New Member From Georgia With 1983 Hilux

[tharden]

Hey,

I just bought a 1983 Toyota Hilux long bed 4x4 for restore.  I really enjoy the truck and there seems to be a wealth of knowledge around here so I will be picking some brains on locating parts and ideas.  I am looking for a long bed for the truck, but it seems just about everyone else is as well.  Funny my cousin thinks I am crazy for buying the old truck, but I find it to be a well built machine.  So far I have replaced the valve cover gaskets and rebuilt the carburetor with vacuum lines.  The truck has 123,000 miles on it and was a one owner.

[HogCanyonHopper]

  2  This is a great forum!!

[BigMike]

Hello tharden and to land!

It is awesome you are now an owner of a 1st gen Hilux but I am sorry that you have to live with it's square headlights. In my experience long beds are less common for wheeling in California and they therefore have a distinct advantage of not getting stuck in the many short bed (like my truck) and 4Runner wheelbase holes. Moreover, they have more traction in climbing and better stability in descending. Their only disadvantage is their turning radius. If you bob the bed (shorten the bed between the tires and bumper) then the truck becomes much more maneuverable on tight trails.

Looking forward to seeing some pics of it 123k is VERY LOW miles for a 31-year old vehicle. FIRST GENS FOR LIFE!

BigMike

ps. I like how the first two people to welcome you are 1st gen owners

[Wainiha]

I love the old ones but just don't know how you bigger guys fit in them.

tharden, welcome and let's see your truck pics and your area(trails and scenery).  I have never been to The South and always enjoy some viewing.

[tgmaul88]

welcome home

[Rocksurfer]

  to Marland

[toe]

 

[tharden]

I am planning on keeping the truck stock.  I do fish in the swamps around the Savannah River so the high ground clearance and small size of the truck will be nice.  I am going to fix the truck up but not to the point where I do not want to take it into the woods. I have a pet peeve about rust so I will take care of all of that the best I can before I paint the truck.   I will try to get some pictures of it soon.

[monyman]

  from Central CA. 

[bkuknyo]

Got to love toyotas

[toughguylos]

 :welcome

[mudmaster]

  to 

Do this to your headlights