New adventure Toy(ota) in AZ

[Jrally]

I'm actually thinking about VW swingaxle universal fix boots. The problem with the shifter boots might be getting the neck down area to fit the 2" shock body. I'll have to look at a few part stores, maybe a rubber universal could be trimmed to fit the shock body.

Thanks for the suggestion -Jon

 

[BlueBomber]

I would put the back-up lights on a switch. I would hate to blind people when backing out of a parking spot at a gas station or something. If you're out in the sticks and can't see where you're going, then you can turn them on.

 

[7wt]

Man I would love to punish that thing. Looks like a fun project you have going!

 

[Jrally]

Well, tonight I finished up my exhaust mods. After my long off road trip, 2 of the 3 nuts fell out of the manifold to downpipe flange. So, the exhaust now has an 8" flex section just past the downpipe section. Further back, I also welded in a highflow CAT, need to get it street legal next week, emissions testing plus visual. Not the best welds ever, but it sucks welding on exhaust without a lift.
While I was sweating away, I figured I would knock out another project, filling in a few holes, to keep more of the dust out. I plugged a hand full of smallish holes with m6 bolts/washers/nuts and a bit of silicone as well. The big holes where making cover plates for the two body vents, on the door jams.

-Jon
(I'm prepping the car for tagging next week and for another off-road trip this Sunday)

 

[BlueBomber]

Cool! Do you have any pics of the engine bay? Also, do you have a header or stock manifold? I only ask because my pops has a 89 pickup that has a stock manifold that looks like a header. It's cast with a 4-2-1 design. Might be something to look for on your next trip to the junkyard.

 

[Jrally]

Here's what the engine bay looks like right now. Pretty stock looking, pulled the A/C out and the power steering isn't hooked up right now. The seconf picture, hard to spot, but it's a GM urethane tranny mount being used as the engine mount, under the blue bracket.

-Jon

 

[Jrally]

A bit more work after the last off road trip...

I went with the Cressida front brake upgrade off an '88. My brakes were a bit sketchy to begin with, but still useable, needing pads really soon. After the last off road trip, they left me feeling a in need of replacing NOW, warped rotors and one front caliper sticking a bit. The new brakes work great, heavy stopping front end power now... For now, I'll replace the rear shoes, clean up the drums. But, eventually I'll work on building a rear disk brake set-up to match.
Fitting the 14" rims, the calipers only needed very minimal polishing on the top edge. On a plus side as well, the brake set-up is lighter then stock. I didn't weigh the set-up, but it seems like it's maybe 3-5lbs per side. The only thing I didn't read about is how close the backing plate gets to the new rotor. Rather then hassle with trying to bend them out to fit, I just removed them.

-Jon


Hard to see the 14mm Dia change or the 2mm thickness increase...

Had to buff down the top edge only a small bit, to fit the 14" rims.

Installed!!

At least I won't be getting rocks between the calipers and wheels...

 

[02TahoeMD]

wowness

Completely awesome project. Subscribing now!

 

[BlueBomber]

Looks pretty! If the brake balance is way off, do you think a Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve would help? It looks like a good way to get the balance right while getting the stock (old) valve replaced. Also, I love your wheels. If you lose a hub cap, let me know. I have 4 stashed away in my tool box that are in pretty good condition.

 

[Jrally]

I'm thinking the balance is only off right now due to glazed shoes in back. I'm planning on replacing the rear brakes and cleaning up the drums, maybe this weekend. (hard to get motivation when it's 115 deg outside) If the front is still a bit stronger, I can deal for now. From racing in the dirt, I'm use to adapting my driving to the car and road conditions, on the fly. If/when I do disk brakes in back, then I'll be pulling the stock prop. valve out of the line and replacing it with the wilwood or similar adjustable valve. Usually, for rallying style driving, I like a little bias to the back, helps swing the rear end over. But, for most people and normal driving, this can be dangerous.

-Jon

 

[wouldrichest]

Nice!!! I love seeing variations of unconventional Toyotas. I always loved the Toyota 4wd Van. Looked for one for a long long time to build up into an expo project but never could find it. This is what I had in mind...

Nice Celica man!!

Sorry man!! Should have watched your rally videos first. Very nice! Of course you have seen rally Footage! After all, you are building a rally ride. Good luck and look forward to what lies ahead. In a side note, I have been a rally fan for many years! I worked extraction at the 2005 Colorado Cog Rally in Steamboat Springs. Combines my love for Rally with my love for 4wheel/extraction. Most local rally organizers welcome a sweep/extraction specialist as this is a normal part of the sport. It is a lot of fun and I encourage everyone to get involved at a local level.

 

[Jrally]

It's been a long time since I've done an update. I had to take a month away from the garage for health reasons, but back at it again now. I've been working on getting the inside of the car back to a more comfortable state, finished look. So, I've got the back plastic back in to tidy up the storage area. I've also installed my spare rally intercom for noisier trips down gravel roads. I'm in the process of make a pair of what is normally refered to as transit or practice headsets. Essencially they are very similar to the heads used by small aircraft and helicopter pilots. It just keeps it easier to chat with the passenger. If it gets too rough, I could always toss the race helmets on too...

-Jon

 

[BlueBomber]

But I really liked the "stripped" look....oh well, Ill get over it. How are the boots for the rear shocks coming along?

 

[tibaal89]

Wow, how did I never see this!?!? Probably the coolest thread I've seen on here...

What was your design methodology for the front? I'm guessing you used some software from your roof rack screen cap... would love to hear about it.

 

[cnynrat]

Wow, never saw this before. I love it! Really cool idea, wish I had your fab skills.

I loved these cars back when they first came out. I was just getting out of college at the time.