Hey everyone, just checking out some 1st gen builds and thought I’d post some pics up from my own projects. I’ll post both restorations in this one thread. I had these trucks finished a couple years ago, and then sold them to finance an FJ45 project I’m still working on. I'm also currently doing an 84 extra cab, which is in the 84-85 build section if you want to check it out. I'm a little short on the pics, I lost most of them over the years but here is what I have. Hope you guys enjoy them.


This first truck was a blue 1980 / 20r / 4spd / factory short box.


Pretty ugly when I first got her home. I did all the work in my back yard before I had a shop.



I tore the truck down and rebuilt the suspension with new OME leafs, and knuckle service. Also found some nice 33’s and new wheels.



A quick test to make sure the tires would clear.



I then addressed the drive train with a new 22r and 5 speed swap. Helped a lot on the power side of things.



Next was a lot of body prep, and getting ready for paint.



Paint laid down great, single stage urethane.



The finished product

 

This next truck was a 1980 / 20r / 4spd / longbox
Here’s when I first got her home, parked next to my trusty 94 22re.



Started to tear into her quickly



Bed primed where I had to patch weld some minor rust.



5speed swap was my first task.




Did a little cleaning on underside while working on tranny.






Engine bay detailed, and Weber conversion completed.

Got the knuckles serviced, and brakes rebuilt.



Panel painted everything to get nice thorough finish.





Now onto the interior. Gutted everything



I was able to find a NEW OEM dash lots of $$ later



New carpet kit installed



Minty fresh interior now !





Bought all new lighting before reassembly



First time driving her.



Had a local shop install the factory decals.





Well that’s it, thought my fellow first gen enthusiast would enjoy seeing some brought back to life. I did however just buy this 82 SR5 , and have big plans for it. I will post the build up when I start on it in a few weeks.

 

Those are some great looking trucks. It is nice seeing some great examples like that on the road. Great job!!!

 

Beautiful work on the '80 longbed. Nice interior job. I need to get one of those new dashboard tops. Where did you find that one?

 

Thanks, I found the dash on ebay. There was a guy that had a handful of brand new ones. I think I paid $350 for it shipped. I'd just keep an eye on ebay, there's also good used ones that show up on there sometimes.

 

Dude you build the Toyotas that people daydream about. Outstanding work man. Very inspiring

 

That is exactly what my plan is - once I find a decent FJ45 (Preferably a HJ45 Diesel) I am going to sell my 83 that I restored to finance it. You trucks look great! I'm glad to see others have taken similar routes like I did to restore them instead of destroy them. I actually recall seeing the yellow one listed on eBay a while back. What kind of money did it bring and how far away was your buyer? Just curious so I know how broad my market might be if I even do sell mine.

Keep up the good work and post a picture of that FJ45 when you get a moment - I'd love to see it and perhaps drool a bit...

 

Congrats on your builds, both look like they came off the showroom floor

 

Thanks, I appreciate the comments. I just took a look at your truck and you did very clean restore, very nice work. The red with the decals really sets it apart. I did sell it to a guy on ebay, I think he lived in New York if I recall. It sold for 16K. I'll post a pic of the FJ soon, I had it imported from Australia.

 

Thanks, that's why I posted them up. I thought people could get ideas for their own projects, and motivate. Glad you enjoyed em!

 

Here's a few pics of my FJ, I don't have many current pics as its been tucked away in the shop.

 

Dude love your work!! That 45 is saweet too! Are you going to keep it RHD?

 

Thanks, and yes I plan to keep it RHD "adds to the cool factor"...

 

Haha I'm with you

 

Sell the 83? Noooooo!!