1977 Toyota Corolla

From Ran When Parked Podcast Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Kurt's 1977 Corolla as of March 2021.

Kurt purchased his 1977 Toyota Corolla in April, 2018 after a years-long search for his first "fun" "classic" car, with the help of ConeDodger and his Discord server community. The ongoing discussions, advice, and shared classified listings would later spawn the idea behind the Ran When Parked podcast. In April, 2021 the Corolla was sold on Bring A Trailer to make room for Kurt's new car, a 1978 Datsun 280z.

About the Car

  • 1977 Toyota Corolla TE31
  • Front-engine, rear wheel drive, 2+2 passenger, 2-door sedan
  • 2T-C 1.6 L (1,588 cc) Inline 4, 8-valve OHV, carbureted
  • T50 5-speed transmission
  • Curb weight: 1973 lbs.
  • Factory rated output: 75 hp
  • Manual Steering, Power Assisted Brakes (Solid Disc Front, Drum Rear)
  • Paint Code 532 "Toyota Yellow"

History

The Corolla shortly after purchase in 2018 prior to any modifications.

Kurt purchased the Corolla in April 2018 after a long search for his first foray into classic car ownership. While originally searching for something more universally desirable like a Datsun S30, Ford Falcon, and even early 50's Chevrolets, Kurt chose the Corolla due to its affordability, mechanical simplicity, and overall good condition. While records are difficult to find, it's well preserved condition might be attributed to the possibility that the first owner kept the car in the dry Wyoming climate until at least 2014. It appears to have gone through two additional owners until being acquired by Kurt.

The Corolla was purchased in completely stock configuration, including original 13" steel wheels, large USDM "5mph" bumpers, and original emissions-equipped AISIN carburetor. According to records, in 2015 the second owner had the exterior repainted in the original "Toyota Yellow" and interior upholstery refinished to like-new condition. The original owner purchased the car with air-conditioning equipped, though this was non operational when Kurt obtained it.

Despite its overall good condition, Kurt soon found that the Corolla had some mechanical "quirks" that needed addressing before it could be the reliable-ish, fun, classic driver he hoped it would be. The car had problems maintaining idle and would stall at stop signs, leading him to believe there was a vacuum leak somewhere in the miles of hoses connected to the various smog and emissions regulating devices in the engine bay. Kurt eventually decided to do an "emissions delete" and replace the problematic stock AISIN carburetor with a Weber 32/36 DGEV Carburetor kit, which is a common upgrade for Toyotas of this era. Although much bigger of a job than Kurt wanted from his first classic car experience, after doing so the idle problem was solved and the Corolla became a much more reliable driving project.

On April 4, 2021, Kurt listed the Corolla for sale as a No Reserve auction on BringATrailer.com. The auction ended on April 11, almost three years to the day from when he first announced the purchase on YouTube and social media. The Corolla sold for $8,300 and went to its new owner in Reno, NV.

List of Modifications & Upgrades

ConeDodger helping install the front bumper.
  • Weber 32/36 DGEV Carburetor, replaces stock AISIN carburetor
  • Emissions and smog removal, including EGR valve and exhaust air pump
  • 14x7 Toyota Celica Supra MKII wheels
  • Front and rear JDM slim chrome bumpers (front sourced by ZeeKay)
  • In-dash tachometer
  • JDM style fender mirrors
  • Engine bay A/C components removed
  • Custom welded 2" exhaust with new resonator and muffler
  • Replacement fuel pump, alternator, rear shock absorbers, and other basic maintenance items.

Appearances