Hellooo, It's been about, oh, over ten years since I'm posted in any forums but here we go! I'm looking for any information or help with this here station wagon. It's either a '76 or '78. I'm not sure how to tell the difference. Specifically I'm looking for an owners manual. I got this car from my brother who was "fixing it up" and ended up rewiring a bunch of stuff. Not sure if it was gutted in the inside when he bought it or if that was also one of his many modifications. The thing needs work. Her name is Magpie as I got her in the desert and I plan on fixing it up come spring. Never done that before either... but she feels like a good car to learn on. I'll have some help as well as access to tools. Anyone know where to look or have it in your memory? Thanks! Images: http://stationwagonforums.com/forums/garage.php?do=user_garage_view&id=11204
Welcome! I love '70s import wagons. Yours looks like a great start. Keep us updated on your progress.
Look in the driver's side door jamb or the emissions sticker under the hood, both will tell you the date of manufacture.
Hi, I'm thinking of buying this 76 Corona wagon tomorrow morning. He says it's got 49000 miles and is asking $3500. Anything I should know before going in? https://maine.craigslist.org/cto/5723281119.html Here is our recent confusing email exchange: Drove the car around today and really really love it. Any chance you have the vin and owners Manuel? Would you be opposed if I had it looked at by a mechanic? Also saw the od has 89000 has the engine been rebuilt? Thanks! The mile per hr. stopped working so I changed the dash, the original is in the back!! I don't mind you having someone look at the car, it's almost new!!! Lol I bought the car to ship to CA. where I could get 8/9000 for it, surfers love these old Toyota's I just haven't had the time! Usually the door panels are all rusted out or the floorboards... this car is solid! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
If he lets you take it to a shop of your choice, that's not a worry; don't let him push you to a 'suggested' shop. Have them look carefully at the floor pans, sills and the cowling for any repainting or 'undercoating;' then, of course, look at the mechanical and electrical, looking for signs the car has more miles/use than is indicated. I'm pretty leery of the fact he swapped out the speedometer, so look for those signs it has more miles than represented. A shiny car, but look through that shine. Buy the car because the mechanical, electrical and body are straight with no problems. Make the shine be the bonus if you do buy it.
Thanks so much Andrew, a huge help. I'll be taking it to a shop around 1 and will post what went down. Thanks again!
Be careful that nobody buys the thing out from under you now that you let the cat out of the bag. There's even more of a chance of that happening if they think they can flip the car in CA and make a few grand. There's no honor among thieves and car flippers.
Alright! drove it to a mechanic (fun to drive, if not tough!) Mechanic basically went bonkers for it. said it all checks out...2 small rust patches on front fenders, needs new tires, and 1 leaking steering box. Otherwise great condition! So it's now mine! Thanks for the advice! Wondering if anyone knows where I can get a new steering box for a decent price? also what tires will work for her? Very pleased.
It looks like all of the seals are readily available for the steering box. It would probably be cheaper and better overall to repair the one you have. I always wonder about what kind of quality I am going to get in a rebuilt box or rack.
Well, cool. I hope it gives you a few decades of driving pleasure. And you're welcome! Tires, you wanna look in the owner's manual or just look for the tire size on one of the tires.
Thanks everyone for your help. I think I bought a great car! aside from the tires, steering box and missing headliner it's like new! talked him down from 3500 to 2900 for those repairs. Feeling good about it! Do you know where I could get new seals for the box? Thanks again
They had the seals listed on Rockauto.com. I'm sure you could find them at your local parts store as well.
