Toyota Corolla (KE70) Restoration

Hi,

I thought its about time I made a project thread for my old Corolla



Iv had it since 2005 with the intention of an engine swap then go have some fun with it however....the body was in need of repair .....which isn't my strong point.
Months/Couple of years of seaching for parts and panels came to no good in the meantime the car was getting worse as the covered over repairs of the past became apparent.

Now after 3 years at Uni later I can finally get cracking...well try

This is the current state of it as she stands now in the garage i had to build around it.

N/S/R Shocker Mount





Rear Panel





Left Boot Opening



Front Turrent Bottoms





Inner front Arch



I can just about weld thick plate, but im struggling with thin gauge stuff

Iv looked for classes but they are mostly full time not night courses. So im just gonna trial and error it . I do have the Martin Thadddeus Classic car restoration Book on order though as iv heard its good.

Soon as i get my Mig welder back from my mates I will post up my progress or lack of if it goes tits up

Any advice or critisism is welcome...especially welding lessons

Haha, Just had a funny flashback seeing that car...The driving school used 'em when I was learning: I say learning, but I had already had two cars, but lacked the licence! - All I would do on a 'lesson' is drive to the petrol station and having a cruise around - Best £4.99 I ever spent....

Soz, got carried away there: must be an age thing!

Nice to see something different - It is your first car, whats the idea behind the sentimentality?
Whilst waiting for your welder to return why not take the time to do a little prep. Start grinding back as much as you dare. You will then get a better idea on what parts you need to tackle first - or what needs to be removed for access...

Nice- keep the thread updated on your progress.

Awesome, I'm getting my grandpa's old KE70 in a couple of months. It's actually the same color as yours :P Anyway, try and update the thread, there are interested people following it!

Cheers for the comments guys

Heres some more areas of concern

Front Panel





Scuttle Panel



Front Wings





Im going to invest in a Makita grinder very soon, and will be getting a chassis spit ( im unsure of the proper name).

@ Spot the welders dog - I wanted an AE86 GT Coupe badly but they rocketed in value, then this came along cheap and looks rather slow so hopefully will be a wolf in sheeps clothing . Its my first project car so im determind to see it through even if it takes me 10 more years .
I had a 4 door Nova as a first car but that was too tempting for the local scum to try and steal so it had to go .

@ sunnuntaikuvaaja - Thats even cooler if its been in the family , is it a 4 door?. Id love an estate one as a daily driver.
I will try my best to keep the thread updated as it develops

Good for you...a real street sleeper

If you're got the time as you say, don't just rip in with crap panel repairs and poo-poo welding -:- Practice your techique constantly and you'll find the job will be more pleasure than pain.
You must have read redwine300 thread - He succeded with a great finish by putting in the hours of prep before he picked up the welder.

Heres hoping the 'panel fairies' answer you call.

Lawksalordie! You certainly like a challenge then. Fair play for taking this on and having a go. Of late I am developing a definite soft spot for the old J-tin so I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.
Best of luck duder.

I suppose given the age of the car the rust isn't too bad at all, but I know you will have your work cut out getting stuck into that! Interested to see if you go down the rotisserie route.

Just read redwine300's 300ZX thread, seriously impressed....Cheers for the Link to that, it has been an inspirational eye opener

Its also answered many questions that have been rolling round in my head for a bit .

Cheers for the comments

The Rotisserie (Cheers thats the word i couldn't think off) is game on, just gonna collect it and hope it fits in the garage .