This page will chronicle the restoration process for this 1974 Toyota Celica. Basically a blog - for both my sons and myself. Our joys, frustrations, triumphs and mistakes. Also, hopefully it will serve as a bulletin board for input from you. The strength of we as human beings is in our capacity to learn, and willingness to depend on the help of others. Many of you have been through this process and I look forward to any advice, help, tips and directions you can give. Pay it forward.

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Have always wanted to find a Celica and restore it. I loved my first one - that white 73 to the right. What a car. I knew I would have kids and thought it would be a great idea to rebuild one with them. Have always had that idea in the back of my head, but life awaited and it always just stayed there - somewhere deep in my mind.

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Unknown month 1999 -

Was at work and saw a 1975 Toyota Celica for sale in a Tampa, Florida parking lot at W. Waters Avenue and Grady Street. Different hood style than my 73 and it was a GT. But I called on it. Guy wanted $300.00 for it and it didnt run. Had been, but broke down and he just left it there. Gosh, I wanted that car, but money was tight - had just had my son James - and was looking at buying a house. Other priorities arose and I just couldnt do it. What a shame that was. Ive never forgot that either.

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December 2006 -

Had been searching Ebay and internet sites for about 6 months looking for a car. Not much luck. Had to keep it inexpensive, and fairly close to Florida. Noticed that there are tons of cars coming out of California for sale, but very little on the east coast of the US, much less southeast. Was watching one in Conneticut - a little red 1973, but the price ($1500.00) and distance to bring it back was too exorbitant. Was getting discouraged, especially when one came up for sale on Ebay, up in the panhandle. Thought I would get lucky, but it wound up selling for $2300.00. Just too much. I was pissed.

Then it happened. Ebay and it was in Sarasota, Florida - only 45minutes away. I watched it for 2 days and noted no bids - price at $100.00. I started to get nervous and worried about the price going up in the final days. I took a chance and called the guy. It was day three of the auction and no bids. I offered him a price to Buy It Now ($700.00), and told him I could be down there in 2 days to buy it. He took it and I was shocked, but immediately began making arrangements to get it. Rented a car dolly, got a neighbor to drive with me, took the day off of work, and finally it all went off flawlessly. Thank goodness too, as during those 2 days 4 unique bidders had upped the price to $300.00. I couldnt believe my luck when I arrived. Body had rust, tears, etc. But damn if the dash was tight - no cracks or tears, engine ran smooth - no missing or blowing smoke - fired up right away, and believe it or not - THE A/C WORKED !!!!!!!! Drove the car home doing 65mph the whole way. No issues whatsoever. Amazing.

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2 quick asides...

First is that I drove back from Sarasota and when I got into town I went and gassed up. A guy in a truck was leaving and stopped in front of my car. Asked if it was an 18rc and the year. And then offered to buy it right there. I laughed and told him I just bought it - he told me about his 75 that he had sold 2 years ago for $3000.00. He loved them.

Second is that when I got home and checked Ebay, there were now 7 bids and the price was up to $600.00 - and still 3 days left. Trust me, I got a deal and wouldnt have got the car if the auction continued. So thats the beginning.

Funny how life works. Gotta have faith...



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