It's just how Toyota designated each generation HiLux. It's also the first letters and numbers of the VIN - at least it's worked out that way on the trucks that I currently own.

1968-1972, First Generation: RN10's
1972-1978, Second Generation: RN20's

My 72' Vin # starts as... RN22XXXXXX

My 77' Vin # starts as... RN23XXXXXX

In my case, I make an effort to note "RN22" when I post my year, here in the forum, so not to confuse it with a 72' "RN10", which is what people typically identify with when you say "1972".

Just one of those years they had two different model pickups coming out of the factories.

I don't have a decoder, but I'm sure there is more to the VIN numbers than what I've just explained.

Go here for a tiny bit more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Hilux

 

if i remember properly, the 72 2nd gens were RN22s and then in 73, were deemed the RN23s for short beds. the 73-78 longbeds are RN28s. just like in 1995 toyota made the pickup and started the tacoma. and in 1986 had 2nd gen supras being sold, while also releasing the 3rd gen supras late in the year. i like to think of the 1st gen 72s as being left over 71s retitled a little. or that they decided to do an early ship of the 73 2nd gens at the tail end of the year. i dunno. but you get what they mean. lol.

 

Recent Ebay Purchases.

Arrived in the mail, yesterday.

Still have my original hood emblem, but it's always nice to have a backup. Plus this one came with all three pins. (I know, I know, double sided tape.)

Ahhh, the ever so elusive plastic light cover on the rear view mirror. Elusive no more. Really looking forward to having a working light switch on the mirror.

 

nice! my last parts day hunt i got one of each for my 78.

 

I dont think mine has that cover either.. Im not worried about it. I think I want to try to do a set of bike carbs on my 18r... 34mm mikunis, supposedly "rebuilt". the manifold looks perfect for it. Just want to get a spare manifold to cut up.

Oh yeah and saw your reply on page 1, I see these every now and then locally for around 1000, mine has almost no rust, except for the floor pans, and its not bad, this car sat for over 2 year in a field till about 2 years ago, then sat torn apart for 1 year, now I got it. I actually know where a 72-73 is... but havnt stopped to ask about it, I buy too many cars as it is, but im interested in it. Also know where a Hilux is, dont know what year, but i can see it from the road, always in the same place.

 

Theres a guy on another site selling dual sidedraft manifold for an 18rc but can remember the price.

 

How to keep her dry.

With no garage or carport to work with, and the weather being as unstable as it has been for the past few weeks, industrial plastic tarp, luggage tie downs, and a decent car cover is what I use to protect her from the elements.


1. Plastic tarp from Walmart. $5-$7


2. These tie downs are the spider webbed type that are used to hold down luggage on a baggage rack. Found them on Craigslist FREE! Positioning it on the cab, I was able to extend four hooks towards the front (fenders) and two to the sides of the bed, and another two longer ones to the tailgate. Now the tarp is secure.

3. I've yet to find a car cover that will absolutely 100% waterproof. If there is one out there, I'm sure they aren't cheap. I found one on Craigslist for $20 that was used on a Mazada 6, if I remember correctly. It fit perfect from end to end.


Whenever there is a break in the weather, I just drop the tailgate to let all the water out that has seeped through the car cover and into the bed. All of this has keep her dry as a whistle.

 

Extremely Helpful

Just weeks away from swapping the 20r into the 72', I thought I'd pull the head, have it worked over, and change out all the gaskets, beforehand.

So I figured it was about time I owned the necessary reading materials to guide me through the process.

Got em' in the mail today.

 

Fuel Tank

Finally took the fuel tank down. I'll be re-conditioning it myself and will post a write up once I'm done.

 

Cab Floor

Surface rust and dust, along with back country dirt. Nothing serious enough to require any cutting, nor welding. Thank goodness.

Once I'm done with the cab floor, I'll put her on jack stands and hit the under-side of the cab, as well.

Driver's Side - Front




Driver's Side - Rear





Passenger Side - Front



Passenger Side - Rear

 

Muriatic Acid - ain't no joke!

 

Ill be eventually doing that to my 73 tank, but my 25dollar fuel cell will work fine for now. Ill be interested in the right up though

 

New set of door gaskets. F-yeah!

I can say from experience, if I had to choose what to replace first, window gaskets or door gaskets - it would have to be the latter.

This past winter all my gaskets on the 77' were original and in questionable condition. But it was the door gaskets that easily brought water into the cab, rolling straight down to the floor boards.

While both the windshield and rear windows had leaks, they were easier to contain with some decent ATV.

Doors man! Doors!!

And yes, I've tried using 79-83' gaskets from the yards. It was cake finding a really nice set. But they just wouldn't line up correctly. Although you'll find a few guys here saying they will work....who knows, maybe it's just me.

I got tired of f-ing with it.

These are specifically for the 72.5-78'. They'll go on my 72'.

 

are these the gaskets from the phillipines? (<< not sure on spelling of that )

 

Where did you get it from?

Was probably going to order mine from here.

http://toyheadauto.com/Toyota_truck_parts_list.html

 

wow this is a pretty good build up thread likein it. keep it posted!

 

Toyota Chassis & Body Factory Manual

Took me a few weeks to work up the nerve to fork out the funds, but I finally broke down and made the purchase. After having a chance to skim through it, it was worth every single penny, and then some.

If you plan to keep your truck, I seriously suggest picking one of these up. This one is specifically for 72.5-74'.

Just so organized and detailed. Sure, you'll come across some things you probably already know or could have figured out yourself, but you'll also come across a ton of info that would have taken you so much time to sort out. Here, it gets down to the numbers! Frame dimensions??? Are you kiddin' me?

Wow.

 

Awesome man. Yeah ive put about 400-600 in my hilux since ive bought it just to get it on the road, I spent 450 for it... I dont regret any money ive put in it, I love it. I cant wait to see you starting to sand blast and all, its something I want to do, maybe in a year or so, im scared of what rust I have, spreading more.

 

Nice progress you are making. Just wondering, what you are planning for the fuel tank after the acid?

 

yah how is she coming?