Crazy Celica Build Idea - Tuner-Junction

drummingpariah · #1 (**permalink**) January 25th, 2008, 01:19 PM

Since moving to the West Coast (San Francisco Bay area) and selling my CRX beforehand, I've been looking for my next project car. I fully intend to do this one right, and have a DD ready so I can take the necessary time to do this one right. I'm currently seeking an RA28 Liftback Celica from 1976 to 1977. It was a little rare, but they're around. They look something like this:

The plan is to take an f20c from the S2000 along with its transmission, and the rear axle and whole suspension/brake setup from a Nissan s30, fabricate/modify a driveshaft to fit, put nice wide meaty tires on it, and love it like there's no tomorrow. Any suggestions? Leads on someone who owns such a car (they're selling it, they just don't know it yet)?

jon ROCKS!!!! · #2 (**permalink**) January 25th, 2008, 05:03 PM

i have never seen one of those in decent shape in my whole life

drummingpariah · #3 (**permalink**) January 25th, 2008, 08:05 PM

I have a welder. If I can find one, I'll take it. Period. Then I'll strip it, restore it, and stuff the f20c into it. With itbs.

I honestly think that's all it'll take.

njn63 · #4 (**permalink**) January 28th, 2008, 01:53 AM

Any reason for the solid rear axle (AE) over a independent rear? I'm guessing just simplicity but if you got a welder.. i've always prefered an IRS setup.

drummingpariah · #5 (**permalink**) January 28th, 2008, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njn63

Any reason for the solid rear axle (AE) over a independent rear? I'm guessing just simplicity but if you got a welder.. i've always prefered an IRS setup.

Of course IRS would be the way to go, but welding in an IRS rear correctly (even, level, proper suspension geometry) is much much harder than a solid rear. Also, you don't hear many complaints about the AE's handling, after upgrading to stiffer progressive springs. I have a few other projects in mind that make this look tame, but the Celica is my first choice. I found one down the street, but it isn't a liftback and would need to be smogged. I'm going to have to read up on smog laws around here.

drummingpariah · #6 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2008, 12:54 PM

Well, true to my word I've picked one up. 76 Fastback. It has a loose steering gearbox (not abysmal, but worth replacing), Tokico suspension (I'm pretty sure it's Tokico anyway), and an auto (ew). This is a daily driver project, so it'll probably get some mpg upgrades, a manual tranny (t58 looks promising, and bolts right up), and a devac. It's failing smog right now, but I'm pretty certain that I know why.

Check out the gallery here:

drummingpariah · #7 (**permalink**) December 21st, 2008, 04:18 AM

Fixed the link and image. This one is from almost the same angle as the black one I posted. Mine might even be in better condition.

stjohnscrx · #8 (**permalink**) January 3rd, 2009, 11:48 AM

that thing is bad ass looking

drummingpariah · #9 (**permalink**) January 3rd, 2009, 02:17 PM

It sounds awful mean too. Video to come.

drummingpariah · #10 (**permalink**) January 22nd, 2009, 11:43 PM

Well, it's actually getting sold instead. I really need a motorcycle, my daily commute sucks. Anyone know someone who'd be interested?
1976 Toyota Celica GT Fastback