Came across this 1975 Hi-Lux in the back of a garage on jack-stands when a co-worker asked me to help them sell some stuff from her grandfather's estate.

It's been in there for 12 years, but I bought it yesterday, registered it (family has kept registration current in "non-op" status, and he had signed the pink before passing...so transfer was trouble-free), and pushed it out to the street to take this pic.

Towed it to mechanic this morning, he's going to remove and flush the fuel tank tomorrow morning, replace fuel filter, change oil and filter, replace plugs and check the brakes for obvious leaks or frozen parts. I'm betting I can drive it home tomorrow afternoon!

I'll be replacing all the hoses and belts over the next few months, although they seemed in good shape. Might even use the OEM toolkit and jack that's still inside!

Wish me luck, and let me know if there's anything else I should think about checking out before hitting the road.

James

 

Welcome to TM! Great find! Looks like its great shape. Any other plans for it or just keep it the way it is?

 

welcome to the site, I live in Mission Viejo myself.

You have the basics pretty much covered, you really should change the rest of the fluids, and tires..even if it was on jack stands. Im sure you will need a battery.

 

Thanks for the welcome(s)...

Already installed new battery, didn't want AAA to have a reason to refuse the tow because it physically had no battery. Asked for 24F, Battery Mart told me 24 was right one. Posts were reverse, when I returned battery they said "I guess your obscure internet reference was better than our book"...turns out the difference in the two is post position.

All fluids will be replaced by me, should help me get to know it...any info on what weights/brands to use or avoid?

I plan to replace the tires pretty soon, although these seem to be in really good condition! Need to think about form vs. function. Bigger/blockier tires would look better, smaller/rounder easier to turn with no power steering (right?). Would like to add some kind of "period" wheels, but like the oem hubcaps a lot.

Planning to leave stock, for now, just replacing worn/broken/missing parts. Interior seems to be in pretty nice/stock condition...vinyl upholstery is supple and untorn, original am radio looks great and works, carpet is clean and seemed to be in good shape. Didn't even look up at headliner yet.

Haven't had much time to really get to know it yet, have spent a total of about 10 minutes close enough to it to touch it so far before towing it away. Owner said "$100", I made the deal and transferred/registered while it was still buried in the garage! Moved it out as quick as I could, will do assessment wen I pick it up from mechanic.

That's right...$100!

We'll see what time brings...I'm a Ham Radio guy, maybe an antenna farm?

 

Dang! a clean (probibly 1 owner) for a hundred bucks...



Im JEALOUS!

And welcome too.

 

check out my 78 thread. i got a similar deal. it just hadnt sat as long. maybe it will give you ideas of what to do next

 

Looks good an for 100 u basically stole that

 

Definitely a one-owner car...I found the original "Owners Card" with his name and the dealer, etc, the hard plastic credit card style that they used to give out with cars along with the original owners manual (all in great condition), emissions booklet and Toyota warranty paperwork in the glovebox today.

Also found *complete* service records, including one of those "auto record" books with every gas fill up/oil change/muffler replacement/carb rebuild right up to the date it was put on blocks...in 1996 with 68k original miles! Much of that was apparently towed behind the mobile home between Newport Beach and "The River".

It is a rare find, and I did get a great deal. I paid every cent the owner asked, even though she clearly indicated I could have it for less. I am helping her to sell of other vehicles (etc.) from the estate, so there's a "barter" component, and the garage had to be cleaned out fast to make the realtors happy.

Now, if only the shop would actually remove and clean the fuel tank...its been 2 days and it's still sitting in the corner. No work on Sunday, a promise of Monday. I'm anxious to get it on the road!

 

welcome! sweet deal on the lux!

 

welcome to the site...great find

 

Welcome & great find & buy!
That is the problem with a lot of shops! If you want something done fast & right ,you just need to do your self!