1981 accident question

AZkid · 09-05-2008, 03:28 PM

I have a 1981 toyota pickup 2wd short bed sr5 thats been in the family since it was basically new. i had a little problem and lost contol and hit a bridge wall.

the front fender smashed, inner fender, hood, bumper, and frame. still runs and drives and im forced to continue driving it. so since the frames bent is it better to sell or what? help please in high school and not much money. any comments welcome.

Before:

Now:

TOYOTA 1 · 09-05-2008, 03:31 PM

if the frame is bent i would call it a parts truck! thats just my .02

Tacoclimber · 09-05-2008, 03:32 PM

That's a heartbreak. That looked pretty clean for it's age.

You could conceivably restore it. It depends on how much sentimental value it has. Me? I'd keep it and rebuild it. You wouldn't get much money for it anyway the way it sits now.

AZkid · 09-05-2008, 03:33 PM

thanks. i acidentally put in 84-85 trucks and 4 runeers. can i move it or do mods have to?

pepsibluefloat · 09-05-2008, 03:34 PM

depends how bad the frame is bent. If it can be straightened to "good enough," id keep it. You should be able to fix all that yourself (aside from the frame) for relatively cheap using junkyard parts.

AZkid · 09-05-2008, 03:36 PM

well previously it was in an accident. it was stopped and got rear-ended by a guy doing 65. it was my grandpas at the time and he hit the rear window out with his head. later on he got a new bed and a had it all taken apart and repainted. how hard is a frame swap? my parents want it gone but im gonna miss it for sure

Tacoclimber · 09-05-2008, 03:40 PM

A frame swap entails pretty much disassembling the entire truck and then putting it back together... Lots of work. If the frame's not that bad, it can be straightened. A F350 hit my mom's Camry doing 60, and it looked like the front end was completely gone. A few months later, it was back on the road. It made a few funny noises, and eventually it was sold, but I still see that thing driving around town!

hmmwv15 · 09-05-2008, 03:59 PM

Yeah, I'm not sure if you'd want to tackle this but it's not impossible. I pulled off a cab swap on my old p/u, but if your frame is bent up too bad you would need to do a frame swap as well. Granted it won't look as good as it did, but you will have the truck back. Problem is finding a decent donor cab with no rust since it's so old. Your out west so it should be easier. If your parents want it gone, see if you can park it at a buddies house. I was lucky enough to be able to do the cab swap in my front yard, parts strewn everywhere until it was finished! I think it took about 8 people to lift the cab up off the frame, so make lots of friends before you start on this project! I would post a link to my cab swap thread, but I didn't have anyone to take pics for me so my thread sucks on visual aid, not to mention I failed to keep posting about the process. Here is a thread another member on the site wrote, he did a great job on taking pictures and information, and he also did a cab swap I believe. Anyway, here's the link and if you have any questions about it, don't be shy to ask.

http://www.yotatech.com/f116/chassis...arning-122175/

blackspyder · 09-06-2008, 02:09 PM

look at the frame and see where it is bent. if it is in front of the turn down or behind it. the frame can be straightened and plated fairly easily. However if it is in the S of the turn down it is really not worth repairing (IMO) as a Frame Stretcher would have a devil of a time getting it back right (12 hr minimum) and the only other option would be to use a front clip off of a good truck which gets expensive.

**4x4Fink** · 09-06-2008, 06:21 PM

Moved to Pre-84 section.

Fink

bigt · 09-06-2008, 07:36 PM

yeah i understand you missing it but your young and the parents are gonna get what they want..maybe ask if you could fix it up on your own time if you have the room.. is the frame bent for sure?? got any more higher res pics?? you might just need fender and body peices... did the rad break??? your still driving it??

rowdy235 · 09-06-2008, 08:26 PM

now some will argue with me, but If that was a truck that had been in the family for that many years, and provided it drove without any problems, I'd re-do the sheet metal and call it good. Maybe take it to a body shop and get the frame straightened, but I wouldn't if it wasn't bent that far.

AZkid · 09-07-2008, 09:57 PM

yea its bent up pretty bad. the whole corners bent up like an inch to an inch and a half. but most likely getting an 87 4runner for $600

AZkid · 09-08-2008, 08:31 AM

Al's Chop Shop · 09-08-2008, 12:08 PM

um, you still aren't showing pictures of the frame. that is the critical part in question....

Al

AZkid · 09-08-2008, 04:35 PM

Where the bend is theres that hole and it started bending in right there.

rowdy235 · 09-08-2008, 08:38 PM

2 words- frame straightener

any good body shop should have one, they had one on trucks the other day straightening a jeep cherokee frame. Just pull off the affected sheet metal, clamp the clamp on, it will hydraulically pull the frame, straightening it. Labor alone will be around $500, i think, so if you know somebody in a body shop, it may be worth looking into

I just would hate to see a truck like that hit the scrapyard or become a parts truck. Its in great shape otherwise.

AZkid · 09-09-2008, 03:58 PM

i wanna see it fixed or if anything get built up. i dont wanna see it scraped or used as a work truck but what the parents say goes.

Tacoclimber · 09-09-2008, 04:04 PM

Wanna send a fellow "Zonan" those Toyota emblems before it goes?

AZkid · 09-09-2008, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacoclimber

Wanna send a fellow "Zonan" those Toyota emblems before it goes?

well im keeping the grille one for my 4 runner im getting.

you wanting the fender ones?

09-05-2008, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	1981 accident question I have a 1981 toyota pickup 2wd short bed sr5 thats been in the family since it was basically new. i had a little problem and lost contol and hit a bridge wall. the front fender smashed, inner fender, hood, bumper, and frame. still runs and drives and im forced to continue driving it. so since the frames bent is it better to sell or what? help please in high school and not much money. any comments welcome. Before: Now: __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-05-2008, 03:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
TOYOTA 1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: oregon Posts: 1,242	if the frame is bent i would call it a parts truck! thats just my .02 __________________ 91 Toyota stdrd cab short bed 22re 5spd. sas'ed, Yukon 5:29's. 3.5" tuff country e-z ride springs in the front. 5" allpro long travels in the rear. pro comp es 9000 shocks, 12" tg long spline front d shaft. k&n, 35x10.50x15 boggers. cobra cb/ashtray mod, 3' fire stick. etc. 2000 Toyota Tacoma xtra cab sr5, 3"revtek,285/70/17 coopers stt, clear tails, injen short ram intake, obx header, flow master, etc. 2001 Toyota Camry, the girlfriends, www.22re.com

09-05-2008, 03:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,501	That's a heartbreak. That looked pretty clean for it's age. You could conceivably restore it. It depends on how much sentimental value it has. Me? I'd keep it and rebuild it. You wouldn't get much money for it anyway the way it sits now. __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok?

09-05-2008, 03:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	thanks. i acidentally put in 84-85 trucks and 4 runeers. can i move it or do mods have to? __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-05-2008, 03:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
pepsibluefloat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 333	depends how bad the frame is bent. If it can be straightened to "good enough," id keep it. You should be able to fix all that yourself (aside from the frame) for relatively cheap using junkyard parts. __________________ 1988 4runner::SAS\|3vze\|A340H\|5.29's\|Aussie Front\|LockRight Rear\|Longfield axles/Hub Gear\|4"Rear/3"Front springs\|Marlin High Steer\|Custom CV rear driveshaft from High Angle Driveline\|Rear D/S shortened and made into front D/S \|35" Goodyear MT/R My 4runner n stuff

09-05-2008, 03:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	well previously it was in an accident. it was stopped and got rear-ended by a guy doing 65. it was my grandpas at the time and he hit the rear window out with his head. later on he got a new bed and a had it all taken apart and repainted. how hard is a frame swap? my parents want it gone but im gonna miss it for sure __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-05-2008, 03:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,501	A frame swap entails pretty much disassembling the entire truck and then putting it back together... Lots of work. If the frame's not that bad, it can be straightened. A F350 hit my mom's Camry doing 60, and it looked like the front end was completely gone. A few months later, it was back on the road. It made a few funny noises, and eventually it was sold, but I still see that thing driving around town! __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok?

09-05-2008, 03:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
hmmwv15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Good 'ole Georgia Posts: 1,683	Yeah, I'm not sure if you'd want to tackle this but it's not impossible. I pulled off a cab swap on my old p/u, but if your frame is bent up too bad you would need to do a frame swap as well. Granted it won't look as good as it did, but you will have the truck back. Problem is finding a decent donor cab with no rust since it's so old. Your out west so it should be easier. If your parents want it gone, see if you can park it at a buddies house. I was lucky enough to be able to do the cab swap in my front yard, parts strewn everywhere until it was finished! I think it took about 8 people to lift the cab up off the frame, so make lots of friends before you start on this project! I would post a link to my cab swap thread, but I didn't have anyone to take pics for me so my thread sucks on visual aid, not to mention I failed to keep posting about the process. Here is a thread another member on the site wrote, he did a great job on taking pictures and information, and he also did a cab swap I believe. Anyway, here's the link and if you have any questions about it, don't be shy to ask. http://www.yotatech.com/f116/chassis...arning-122175/ __________________ Sean What I be drivin': Weekend/fun rig: 85 4runner in the building process, so far welded rear and a wee bit-o-lift. (thing 1) Daily Driver: 87 extra cab long bed deluxe 2wd p/u (thing 2) Is this going to be an Obamanation?

09-06-2008, 02:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
blackspyder Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Huddleston, VA Posts: 132	look at the frame and see where it is bent. if it is in front of the turn down or behind it. the frame can be straightened and plated fairly easily. However if it is in the S of the turn down it is really not worth repairing (IMO) as a Frame Stretcher would have a devil of a time getting it back right (12 hr minimum) and the only other option would be to use a front clip off of a good truck which gets expensive. __________________ 1988 4x4 Pickup ISR/Battery-Intake Swap/216"c" Cam/ EGR removal/

09-06-2008, 06:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 4,676	Moved to Pre-84 section. Fink __________________ Black 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA

09-06-2008, 07:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,985	yeah i understand you missing it but your young and the parents are gonna get what they want..maybe ask if you could fix it up on your own time if you have the room.. is the frame bent for sure?? got any more higher res pics?? you might just need fender and body peices... did the rad break??? your still driving it?? __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

09-06-2008, 08:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,375	now some will argue with me, but If that was a truck that had been in the family for that many years, and provided it drove without any problems, I'd re-do the sheet metal and call it good. Maybe take it to a body shop and get the frame straightened, but I wouldn't if it wasn't bent that far. __________________ Daily Driver: 1982 Toyota Pickup Base 2WD 22R, TRD Cam,5-sp Manual, Toyota Truck Nation High Miler- 300k+ MPG: 25/32 Off-roader: 1990 Honda H3011SA Riding Lawnmower, 11hp OHV engine, Carlisle SNOW-HOG Tires MPG: 1 Day of "Wheeling" per gallon Come to the 2nd Annual Oregon Yotatech Meetup! June 26-29, 2009: Browns Camp OHV Park http://www.yotatech.com/f5/oregon-yo.../#post50902592

09-07-2008, 09:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	yea its bent up pretty bad. the whole corners bent up like an inch to an inch and a half. but most likely getting an 87 4runner for $600 __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-08-2008, 08:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	__________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-08-2008, 12:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
Al's Chop Shop Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 389	um, you still aren't showing pictures of the frame. that is the critical part in question.... Al __________________ 81 Toyota pickup - Hers 22r, 5spd, 4x4, longbed on 33's... awaiting custom rears up front w/ downey shackles, chev 63's out back double shackled and 36's... 79 Jeep Cherokee Widetrack "Kronk" - The Build TBI350, SM465, NP205, Hydraulic clutch, Hydroboost, Custom aluminum radiator, Flowtech headers, SOA D44HD w/ Hi-steer, D60, 36" TSL/SX's, LED tail conversion... 91 Chevy K1500 - The Hauler TBI350, built 700r4, NP241, awaiting 4" lift... 92 FJ80 Land Cruiser - Fate undecided

09-08-2008, 04:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	Where the bend is theres that hole and it started bending in right there. __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-08-2008, 08:38 PM	#17 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,375	2 words- frame straightener any good body shop should have one, they had one on trucks the other day straightening a jeep cherokee frame. Just pull off the affected sheet metal, clamp the clamp on, it will hydraulically pull the frame, straightening it. Labor alone will be around $500, i think, so if you know somebody in a body shop, it may be worth looking into I just would hate to see a truck like that hit the scrapyard or become a parts truck. Its in great shape otherwise. __________________ Daily Driver: 1982 Toyota Pickup Base 2WD 22R, TRD Cam,5-sp Manual, Toyota Truck Nation High Miler- 300k+ MPG: 25/32 Off-roader: 1990 Honda H3011SA Riding Lawnmower, 11hp OHV engine, Carlisle SNOW-HOG Tires MPG: 1 Day of "Wheeling" per gallon Come to the 2nd Annual Oregon Yotatech Meetup! June 26-29, 2009: Browns Camp OHV Park http://www.yotatech.com/f5/oregon-yo.../#post50902592

09-09-2008, 03:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
AZkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 131	i wanna see it fixed or if anything get built up. i dont wanna see it scraped or used as a work truck but what the parents say goes. __________________ 87 Runner "Chalkboard"- -215/75/15 BFG AT's on modular rims -I got these things that go BOOM! BOOM! -And a thing that goes BEEP! BEEP! 81 Truck "P.O.S."- -Rebuilt engine 50,000+ miles ago -For sale! Being sold as parts truck, but still runs and drives -$600! OBO

09-09-2008, 04:04 PM	#19 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,501	Wanna send a fellow "Zonan" those Toyota emblems before it goes? __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok?