1977 Celica Liftback Build
- Thread starter Inv4drZm
- Start date
ExpeditionBill
New member
I cant wait to see how this turns out. I'm looking for one of these as my next project.
That color is going to look awesome.
That color is going to look awesome.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Sorry for dragging my feet on this project, my garage has been feeling cramped and been working on designing some stuff for the 4Runner the past year instead of the Celica.
Decided to switch gears and just ordered a manual steering rack from an MR2. Its just too much effort to get the power steering rack I have to fit, especially since my LFX motor is set up for electric steering.
Other good news is a couple weeks ago, the guy I bought my Celica from found me the hatchback glass my car is missing. Messaged me out of the blue. Better yet he only wanted $50 for it, what a legend. I couldn't find original rear glass for my Celica, they only made the hatchback in the US for two years, I had resigned to use plexi glass or get custom glass made, but for $50 this sounds like a better option I just have to drive a few hours for it. Big thanks to the guy I bought my Celica from for reviving this build.
Decided to switch gears and just ordered a manual steering rack from an MR2. Its just too much effort to get the power steering rack I have to fit, especially since my LFX motor is set up for electric steering.
Other good news is a couple weeks ago, the guy I bought my Celica from found me the hatchback glass my car is missing. Messaged me out of the blue. Better yet he only wanted $50 for it, what a legend. I couldn't find original rear glass for my Celica, they only made the hatchback in the US for two years, I had resigned to use plexi glass or get custom glass made, but for $50 this sounds like a better option I just have to drive a few hours for it. Big thanks to the guy I bought my Celica from for reviving this build.
Dusty Driftwood
New member
Such a cool project.
If you like Porsche's gray (I do) check out Knight's Armor Pearl from Lexus.
I have it on my 2013 GX460 and love it!
If you like Porsche's gray (I do) check out Knight's Armor Pearl from Lexus.
I have it on my 2013 GX460 and love it!
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Sadly no, my parents moved in with me for the time being until they build a house. So garage space in nonexistent. Likely will be a year or two until they or I move out.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Took 3 days off for my birthday and to get caught up on 4Runner and Celica projects. First project was to get the Celica motor mounted so I could roll it around my garage in one piece on tire dollies I bought from harbor freight. Rolling it around would help with accessing my welding table for future projects. The goal wasn't to make 100% finalized motor mounts with rounded corners and paint, but to just get them prototyped and working. I can clean them up later or use the dimensions to cut on a laser table.
Crossmember with the manual Corolla rack:
Did what I had to do to the oil pan to get the steering rack to fit underneath. Will weld it later. I cut a few inches deeper than this pic afterward.
Using a couple plumb bobs and a digital angle gauge I was able to locate the crossmember with respect to the motor and tack weld it in place outside the vehicle.
End result of the crossmember:
The GM LFX motor sits in there just about perfect. Close to the firewall and centered. I even think the hood will work. Next step is to buy some cheapo 14" tires to throw onto my 2nd gen Celica 4 spoke wheels so all the wheels and tires match and I no longer have 2 flats lol.
First time it's been off jackstands for a few years! Wooooo!
Crossmember with the manual Corolla rack:
Did what I had to do to the oil pan to get the steering rack to fit underneath. Will weld it later. I cut a few inches deeper than this pic afterward.
Using a couple plumb bobs and a digital angle gauge I was able to locate the crossmember with respect to the motor and tack weld it in place outside the vehicle.
End result of the crossmember:
The GM LFX motor sits in there just about perfect. Close to the firewall and centered. I even think the hood will work. Next step is to buy some cheapo 14" tires to throw onto my 2nd gen Celica 4 spoke wheels so all the wheels and tires match and I no longer have 2 flats lol.
First time it's been off jackstands for a few years! Wooooo!
Last edited:
4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
Forgot about this project, glad you found some time.
Space, time, and money the three evil words in the project vehicle world lol.
Hope you the family are doing well!
Space, time, and money the three evil words in the project vehicle world lol.
Hope you the family are doing well!
