Diamond in the Rough - my 1985 Toyota Tercel build

Hello, my name is Erik and I am the owner of this 1985 Toyota Tercel 4WD wagon.

First impressions (Jan 2021):
I would say that for the age, it is in remarkable condition. I am the 4th owner, and there is zero rust on this car from what I can see. Some things to address - it needs tires soon, an A/C recharge, some other small odds & ends, but aside from that this thing is a solid daily driver. I have already begun ordering parts, and I am excited to get to work. It will likely just be lots of routine maintenance and fixes for a while, but nonetheless I am excited to get this thing as solid as I can.













Current status (as of 3/12/2023):


Maintenance/Modifications:
I document a spreadsheet database for the maintenance of my vehicles. The Tercel's maintenance is tracked here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Sw-SJCHXY10CHiOqcJTZm9OoCcp5ujUy4c1JLv8vA7k/edit?usp=sharing

-**Currently swapping in the drivetrain out of a 1983 Toyota Tercel 4WD 5/6 speed MANUAL wagon. The car is mainly a 5 speed while driving in FWD, and when 4WD is engaged the car gains an "Extra Low" gear.**

-3A-SCV (Swirl Control Valve) JDM engine
-Weber 32/36 progressive carburetor with electric choke
-AW11 MR2 seats, driver and passenger
-Euro-spec Tercel steering wheel
-Euro-spec rear window louver
-Miata Enkei 14" aluminum wheels
-Ceramic tint

 

And just curious if you care to share, what did you pay for this 35 year old gem ?

 

Haha, I knew someone would ask. I'm sure I paid a bit more for this than some would, but I decided it was worth it to me.
You just don't come across these.

I paid 3900. For comparison, I used to daily drive a 1981 Toyota Pickup that was in immaculate shape as well, and I paid (and sold) that truck for 4500.

 

Well man. Congrats. Have fun with the build.

 

3rz swap

 

What's that involve? How much of a pipe dream is that compared to the typical 4AGE swap?

 

Well... The 3rz is toyotas 4 cylinder truck motor in 95-04 tacomas and other things around the world

It's common to see people replacing the 22r/e with a 3rz because it's got more power torque and greater efficency while being just as/imo more reliable

They make swap kits for pickups... Idk about tercels

 

Awesome car, been forever since I’ve laid eyes on one!

 

NVM tercels never got the 22r/e

 

Thank you! I am stoked to continue working on this. Custom battery cables are coming soon

 

Nope, I'm pretty sure this uses the 3AC engine.

 

I just picked up a 83 hatchback this past Saturday, Hadda do a helicoil,new battery, and basic maintenance. $300. minimal cancer on wheel wells 120k miles. I’ve been glued to forums looking at custom builds since sat. Found out you can turbo the 1.5 with a 4cyl diesel turbo. Takes some carb work though.

 

Nice! I look forward to this.
I don’t need another project I don’t need another project

 

Oh you know you want to. Go find cheap Tercel, they’re easy to work on. Ya know ya wanna.......

 

I had one of these, I had to sell it quickly as I already had a bmw and a supercharged corolla.

Honestly my biggest regret. I wish I kept it for my son to hoon one day.

 

Sweet ride! Congrats! I was following a red one on eBay not long ago.

Find someone on here that does quality vinyl work and get a remake of something like this (image below). It dials in the vintage vibe imo.

http://davidsclassiccars.com/images/full/1985-toyota-tercel-wagon-grey-4wd-manual-sr5-1.jpg

Perhaps some thicker/taller rubber on those stock wheels or maybe find an oem roof rack?

 

Been a while since I've updated on here. She's still going strong. Daily driveable in all aspects besides the A/C that I will get fixed soon.
I've been up to a LOT on the Tercel. Let's see...

-New battery
-Oil change & OEM oil filter
-Compression test (all cylinders between 190-195 PSI)
-New fuel filter
-Installed a brand new Weber 32/36 electric choke carburetor, and low-pressure fuel pressure regulator
-Replaced brake master cylinder
-Replaced power brake booster
-Replaced all (4) rubber brake hoses
-Replaced rear wheel cylinders
-Replaced brake pads
-Profusely bled & flushed brake system
-Drain & fill ATF, cleaned ATF filter
-Inspected the rear diff
-Resurfaced OEM front brake rotors
-Replaced tires

I've got some scattered pictures of all of this maintenance that I can try to dig out and share, but suffice to say... I've been busy. It's taken me about six months to do all of that maintenance listed above, as I have been still engaged in my full-time studies at Arizona State University.


Here's another interior shot. This Tercel wagon still amazes me with its character and "cool" factor.


Here she is, basking in the sunlight right before she got her new tires installed.


I don't always have the luxury of keeping this 1985 Toyota Tercel in garage, and I hate to see it bake out in the Arizona sun directly all day. So, I came up with a bit of a shelter for it to take a breather under when not in use. Complete with door ding protection, stakes, ground anchors & rope, and 50 lbs. of sandbags. I will be adding more sand soon. And, should a storm arise, I will look into taking the shelter down.

That's it for now. More of a photo dump and an update than a descriptive thread on all of my maintenance. It hasn't been anything terribly exciting, mostly TEDIOUS troubleshooting and problem-solving, but thankfully the vehicle is happily driving once more.

 

Any recommendations on chasing down a forum member who works with vinyl? I would LOVE decals like this on mine.

I have decided, for now, to run stock size tires. I may go up a smidge, but I am keeping this as a relatively stock vehicle. Perhaps a 1-2" lift ("Abra Cadaver lift, it's referred as) but that would be it, just for extra ground clearance.

Roof rack is happening for sure. I am chasing down gutter mount towers currently.

 

New AC compressor on the way from RockAuto. After that, I should be ready for some cold, cold R12 to run through my vents.
Already replaced my schrader valves in my lines, and all of my o-rings are replaced and oiled up. New receiver drier as well.

 

Is that the original paint? Looks good!

I became a fan of 4WD Tercels when I got a one in a Happy Meal as a kid. Does anyone here remember the toyline Stomper?