Toyota Corona RT40 reconditioning help

[newbie1994]

Hey Guys!

I'm new to both this forum and to discussions of this sort, so i'm looking for a bit of help. My grandfather bought this corona RT40 in the late 1960's. He used it till the 90's after which my dad used it for a couple of years before it was parked in a corner to live out its remaining years. I'm thinking of taking it up as a project to recondition it and bring it back to life. A few points about the car:
- Last time it was driven was in 2016 so battery is dead and tyres flat
- Original engine was replaced with 2.0D engine from Peshawar somewhere in the late 90's
- Has been repainted once
- Speedometer does not work
- No side-view mirrors (can't recall ever seeing them on this car)
- 5 speed manual transmission (gear box is extremely loose - could easily put it into 4th while going for 2nd)
- Brakes work (And by work I mean you need to rely on your reflexes. A lot)
- 1 wiper exists, 1 fell off somewhere while driving on Peshawar Road (Never saw it again)

If anyone could provide some information as to where to start with, vendors that would have parts of this model, what would be a good petrol engine to install or any information of this sort, i would be extremely thankful.

Looking forward to some helpful replies from the car experts out there!

[aliaamar1101]

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[newbie1994]

Let's say somewhere around 1.5 lac to begin with (Not sure how much is possible within this though). Car is currently parked in Rawalpindi. Would like for it be easily driven within city for the next 4-5 years.

[aliaamar1101]

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[capsat]

1st step is to get its documentation straight., update the tax payments new number plates and file.
2nd is to make it road worthy by replacing the battery and tyres repaired.
3rd get side mirrors which are installed over fenders, commonly called sunny taxi side mirrors

this car is equal to weight to present day 2 kei 660 junk jdm cars.

ironic that its stock power train is missing, but still it has plenty of potential. NO need for denting painting, fix it mechanically.

transmission mounting may be broken, so you may need to source it from rubber parts shop by having sample in hand.

[newbie1994]

Thanks a lot for the info @aliaamar1101 and @capsat.

Motor experts and vebra are for engine parts or do they deal in all other parts as well?

Documentation is straight. Apart from last year's taxes, all are in order. Battery and tyres would be first priority indeed.

Any suggestions from where to start looking for suitable side view mirrors and parts such as the stock wipers? The dashboard also needs repairing.

[capsat]

you may need to visit scrap yards near glass factory road chah sultan area locate a meter repair guy and check out if he can really fix old school fx . sunny . corolla meters from 70s', this car meter is really very simply i recon problem in meter drive cable from transmission only

[capsat]

Documentation is straight. Apart from last year's taxes,

i believe you can pay lifetime tax for such an old car am sure it is under three digits for yearly tax, make it updated., and documents will be straight ... !

[newbie1994]

Okay this gives me a pretty good idea of how the side view mirrors should be.

Curious question - why did some models have side view mirrors while the other didn't? Or was it an accessory you could add at that time?

I guess i'll do some market research to get started.

I'll check the tax thing out for sure too! Didn't know about this lifetime tax option. Will definitely look into it, could save a lot of hassle each year.

[capsat]

in era of 60's plenty of countries in asia had no regulation for side mirrors so those were considered optional accessory, while in other common wealth countries those models had the side mirrors as shown in picture. The beauty of this car is about folding quarter glass in front doors.

[suhaibayaz]

I remember how the air would rush in by opening those quarter glasses you mentioned @capsat

Following this project.

[newbie1994]

Aah, that makes sense. And most definitely, those folding quarter glasses are a unique sight!

Just for some basic information - the current 2.0D engine is both noisy and smokey. Assuming i want to put a petrol engine back in what would be a good option and what would that cost me roughly (just an estimate)

[capsat]

i have a picture of myself over this model car which can not be shared the car was purchased for 16800 from Munno Motors Karachi - Then exclusive Toyota Importer in Pakistan, petrol was Rs. 1.75 per gallon

[aliaamar1101]

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[newbie1994]

the car was purchased for 16800

Haha, my dada used to quote a very similar price. How times have changed

[newbie1994]

@aliaamar1101 thanks a lot. Will definitely get out soon and do a bit of exploring!

[aliaamar1101]

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