New member, new project?... Options

[Dennisthe10]

Hi guys

Been looking for a low-cost project to keep me ticking over for a while now. Have been lurking on 6gc for a while so thought f*ck it, lets do this!

Anyway, found an SR. It seemed half-clean with the exception of some 1/4 rust and a few dents so I thought I would start to try and restore it and keep it as a daily driver (as its the SR the insurance is affordable for me at the mo)

So I'm looking for some input into what to get done and what kind of problems I should be checking on one of these? I may even wrap it when the bodywork is done next year so anyone have any experience they can pass on? I have done some cheap interior mods on other cars a few years ago and have started with ordering some low cost interior mods to keep me ticking over (spreeLED kit, touchscreen head unit, carbon fiber interior wrap)

Thanks



This post has been edited by Dennisthe10: Feb 17, 2013 - 3:39 PM

[Dennisthe10]

Wow inundated with responses and input

The car is back home now and is in better condition that i previously realised, seems to be running pretty well too with no real knocks or noises apart from a blow on the manifold. Does anyone have any ideas on what the best way to get more power out of her might be given that its the 7A-FE?

I'll post pics shortly, already started the minor interior mods to keep myself ticking over

Den

[Dennisthe10]

[Makabra]

I like SR stickers by the sidemarkers

[Dennisthe10]

I like SR stickers by the sidemarkers

haha

[azian_advanced]

That rust problem would be the first thing to do on my list as it'll only get worse making repair more of a nightmare. I had rust at exactly the same spot in my previous 6th gen and fixed it up before the winter hit. (link)

[Box]

So that's what's considered scrap over in England?

[Dennisthe10]

That rust problem would be the first thing to do on my list as it'll only get worse making repair more of a nightmare. I had rust at exactly the same spot in my previous 6th gen and fixed it up before the winter hit. (link)

Couldnt agree more, gonna get it cut out asap thanks for the link too, as im thinking about wrapping the car I might do this myself with but having to worry about a paint finish



This post has been edited by Dennisthe10: Feb 17, 2013 - 3:40 PM

[Box]

I can't believe it was in a scrap yard. At least all the cars over here in scrap yards are just that. Well good for you on saving it.

[Dennisthe10]

Spree in (massive thanks to Julian at spreeLED who has been amazing!
DVD installed

Time to start wrapping the interior fascias and then I can focus on the important rust issue

[Dennisthe10]

Well i wrapped the interior in that fake carbon fibre stuff but it looks too cheap (used three varieties) and have come to the conclusion that nothing beats the real thing so my carbon fibre trimming kit and resins has just arrived, opted for the red version too.....anyone done this to their own yet? I'm new to resins so any advice appreciated

[Dennisthe10]

Also finished a HID main beam and sidelight upgrade, will post pics when I get a chance if anyone is bothered

[enderswift]

nice head unit. What brand?

[Dennisthe10]

nice head unit. What brand?

Its only one of those Eonon ones but the only one I could find where the buttons light up either red (to match my spree LED's) or blue. Its an ok budget touchscreen though

[Dennisthe10]

HID Upgrade before and after shots

[ahamlin111]

Well if you're interested you could to a full engine swap with a 4age, more power with a smaller engine. I have one for sale, ready to go if you're interested.

[Neon90424]

i am real curious to see that real CF dash your gonna make!!

[Dennisthe10]

Well if you're interested you could to a full engine swap with a 4age, more power with a smaller engine. I have one for sale, ready to go if you're interested.

Appreciate the offer but thats a longer-term plan, wont be a goer this year

i am real curious to see that real CF dash your gonna make!!

Yeah me too actually hopefully will make a start on it this week and will post progress

[ricochet1490]

nice save there!
There are a lot of project threads that get started here and then never show up again.
What head unit is that?!?

[Dennisthe10]

nice save there!
There are a lot of project threads that get started here and then never show up again.
What head unit is that?!?

Its quite hard remembering to come back and post sometimes when you're new to it but I'm always in and out checking out what people have done for inspiration

Its just a Eonon (D2208Z), I wanted to try a touch screen but didnt want to spend too much just in case i didnt like it but its ok for the money, I do think I'll end up upgrading it long term though as the OS is a bit of a bitch sometimes

[Smaay]

Well if you're interested you could to a full engine swap with a 4age, more power with a smaller engine. I have one for sale, ready to go if you're interested.

F That!!!! throw a V6 in there!

[Dennisthe10]

right well you saw the old rear shot above so here's the new one, debadged (kinda) and JDM's:



SR Stickers removed (i know, small job but really annoying me) and clear side markers:



Also unplugged the power antenna as the noise was doing my head in every startup. The Carbon fiber didn't work at all, full credit to anyone who can do this, I just wasted a lot of money failing miserably so have returned to normal black wrap. Had to fiberglass around the stereo as had to hack into the fascia to get a decent fit (stereo was slightly too big). Took out the blanking slots on the gear surround and added a TRD badge with some blue LED's to match the blue LED's on the stereo. Im still not happy with this part of the interior so expect an overhaul later this year when i get a break from studying:







This post has been edited by Dennisthe10: Feb 17, 2013 - 3:59 PM

[Dennisthe10]

Need advice please guys! Never got a remote fob for my celi so using key for manual entry, miss having a fob. Ideally I want a key with a fob built in so poss looking at an aftermarket setup. Anyone know if I can achieve this just buying a used newer celi key (program in and cut a new blade)?

Also, plasti dipping in a few months, any links to stand out colours on our cars would be appreciated as so far im going gunmetal.

Update ~ new brakes all round, new exhaust, short ram air intake installed. Currently shopping for gen 7 red cloth seats

[Dennisthe10]

aww you guys are so helpful

7th gen seats due next week, wooo! Also re-wrapping the interior as tried out a heat wrap and the result is pretty much perfect, also removing the clock (as it looks dated), going back to all red led's and installing an FM transmitter (not gonna really use it, it just lights up red and will mount in the shift surround quite well hopefully)

Also looking at xtuners plasma dials

This post has been edited by Dennisthe10: Apr 10, 2013 - 5:39 AM

[ricochet1490]

Looks nice on the inside! Can't help you on the fob though. You'd have to have something extra.

[Dennisthe10]

thanks richochet, i have re-done the inside though, will post pics when the new seats and headliner are in.

[Dennisthe10]

Have posted in electricals but only Rabid has replied so posting here so hopefully more people see and someone can help. Basically grounded the head unit to the stereo cage (yeah i know, gonna ground it to something else now) but the main panel and gauge lights no longer work. Changed the fuse, which had gone but Rabid mentioned the dimmer might have burnt. I have opened the dimmer and cant see any physical burns (not sure if you would?)

Does anyone have any experience of this happening? I have had a spree LED kit installed for a few months now with no probs so im assuming its the grounding of the stereo thats caused the problem as the lights went within an hour or so of doing this

Any help/advice massively appreciated, my electrical knowledge is limited (as you probably guessed)

[Dennisthe10]

Hi guys, need some help - screws are rusted on the number plate light lens so cant fit the new bulbs to pass the MOT, anyone know how to remove the back number plate holder so I can drill the screws out? Removed the boot trim and the three plugs as well as the bolts under the taillights but there seems to be something still holding the panel firmly at the top-centre near the lock?

Latest work completed:

Short ram cold air intake installed
new exhaust system, only base until upgrade decided on
rear lights rewired to include fog light (UK requirement)
Gen 7 seats installed
Indiglo gauges installed

Work in progress:

install aftermarket remote central locking system
Finish up interior fascias (clock deleted)
Swap red spree kit to blue
Move indiglo transistor to boot (too noisy to stay inside dash)

Coming soon:

Bodywork restoration
Full plasti-dip

[sr666]

Looks pretty sweet mate I'd miszsed it up until now

I'm also a UK guy although I'm in a MR2 now but anyways

I'm inclined to say swap the rear UK plate for a import plate holder / fit that to make it more JDM looking (Technically illegal but did it on my white one never had a problem)

As for power upgrades being a ST there's not much around as it's the FE block not the GE whicvh is the power one but don't get me wrong it's not a bad car at all

I believe you can get a Manifold from the US although I've just had a quick google search and not much has come up

It's always worth keeping an eye on how much oil they do or don't burn as it's a common fault on these

Apart from that I'm thinking it's looking good so drive / enjoy

Ryan

[Dennisthe10]

Looks pretty sweet mate I'd miszsed it up until now

I'm also a UK guy although I'm in a MR2 now but anyways

I'm inclined to say swap the rear UK plate for a import plate holder / fit that to make it more JDM looking (Technically illegal but did it on my white one never had a problem)

As for power upgrades being a ST there's not much around as it's the FE block not the GE whicvh is the power one but don't get me wrong it's not a bad car at all

I believe you can get a Manifold from the US although I've just had a quick google search and not much has come up

It's always worth keeping an eye on how much oil they do or don't burn as it's a common fault on these

Apart from that I'm thinking it's looking good so drive / enjoy

Ryan

Thanks Ryan, fan of your old car, nice to see you keeping your eye-in on here

I was considering the plate holder swap actually, might get one and try it then sell it on if I dont like it

I have also come to terms with the limited power upgrades now too, I'll be swapping out at some point though, just not yet, I might even get this f***ing plate holder off at some point too

[ricochet1490]

If you disconnect the stereo does it help the lights?

[ricochet1490]

Should have been a ground wire in the harness too.

[sr666]

Thanks Ryan, fan of your old car, nice to see you keeping your eye-in on here

I was considering the plate holder swap actually, might get one and try it then sell it on if I dont like it

I have also come to terms with the limited power upgrades now too, I'll be swapping out at some point though, just not yet, I might even get this f***ing plate holder off at some point too
[/quote]

Anytime mate glad you like it. I've been working on the 2 today and I can safely say the Celica is far less grief lol

What air filter do you have on at the moment? I've had a Blitz on the 6 GT I had then replaced it with a K and N panel filter and on my old ST I had a Pipercross panel filter and in both cases I can honestly say if you've got a cone then swap it for a panel filter you'll get a better throttle response from it (and it'll save you fuel as well)

As for the plate holder if you've got your numberplate holder in and stuck then there's 2 bolts (one either side of the boot catch) Undo the plastics from the inside and remove your lights all at the same time. I believe there are 2 bolts lower down as wellwhich may be your problem

I'm happy to stick around here I update my MR2 thread in my old 6 thread occasionally but there's a fair few people I get along well with (Josh, Timmyface and plenty others)

If there's anything else I can help you with please give me a shout and I'll see what I can do

Ryan

[Dennisthe10]

If you disconnect the stereo does it help the lights?

Should have been a ground wire in the harness too.

thanks ricochet, all sorted now

Thanks Ryan, fan of your old car, nice to see you keeping your eye-in on here

I was considering the plate holder swap actually, might get one and try it then sell it on if I dont like it

I have also come to terms with the limited power upgrades now too, I'll be swapping out at some point though, just not yet, I might even get this f***ing plate holder off at some point too


Anytime mate glad you like it. I've been working on the 2 today and I can safely say the Celica is far less grief lol

What air filter do you have on at the moment? I've had a Blitz on the 6 GT I had then replaced it with a K and N panel filter and on my old ST I had a Pipercross panel filter and in both cases I can honestly say if you've got a cone then swap it for a panel filter you'll get a better throttle response from it (and it'll save you fuel as well)

As for the plate holder if you've got your numberplate holder in and stuck then there's 2 bolts (one either side of the boot catch) Undo the plastics from the inside and remove your lights all at the same time. I believe there are 2 bolts lower down as wellwhich may be your problem

I'm happy to stick around here I update my MR2 thread in my old 6 thread occasionally but there's a fair few people I get along well with (Josh, Timmyface and plenty others)

If there's anything else I can help you with please give me a shout and I'll see what I can do

Ryan

So weird that you say that as I did have a cone but it failed the mot on emissions (only last week) so i put the standard air box and filter back in and decided to go back to flat panel and am awaiting my K&N being delivered! spooky!

There were two bolts but they had been spot welded onto the body for some reason (looking around, someone has been hacking at the rear panel too so assume related at some point in its history) Got it all sorted now anyway (eventually forced the screws out using hulk-like strength) so gonna order an import holder and deal with the weld issue then when I have more time

[Dennisthe10]

UPDATE - blue leds ordered for interior, also gonna be soldering mini ones to all the little internal green lights including on the HVAC

***I need some help from a US-based celi-friend please

I need clear interior door courtesy light lenses, i can find them online but only on US sites that wont ship to the UK The ones on ebay over here are too expensive for whats essentially a $10 part

Would someone be willing to get me two and ship to the UK? I'll paypal money up front, just dont want to be paying $50 for these! Can someone give me a price pretty please?

Cheers

This post has been edited by Dennisthe10: Jun 5, 2013 - 7:13 AM

[Dennisthe10]

Cant decide if I love these or hate them

[Keiri]

UPDATE - blue leds ordered for interior, also gonna be soldering mini ones to all the little internal green lights including on the HVAC

***I need some help from a US-based celi-friend please

I need clear interior door courtesy light lenses, i can find them online but only on US sites that wont ship to the UK The ones on ebay over here are too expensive for whats essentially a $10 part

Would someone be willing to get me two and ship to the UK? I'll paypal money up front, just dont want to be paying $50 for these! Can someone give me a price pretty please?

Cheers

Dennis, PM me the part number and I'll look up purchase cost and shipping for you (include your address as well so I can give you an accurate quote).

[Dennisthe10]

UPDATE - blue leds ordered for interior, also gonna be soldering mini ones to all the little internal green lights including on the HVAC

***I need some help from a US-based celi-friend please

I need clear interior door courtesy light lenses, i can find them online but only on US sites that wont ship to the UK The ones on ebay over here are too expensive for whats essentially a $10 part

Would someone be willing to get me two and ship to the UK? I'll paypal money up front, just dont want to be paying $50 for these! Can someone give me a price pretty please?

Cheers

Dennis, PM me the part number and I'll look up purchase cost and shipping for you (include your address as well so I can give you an accurate quote).

Thanks Keiri, PM'd

[Dennisthe10]

So Brian is kindly sorting the lenses for me but car failed its emissions test on Co2 Assuming its because of the lambda sensor so car is off the road for a couple of days, stupid environmental hippies!

Gear surround wrap has finally come out perfectly, next onto LED work and pics to follow