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The 1981 trucks were the first year of the 17 digit VIN# (also the first year for CARFAX). Some of our SR5s were assigned a "D" in the VIN# which designates it as a Deluxe trim truck. I'm posting a copy of my window sticker showing the VIN# and the SR5 trim. The SR5 trim is shown as well as the "D" in the VIN. This anomaly would be corrected in 1982.
I'm sure this is in relation to the latest '81 and much commented on (I kept quite a few tabs on that comment section... lol) BaT truck.
A few months back I bought an '81 *what I believe to be SR5*... that has a "D" in the VIN as well. I got this one on eBay. I've got a very clean, and very well cared for original 1983 SR5 so I was able to use that as a baseline, knowing that there are a couple differences between the years.
Wish I had the original window sticker.
I have done some digging on the truck. Years back it actually had an article on BaT, without all of the scrutiny that the latest '81 went through. Found it here: https://bringatrailer.com/2015/09/17...5-4wd-pick-up/
It does look like I can make some educated guesses on the truck. It has a ton of SR5 stuff. So I can assume that it is an SR5 from 81.
That said, the D in the VIN is interesting. The tailgate was replaced from what I can tell? it has a what I believe to be an '82-83 tailgate without the dual latch. I've got the 1981 Sales brochure that shows an SR5 with the dual latch tailgate. The SR5 sticker was not one of the authentic looking ones that can be had on etsy now a days. From what I can tell it was reproduced for that time.
All the 'standard equipment' SR5 related interior stuff is there as best I can tell. If it was pieced together by someone (chime in if you're on the site!) it was done well. Black SR5 3 spoke with the correct 81 steering wheel center cap, black tilt clam shell, black dual gauge pod, correct 81 tach, SR5 door cards, buckets, 5sp, etc.
So needless to say, I had some interest in the whole comment section of that recent SR5 discussion on BaT. Thanks for the post - cool window sticker.
Last edited by ajpuleo23; Mar 12, 2024 at 08:20 AM.
Yes, this posting was in relation to the recent BAT auction. I thought the some of the comments were truly unfortunate and thought BAT should have been more proactive in flagging some of the comments regarding the attacks on the sellers character. Criticism is fair play on the truck but refrain from personal insults. Makes me think twice on listing on that site.
By posting the window sticker I had hoped that it would bring attention to the '81 model year discrepancies in relation to the SR5/Deluxe debate. Mistakes were made by Toyota when assigning the VIN#s or perhaps there was more demand for the SR5 trim than they had anticipated so they pivoted and made more of the SR5 trim trucks using the pre-established VINs on record???/ Who knows!
The blue truck featured in the BAT link looks to be an SR5 to me. Even the tailgate looks correct for 1981. The center latch was a stand alone option in '81 for $40 (see window sticker above). The tailgate in 1981 could have both the center latch and twin cargo hooks or dual latches and twin cargo hooks. For 1982 the tailgate would be center latch only and NO cargo hooks for all trucks. For 1983 the tailgate would be center latch and NO cargo hooks except the basic work trucks RN38/48R models which would go back to dual latches and twin cargo hooks. Three different tailgates with '81 being the outlier again. The side cargo hooks would go from three to two in 1983.
One thing I noticed on the blue truck was the mud flaps were from a Nissan Pickup. oops!
Yes, this posting was in relation to the recent BAT auction. I thought the some of the comments were truly unfortunate and thought BAT should have been more proactive in flagging some of the comments regarding the attacks on the sellers character. Criticism is fair play on the truck but refrain from personal insults. Makes me think twice on listing on that site.
By posting the window sticker I had hoped that it would bring attention to the '81 model year discrepancies in relation to the SR5/Deluxe debate. Mistakes were made by Toyota when assigning the VIN#s or perhaps there was more demand for the SR5 trim than they had anticipated so they pivoted and made more of the SR5 trim trucks using the pre-established VINs on record???/ Who knows!
The blue truck featured in the BAT link looks to be an SR5 to me. Even the tailgate looks correct for 1981. The center latch was a stand alone option in '81 for $40 (see window sticker above). The tailgate in 1981 could have both the center latch and twin cargo hooks or dual latches and twin cargo hooks. For 1982 the tailgate would be center latch only and NO cargo hooks for all trucks. For 1983 the tailgate would be center latch and NO cargo hooks except the basic work trucks RN38/48R models which would go back to dual latches and twin cargo hooks. Three different tailgates with '81 being the outlier again. The side cargo hooks would go from three to two in 1983.
One thing I noticed on the blue truck was the mud flaps were from a Nissan Pickup. oops!
Interesting. In the 1981 trucks by toyota brochure I didn't see that $40 option for the center tailgate. Appreciate the knowledge.
As for the mud-flaps - yeah... that is a bummer. Still has the same ones on it as it sits now. Would love to get my hands on original ones that aren't 1K for a set of them...
Agreed on keeping personal beef somewhere out of the BAT comments I guess. There's a fine line between trying to have an online presence in the toyota instagram space and then also trying to sell a truck for a premium on a site like BAT which usually brings a premium price. Skeletons seem to have a way to crawl out of the closet for different motivations.
There is a guy on Etsy that makes a reproduction rear mudflap for the 1981-83 4WD trucks. Correct size and shape but no logo. I would think that stenciling a logo on with vinyl paint could be an option. A good alternative until an original set could be sourced. $80 shipped for the pair.
Feb 29, 2024 | 10:18 AM
