74 Celica
 

Hey everyone, I found an ad for a 1974 Celica that was pretty much restored.

I just have a few questions
1. Reliability? Has anyone ever had an issue with first gen Celicas
2. Ease to upgrade/fix - Once again for first gen Celicas.

Oh and if there is anything else I should know... (the lack of power steering worries me at the moment because I've only ever driven cars with power steering). I'm also 17...

I'm thinking of doing a resto-mod if I can afford it, if not I'll just drive it as is - perhaps upgrade a few safety things - like harness straps.

Thanks, and if you just think this is a bad idea outright. Feel free to mention that.

Your 17, do you know anything about cars especially OLD cars and their inherit pitfalls or can you afford assistance from someone who has? If you cant stay away.
These cars have a steering box not rack and pinion they steer easy even without power steering. They have about 65hp IIRC so not overly fast but decent on fuel and mechanically reliable. Electrical gremlins and rust are going to be your worst enemy.
If you'd like to get a good look at whats possible with these come by my shop. I'm currently doing a resto mod on a 74'. I've got full Corolla GTS underpinnings with rack and pinion steering and a Nissan VQ35 and 6 speed in it.

you are going on the right track by asking questions, do more research and expect to run into problems with that car. restored? well depends on who did it and how they did it, it could look good now but i have seen hack jobs on rust repairs that came back within a week. good luck.

things that will help owning this car:
passion
patients
knowledge
tools
your own garage
look up an online forum dedicated to that make model

i was luckly to have my uncle when i was growing up, i started wrenching when i was 12 years old. first car i worked on was a 86 toyota supra that my uncle own since new. past it to me with a blown motor and quarter panel rust. long story short i learn to budget, source parts, work on the car myself including a proper rust repair. and enjoyed owning it. that was 15 years ago i have moved on but kept the exprience and knowledge.

i hope this will encourage you. like i said good luck!

Pix plz
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pix plz, to op and phil

That would be so sick man if I could drop by your shop!

I kind of like the idea of a Japanese muscle car - kind of like the best of both Worlds you know?

Of course come by the shop I love showin off what we do!