History
Hi fellow enthusiasts. Here's the story of my first car, my 1977 Toyota Corolla KE36 Panelvan.
On March 31, 2009, when I was 13, me and my family were helping a family friend move houses, and my dad knowing his cars quite well, he noticed this White Sad-Looking Corolla Panelvan just sitting on the front lawn under a tree of this old guy's house. So dad went to ask if it was for sale. The old guy asked who and what was the car wanted for, and my dad said "it's for my 13 year old son for a project". He said he'll have a think about it overnight. So the next day, Dad went back by himself to see what he wanted to do with it, and he said "If it's for your 13 year old son to do up as a project, I'll give it to you". The old guy had put in some petrol, some oil, and a quick little tune overnight, and dad drove it home that day.
It has been a 3 and a half year project so far, which consisted of replacing panels, repairing rust, an engine swap (old 3K running on 2cyl) and fitted a KE70 4K-C "Hi-Cam", a Pearl Blue Respray (done by ourselves in mum's garage), and Interior Trimming.
It's all been a father-son project and everything was done by ourselves in mum's garage. It was put on Club Rego with TCCAV in March 2012, after 3 years of owning the car. I'd like to thank my Mum and Dad, my family and friends, Rollaclub.com, and TCCAV for support and encouragement.
Modifications
Car: Toyota Corolla KE36 Panelvan Windowless.
Body:
- Pearl Blue Respray
- De-Badged Body and Stripe-Moulds
- Manual-Operated Sunroof
- Exterior Sun-Visor
- JAF Grille Badge
- H4 Halogen "Diamond" 7" Headlights
Engine:
- KE70 4K-C "Hi-Cam" 1.3L 4cyl OHV Engine
- Holley 180 Carby
- Pacemaker 4-into-1 Extractors
- 2" Exhaust System into Hotdog, and into Original Muffler
Driveline:
- K40 4-Speed Gearbox
- Borgwarner Tailshaft
- Late-Model KE55 Borgwarner 4.11 Open-Wheel Diff
Suspension + Steering:
- Lowered Front King Springs
- 2" Rear Lowering Blocks
- Original Rear Leaf-Spring Setup
- Late-Model KE55 Steering Setup and Sway-Bar.
Brakes:
- KE70 Girlock Disc Brakes (front)
- Late-Model KE55 Drum Brakes (rear)
Wheels (3 sets):
- Original 13" Steelies with KE35 Hubcaps (175/70/R13 all around)
- 14" R31 Skyline Steelies -- Black with Dress Rings (195/65/R14 front, 215/65/R14 rear)
- 14" Magnum Alloys -- Polished and Painted (185/60/R14 front, 215/60/R14 rear)
Interior:
- Original Guages with "TOYOTA" blank for AM Radio, and "T" blank for Clock
- Black 2-Piece Dash with New Dash Pad
- KE55 Seats with Seat Covers
- Autotechnica Steering Wheel
- Custom Roof Lining (trimmed by ourselves, supplied by Spotlight)
- Black Carpet (Knox Auto Carpets)
- Black Plastic Trims
- Black Leather Door Cards and Rear Panel Cards (trimmed by ourselves, supplied by Spotlight)
- Black Vinyl Wheel Arch Covers
- White Interior Accents
Stereo:
- 4K-C with Holley 180, Extractors, and Exhaust System (LOL)
(Honestly, there are no radio or speakers -- just the sound of the engine)
Build time:
- 3.5 years and still going
Cost:
- Lost count
Special Thanks to:
- Dad for his time and effort
- Mum for her garage
- My family and mates for encouragement and support
- Rollaclub.com for advice and support
- Toyota Car Club of Australia Victoria (TCCAV)
