ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Congrats on getting it back! Any plans to avoid future theft?
Stolen: 1988 Black V6 from in front of my house (SLC, UT)
- Thread starter wukong
- Start date
Awesome news, man, that's incredible. I think you just used up your good luck for the year, good thing it's almost over.
Don't be a stranger now that you've got it back, we need to hit some trails. I love wheeling with other first gens.
You spelled 2nd gens wrong!
Congrats on getting it back man!
Kill switch to fuel pump =D
thatoneguy
New member
Awesome news, man, that's incredible. I think you just used up your good luck for the year, good thing it's almost over.
Don't be a stranger now that you've got it back, we need to hit some trails. I love wheeling with other first gens.
Let's all have a first gen day!
wukong
New member
mikebontoft, I'm not sure but I think they came stock on the '88-89 V6 models and then on 2nd gens for a couple of years. 92-SR5, I'll post pics in a day or two when I have a little time during daylight. KidVermicious, I'd love to head up to American Fork Canyon sometime, or one route I tried last summer that was scenic and pretty fun (and avoids the alpine loop fee booth) is to go from Guardsman Pass down to Midway, then up onto the dirt roads toward AF Canyon. From there you can head toward Pole Line Pass, Forest Lake, and Mineral Basin. It's much longer than going up from Tibble Fork, but overall the ride is quite a bit smoother and I think it could be faster if you're coming in from SLC but I haven't tried to compare travel times.
Anyway, a quick check at the impound lot and on the drive home revealed:
-- a missing tailgate, matte-black-primer-color, so I'm not able to put the new plates on yet. this was originally from a tan 1st gen and some of the original paint is visible due to black coat chipping off in a couple of places.
-- older crappier rims and tires with the lug nuts loosely placed on the front wheels and half of them missing from the back (3 on each rear wheel)
-- glove box emptied and sitting in the back seat
-- missing ash tray (who the hell steals an ash tray?)
-- missing center console compartments including misc. swtiches and wiring for the rear window and wiper which wasn't connected
-- rear cargo panels near the tailgate missing
-- older crappier battery
-- some weird ignition bypass switch
-- misc. screws and bolts missing from interior and from the driver side edge in the rear (needed for the shell which was still off from this past summer)
-- missing misc. interior panels that I had removed to get at the some of the wiring and had placed in a milk crate inside the vehicle
-- missing milk crate
-- other missing items from inside (parking passes, maps, notebook, binoculars, screwdrivers, socket wrenches, etc.)
-- found 16 cents and a plastic army guy with machine gun
good news:
-- pine tree air freshener still on the rear view mirror
-- short stubby antenna for non-existent radio still there, previous owner had removed the stereo
-- surprisingly, rear speakers are still mounted
-- catalytic converter still attached and working (phew)
-- has wheels and a battery (2x phew)
so, it seems they're familiar with Toyota trucks and were specifically looking to upgrade their own 1st gen with free parts. I'm fortunate that they were 'nice' enough to restore it to barely drivable condition rather than wheel-less and battery-less. although, I imagine the primary motivation behind this was so they could more easily and effectively abandon it when they got all the parts they were after. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of blood and bullet holes but I guess beggars can't be choosers. seriously though, I'm glad she's back home.
going forward, a kill switch seems like a really good idea and could be easily hidden. I'm definitely going to start parking in the back of my house even though it's a bit of a pain and might annoy my neighbors. I don't have access to a garage, so parking outdoors is still necessary. And, I may accidentally start cranking the wheel so the steering is locked when I park. I've never really understood how wheel locking devices like 'The Club (tm)' are supposed to work, it seems like a determined thief could cut the steering wheel and remove the lock. perhaps they're meant to be more of a deterrent than a security mechanism.
obviously, a few trips to the junk yard are in order. I'm going to put the shell back on as soon as I can find a volunteer to help lift it into place and after taking a few pics for my insurance (if they happen to care) and making a list of needed parts/repairs. I'm already planning on getting proper Toyota rims again and most likely 31" tires so things feel a bit more normal.
I'd like to invite anyone and everyone to offer their ideas, advice, and/or hard-earned wisdom on building up and securing a 1st gen (probably a topic that deserves it's own thread). I'm a little car-stupid and inexperienced, which is why I joined this forum---to learn.
so, thanks again everyone for your support. and, to people in the SLC area (particularly near the university), be careful because there's some douchebag thief out there that seems to have a beater of a 1st gen in _worse_ condition than the pics I posted and he's looking for parts.
Anyway, a quick check at the impound lot and on the drive home revealed:
-- a missing tailgate, matte-black-primer-color, so I'm not able to put the new plates on yet. this was originally from a tan 1st gen and some of the original paint is visible due to black coat chipping off in a couple of places.
-- older crappier rims and tires with the lug nuts loosely placed on the front wheels and half of them missing from the back (3 on each rear wheel)
-- glove box emptied and sitting in the back seat
-- missing ash tray (who the hell steals an ash tray?)
-- missing center console compartments including misc. swtiches and wiring for the rear window and wiper which wasn't connected
-- rear cargo panels near the tailgate missing
-- older crappier battery
-- some weird ignition bypass switch
-- misc. screws and bolts missing from interior and from the driver side edge in the rear (needed for the shell which was still off from this past summer)
-- missing misc. interior panels that I had removed to get at the some of the wiring and had placed in a milk crate inside the vehicle
-- missing milk crate
-- other missing items from inside (parking passes, maps, notebook, binoculars, screwdrivers, socket wrenches, etc.)
-- found 16 cents and a plastic army guy with machine gun
good news:
-- pine tree air freshener still on the rear view mirror
-- short stubby antenna for non-existent radio still there, previous owner had removed the stereo
-- surprisingly, rear speakers are still mounted
-- catalytic converter still attached and working (phew)
-- has wheels and a battery (2x phew)
so, it seems they're familiar with Toyota trucks and were specifically looking to upgrade their own 1st gen with free parts. I'm fortunate that they were 'nice' enough to restore it to barely drivable condition rather than wheel-less and battery-less. although, I imagine the primary motivation behind this was so they could more easily and effectively abandon it when they got all the parts they were after. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of blood and bullet holes but I guess beggars can't be choosers. seriously though, I'm glad she's back home.
going forward, a kill switch seems like a really good idea and could be easily hidden. I'm definitely going to start parking in the back of my house even though it's a bit of a pain and might annoy my neighbors. I don't have access to a garage, so parking outdoors is still necessary. And, I may accidentally start cranking the wheel so the steering is locked when I park. I've never really understood how wheel locking devices like 'The Club (tm)' are supposed to work, it seems like a determined thief could cut the steering wheel and remove the lock. perhaps they're meant to be more of a deterrent than a security mechanism.
obviously, a few trips to the junk yard are in order. I'm going to put the shell back on as soon as I can find a volunteer to help lift it into place and after taking a few pics for my insurance (if they happen to care) and making a list of needed parts/repairs. I'm already planning on getting proper Toyota rims again and most likely 31" tires so things feel a bit more normal.
I'd like to invite anyone and everyone to offer their ideas, advice, and/or hard-earned wisdom on building up and securing a 1st gen (probably a topic that deserves it's own thread). I'm a little car-stupid and inexperienced, which is why I joined this forum---to learn.
so, thanks again everyone for your support. and, to people in the SLC area (particularly near the university), be careful because there's some douchebag thief out there that seems to have a beater of a 1st gen in _worse_ condition than the pics I posted and he's looking for parts.
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mikebontoft
New member
wow. well I'm glad you got it back.
I'm not sure how helpful it would be, but I was at tear a part friday and they had 7 second gens (they all had the same wheels I mentioned) and two 80's pickups. maybe a few parts you could get from those?
I'm not sure how helpful it would be, but I was at tear a part friday and they had 7 second gens (they all had the same wheels I mentioned) and two 80's pickups. maybe a few parts you could get from those?
92-SR5
New member
I use a club on my runner daily. They do help deter theft, especially because it will take time to get it off and look obvious doing it. My girlfriend happens to live in the worst part of Portland so I have to keep a look out. Personally my favorite security is things that go boom but I'll keep that talk for another thread. 
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KidVermicious
New member
Wukong, I've parted out most of an '86, but you're welcome to come pick it over for any trim bits you need - I've got a center console, cap bolts, at least one good rear cargo panel, let me know.
Now please excuse me while I go rig a kill switch for my own truck.
Now please excuse me while I go rig a kill switch for my own truck.
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Good thing you got it back! When my inlaws pathfinder was stolen, the officer told them that most of the time the vehicle is recovered with 30 days. Usually it's just kids that steal the vehicle for a joy ride.
Too bad they took some parts off of it but your insurance should pay you for all of that right? If not, 1st gen parts are pretty cheap and you have a good neighbor (KidV) that said he's willing to help a brother out.
Too bad they took some parts off of it but your insurance should pay you for all of that right? If not, 1st gen parts are pretty cheap and you have a good neighbor (KidV) that said he's willing to help a brother out.
thatoneguy
New member
I've done that route. It's a nice little drive. You get a really nice view of Heber. And you save six bucks!
thatoneguy
New member
I'm right in the U area. Makes me happy I have a garage to park in. I really don't like the street parking around here.
As for securing a 1st gen - you might want a killswitch like others said. These lock cylinders are so worn down by now, many 1st gen (and equivalent truck) keys will start other 1st gens. When i destroyed my key, I made a copy of my friends', as it was a perfect fit. It seems like anyone could just walk up and drive away in 1st gens.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I'm really sorry to hear this happened to you, I can't believe the scum out there.
About lock cylinders, my 89 Probe GT is pretty much available to anyone walking by. I've started it and opened all the doors with my house key. Hell, my 1st gen's key works even better in some of the locks than the original key. The only lock on the whole car that actually works is the glovebox.
Somehow my 1st gen's locks haven't gotten that worn out yet. I've tried several Toyota keys and no luck.
I'd send some parts your way if I only had them. KidV's very generous to offer those parts of his.
Sounds like everyone in SLC needs to keep an eye out for any first gens with your parts!! If you can post photos of what's been taken, I'm sure someone will be able to help you find the jerk that yanked your ride!
Those wheels I think will be the biggest giveaway. Match tire size + brand, check tailgate, etc...
Oh, and when you post pics of the truck, please make sure to take a picture of that ignition bypass switch thing. That really makes me curious. Have they been able to find any fingerprints?
About lock cylinders, my 89 Probe GT is pretty much available to anyone walking by. I've started it and opened all the doors with my house key. Hell, my 1st gen's key works even better in some of the locks than the original key. The only lock on the whole car that actually works is the glovebox.
Somehow my 1st gen's locks haven't gotten that worn out yet. I've tried several Toyota keys and no luck.
I'd send some parts your way if I only had them. KidV's very generous to offer those parts of his.
Sounds like everyone in SLC needs to keep an eye out for any first gens with your parts!! If you can post photos of what's been taken, I'm sure someone will be able to help you find the jerk that yanked your ride!
Those wheels I think will be the biggest giveaway. Match tire size + brand, check tailgate, etc...
Oh, and when you post pics of the truck, please make sure to take a picture of that ignition bypass switch thing. That really makes me curious. Have they been able to find any fingerprints?
KidVermicious
New member
Updates? Is it back on the road? Get any of your parts back?
wukong
New member
long overdue pics of recovered 1st gen
sorry for the long silence, I wasn't able to address hunting for parts right away and became distracted with other things. but, I'm still in the market for a tailgate (with window), OEM Toyota rims, and gray interior parts and paneling.
I hit one of the local yards a few days ago and found an 85 with a lot of the interior parts and misc screws and bolts I need but wasn't able to pull anything that day. if anyone knows of any good deals and/or parts in the SLC area, I'd love to hear about it.
sorry for the long silence, I wasn't able to address hunting for parts right away and became distracted with other things. but, I'm still in the market for a tailgate (with window), OEM Toyota rims, and gray interior parts and paneling.
I hit one of the local yards a few days ago and found an 85 with a lot of the interior parts and misc screws and bolts I need but wasn't able to pull anything that day. if anyone knows of any good deals and/or parts in the SLC area, I'd love to hear about it.
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KidVermicious
New member
My '86 is gone, but the guy didn't take the tailgate, it's sitting on the side of my house right now. It's white, but it's got glass and it's yours if you want it.
I have a pair of grey door panels in good condition with speaker cutouts I'll sell for $50.
Dunno what else I have kicking around, but I'll look. Where'd you see the '85? I need some little things too.
I have a pair of grey door panels in good condition with speaker cutouts I'll sell for $50.
Dunno what else I have kicking around, but I'll look. Where'd you see the '85? I need some little things too.
mikebontoft
New member
there was an 85 at the pick n pull on 33rd. it had a good top on it, not sure if the rear glass was ok but I think it was gray. it's probably still there.
Quatre Coureur
New member
Sorry to hear of ur loss, but glad u got it back. I too had my 88 4RNR stolen(on Christmas 09). Got it back the same night after I reported it and the a-hole drove right past the cops! They chase him, he jumps out and ghost-rides it, it ends up on top of a lowered civic(rice rocket, yes!). Anyway now I pull the coil wire whenever i park in front of the house.
thatoneguy
New member
I'm considering going the kill-switch route if I move to a place with street parking. Def happy for my current garage. These things are too easy to steal!
KidVermicious
New member
They disappear from the bench/university area a lot, too. That's where my '86 was stolen from.
