On the 24th of December 2015 I bought my 1993 Supra SZ, which was my first car I bought with my own money. My father bought my first car for me (2011 Corolla). He was a car guy, and would always be maintaining his 1970 Mustang. Sadly he past away in January this year from brain cancer but one thing I'm glad he saw my Supra on Christmas day which was the last Christmas I spent with him. As troubling as my life has been during the past 2 years during my father's battle, to get my mind off things I'd always admire the Supra and what people have done to them, their build logs, videos etc. I was, everyday, searching for car ads. Surprisingly a Supra popped up, not even 6 minutes away from where I lived was for sale. However it needs a bit of restorations? Maybe I should just say repairs.. I've been on my own through this. Usually if I ever had a problem I'd just ask my father and he'd know. I've never held a wrench, ratchet or nearly any tool other than a screwdriver as I used to build computers for people. However nothing has motivated me more than seeing other people's builds, so I'm very eager to learn. So anyhow here is the first day I brought it home: Minor repairs (very amateurish of course) I've done so far: Plate Garnishes were quite faded, nearly almost grey. They were bugging me quite a bit. After pulling them off I noticed the car was resprayed around them.. What?! - That explained the primer overspray on them which I ended up removing with clay. Used some VHT Hood, Bumper and Trim paint. Refitted! Also with fresh double sided foam tape. Next day decided to also paint my rear wiper. It was a pretty windy day so I didn't do a great job on it, mainly wanted to hide the faded, rusted areas. Needs another coat. Refitted! Centre caps on my stock rims were quite faded, making the car look tired. So I removed them and gave them a paint. Can really see the difference here: Refitted Lastly I removed my old sun visors since the old ones were very rippled, and the driver's side clip was missing. Once you go to lift up the visor it'd hit you in the face. Bought a new pair by someone wrecking their Supra - passenger side doesn't have a mirror for some reason and wasn't super sure how to remove it from my old visor. Oh well, not fussed I suppose, I'm a lone wolf anyway or how I like to put it "A form of weight reduction modification". New pair installed: To-do list: - Rear seat, needs to be replaced mainly just the top part. Cracked on the top, pin just falls out and cannot be folded down. - Alloys need to be repaired + repainted (horrible gutter rash, uneven areas of paint etc) - Brakes need attention. Possibly replace them, not sure if I'll go aftermarket or OEM suggestions would be helpful! Pads also, squealing under high pressure. DONE - New tyres, shitty retreads from roadworthy by a bad mechanic the previous owner took it too. Sadly not having a job is taking me forever to afford new tyres. Not only that, but seems 245/45R16 tyres are impossible to find around here! update 22/02/2016 DONE. -Issue with Handbrake. Rolls a tiny bit after I take my foot off the brake. update: 22/02/2016 (to be sourced from Japan, will be replaced) - Another gold badge, front is cracked. I know these are impossible to find. - A fresh service. DONE - Cut and polish. Today was quite productive. I managed to remove the cowl and repaint it, had the wipers off so I decided to give them a paint too. Originally the cowl was grey, had bright spots of white in some areas - really ugly. When refitting I managed to drop the small rubber seal into my passenger guard! However driver's side never had one since I bought the car. I'd likely bet that it's in the driver's guard too. This is it now:
Picked it up from a service the other day, I mentioned I couldn't turn the aerotop bolts at all and they managed to get the roof off for me. I'm on the fence if I really enjoyed driving without the roof or not, it's both good and bad. Ordered a few parts for the interior today: S1 3 spoke steering wheel (current one is pretty tatty) Top half of the rear seat, can't wait to remove the eyesore of a cracked seat I have now. More progress... Service was done, all replaced fluids, oil filter etc Brakes cleaned and machined, however they still squeal but not super loud and often. Got some new tyres, correct size 225/50ZR16 all round. Originally I had those shitty skinny retreads 215s, Supra wasn't stable with them. Another sweet thing I found in the ODO box which has the original ODO in it, I took it out to look at the part and noticed two shiny things at the bottom OEM keys! Going to get them cut tomorrow, currently have aftermarket rubbish keys. To-do: - Cut and polish - A/C regas - Alloy repair - Replace steering wheel (Ordered) - Replace top half rear seat (Ordered) - Respray back to factory 202 (insides of doors are still 202 a closed door respray can happen easily) - Modernise dash with LEDs (keeping original colour) - Clean interior carpet of stains - Source S1 floor mats, mine are missing the Supra logo for some reason. - Remove dent from passenger side sideskirt. - Replace handbrake and auto shift knob (worn out cosmetically) - Replace or repair driver's seat - Replace speakers - Change headunit (sick of always using an AUX cable) - Replace 3rd tail light. Lens cracked, flickering LEDs Another day another delivery... A fairly nice rear seat (top) and like new 3 spoke steering wheel. Just getting over the flu, I felt well enough to jump outside and fiddle with the rear seat. Not only does it not fold down at all, the bottom part of the seat had a rod sticking out of it on the right side. I ended up pulling a muscle in my back and leg before I noticed it. After seeing the rod I got some pliers and pushed it back into the seat. My Supra has the stock sub woofer so, in order for me to fold the seat down I have to remove the sub housing then remove the seat backing (as I was told). Ran out of daylight as I started doing this a 6pm, photo is where I left off. Found a loose white clip under the seat together with a dollar coin, not sure what that white clip is for. More to come - Hopefully some of you find this interesting enough to follow
Such an amazing car. Only saw three or four around here, not many of those were imported. By the way, congrats on the repairs. It's those small details that make everything stand out.
Nice work Hex, it's nice to see someone taking the time to do all the little minor things that really freshen a car up. I've always liked Supras, ever since my first job where buddy had one, it was a little older than yours, but damn, sweet cars. Is yours Turbo? Also, curious what you think of the targa top? You said good and bad, does it really make the car twisty? I ask because I've been told I have to be careful of my T-Tops, apparently if I stomp it with the roofs off I can twist the frame of the car or something.. Sweet ride, I would have loved something like that for my first(or second) car. Glad to see it's in good hands. Looking at your car is really making me antsy to get mine back from the engine shop, should be any day now! Been a long time coming, was in there all winter.
Awesome Car Fella- I always did love the supra- what model is it? 2Jz 3 litre Twin Turbo? I've been into Cars since i can remember - I blame My dad as he was a Mechanic for 25 plus years. Always found people who work in computers for a living end up into cars as a hobby - Fell into this trap myself, I drive a Nissan pulsar GTi-R and love every minute of it- Keep up the good work- awaiting the next instalment
I'll try my best to answer everyone's questions - Surprised there's more car people here than I thought, nice to hear people like it My Supra isn't Turbo, currently my license is restricted to a 6 non-turbo machines. There's always a chance for a turbo conversion in a few years time, all depends if I find work to fund it. Conversions are close to 2-3 grand from what I was told. With the aerotop off the car does feel different, I didn't drive for very long without the roof as it was when I was bringing it back from service. The other issue is you get a lot of wind noise without the roof, there's two plugs that sit in the centre console to stop that from happening. In terms of the car feeling like the chassis is twisting, that's quite normal as the roof in part of the structural integrity of the car. I certainly wouldn't be thrashing it around without the roof on, then again I wouldn't thrash the car anyway I encourage you to get back to your car, really I did buy the Supra for selfish reasons I could be gone tomorrow so why the heck not? What car are you working on? Thanks man! I have a base SZ NA Automatic 2JZ 3.0 litre. The fantastic thing about the autos is their launch is so damn quick. I floored the Supra from 0-60 (of course in an industrial area) at high RPMs the car really screams for a stock 2JZ. Also, nice Pulsar probably the most aggressive looking hatches for it's time - got any photos?
Oh wow, I didn't know licences worked like that there. I guess you need to drive for a few years before you can drive a Turbo? No, I hear ya, no thrashing. Although "spirited driving" is ok once in a while Oh I am, it was in the engine shop getting a total engine rebuild. The head gasket went and since they had to go that far into I just said eff it, replace everything. It's basically gonna be a brand new engine, it will even have a 5 year warranty. It should be done any day now, just in time for spring! I'm basically shaking with anticipation right now, haha. It's a 96 Trans Am with CS6 suspension upgrades, 6 speed standard, 350ci V8. Has about 118,000 KM on it right now. Here's a crappy pic of it (really need to take new ones)
This thread is giving me motivation to do some work on my car as well. My wiper blades are horribly sun faded, never thought to remove them and paint them. Sounds like I got me a Saturday Project!
Only one state in Australia allows you drive what you like, but where I am there's pretty tough restrictions. Not sure how the Supra slipped past honestly, even for a NA it has plenty of power. It's actually restricted by Kw but I'm not sure on the figure, majority of probationary drivers go for shithouse Commodores They're horrible cars, mostly cunts just drive them and also just because it's a cheap V6. They're worth nothing either. Sorry I had to vent that lol Nice to hear about a brand new engine, it's surprising how much power you can get from a new block too. Good thing is, you can still get new blocks from Toyota for the Supra Sure is a beautiful Trans Am man, love the body shape to those machines and the pop up headlights! Good luck with rest of the rebuild would love to see some progress too it's surely a nice car! You'll be surprised how much small cosmetic issues can make a car look a million bux. I've been really happy since I've painted them along with the cowl or any faded black trim plastic, it's fine to use on metal too with the spray I had. I didn't bother really sanding it down either, it's not exactly spray paint. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 29/02/2016 So some more updates, was taking everything out of the hatch and the sun was just beaming down on my neck so I thought "I'll move the Supra under the tree and work on it". Disarmed the alarm, sounded normal, turn the ignition on "tck tck tck woeweweweoeoeo", tried again same thing instead just low buzzing. I popped the hood to find the battery had a 'red eye' which is a status of "needs recharge", for some reason or another the battery just drained over the 3 days of me being sick. Mind you I did start the car and let it idle for 10-15 minutes two days before this happened as I was worried this happen, it still did. Since the battery was only 1.5 months old I wanted to take it out - thing is I've never done this before. I was mainly concerned about either the battery exploding in my face, blowing a fuse or worse shocking myself (unlikely considering it was so fucking low, but beginner pussiness). Next morning I woke up before the afternoon which, just never ever fucking happens. I was worried about the car... Got the rachet and sockets then attempted to undo the nuts and remove the terminals... Success! After nearly pulling my back lifting the battery out and not dropping on the guard or front bumper. I took it back to the auto store I bought it from. Honestly, they gave me the run around. They had to contact a rep from maker of the battery, apparently they verify if there's any bad cells. I was meant to be called after 2 hours and didn't hear anything after 4 hours, so I gave them a call and the guy who answered knew nothing about it and said manager will call me back (I believed nothing). I drove down and spoke to the girl who originally spoke to me (weirdly I think she was chatting me up). The battery was put on charge since I last saw her and apparently it barely crept up in volts from a trickle charge. Manager comes out and it takes 3 staff members to determine if I get can get an exchanged 'unapproved' from SuperCharge. The guy was like, "he seems quite honest, give him another one". Fuck me, so I got home, installed it and bam! She's alive! I'm hoping it was just a faulty battery and not the alternator or the alarm fucking with charging. My mechanic gave me a call just as I shut the bonnet just to let me know that the handbrake cables arrived and ready for install. I'll be taking it down in a few days as it could take a few days to install... I'll be without the Supra again Lastly, I got my OEM keys cut today. They feel so much better to start the car with. TL;DR version: Battery died - was a pussy to remove it, manned up next morning, got an exchange for the battery after 3 phone calls and 2 trips to the auto store. Installed, Supra started again instantly. New handbrake cables arrived from Japan, will be installed later this week. Got the OEM blanks cut.
if you are going to do a lot of painting maybe invest in one of those cheap plastic green houses from bunnings. Help keep dust off and close it up to help the paint dry, like your own little spray booth!
Pretty neat idea actually. I think I'm actually done with spraying I think. I was going to do the mud guards and the plastic trim around the body, but they're difficult to get back on I was told.
That's a sleek ride - bonus points when it has the aerotop off! A few little touch-ups and it will look brand new. How many coats did it take for the caps/wipers/garnishes? They look professional. Spraypainting can be a pain without enough practice (runs, inconsistent spreads, etc) @speedyink - Cool Trans-Am. Keep it going man!
how are you painting everything? Just colour on top or sanding, primer, colour and clear coat? Don't paint the mud guards if they are rubber, it'll just end up transforming into a bogan v6 bombodor overnight...
Ahh, I see. Yeah if it's a Kw thing I'm surprised they let you drive the Supra, but lucky for you anyway! Yeah man, not only that, but they're better quality parts now. The new pistons are apparently a lot better, and the new gasket are waaay more durable nowadays they say. Thanks Hex! I fell in love with this car the second I found it. It's right up my ally for looks, and damn is it fun to drive. Maybe I'll have to make my own thread, I don't want to hijack yours =P Thanks man! This car is my baby, I plan to have it forever
Thanks dude! She's great topless Ok - rear wiper was more of a test run so I only went over it once and not the whole thing, however the front wipers and cowl had at least 3-8 coats. No drying in between or anything as it covered and dried almost instantly. I didn't sand or prime any of the parts either, although it's correct to do so I was told it'd be a waste of time since 1) car is stored outside 2) plastic fades anyway 3) sanding would remove original texture as well, and parts are originally black. If I was changing the colour I would've done the whole deal. The centre caps got a different treatment, they were lightly sanded, wiped with metho, and painted. Only reason being is they were rough, but not by texture, by gravel, and random road grime. The mud guards are not really "mud guards" but they're solid plastic that sits under both rear guards and bolted on. Man it's launch for a RWD is insane, LSD really does it's job on the car. No wheelspin and instantly hooks from a non-rolling start. I reckon the car would have such a deep note by your description Of course, love to see a log of your 'Am! ----------------------- 1/03/2016 Small update today, I contacted "GameOn Motorsport" as I was tipped off to them and told that they could source genuine Aerotop Tools. Courier missed me and had to go to a milk bar to pick it up - what the fuck?! Anyway, got home and opened it up. Everything was brand new, in genuine Toyota baggies! <3 originally I wasn't aware I only paid $40 for this. Used a guy was selling them for $70 - later someone else bought it and tried to sell it to me for $100! Jokes on him, scumbag seller. I'm so happy with this buy for sure!! Alanah from GameOn Motorsports was a major help! Anyhow here it is!
I'm enjoying this thread. You're making me want to buy a new car!!! I've had the same mind set of "You only live once" recently and I've been eyeing some legally imported Nissan Skylines. I'm still in the process of convincing the better half that we shouldn't worry about retirement and I should just buy the damn car!!!