jgolden Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 This past week I purchased a cheap daily driver that would cost as little as possible to put on the road. Little did I know that I would end up deciding to keep this car long term. In my search for information to fix a few issues with the car I found this forum and discovered what potential I had purchased. I have an 1982 AE70 Corolla with a 3TC motor and a T50 transmission. It is a 2 door sedan, I believe that is different from the coupe but am unsure, with a bit of superficial body damage to the right side and no rust to speak of. as far as I can tell all parts are stock. I purchased it with a little over 213,000 miles on the vehicle. As it sits currently the only swaps I made were for the ignition coil and the wire set. This was actually still running the original 1982 wires which is a pretty amazing testament to the quality of Toyota. The cap and rotor appears to have been replaced recently as well. other than that I have not done any fixes to the car. The power train as a whole runs without a problem. My goal for the next month or two is to replace all of the components required to make it both legal for the road and a decent daily driver. after that I intend to spend two to three grand over the following six months to let the world see how beautiful this car can be. I normally don't ask much of others but my reason for this thread is to ask that those who know this vehicle better than I do to help guide me in my decision making and through the more difficult fixes and modifications. I am mechanically competent to say the least, but also new to top to bottom rebuilds on older cars. Anyone knowledgeable about Corollas, particularly an AE70, who has the patience to help "the new guy" would be a great aid in my effort and I thank anyone in advance for their assistance. As she sits I need to replace the front struts and the brake calipers/pads for the front. I also need to add seat belts as both of the front ones are gone or cut. That is all that need to be done to have her legal and become registered. My short term ideas after that are, in order, a high flow muffler, external paint job, heal the dash pad that currently has an ugly cover over the top, and finally to remove and replace the old carpet which is generally destroyed. I have an unorthodox idea for that last bit but I will cross that bridge when I get there. I conclusion this thread will be a top to bottom remodel of my 82 AE70 with a few personal touches and I am asking for all the advice I can receive from the Corolla veterans. Thank you for reading my short essay and I look forward to hearing a community response to my remodel. Pictures will be posted soon so you all can see where I am starting from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ke70dave Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Welcome to rollaclub. Sounds good man, but where are the photos?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
altezzaclub Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Damm those 2-door sedans are rare over here! It doesn't sound like it needs much work, you're starting with a good engine/gearbox combination already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgolden Posted July 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 The engine and the transmission are actually in very nice shape as she sits. The interior and the suspension, brakes, tires, and wheels are what need redone. also it;s in California so I have to smog her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgolden Posted July 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 Here are a few good pictures of what I am sitting on. Any other angles you would like to see just let me know. Also any ideas that you have for this ride are more than welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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