1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door 2.4L

Overview

1981 Toyota Hilux 4x4. Original 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed transmission. 184K miles. I have over $21K invested in the truck. This truck is a head turner and gets compliments wherever it goes. Everything on the truck works! I purchased the car from California (comes with the original blue California plates). The truck comes with the original owners manual and Toyota Shop manual.

When purchased the Hilux was 95% original as I could tell (non OEM stereo and shocks). The Hilux even had the original body decals (which were pealing) and ZERO rust. The truck overall at that time was in excellent shape considering the age and typical deterioration seen. Since owning I have only put approximately 2000 miles on it (weekend drives). The truck has stayed and will stay in the garage with a cover until sold. It is in impeccable condition and you will be hard pressed to find a nicer one still around.

When the restoration began, I intended to upgrade with the intent of drivability and some modern comforts but to try to keep mostly original. All the parts used in the restoration were either Toyota parts or are of the highest quality, and all professionally installed. I have a detailed list of all the parts used, and over 400 pictures throughout the process, and all receipts. I am including, along with the truck, ALL the original parts that came on the truck-EVERYTHING accept the decals, which turned to dust when removed. So if you ever wanted to return it back to OEM you could.

I have kept an XLS sheet that details all the parts that were recently upgraded and associated costs. Again, whatever part was changed or removed (all exterior, interior, and engine parts), I still have and will be sold with the truck. Additionally, there are a number of parts that I have, which have yet to be installed and come with the truck too (Warn Bull bar, Warn winch, TG battery box, etc).

Exterior

The restoration began with the intent of maintaining the vehicles impeccable condition, and preventing it from rusting. The bed, the floor pans, and bumpers were all professionally rhino lined. To reiterate, there was no rust to begin with and the lining and spraying was a preventative measure performed in order to keep it that way. You can see from all the pictures. The entire under carriage was undercoated as well by the same company. The exterior of the truck was painted to match the original color and the new rear tailgate decals were applied.

I replaced the old tires and wheels with the more aggressive looking Black Rock wheels (15x8) and BFG tires (31/10.50x15). Warn Premium hubs replaced the originals. The old ones worked fine they just looked 30+ years old. The Soft-topper was purchased new and installed to keep the elements off anything being transported. It is in perfect shape. Every exterior light was replaced including the housings and weather guards, not just the lenses. A new OEM grill and light bezels were also installed to round out the exterior. PIAA LED’s were added to the front bumper to enhance night driving capability.

Interior

The interior is extremely comfortable. The seats were pulled from a Honda S2000 and are brand new, no scratches or rips. They were pulled right after the purchase. These seats really make the interior and are extremely comfortable. The carpet was all pulled and replaced. The pedal rubbers were also replaced with OEM rubber. New shift boots were installed. A new Rugged Ridge console was added which fit perfectly and matched the interior. The OEM Toyota leather MOMO steering wheel is from a 1980’s Toyota Celica. Again, it also looks brand new.

The shift knobs were both upgraded and yet still maintain that 1980’s Toyota feel. The stereo was replaced with a Retro Designs head unit and Focal 6 x 9 speakers. It now has Blue Tooth audio and telephone capability. The windshield was replaced because it wasn’t perfect and had some scratches. All the weather seals in the cab and doors were replaced with Toyota OEM seals. Again, I did not want any water getting into the truck after the restoration. All of the door panels, trim pieces, and interior accent parts are original and in great shape. All of the dash lights and interior lights work; as well as, all the interior accessories work (wipers, fan, heat, etc).

Undercarriage and driveline

The suspension, driveline, and under carriage for the most part were left unchanged since it was all inspected and still in great shape. The brake pads were replaced. And all the fluids were flushed and changed.

Engine

The engine runs like a champ and the tranny shifts perfect! I upgraded the parts on the engine with the intent of increasing reliability and drivability. All parts were purchased from LC Engineering. The list of upgrades include, Webber carb, Webber fuel pressure regulator, inline fuel filter, Offenhauser intake manifold, LCE Desmog kit, oil cooler and relocation, K&N air and oil filters, Optima Red Top battery, Billet fan, Billet wire loom, high performance wires, plugs, and cap, Doug Thorley Tri-Y headers, new fuel pump, new ignition coil, new radiator, billet oil cap, and new fuel pump.

As the truck sits now, it is a reliable, safe, comfortable, utilitarian, and just fun head turning car to drive around. You will not be disappointed.

Buyer is responsible for shipping. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required at purchase. Please do not bid on the vehicle if you do not intend to purchase. Thank you!