Restored Hilux Longbed

1981 Toyota Pickup Longbed Description

Beautiful 1981 Toyota 4WD Pickup (Hilux) Longbed.
Meticulous frame off restoration with attention to detail that is evident in both drive/handling, and appearance. This truck spent the first 28 years of its life in California. It shows. To be honest, I would rather discuss as many of the particulars as possible over phone, than try and articulate my love for this truck via the interwebs. But, I will do my best otherwise.
As a brief descriptor about myself, because I believe much is gleamed about a vehicle from its owner; I am a fireman by trade, who is also a pilot and plane owner, with an education in Mechanical Polymer Engineering. I live and die on the tenets of preventative maintenance, and drive in a manner which considers the wear and the physical processes that are occurring in the moving parts around me. All of this to say: I care for my vehicles very particularly. This restoration has taken place over a few years, in a few stages. Engine and drivetrain overhaul completed four years (30k miles) ago. Suspension, tires, wheels one year old. Carb rebuild and paint two months ago.
Some (certainly not all) of the features/points of interest/details:
-Engine rebuilt with Toyota OEM seals, gaskets, pistons, rings
-LCE stage 2 cam and new rockers
-JT Outfitters header with custom high flow exhaust
-Weber 32/36 2 barrel progressive carburetor (rebuilt 3/16)
-Optima red top battery
-Bosch Wires, distributor, plugs (3/16)
-Old Man Emu Heavy Duty suspension lift with greaseable shackles
-POR 15 over entire frame and axles
-New Sherwin Williams flat/satin finish clearcoat white paint. Before this was done, all small surface rust areas, bed seams, door seams, anywhere else these trucks usually begin to rust, was also POR 15'd as a preventative measure. The paint job is very good, but not outstanding. I am no picasso when it comes to paint. While I can hold my own with a torque wrench and can rebuild damn near anything, painting is an artform and my weak point. All that said, the flat paint hides the very very small imperfections very well and I am really the only one who ever sees them. I have about 100 pictures of the body off, painting, POR 15'ing, and before after shots.
-So many stainless steel fasteners, I can't remember. Bed mounts, fenders, all lights, mirror hardware, mud flaps, etc.
-Two piece steel wheels (flat black with, you guessed it, POR 15 base coat underneath) on 235/85/R16 BFG AT's (85%)
-Line-X Bedliner
-Send me an email and we can discuss so much more
This truck drives amazing. It starts in half a turn of the motor and idles very smooth. All the California emission nonsense has been removed (as seen in the engine photo). The power increase from the cam, header, intake, exhaust is quite noticeable even turning the large tires. This truck will cruise 75 no problem. However, I never drive the truck over 60 because I'm just not in a hurry. The engine sounds best and runs most efficiently at 55 (21mpg). Shifting the 4 speed is effortless. The clutch is strong, as it should be. 4WD perfect, and hubs get a once a month 10 mile drive to keep them lubed. Mobil oil and filters, of course, with intervals never to exceed 3k. The truck does ride stiff and sit about 4 inches over stock height. This is due to heavy suspension setup, which wants a winch bumper and a constant 440lbs-GVWR in the back to settle it down a bit. Its by no means abrasive, as it is an incredibly engineered OME system from Australia. These are the absolute best when ride quality, longevity, and durability take precedence over only how high one can lift his truck. This truly is a drive anywhere vehicle which has been cared for immensely. Wintered off the road in a heated garage every novemberish to aprilish so it is never exposed to salt. So much more, but the more I write, the more I am reconsidering! Wish I could keep it. It just went up for sale locally, so I reserve the right to end it.