I am newbie and thank you for letting join your forum. I am receiving a 1991 Toyota EXT cab 4x4 truck (6 cyl.) with 51,000 original miles on it.

The truck is owned by my 81 year old mother-in-law who (honest to gawd!) only used it to go to the grocery store or to church in inclement weather (Northern Indiana). In fact, I've used the truck more than she has used it over the years do to small home projects that I've needed her truck.

Therefore, I know the whole history of the truck (late father-in law bought it in 1992 with 5,000 miles on it). The truck has always been garaged and meticulously maintained such as regular synthetic oil changes and most recently a new timing belt, charged the A/C system, and all new brake work and lines. The engine is strong. The interior shows hardly any signs of wear and there are no cracks or tears in the seats or dash. She has had the truck professionally detailed every year that she has owned it.

One of the best items about the truck other that what is noted above is that it has side vent windows on it. Boy I sure miss those things on the newer vehicles. By the way, Ive seen 1989-1991 Toyota pickups without side vent windows. Why is it that those pickups don't have side vent windows on them but my 1991 pick up has them?

The paint looks pretty new on it but the problem is that there is a lot of rust bubbling on the bed fender sides, numerous areas on the bottom sides of the bed and at least one small area on the lower part of the cab. I have not checked underneath the bed frame as of yet, but I suspect there could be areas of concern under the bed frame. Again, since I live in Northern Indiana salt usage is a concern. The steel wheels have some surface rust on them, (I painted them about 3-4 years ago) but I would like to find some stock aluminum wheels to fit the truck to upgrade it. Can some one tell me what bolt pattern these wheels would have on them?

I might have to get a new bed for it due to all the bubbling rust. Where could I get one? I'm sure that all the salvage yards up here would just have worse beds that I have already. Does someone make new beds or is that cost prohibitive?

I would use the truck as a daily driver probably putting on 50 miles per week. Whatever I end up doing with the bed of the truck, I am sure I'll have to get the whole truck painted since it'll be pretty had to match new paint with 20+ year old paint that's already on the truck due to fading and etc. Any rough Idea on what a new decent paint job would cost?

I'm not looking for this truck to be a "show" truck, but I'd like it to be at least a "head turner". Am I " nuts" to put money into this 20+ truck or not. I'd appreciate any and all input from you.

Thank you again and glad to be part of this forum.

Farqart

To answer the vent window question, it was an option. Base models did not get the option but as you went up to SR5 it became an option.

If your just wanting a rig to enjoy, find a body shop that can replace the bed sides, undercoat and spray bedliner bothe sides and drive the crap out of it.

i say go for it! i would kill for an oldschool toyota. reminds me of being a kid riding in dads 87... im 24. do it and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Well first of all...let's see pics! :)

Secondly, I think you'll find most folks will give you the same advice. While I agree with Treo12, I'd kill to have a clean '91 4x4 also, we differ in opinion on whether to restore or not. The question is fundamental. First do you have any idea to what extent the truck needs to be restored mechanically and otherwise? Do you know how much money it will take? Parts are obsolete for this truck so assuming you can find the parts you need, expect to pay BIG bucks for them. Lastly, are you prepared to invest....or what most would call "waste" large sums of money on a 21 year old truck which has very little resale value, even if completely restored? Only you know how well the truck has been maintained and granted while the truck does have low mileage, some parts deteriorate with time. I'm not trying to sound negative at all, so please don't take it that way. If the truck is in tip top shape and doesn't require much in terms of a complete restoration, then I'd say go for it. Then ask yourself, if you did do a complete restoration, what would you do with it then? Stick it in a museum? Sell it to a collector? See where I'm going with this? My approach would be, since you have this nice low mileage truck that Granny is giving you, I'd simply do the minimal amount of work to ensure the truck is safe, reliable and roadworthy and just enjoy it as it is. I love those old body styles. I wish Toyota still made them. I think the Tacoma (increase in size) was a mistake personally. I believe there is still a market for compact pickup trucks like your '91.

yea my dad had a 1990 toyota pickup 2.2L 4X4 for 15 years and sold it to buddy who is a mechanic. it had 215,000 miles on it and no rust. the reason he sold it was because the front diff failed and he didnt want to spend the money to replace it. the mechanic still owns it but it rotting away cause he hardly drives it. i would love to have it back. so im saying go for it but dont go crazy and put tons of money into it.