Can anyone tell me if this is a deluxe or SR5 by looking at the data plate from the firewall?

 

this is what comes up on your vin

"SR5USA22RMTM5FCBUHLF"

 

Would the SR5 not have tilt steering? The owner states it does not

 

According to the Model # on the tag it's an SR5:

https://toyota-usa.epc-data.com/pickup/rn38l/2474/

 

I'm really going to have to think this one over. I think the body and frame look to be in pretty good shape for a 37 y/o vehicle, but the interior is awful and would almost require gutting.

 

Hahahahaha. Welcome to the world of buying 40 year old mud toys. If you think your gonna wait for one in great condition to come along....I would not hold my breath, they have about all been had.

 

Guess I’ll post some more pics he sent me so I can get some opinions

 

 

 

 

Now for the bad lol

 

 

I would give 4500 for it. What's to lose? If you take care of it the value only goes up.
Edit; none of what you call "bad", is bad. If you're after one you don't need to work on....send the 15k-20k and get a professionally restored one. If you want to learn how these little trucks work inside and out, have fun, and bring back a piece of automotive history in the process, then buy this one. Showing us pictures won't help YOU with YOUR decision.

 

thanks 81rustbucket. I was thinking the same thing on price. I have been looking at another one too that’s been painted and looks better, but it doesn’t look like a good paint job and this scare me. I’d rather have an unmolested one so at least I know what I’m looking at. Plus the other one is an ‘82 with a sunroof. I’m not a fan of sunroofs in older vehicles.

I’m thinking like you. Maybe $4500. I can always put seats in and source out interior parts

 

Wow! That interior really IS a mess. It's fixable, but it won't be cheap, as many interior parts (like the door panels) will need to be made from scratch, while others may be fixable if you can find the parts. No shift knob? Really?

But, the underside really looks pretty good--just some leaking seals (common)--minimal rust. The rust on the bed and tailgate is to be expected, as the beds were cheaply made in the USA and installed at the port, thanks to the "Chicken Tax" (Google it) and they were NOT rust proofed. However, it doesn't look as bad as many others I have seen. You won't need a $4K fiberglass bed.

Yep, looks like $4500 to me too.

 

Next to last pic, you got your answer on the voltage regulator; it's a 5 pin for the 55 Amp Alternator.

 

i had asked him for a pic of the plug. The funny thing is that he also sent me a text saying it looks like 40 amp alternator. I think I should just plan on getting a 55 amp if I pull the trigger on this one. I see no reason to go to the GM

 

is that about the typical amount of rust for a western US truck? How much did your California truck have in comparison?

 

The underside on mine was less rusty, but I would say that's typical, especially since this one has about double the mileage as mine did. I also had a bit less rust on the bed & tailgate, but that stuff is easily fixed.

 

Yeah it's not a bad truck. Really in pretty good shape. It'll definitely need work. T-case is leaking, looks like rear pinion seal is leaking, knuckles are leaking. Engine looks great, unless it was just recently steam cleaned.

I found a lot of interior parts on craigslist. It's all about getting lucky, but there are parts out there, often for fairly cheap. I got a steering wheel, un-cracked dash pad, instrument cluster and a few other things from someone parting out a truck, all in great shape. I don't remember anymore what it cost, but less than $200. And I had to drive 5 hours each way.

No matter what it's going to cost you a bunch of money. These old trucks just do. They're worth it, if they're worth it to you, but they're old. Even in pristine condition, you're still working with 40 year old technology.