New Bits for Old Celicas

[Raforty79]

I'm putting an RA40 Celica back onto the road and it's not easy.

What's the best source for new parts for this generation? I understand there should be commonality between Corona/Carina models of this era (circa 1980) especially with chassis related parts.

I need things like a rubber boot for the shifter (floor seal) and soon, a new carpet. Maybe striped cloth for the seats (is that expecting too much?) too...

 

 

 

[Raforty79]

I can recommend these guys for repair of a fuel tank sender (that was badly rusted) and for your instruments/gauges.

Advanced Automotive Instrument Co Pty Ltd, 

B1/77 Carrington St, Revesby, M-F 0800-1600, (02) 9792 7399

[Raforty79]

...and Knox Auto Carpets of Melbourne (03) 9761 7198.

Original carpets were crumbling to powder in spots. While Toyota's build quality was better than American cars in the day, the materials they used were inferior.

A loop pile carpet set in blue (2 pieces) pre-formed to fit, set me back $180 plus freight. You have to measure against your originals and mark where holes need to be made for mounting bolts for seats, belts, etc.

Measure, fit, cut (sparingly). Measure again, fit - shove it into the corners as far as it will go. Measure, cut. Took me a few weekends of struggle and irritation. The originals came with underfelt attached to the carpet, which I chose to peel off and re-use. It's tricky, as the new carpet is slightly thicker than the original.

You must trim your excess carpet, particularly around the door jambs. A stanley knife is feasible for the cutting.