This post will serve as two fold: New member introduction and new build post. First, hello to all and thanks for checking in on the post.


This is my first Toyota project. In a prior life, I was a die hard Jeep guy and then thankfully "saw the light" and converted to a Toyota owner. I currently owner an 09' 4runner Limited 4x4; as well as, the subject vehicle, an 81' Hilux 4x4. I have previously "restored" two 85' Cj-7's and an 01' XJ. That was before the dawn of internet blog posting...not to date myself.


That being said, a little bit about me; what I am and what I'm not. I do have some technical knowledge; however, I am not an engineer nor am I a mystical fabricator artesian (that art amazes me). I am not a professional mechanic in any sense nor am I a "rock crawler". I can break down a vehicle and put it back together...not having too many extra parts remaining Really, I am just a regular guy who likes to work on my truck in my "spare time" (which is extremely limited due to everything else I'm into).


My goal here is to build a daily driver vehicle that is of high craftsmanship, reliable, dependable, capable, and at the end of the day pretty slick looking (obviously the most important characteristic, jj).


This will most likely be the first of many posts to this thread. I happily welcome any and all advice. I will also try to answer questions as expeditiously as possible. And yes, pictures, pictures, pictures. That's what I love, so I will try to be diligent and keep up with it.


I will share my thoughts on the build and my plans in a following post. The pictures below are the starting point. Many thanks to all.

 

As far as the build: (asterisk indicate parts I already have or have installed)



Regarding the stages of the plan: TBD
It will probably be haphazard until the Fall timeframe



1981 Toyota SR5 Hilux 4x4 Single cab Short bed Tan with white wheelsand white fiberglass top

*Removed pealing decals and freshen paint
-Plan to repaint-post construction

DOA Engine


Weber 32/36 Offy Intake


MSD Ignition

Safari snorkel

Exhaust (header back)
- Doug Thorley Tri-Y headers with 2.25" piping and a flowmaster


Marin 5spd Tranny

LOR suspension kit


Rear Disk Brake Conversion

Hubs
Warn Premium

*Rhino line interior tub, bed, and under tub
heading to the shop in two weeks

Paint complete rolling chassis

*Black Soft topper
Installing after rhino lining

*Black badging

*Seats (S2000 Tan leather)
Planning to install beginning of April

*New kit carpet

*Powder coat misc. engine parts


*Toyota Steering wheel (Black Celica Momo leather wheel)
Installed last week along with new custom shift knobs

Retro stereo, Focal component speakers, JL sub/amp

Custom swing away rear bumper from CBI

Warn Brush Guard MX6085 D1
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Warn synthetic cable

Custom rocker steps


*All new OEM weather seals

Install post paint


*Optima red top
May get two and add power in the bed

*Black headlight bezels and grill
Installed


*Black rock wheels, spacers, and 31.10.50 BFG Mud Terrains(eventually may go to a 32.10.50 LTB Swamper)
-Arriving on Tuesday evening from my friends at 4Wheel Parts

Roll cage

5 point harnesses


Custom door skins

Piaa fog, driving, and flood lamps

LED headlight conversion

LED bulbs all the way around

 

Beautiful truck!

 

Thanks! I am certainly looking forward to the adventure and the camaraderie.

 

Beautiful! That was recently on ebay right ? I was going to buy it but than found a cheaper one on craigslist. I would love to buy the extra parts from you when you start your build.

 

Hi there,
Yes, that was it on eBay. Well glad you brought up the parts. I'm ready to sell the top, seats, mirrors, steering wheel, grill, headlight bezels. Lmk if you're interested in any of it...all in relatively great shape

 

Hi, is the truck still in California ? I'm going to send a message in order to keep this thread build related.

 

No, myself and the vehicle are in northern Virginia. Roger

 

Wow, you told me it was in fairly good condition, but I didn't think it was this good!! If you don't have rusted out cab corners and no rust on your bed then you have yourself an very nice blank canvas for an impeccable restoration!

 

Glad to see you bought it!! Saw it on ebay too

 

Haha. I keep seeing this on Craigslist. Cause ur trying to sell the topper right?
Hella clean man congrats.

 

Yes, just trying to sell the top. Thanks!

 

Thanks! Yes, no rust at all. Pulled the carpet the other day and the floor pans are clean.

 

should be better than new when done. The round headlight years are the best years.

 

Some pictures of progress thus far.

 

So a quick update:
Rhino lining complete-bed, tub, and bumpers (Looks amazing)
Undercoating complete
Paint (complete this weekend)
Installing this weekend: Carpet, seats, center console, Piaa lights, stereo
Pictures will be coming**

 

Can't wait!

 

Looking forward to it.

Best color ever for the 79-83 trucks.

Looked a ton better with the factory wheels. Since you asked. Haha.

 

Quick update, again, pictures lagging-my apologies.
Paint complete
New decals (Deans)
Soft topper Installed
Interior complete-for now (Rhino lined, New seats (Honda S2000), Carpet, Steering wheel (1980 Celica Momo), Retro sound stereo and Focal Speakers)
PIAA Lights Installed

Next on the agenda:
Install Weber carb / Offenhauser Intake
De-smog
Install interior lights/ bed light kit

 

Get those pictures up. Looking to buy some repro decals from James Dean for my 4Runner so I'd like to see how they turned out for you.