Is it possible to swap an '81 grill (with the ROUND head lights) for an '82 grill (with the UGLY SQUARE lights?). Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone with an '82, etc., but I like the round look better. Just wondering if it is possible? Also, HOW HARD IS IT TO ADD AN A/C TO AN '81 THAT DID NOT HAVE AIR?

 

I have never done either of those swaps, but have been thinking about doing the round grill swap. I know that it is a common swap, so it cant be too hard.

 

Do you know of anyone who has added a/c?

 

Try PM'ing Slacker (aka: Corey) He owns Toyota Fiberglass up in Canada. He has owned several 1st Gens, if he has not done it yet, I am sure he has a source on how to do it. Somebody pulled mine on my '81, sure wish they would have left it in place

 

Thanks...I'll contact him.

 

the square to round swap is easy, just swap the grilles and bezels, front ends are exactly the same

just fyi 79-81.5 was round headlights, 81.5-83 was square

 

here check out my build i did it, it looks way nicer IMO now.
http://www.wildyoats.com/vbulletin/s...ad.php?t=14888

all i really needed was acouple of nuts and bots and the holes for the headlight buckets are there its realy ez.

 

Here, this has the lights and headlight doors...
http://shop.carbodyparts.net/search....981&part_type=

And I belive you need a headlight case for the round light...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEADL...spagenameZWDVW

IDK if your going with new stuff but if you are you might as well get a grille too. And for the headlight swap I think all you have to do is drill a few new holes in the core support.

 

i got everything i need to swap over from a u-pull for like 20 bucks look there. like i said it BOLTS right in no drilling required. its a really ez swap. i mean i was able to do it

 

MANY, MANY thanks to all of you who gave the advice & information on my question! Now, I just need to decide whether or not to buy it---I am trying to decide between an '81 with no a/c and an '82 with a/c. Both are about $4000; any suggestions??? THANKS AGAIN!!

 

That seems REALLY expensive for a 1st gen.

 

Really? It's on ebay right now. A white '81 with steel fj rims. Tell me what you think...

 

Post a link to it. The only one I found was in Cal and was not at 4k.

 

Yeah, that's the one. In San Mateo, CA...

 

i say get the truck first, then you can worry about small stuff like this later, man ac huh? i would love to have ac in mine. imo i would go with the ac truck cause a 25+ year old truck with ac thats tight. but for 4gs idk thats a lil much for again a 25+ year old truck. post up a link to both of the trucks

 

I sent you an email...when you respond rather than post a link i'll just send you the pics...

 

That is a nice 81, but I don't think it is worth more than 2k maybe 2500. You should be able to find a nice first gen for under 2k. You just have to look around.

 

Well, if you come across one...

 

We have a bunch up in this area that are selling for around 1k. I know of a guy on YT that is selling his on CL for 1k. Does that 4k include your shipping costs?

 

GO WITH THE A/C!!! lol. My '82 had no A/C and in the summer it was just stupid. You dont even want to drive. Looks like you live in a colder area than me though. It gets stupid around 90 degrees. I've had to drive it in 105 degrees for a couple days and it sucks!