Someone in my neighborhood is selling a '79 Toyota 4X4. It's a short bed and looks amazingly stock except for a tube bumper in the rear and wagon spoke wheels. Still has the original paint and factory decals on the tailgate. The interior is slightly thrashed (no biggee... I don't recall much in the way of amenities in these trucks). I haven't contacted the owner yet, but I'm very interested. The price seems high ($2250). Unless it has fairly new mechanicals, and other than the obvious perk of it's good condition, and the short bed, is that kind of money out of line? I was thinking more around $1500.

 

The price is inline, it's a Toyota not an S10 or Ford panger

 

wow, seems over priced, almost 30 yrs old...

 

depending on where you're located, that price seems pretty good. i bought my '79 for $500 sight unseen a year and a half ago. had it towed to the shop so i could start myt build. i lolve the first gen trucks.

countless hours and about $5500 later its turning out pretty good, and the original air conditioner still works!

my interior is thrashed and some bed and body rust. if the one your looking at is in good shape i say buy it.

 

Good point. I agree, and know first hand that if you but a cheaper one, that doesn't necessarily mean that you will save money in the long run.

 

I wouldnt pay that much for a almost new condition low mileage truck that old. But up here in the PNW toyotas are a dime a dozen and rust free. I got a 81 that was close to mint outside and inside with lockers, 3 inch lift, 36's and runnign for 1100.

 

I paid 2K for my '81 Trekker off Craigslist with 112K on it. The 79 will most likely be a 20R and a 4 Speed. When you are looking at a vehicle that some would consider to be almost collector vintage, just be cause they are getting to be somewhat scarce in some markets, it really comes down to how much you are willing to pay. Just keep in mind that you will more than likely never get all your money back on an old truck.

My Trekker project will end up being like Pennywize's '79. 5-6K into it when all is said and done and I probably wouldn't be able to get $4K for it after putting sliders, bumpers, tires, dual cases etc etc into it.

You may be able to get Truck A cheaper than Truck B, but truck B might be a better deal if you don't have to put a ton of money into it. JMO...

Here is a 1980 that the seller was asking $5200, but he was getting a ration of sh** for asking that much but it sure seemed to be clean..
http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.ph...highlight=1980

 

I am also in the PNW. There are 2 first gen Toyotas within a block of my house and a billion others in my area. I have been scouting Craigslist to see what the average price is. It's tough to get a good read because so many of the early trucks have been heavily modified. Thanks for the input. I'm going to contact the seller and take a closer look. I agree that if the mechanicals are new or recent, that extra thousand is nothing.

 

I paid 1800 for my 1980 and it had a new rebuilt 20r. the frame was great and the body in good condition. It was what i was looking for so the price was ok for me, Its what you want to pay and how much you are going to put in to it.

 

if this 79 is stock, its a 20R with the L43 4spd...gutless combo, i have that in my 79, $1500 sounds reasonable if the frame is there, check the floors, back of the cab, the bed will more than likely need help

 

I have never seen a 1st gen other than online and I only see 2nd gens other than mine about once a week lol. Midwest winters are not kind.

Rob

 

I did a full restoration on an /82 .. customer wanted it to last another 20+ years ...





fiber bed and fenders .. and frame up , only a few things I didnt touch .. tranny & transfer internals , and 3rd members .

20G was the price ..




so bottom line is .. all depends on what you want , and what YOU feel is an appropriate price .




If you "hem and haw" to long , the good ones get snapped up real quick , dont matter the price .. just my 2C


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Dang Corey: that white truck came out awesome. I wish I had the money to take my Trekker up to BC to have you do the work....

 

thanks dude .


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