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The RN41..........Long Story Short, Father-In-Law recently shopped for a more modern Ute ( 2005 RA Rodeo) which I helped him source.
He then threw the 2 Original Keys to his Ute at me. Basically my Xmas Prezzie from the Old Boy this Year???
1980 RN41 SR5.
Totally bog standard, 18R 5 Speed. His Father had owned it from Brand Spankers,so even the Glovebox has the original Service books from Toyota.
All of the Services are dutifully stamped and all. All of Them.
Not a Bad Prezzie at all.....
In use daily by him for years and years and still going strong, now my daily driver ( Bin Runs and Gas Bottles too)
Will now restore to total bog standard...liked it rolled out of the Factory
UPDATE: My Browser is having trouble posting pics here in the edit ( sigh) but there are a few pics in the Album....sorry
UPDATE 2: Sorted it out Perfect Dashpad, missing the Tacho though Color: 541 Tarp is now gone Got some cleaning and stuff to do here,but mechanically sound as hell
Last edited by Ozrunner66; Dec 21, 2018 at 04:29 PM.
Reason: added on
Pics are up....I did spend a lot of time helping him source the new Ute he wanted and suddenly became the Service Agent and Lead Mechanic for his Ute. lol
but didn't expect the keys to the"beast" Was a nice touch
I suspect that he may have just wanted me to restore the Ute. His Father owned it from brand new so it has been looked after for a long time, but the last couple of
years....not so much. For those curious that is the original paint. Over the last few years I have (gently) cut back the upper layers as it was oxidizing a fair bit, but the rust is so minimal
and easy to lead wipe.
The 5 Speed is nice tho.....doesn't sound like the engine is trying to escape from the engine bay at 110kmh ( in 4th gear)
As "old87yota" has said, you will find a few things.........Yeah I know, the list is growing everytime I go near the Ute lol, but so far...no major bits....
Fortunately the father in laws old neighbor was a retired engineer, and they spent a lot of time doing work on it.
Engine was fully rebuilt about 50,000km's ago, gearbox was done, because of the sentimental value the FIL put the coin and the time into it.
The Paint is in excellent condition ( see Pic) The Engine Bay really needs a clean up but i'll get there. There's a few Steering items to re-do to get it back to perfect etc etc
A/C would have been a nice option.....42 here today or 110 Farenheit for those in the USA. But I remember (inmy youth) that turning the little triangle side window brings in much clean air, so all is good.The Tacho thats missing is something I will track down and fit to this dash. It's an SR5
It should have the Tacho IMHO....and the Steering wheel? The 3 Spoke from the 4x4 is so much nicer....Me? I'm just loving driving it TBH....It's just sooo 80's and at my age it is nice to remember the days where the only computer in the Car is my Phone. The day will come where I do a Frame/Cab restore....but not yet... The Minister of War and Finance ( The Wife) took one look at me saying " Hey we got given a Ute" and there was much discussion about Budgets and Finance lol, we have the kids dear....etc etc
Anyway here's a couple more Pics for those who like to look..
So....... Stay Safe this Xmas and enjoy the best of the moments with Family and Friends
Cheers All
AJ This will clean up nice, but the leaking Clutch Master Cyl has done some damage. That is the Original Paint....WOW
Last edited by Ozrunner66; Dec 21, 2018 at 06:03 PM.
Reason: late thoughts
As this ol'Ute has been in the Family from new ( 38 years now) I was looking back over the Years and fascinated by the quality of the Materials used back when.....
Over the Years when the Ute oxidized enough, I offered to cut and polish ( all by hand) for the ol' boys birthday
This 1st set of pics is from 2010.........
Whilst the next two pics, show me doing again in 2018......AND STILL GETTING GREAT RESULTS.
I guess I'm getting old and l am, but am I the only one who remembers quality and pride in the things they built....
These days it seems the clear coat goes in about 2-3 years here in Oz....Brutal Weather, sure.....but this ol' Ute has taken it for 38 years and still sparkles given a little elbow grease.....
I am old i know.....so's the Ute.....and it is in better condition than me lol
Happy Christmas All...And no, that isn't reserved for just Xmas People...Happy Hanukkah (or whatever your flavor is this time of year)....enjoy that time with Family and Friends......
And don't forget to give ya Car/Truck a little love while you are at it.....It could last 40 years plus if you do........(see proof above
Last edited by Ozrunner66; Dec 23, 2018 at 12:19 AM.
Yes, these old Toyotas were built to high standards!
The paint on my truck still looks almost like new, but is starting to get thin in a few places as I probably wash the truck way more than the average person.
Due to being a Parent, the discussion was had.....Fortunately, the guy who bought the Yellow Beast off us has vast plans to restore it...and way deeper pockets than mine.....sigh
Hey Mate
Yeah...Gutted. The Guy who bought it had so much excitement for doing it up tho. And he was a Panel Beater by trade. Nice Guy
I ended up buying a 2003 Hilux workmate with 350,000 on the clock. The Irony being that this 2003 was a one family beast. Bought new by Dad and then both Brothers owned it from there on in. Just like the Old yellow Ute. And it came with full Toyota Service History right the way through.
Still.....Feels like I gave up the chance to restore a classic, Money is always the determining factor in the decision...And Money is not something a Family can spare these days....
Dec 20, 2018 | 08:50 PM
The Quality Then....The Quality Now.....
