Looks like a great truck. You should really make sure you say thank you cause, you lucked out getting that rig at 16. Start looking on craigslist for a set of bucket seats. The civic and acura seats fit nice. I also test fit some 2002 volvo buckets that were VERY nice, just too nice for my truck. Take a look around at peoples first gen build threads, there are several on here that have done really nice work. Read, Read and then Read some more. Start looking for a OEM Manual on ebay, priceless. Send me a PM if you have any questions or need pics of anything.

 

I love to see that. I was only joking, I feel the same about mine. Good luck and happy yotaing for the next 43 yrs.

 

nice truck, im sorry but why do you want a new bed it looks really nice to me, great looking truck just throw some new seats in there and it will sweet. it doesnt even look like the dash is cracked.

 

yeaaah. it USED to sit in the sun, and parts of the steering wheel cracked, so i bet the dash doesnt have much time before damage starts to show.

and the bed has a lot of dents and rust spots. i'll take better pics and show you what i mean.

 

As others suggested tune up the engine and carb etc. It sounds like a lot of work but when you are done you'll be soooooo glad you did it, it'll run so much better. I would definatley be concerned with the tires, I'm not sure how bad they are but you don't want to get a flat on your way to work or school, or even worse a blowout. I don't know what your plans are with the truck, you may want to put bigger tires on it but like others said, save that stuff for later. Get the motor/tranny taken care of first then go on to other things, but I would FOR SURE check the tires, like others suggested, pick up some used ones. You can usually find half worn ones for about 40-50 bucks, at least thats what I paid for a 32in by 10.5.

And thats an awesome truck! Haven't seen one in yellow like that before, was that a factory color?

 

same story here... it was my girlfriends dad's truck forever, she always loved the truck. he bought a new truck and he gave it to her but a bad carb kept her from driving it. she bought a new car and sold it to a family friend. 2 years later the family friend says he's thinking about selling it, so she jumps on the opportunity to get her truck back. well now we got it back and we're on our way to restoring the interior (it got pretty haggard) and giving the truck the goodies she always thought it needed... bigger tires, lift, etc. she couldn't be happier!

Al

 

dude....i love the yellow....my 1980 is yellow and i get hella looks in it. keep it long enough...find a career and your truck will be a BAMF one day!

 

I am redoing my 81. I have had it since it was new. It is an SR5 2whee drive. I would like to see yours to see the way the vacuum hoses are hooked up. I would like to take pictures. I don't konw wat parts you need.
I have radiator for the standard SR5. I also have a rebuildable carb. The carb was rebuilt in 2003. I put it bac on the motor but never drove it. I just pulled a motor out of a 82 and put in the 81. I am having trouble changing over the vacuum hoses. I sold the 82 body. It had a utility bed on it I still have the 81 motor.

 

Do you have a manual with vacuum layout in for a 1981?

 

Congrats man, I JUST went through that with my 82', I started it when i was 17, now I'm just finished and im 18, so be prepared to put some time into it. Your truck looks to be in MINt shape though comparing it to what i had to start with. Get it running well first, then move on to the things you dont really need. Go with the carb and fuel system first, then cooling, (depending on how bad the rad is) once it's running good, I'd throw some buckets in it, i have a set of 91 civic si seats in mine, i had to make some brackets but they fit well, and give you lots of room for a good sound system Let me know how it goes and good luck!

 

Nice Truck! I'm working on a restoration of my own, got an 83 from a friend.
A word of caution: Your truck probably has an L50 or L52 tranny in it and they are notorious for grenading the input shaft bearing. I thought I would change a few gaskets and seals on mine and be done, but when I pulled the front bearing retainer off the trans what was left of the bearing cage fell out onto the bench. My truck only has 91,000 miles on it (somewhat hard miles, the nickname for the truck is "The *hore") but, the bearing was toast and now I'm looking at a rebuild. Sometimes that howling and vibration you hear and feel while driving isn't just the lack of insulation on the floorboards. Check your bellhousing, mine was completely covered in gear oil inside and out.
Good Luck! Expect the unexpected!

 

damn that truck is sweet! so clean i wish those still existed over here lol

 

If we've got them in nova scotia, you Must have some in toronto!

 

nice truck dude! ever get it all fixed up?

 

hey guy, i would definitely consider a new radiator. you do the tume-up, etc and then fry da motor cause wen ovaheat....

 

You can't change the carb to a Weber, so put that out of your mind.

Do a complete fluid change.

Get the radiator rebuilt, or get a new one.

Get some new seats.

Put the shell on Craigslist for $150. Take $100.

Get a new set of tires. Bridgestone Dueler AT's are good for SoCal.

You'll probably want to replace the wheel bearings, U-joints, etc.

 

Dude! Welcome i can consider you almost a brother! I bought my 1981 pickup this summer for $320! And have done a lot of work including a complete engine rebuild and a new head... but I bought paint and all kinds of other essentials to get it running good and spent around $1200, it turned out pretty good. check it out and maybe it will give you some inspiration! here the link to my post with the pics! https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114/how-change-top-end-speed-167250/

 

its true in ontario you dont see ANY older than like 87 toyotas..
NEVER see solid axle toyotas unless s.a.sed if i had a old one id krown rust proof it like i get my hilux done every year!