1983 Toyota Pickup

Hey all, so today I made an impulse decision and bought a 1983 Toyota Pickup. It rides like s***, and I like it. I payed $1300. I almost didn't buy it because of the frame. It's been patched and there are some other places that need to be addressed. I couldn't pass it up, though. He showed me 18 different messages he received about the truck so I feel confident I can get my money back out of it if I decide it isn't for me. Anyway, here are some pictures:







They aren't the best because of the lighting. Anyway, if you guys have any experience with these with commons problems, suggestions, ideas, etc. let me know!

 

Man that's going to be fun! Congrats and enjoy the labor and rewards. Someday I'll be looking for a similar one too.

 

Body looks clean, take some pics of the suspension. Some people can really screw a truck up when they chop them up like this...

 

Hey, I had 1980 4x4 short bed and it road like a tank, also had a 81 and it road better, my friend had a 83 long bed that rode a lot better, the 80 frame was rusting out and i patched it with some metal and welded it. The 83 has the single timing chain and the 79-81 have the double chain on the 20R-22R engine and the transmission is 4 speed instead of 5 like the 83, both are pretty hard to find in good shape.

 

I'll take some better pictures tomorrow. The frame will need to be patched in a few places. It rides, bumps, vibrates like hell compared to anything else I've ever driven.

 

Here are some undercarriage pictures:

 

Looks pretty clean, but I'd be a little leery of the undercarriage. And there's no telling what kind of rust that paint/undercoat is hiding. I do like it, though! That's exactly what I want, just without the frame rust.

 

The frame looks pretty bad, if you want to keep it you might check with this guy for some parts, he may can find a better frame if you want to spend that kind of money, here's the link http://charlotte.craigslist.org/pts/4171821807.html

 

frame has a little rust, but its actually in good shape! most of them are way worse. $1300 is a good buy too, you would have no problems making $700-$1000 if you dont like it

 

@Toyotaman29,
Thanks for the link, however, I don't think 1984 frames are the same. I'd like to do a straight swap. I may contact him, though. I believe 79-83 frames are the same.

I contacted Budbuilt today, he informed me he is working on half frames, then 3/4 frames, and then full frames. There was no exact date for when they'd be finished. He also told me he is borrowing a frame from someone to get measurements, and that the owner may sell. We'll see what happens when he calls back. There is a frame close by I'm going to look at that's rusted, but may be salvageable. If those don't work out I may try to patch it temporarily so I can drive it this winter.

 

sub'd for progress, love those old trucks!

 

Your welcome , the 79-83 are the same and yours should get you by after beefing it up some, mine was rusted where the rear leaf spring hooked between the bed and cab, good luck with the repairs, later man.

 

looks good!!

Much better than the one I just sold for 1400!


Just go after the frame with a wire wheel and some por-15.

 

No real updates here, but a friend I work with who built this:



Has this:



It's was a Cali truck 10 or so years ago, and has a good useable frame













He said I could have the frame for a couple hundred. I just have to tear it apart. He wants the drivetrain for a buggy. I also have to find a place to work on it. I have to try and persuade my parents to let me use their garage LOL.



Rust is good for something!

 

Hey that frame looks real good, just light surface rust, should clean up nice, looks like a 82 or 83 with the square headlights. I can't tell for sure but is it a long bed or short?

 

Nice deal on the frame. Is your original frame filled with spray foam? That would have killed the deal for me.

 

Siiiiiiiiick. Love it

 

That is an awesome truck.

 

Yeah the frame was filled with spray foam. Im not sure if it's a long bed or not. I finally got the parts truck home yesterday, and got to work on it a little bit.

 

Good lookin' truck.