Project '96 Toyota Tercel Resto

Well everyone knows I cannot stay out of the car scene for too long. After a 2 year hiatus I decided to get another project. This time it is a newer car which is running. I bought a '96 Toyota Tercel which has been lightly hit in the front. I have always wanted one of these Toyotas and with gas prices going back up why not. Purchased off of Craigslist for $550. Bit on the high side but it was delivered as well which is nice.

The damage is yet to be investigated...from the pictures I think it is all repairable but we shall see. This car has a running motor, 4 speed transmission and gets 36-38 MPG!!! Now that will be nice!

Update: 6/14/09: I have disassembled the entire front end of the car now right down to the radiator support. Parts which are trashed: front bumper cover, grill, front drivers side headlight, radiator support, collision bumper arm extensions, bumper reinforcement, hood, radiator, and condensor. Everything else looks great! I plan on having it in the shop in the next couple of months to have the radiator support replaced and the front left bumper arm straightened. I already have parts on order and will slowly accumulate the rest. Overall I am pleased and will have it back on the road with new front end paint by the end of the year. More pictures to come...

Nice color and nice interior...the body lines are all straight so I doubt if there is frame damage.

More info to come...

Initial picture...this car does presently run and drive well...

Update: 5/20/09: I am gathering parts for this low budget resto. So far I have a new headlight $23, new bumper reinforcement bar $5, and a new set of front bumper trim mouldings $10. I am currently bidding on a OEM Toyota radiator with fan and upper and lower hose on Ebay so I may be updating soon. As soon as I have all the parts together she is headed to the shop for repairs. I wn the radiator, fan and upper and lower hoses for $35! Steal!

Update: /21/09: Snagged a new Toyota Tercel grill on Ebay for $6.97. A steal!

Update: 10/24/09 : Sold Project Toyota Tercel! I needed the space in my garage so this one had to go...:) My next car project will be a '91-'95 Ford Taurus which I am going to turn into a police clone complete with steel wheels and center cap and striping down the side. I will probably not start this project till July of next year.