KE16V Barn Find

[mage0r]

Hi All

This is a project I've been putting off for a very long time, but I'm at the point where if I want it to happen I need to start getting more information.  I also figured people here might appreciate seeing a fairly rare example of the first Corolla.

As some background, this is a 1968 Toyota Corolla KE16V (Van), Frame # KE16-157054.  It was my Mum's second car and she got it in 1976.  Prior to that it was a delivery van.  My Grandfather was an Auto Insurance Assessor and his brother was a mechanic so it's likely they purchased it written off and rebuilt it using a donor car.  It's odometer reading is a work of fiction.

It's panels were replaced with windows and it was converted for sleeping and camping with lights, blinds, carpet and wood paneling.  Apparently it was quite comfortable.

There were other changes as well.  It has high back seats and a 4 speed manual gearbox origin unknown.

Around 1996 my grandfather found (what I believe to be) a 3K engine to replace the original K series.  After lifting out the K there was some kerfuffle with the bolts so both engines were left out while replacements were found.  2 weeks later my sister ran in to it with our Mazda 1300 station wagon damaging the passenger front panel.  It was, of course, all my fault.

The engine replacement went on hold, the car was pushed in to a barn (technically a milking shed) and the engines went in to a different barn (technically a hayshed) and they haven't moved until last weekend when I pulled it out to have a good look at how unkind the last 3 decades have been.

It's frankly hard to tell where the dirt ends and the rust begins.  A lot of it appears to be surface only (notable exception, the passenger front panel) and the panels appear quite straight.  I couldn't find any bog or fibreglass.  Underneath the carpet the floor looked quite good (protected by carpet soaking up copious amounts of oil and spilt fuel I suspect).  Gearbox and clutch moved freely and the rear wheels engaged the gearbox as we were pushing it so it's likely the differential is in one piece.  Weirdly, the seats are still comfortable.  The bonnet is pretty much just gone, the whole front of it has been eaten by rust.

Over the years I've had a lot of ideas what I want to do with this this.  I'm more a tech guy than a car guy, so I originally gravitated to EV conversion or even a small hybrid.  Of course, they are difficult and expensive.  My current plan is to do a workshop rebuild of the K and 3K engines and if I have success there get the car moving under it's own power before getting heavy in to rust removal.  I'd love any suggestions of resources or places to source replacement parts.

 

 

[mage0r]

Some additional photos.

[Banjo]

Hi John,

               Welcome aboard !   Thanks so much for this post, & all the pictures.  Excellent story.  Truly amazing !  So whereabouts is this relic from the "Toyota past" residing ?

I see it is RH drive, so my guess is in rural Australia, or New Zealand.  I note it has a push button radio.  Wouldn't it be great if it still worked ?

It's a great shame, the meeting of "Mazda & Toyota" on the passenger side front area. 

Because they are so simple, it won't be that hard to get it going again.  The big question, will be how many $$$$$$ are needed to get that body rigid again. It's the inside bits in channels etc, where You can't see; that will be the real places, which will be crucial whether it can be restored. 

I'd be placing it on a concrete garage floor, & removing the wheels, one at a time; & jacking up that corner with a  jack, & see what the body's creaks & groans tell you.

Nothing is really not doable; but at what cost ?

You are lucky though; that all the glass is there. Even your sister's attack on the front guard, could probably be returned with a good metal worker.

Would love to hear what the next chapter will be for your "family treasure" ?

Cheers Banjo   

 

 

 

 

 

[mage0r]

Thanks Banjo

It's currently in South-Western Victoria.  Not the worst place, but an unfortunate 10 hour round trip from me in Melbourne.  I can't honestly remember if the radio worked back when we last drove it, it does have a very nice late 70's tape deck though.

The photo possibly doesn't do the passenger guard justice.  It's deformed enough that the passenger door barely opens and the moisture has definitely gotten in.

Good advice on using the concrete floor and I'll pencil that in for my next visit.  It's going to be a slow process though.

I haven't heard of any car restore that didn't cost $$$$$$$.