My3awds Daily Driver: saving a 6g, Saving a 6g from the scraps... Options

[my3awds]

Hey ladies and gents.

Some of you know or recognize me from other forums via my other cars, or the video I made on Youtube (Garage Tuner). I'll keep the reference material as links instead of pic / video displays so you guys don't think I'm whoring.

Garage Tuner Act 01:
http://youtu.be/5FOrU-bTaJw?hd=1

My awd STI 6:
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/01-4.jpg
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/04-1.jpg

My awd Evo 5:
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/a-2.jpg
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/d-1.jpg

Anyway back on topic...I needed a daily driver. So I've decided to try and save this 6g from scrap yard heaven. It's a 1994 ST Hatchback 5 speed with a blown 7AFE. Oxidized paint with dings here and there and seems the airbags deployed. I picked it up for $500. Starting reference pics:





My Sti and Evo looked similar when I first picked them up (you can see the buildup on youtube). For this 6g, it won't be as spectacular as a lot of the members cars here, but I do plan on looking up to your previous posts for guidance. I have to keep the build simple because if I go to far with it, I end up not driving it like my current cars. So the end goal is just something decent to look at and enjoyable to drive while being fuel efficient. But I wanted something nice to add to my collection. So here's my modest list I'm gathering.

GT-Four Exterior
GT-Four Brakes
Swap to a working 7AFE
7G seats
7G steering wheel
Lowering Springs
CF muffler
Black BBS wheels

I've already started cleaning the interior. I've also started using compound on the oxidized areas, starting from the butt:





Picked up a set of 97 seat pans to install 7g seats. Probably picking up the Gt4 front brakes this week. I'm going back and forth to the yards picking up little things to recover the car as well. Looking to find a cheap 7afe locally. Will post again when I have something worthy. Thanks for reading. I look forward to meeting you guys.

Manny

This post has been edited by my3awds: Aug 1, 2011 - 2:34 AM

[RabidTRD]

I look forward to the restoration progress. It's good to see another person reviving these cars.

Awesome work on your other two cars too! Reminds me of my first car that I restored and turned into a sleeper BMW killer lmao.

[richee3]

Those GT4 brakes will be massive for a puny 7A. I'm interested to see the restoration.

[cheela]

the EVO and STI are HOT! can't wait to see the Celica.

[my3awds]

Thanks for the welcome guys. Got a polisher to work on the car a bit more today. Definitely a big difference from hand polishing. You can see the weird oxidization happening on the door. I tried hand polishing the door and couldn't get it out. But it's coming right off with the polisher. Not brand new looking, but enough to be proud to drive around now. Door isn't done, but you can see where I stopped the rubbing compound.
















This post has been edited by my3awds: Aug 2, 2011 - 12:02 AM

[RabidTRD]

I thought those were buff marks. I just realized it's a fence lmao. Looking great!

What products do you use?

This post has been edited by RabidTRD: Aug 2, 2011 - 12:02 AM

[my3awds]

Haha yeah sort of a bad example since it does have unpolished wax in some areas too. I'm using Meguire's Ultimate Compound and it seems to do a really nice job cutting even with just hand polishing. I then use Turtlewax polish to seal it.

Picked these up for $11 each at pick n pull:


I'm trying to decide on 7g leather seats vs cloth. I'm browsing through your guys' pictures, and hope to find a good example of what matches our black interior most. The black leather looks nice, but a portion of it is gray it looks like. Not liking the blue cloths either. We'll see. Still doing my research before I ask my stupid noob questions.

[RabidTRD]

I like the feel of the 6G seats too much to let them go. They wrap around you nicely, perfect for daily use, but enough to hug you in the corners. If I were to trade them, it'd have to be for 6G Recaro seats.

Leather was never my forte. It blends nice with the black interior, but I can't stand the feel on my skin. Not to mention it's a pain to take care of when you have friends in and out of your car quite often.

[BonzaiCelica]

Good to see another cali member. Keep up the progress

[my3awds]

I like the feel of the 6G seats too much to let them go.

Yeah I did notice the seats are quite 'buckety' for being standards. Unfortunately the cloth has gone to sht due to the previous owner not taking care of it (as with everything else on the car). I may have found a deal on 7g all black cloths locally so I may check that out this weekend.

Good to see another cali member. Keep up the progress

Thanks Bonzai.

Ok guys, I promise this will be the last of the boring polish pics! I'm just so amazed by the results. I've never really done body restoration to this extent. Finished the rear quarter and driver side door. Got shine back even in the dull side views!

[S8S8]

Awesome work on the paint restoration.

[my3awds]

Thanks S8S8.

Decided to pull the motor today. Easy to figure out. Not as easy as a Subi, but definetly easier than a Mitsu. Hoping to get her running by next weekend.

[enderswift]

damn dude, way to tackle this project head on. looking forward to seeing what you make this car into

[dudeofchaos]

Omg, the car looks already in a stunning shape! Keep up the good work man, I'll clearly be looking forward this 6g revival!

[my3awds]

Thanks enderswift & dudeofchaos. It's been going good and I was able to meet my hopeful deadline of getting it running by the weekend. Finished the engine drop in yesterday:





So now I can start with the toys finally

[richee3]

Nicely done! That was quick. Is it rolling under it's own power now or just started and running? You've done a great job on the body work. I'm truly impressed. I didn't think that paint could be brought back to life but you pulled it off.

[SupraKid]

Very nice, great to see someone saving a celica. I'm in plymouth, only about 30 minutes away, if you ever need any help feel free to ask me. You have a PM.

[my3awds]

Much appreciated richee3 and SupraKid. I appreciate the help. Thankfully Toyota designed the 6g easy enough for an average mechanic to figure things out, but I'm going through you're guys past posts for tips and things.

I test drove it today around the block and it seemed to drive well. A/C works (thank GAWD!), drives smooth. My only concern is I can hear what I believe to be the water pump pully slightly scrapping the timing cover. I checked under the hood and at idle it does slightly wobble. Under load it straightens out. Engine probably sat a while so I'll probably take the time in the near future to replace the water pump and timing belt. Hopefully this isn't as tricky and time consuming as the passanger airbag lol.

Cleaned her up to start polishing the rest of the car throughout the week. Too dark for pics, so my ISO was way up. Had to get something before I pause the updates (boring DMV processing next).

[nics]

My awd Evo 5:
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/a-2.jpg
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu122/my3awds/d-1.jpg

Your Evo V look good! Did you import this or built from a Mirage??

[my3awds]

Your Evo V look good! Did you import this or built from a Mirage??

Thanks nic! It's both, technically. You can't legally (federally) drive an imported one in the states (unless you're military). Everyone has their own way of registering/insuring. I chose the route of importing then transferring everything over to keep my Vins. Thankfully the rear floor pan shares the same spot welds between the two. So I meticulously transferred everything over, to keep an oem build. I wouldn't do it if I had to fab something up like the pan, gas tank, mounting points, etc. It's just not the same, no matter how good an individual is at fabing I feel. You can see the summary of the build here:

http://youtu.be/G6MKjoi4t2I?hd=1

My STI started the same way, as the base model and building up after importing. This build was way easier (no floor transferring).

http://youtu.be/Ct4-C40AzOo?hd=1

Re-watching these makes me tempted to do the same with this 6g since it would be just as simple as the Evo. But I can't if I intend on still getting the R32. My wife would kill me no doubt.

[nics]

Your Evo V look good! Did you import this or built from a Mirage??

Thanks nic! It's both, technically. You can't legally (federally) drive an imported one in the states (unless you're military). Everyone has their own way of registering/insuring. I chose the route of importing then transferring everything over to keep my Vins. Thankfully the rear floor pan shares the same spot welds between the two. So I meticulously transferred everything over, to keep an oem build. I wouldn't do it if I had to fab something up like the pan, gas tank, mounting points, etc. It's just not the same, no matter how good an individual is at fabing I feel. You can see the summary of the build here:

http://youtu.be/G6MKjoi4t2I?hd=1

My STI started the same way, as the base model and building up after importing. This build was way easier (no floor transferring).

http://youtu.be/Ct4-C40AzOo?hd=1

Re-watching these makes me tempted to do the same with this 6g since it would be just as simple as the Evo. But I can't if I intend on still getting the R32. My wife would kill me no doubt.

Awesome Build

So are you building up the gt-four front for the celica? Can't wait to see that happen!

[RabidTRD]

Wow! I thought the Mirage looked similar to the old Evo. I guess it has the same chassis then huh? That's pretty amazing, what you've done with those two. If you're keeping this a DD, don't get too excited hahaha. Keep with the VIP status.

[nics]

Wow! I thought the Mirage looked similar to the old Evo. I guess it has the same chassis then huh? That's pretty amazing, what you've done with those two. If you're keeping this a DD, don't get too excited hahaha. Keep with the VIP status.

Yeah Mirage is the Lancer of the US

[chacha]

help another member out brother...man i need your skills

[enderswift]

I just watched the two videos you posted. I'm amazed




This post has been edited by enderswift: Aug 15, 2011 - 10:40 PM

[chacha]

or sell me one replica made in mint condition

This post has been edited by chacha: Aug 15, 2011 - 10:40 PM

[my3awds]

Heh thanks enderswift. chacha I don't do body work, so can't help ya with your project unfortunatly. Polishing up the body was just some training I picked up off of the school of youtube lol. Without youtube and forums like these, I swear I wouldn't have the cars I have (had).

[FORGMANN]

Nice project and you did same thing on EVO and STI as i am doing with
Beams SS3 project. Goal is to look 100% oem but difference is i am doing
RHD as i want entire project to be plug and play so to speak.

I already have a st205 so that is why decided to build a SS3

After 20yrs of modding Imports SS3 is my final major build(for now)

[my3awds]

Nice Forgmann. You are the type of person that understands my builds then heh. Look forward to seeing you complete your project SS3.

Replaced the airbags and ripped shift boot, so the interior is looking worlds better and almost complete. Replaced my exhaust with something I've always wanted to have on a black car. Carbon with blue tip look. It looks as good as I imagined.

[chacha]

more power to you bro...you're definitely making my heart sunk if you can turn that into a awd like the oem st205...if you sale, ill buy it.

[SwissFerdi]

That exhaust does look good indeed. Some different wheels? Man, makes me wish I had a manual.

[Zake]

nice work on that polish! geez

[Stambo]

I've seen your videos before and i loved them. I was happy to see a st185 in them also.

Seems like you'll make this celica into a just as good looking car as your other two.

[my3awds]

I managed to get the seats updated. The driver side of the original seats were sooo badly torn. You would think people know how to get in and out of the car without constantly rubbing on the seat to the point of tearing! The new ones need a good cleaning, but just got excited to take a pic.

[BonzaiCelica]

nice update!! all you need now is a 98-99 celica gt 3 spoke steering wheel, trd shift knob and the interior is pretty much done!! keep at it. nice paint btw.

[block]

Man, that car is getting better and better! Black celicas are so sexy!

[NYp8tBaller07]

like the muffler =)

[my3awds]

Thanks all. Oddly enough I like the 4post wheel on this daily driver. But if I come across an affordable 3post I may consider it. Went to the yard today and I'm glad I did. Found a Celica Limited so took what I could. I almost bought the seats as well since it has the nicely printed "Celica" on the seats...but I couldn't do it. Not after the seats I JUST bought. Any way, small update on what I snagged:

[BonzaiCelica]

oo nice. I personally like the floor mats and rear view mirror. Also see that raised center arm rest

[block]

im liking what you're doing man.

[RabidTRD]

I didn't like the raised center "pillow" that much. Idk about you, but it makes my elbow sit too high on the shifter. I don't like it brushing as I shift gears. LMK how it feels for you though.

[nics]

I didn't like the raised center "pillow" that much. Idk about you, but it makes my elbow sit too high on the shifter. I don't like it brushing as I shift gears. LMK how it feels for you though.

Hmm you're right. At first, I liked it on my 96 but recently i feel that my elbow sits too high!

[nics]

OP - what did you use to restore the paint??

nvm - found it!

This post has been edited by nics: Sep 10, 2011 - 4:58 AM

[my3awds]

I didn't like the raised center "pillow" that much. Idk about you, but it makes my elbow sit too high on the shifter. I don't like it brushing as I shift gears. LMK how it feels for you though.

Daily driving I like being lazy and resting my elbow on the pillow lol. My elbow becomes sort of a pivot. My STI has something similar and I just got used to it. The Evo doesn't have that option, and I can see how it's nice not having something 'in the way' when you're tracking.

Thanks guys. I ordered a set of lowering springs. Will look into getting a set of decent wheels next. Hood and bumper will be last and I'll consider the project 'done'....for now lol.

[my3awds]

Well worked on the hood a bit. For some reason the previous owner sprayed some solvant on all the cracks and dents of the body. Check out how the hood used to look like:



So started to do what I did for the rear





This took about 3 coats to penetrate by hand.








Got a really good deal on some decent rims and tires. 18x7.5 and 245 45 18ZR rims with 60% tred with lugnuts for $140. Fairly excited now to get the springs next week. Took a pic of height reference so we can see the lowering difference (M2 2" lowering springs).

[my3awds]

Putting 18's on in the rear REALLY makes one's drums stick out :vomit: So I made a run to the yard, picked up some necessities, and started cleaning stuff up. It's no 2pot, but better than drums for now.

[SupraKid]

You shoulda snagged the front brakes to, i noticed a big difference when i did both sets.. I have pics of the front brake differences between the ST and GT if your interested.

[SwissFerdi]

Nice, that's a cheap pick-up for sure. Half of what I paid for mine, and I got 17" wheels. Anyway, how are those Riken tires? I can't really find much info on them on quick search, any good? They certainly seem cheap, not necessarily a bad thing.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Sep 19, 2011 - 12:34 PM

[BonzaiCelica]

nice pickup on the wheels and brakes!! 245 wide on 7.5 inch rim, a little big for that rim. Definitely looks better than the first set of wheels, that's for sure!

no rubbing the bottom of the strut/spring seat???

This post has been edited by BonzaiCelica: Sep 19, 2011 - 1:07 PM

[my3awds]

The original plan was to get those 4pot fronts from Ron, but he decided to jack up the price recently after I was interested in picking them up for his quoted price. Must have noticed he was underselling himself lol Oh well. I'll definetly need to get GT fronts now. The rears look to be the same size as ST fronts haha.

No rubbing on the wheels or struts(that I've noticed so far). You can sort of see where the spring seats are in relation to the top of the tire if your contrast/brightness is high enough. I've only driven it 30 miles or so so far. I will say that they are budget for a reason lol. LOUD! The first time I test drove it for 10 miles for saftey, I said to myself "Hmm, kinda noticeable in sound". The second time I drove it for 20 miles, it drowned out my exhaust after 15 miles! Sure it's got decent grip for the money, but no R&D went into sound here. I'm sure it'll only get worse when the car is lowered. Will have to look into something else, and probably something a little thinner.

Thanks guys.

[chacha]

could have sworn you can get other interchangeable pots from lexus that is the same as the st205 pots...anyone remember the thread?

[SupraKid]

Well you cant just bolt on the st205 brakes...Culpable04 did writeup on it and its a pretty extensive process IIRC. Yea Ron seems to enjoy raising the prices on things as soon as i can actually buy them.

[chacha]

i agree...he's a trickster...tax and all that...make sure you say out the door

[ricochet1490]

how's the car looking these days?

[rave2n]

You are one motivated man! Loving the restoration, great work!

[bizzerk]

I love what you're doing with your Celi! I have a question, what year celica did you pull the seat pan's off of (pre/post facelift), i'm looking for a set to put my 7gc seats on and information is not easy to find.