I have a toyota pickup 4wd longbed with a 4" lift that has been sitting in my garage for just under 6 years. I own a several vehicles and have been getting rid of projects and cleaning up. My reliable Toyota P/U one day (6 yrs ago) just didn't start one day and I never came back to it. Now, comes my one of my problems. I can remember what year it is - HOLD ON! The vin says it was build in Dec of 82, but my title says it's an 83. How do I tell if it's an 03 or and 02? Did my title get messed up and I just somehow didn't pay attention?

I plan on replacing the battery and replacing the starter or alternator - I can't remember which one stopped working and the decide what I'm going to do with this charmer. The only real blemish is the interior - which I had planned on having customized, but ahhh time and money, money and time....

 

since it was built in dec id say its a 83

 

Yes if you deal with a lot of vehicles, especially buying and selling, this is something you really aught to know....

The next years models start production late in the present year. In just a few short months 2010 model vehicles will start rolling off the factory floor. A vehicle made in Dec '82 (like mine) is an '83 (like mine).

 

money- the never ending shortage we all seem to have


your title is correct: '83

drain the gas, change oil, change all filters etc etc...before you turn it over...

 

as for production dates for Toyotas ..


Aug is the next year production .. so what it means , is if your vin production date is "for example" 82/07 .. it is considered an 82 .. if the production date is 82/08 , it is concidered an /83 ..
hope that helps .



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Let me thank you for your comments - thanks. I didn't expect so many responses so quickly. I figured it would be an 83, but couldn't find anything to verify my gut feeling.

Yeah, do you suggest rebuilding the carb's since it's been sitting so long, or should it be ok? I was planning on doing the oil, air filter, oil filter, gas filter, and draining the gas. Of course a new battery is in the works - probably Sears or Interstate. I need to find a replacement to hold the battery, as well. The only three problems it had prior to the alt/starter not working when I stopped using it was the truck only got 10-11 mpg, she seemed to be slower than it should - could have to do with the oversized tires and lift, and the bottom engine gasket needed replacing. Once it gets running again, it goes to the custom shop for the interior dash to be done and get some comfy seats put in.

 

Another fellow Indiana resident or Hoosier if you like that word. Im not to keen on it myself. What part of Indiana are you located.

 

Elkhart

 

I consider Hoosier's people whose families have lived here for generations. I've only been here about 7 years.

 

What a minute. That's all you need to restart an old toyota? Change the fluids and filters after sitting for 6 years?????? Wouldnt the hoses be cracked and everything? I'd appreciate all info, I dont know much about mechanic related things.

 

None of the rubber has any problems. Toyotas are tanks. What is the most favorite vehicle of those in 3rd world countries? Answer: Old Toyota Pickups

 

Haha, but I think it is also because they cant afford newer ones and I think countries actually export the old ones overseas to be reused by 3rd world countries. Dont forget only in America are the roads big and wide where it can support any size personal vehicle.

But it's good to know Toyota trucks are great. I used to have a 88 Tercel and I do not miss that car at all. The exhaust was lousy and I had to replace the radiator fan almost every year.

 

another way to tell if its an '82 or '83 is by the front axle. 79-82 4wds had no gussets on the front axle. '83s had gusseting to the spring perch. '84-'85 had gussets to the knuckle.

 

Toyota4x4907 - I don't know what a gusset is! LOL But describe it for me would ya?
By the way, I've never been to Alaska, but have thought about teaching there for a year. I'd love to fish out there.

Runny - The less roads, the more they drive the older toyotas. Take a look online and read soliders articles and see their pictures. The toyota pickups of the 80's are the VW's of the 60s-70s. Also, I had a Tercell (91)? and I loved it! It got great gas milage, never needed to be fixed. I would still be driving it if I hadn't been t-boned by a drunk driver - while I was coming home from church. Totaled the car per the insurance. Man that was the only truly great car I've owned.