Pre Tacoma, way back pre Tacoma

Mod, please move if not the right place,

Since retiring from the Air Force I went back home and brought my 1981 Toyota truck to my home and have always wondered what it is. My B-N-L had a 1981 Toyota pickup and it had a tailgate with the two handles on the side to let it down while my 1981 has the chrome handle in the middle (like almost all trucks) to let it's tailgate down it also has a Chrome front bumper and gray rear step bumper with the diamond tread plate design on it's step surface. My truck also has the vinyl door panels and arm rests, I don't remember how his door was set up. Can anyone help clarify the difference's in the two models? Thanks for any info.

Steve E............

 

Do you have any pictures of it? I don't know a whole lot about older Toyota trucks, but pics would help clarify what it is.

 

I'll try to post a pic or two tomorrow.

Steve E........

 

Thank you for your service.

 

I had a 1980 2wd long bed with the two release points.

As far as I know, that bed wasn't used for the 1981 trucks, but was offered on the first version in 1979 and I think both versions were available in 1980.

If anything, the single point tailgate was probably available in the SR5 trim only.

I also have a 1981:

 

The local Stealership told me it depended how they came into the country in the earlier years. He (Service Dept/Parts Dept Mgr.) said some came in with beds and some didn't and the ones that didn't got the 'American' style bed, single style handle.


Steve E..............

 

On those single wall beds, I prefer the two handle style. Pulls the sides of the bed in tight.