1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Hello, everyone. Long time, no post. I've been busy with other pursuits.
History: two years ago, I took my old faithful Camry off the road due to a really bad head gasket oil leak on the back side, and the need for a car that could hold my real estate customers.
Now, I am considering a do-over for the Camry. Here are some things I'm thinking about, and I appreciate your various opinions:
1) Bad rust around the fuel filler. Are there repair body parts for this common problem, something that can be cut out and brazed into place?
2) Body Trim replacement parts: who has 'em?
3) Pull the motor and do a rebuild, or just replace the head gasket, water pump, and timing belt, or buy a 60k JDM Japanese motor on ebay? Is the Celica or MR2 motor an easy upgrade?
4) Is there a source for new struts that come assembled with springs and bearing plates?
As many of you know, I put down my Toyota tools when I left the dealership in 1995, went into the aftermarket, and went off to fly jets in 2000. I'm a former ASE master with some 33 certs, so all of this is do-able, but I want to come up with a cogent plan first, and then execute it logically. I like the idea of the Japanese motor and trans, too.
So, let's hear some opinions and thoughtful suggestions. Thanks!!
__________________
Courage...Honor...Conquer
Last edited by timebuilder; 08-22-2009 at 12:36 PM.
"4) Is there a source for new struts that come assembled with springs and bearing plates?"
Check out the Monroe Quick Struts. They are a 1 piece combination, just like you are asking for. Not sure if they are made for the generation 2, but worth a look.
Hello, everyone. Long time, no post. I've been busy with other pursuits.
History: two years ago, I took my old faithful Camry off the road due to a really bad head gasket oil leak on the back side, and the need for a car that could hold my real estate customers.
Now, I am considering a do-over for the Camry. Here are some things I'm thinking about, and I appreciate your various opinions:
1) Bad rust around the fuel filler. Are there repair body parts for this common problem, something that can be cut out and brazed into place?
You got to ask yourself why there is rust there. It usually means somewhere around the windshield on the C pillar has rusted through and is dribbling down, collecting there and rusting it out. That's what happened with mine. I just patched it up with some fibreglass sheets (windshield) and body filled the hole. Don't know how long it will last though
2) Body Trim replacement parts: who has 'em?
Those silver pieces of trim? Wreckers.
3) Pull the motor and do a rebuild, or just replace the head gasket, water pump, and timing belt, or buy a 60k JDM Japanese motor on ebay? Is the Celica or MR2 motor an easy upgrade?
All depends on how much time and money you want to put into it. May be cheaper to throw a JDM motor in and far less effort involved.
4) Is there a source for new struts that come assembled with springs and bearing plates?
As many of you know, I put down my Toyota tools when I left the dealership in 1995, went into the aftermarket, and went off to fly jets in 2000. I'm a former ASE master with some 33 certs, so all of this is do-able, but I want to come up with a cogent plan first, and then execute it logically. I like the idea of the Japanese motor and trans, too.
So, let's hear some opinions and thoughtful suggestions. Thanks!!
__________________
Camry history:
1990 Camry CS 5spd - Now scrap metal
1994 Camry Executive A/T - Burnt to a crisp.
1995 Camry Vienta Csi A/T - Still running
1999 Camry Touring 5 spd - Current
buy a super condition one with NO rust and enjoy driving it????
Because working on cars are fun! Except body work, i hate body work
But yeah, it may be cheaper to just buy a 2nd hand one in good condition.
__________________
Camry history:
1990 Camry CS 5spd - Now scrap metal
1994 Camry Executive A/T - Burnt to a crisp.
1995 Camry Vienta Csi A/T - Still running
1999 Camry Touring 5 spd - Current
Yeah,
I hear you. And I agree. That's why the one I have for sale is in such great condition.
As you can see by my signature I mostly work on Nissan (Datsun) Z cars.
We actually have 4 of those critters.
1969, 1970 1978, 2003. Oh, the 70 is a right hand drive. 69 is one of the VERY early ones.
Anyone interested in the Camry, let me know. Got a 06 DC repo Tundra now.
My wife loves it too!!
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89 Camry re-do
Except body work, i hate body work
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