It's got a few readings on it but is hardly accurate (and only when not moving is it even kind of accurate). It's fun though, I like to throw it into corners and max the lean guage out.
Exterior: Basic detailing, 14" wheels (an upgrade from the stock 13") from a mid 80's toyota MR2, Roof rack from amazon, and my decals. I love my decals I based them off a few tercels that each had elements I liked. Done by a local vinyl guy here in Vancouver wa I got to be honest it was 600 bucks...which is what a lot of these tercels end up being worth...but this one is mine and I love it so oh well.
Anyway, I appreciate people who know more then I do, if you have any advice, recommendations or past experiences please chime in!
Cheers,
-M
