Just bought an 80 Celica coupe with issues.

[fitZ64]

Hello everyone. Well, this is my first post here. I registered this morning because I just bought a funky little 1980 Celica coupe for a whopping $350 But as you can probably guess, at that price it needs TONS of TLC. Got a few major issues, like a blown head gasket and a cracked windshield and lots and lots of little repair and replacement projects, so I'll be here quite a bit. I'm no pro mechanic, but I've done quite a few engine/transmission /head rebuilds and replacements as my dad was a pro mechanic, so I'm no novice either.

The thing is, with gas prices at record highs, this is a great little car to rebuild and I'm looking forward to it as a project car. The main thing...as usual, is money. So, needless to say I pretty much have to do everything myself, except maybe somehting like the windshield, although, if it only took a little insight and maybe a special tool or two, I might tackle that as well.

I drove the car home(about 20 miles) and even with a blown headgasket, it ran pretty good. I did hear what sounded like gear noise in the rear end or maybe a wheel bearing. I'll be investigating that real soon. But, to get this thing registered so I can start driving it, I need to investigate the windshield issue. Anyone replaced one themself? Sure would like to do it myself if possible. Well, thats all for now. Anyway, nice to be here.

fitZ

[stepho]

Sounds like a good find.
As long as the body panels and trim are in reasonable shape, the rest is easy to fix or upgrade.

Not sure about the US but here in Australia we can still get windscreens for them.
Last time I tried removing a windscreen from a wrecked car I broke it - just like almost every body has.
Better to buy a new one and have the shop fit it - usually for free.
Mine screen cost $200.

You can fix up the 20R or replace it with the near identical 22R.
Or with your experience you could upgrade to something substantial.
Here's some ideas (the front end is mechanically identical to my '77 Celica).
http://members.iinet.net.au/~stepho/celfaq.txt
http://members.iinet.net.au/~stepho/history.htm

- Stepho

[fitZ64]

Hello stepho. Thanks alot for the tips mate! I just looked at the windshield more closely. Someone removed one of the trims on the roof post and I see these windshields are glued in place. No wonder they break taking them out. I thought they were in a rubber gasket of some kind. Ok, well that solves that one. I'll have a auto glass shop do that.

As to engine changes, I just want to get this 20R running good. The 20r is ok with me as I'm not into high performance stuff. Just saving money on gas! My folks had a big ole Lincoln Continental(V8)in the 80's that sucked gas like it was going out of style. Dad installed some kind of kit that made it run on 4 cylinders only. I don't remember what it did, but it sure reduced his gas bill. Didn't have a lot of power but it ran pretty good as I remember though. It was me mums car. She didn't need a lot of power. Same with Celica. Its me wifys. These things are pretty sporty as far as power is concerned and its just a little car for her to get around in. But shes owned two other Celicas and loved them. Thats why we jumped at this one.

Ok, thanks again stepho. I'll be back as soon as I delve into this. No time right now though. Gotta finish MY project first. A recording studio.
Cheers
fitZ

[stepho]

Hey, building a recording studio sounds like fun.
Closest I got to that was building a church sound system on the cheap.

- Stepho