1974 Toyota Hiace. Advice for a new owner

[Paula T]

Hi.

I'm just about to buy a Toyota Hiace 1.6 from 1974 (not the one pictured, but that model as far as i can tell). I can't tell you much about it yet as i haven't picked it up yet. I hope to give it a good engine service as soon as i get it. Where is a good place for parts? Plugs, points and filters etc.

Is there a workshop manual for these vans?

What engines are fitted to them? I know it's a 1.6 petrol, is it fitted in other Toyotas too?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Paula.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Think it will be the 12R engine which was discontinued in the late 70's.

[flash22]

Parts are rare for older Toyota's esp the braking system, so you may need to get creative

Is it a RH10 ? gen production from 67-77 1.6 will be a 12R

I have no parts listings for anything pre 1977

[Paula T]

Oh dear. 
the R12 seemed to be in a few cars. Hopefully I’ll be lucky with that. 
where is a good place for parts? Is there company that still does them?

[flash22]

Blueprint tend to list a lot of items for Jap and Asian imports but im not sure if they list anything for that age of hiace

https://partsfinder.bilsteingroup.com/en/search/make/Toyota/model/Hiace I 1967 - 1977/vehicle/(RH11) 1.6 - 49 kW | 67 hp?f=7

service parts seem to be available

[Paula T]

Ok thanks for the help.

I feel I need to find out before I buy this van.

Im hoping the ancillaries like distributer plugs and filters are available. 

[RUToyota]

An almost 50 year old vehicle carries high risk..even  Toyota.!

You need to look carefully at the underside in particular...it could be a bargain...it could easily be a money pit.

[Paula T]

It’s just got it’s MOT. That gives me some confidence, but I’ll absolutely be underneath with a torch before I agree to anything.

[Paula T]

Well i took the risk!
The body looks ok. Few bits to tidy up but the chassis is looking solid as far as i can see.

I do have a problem with a blowing exhaust manifold. It's a 12r engine according to the plate in the cab. I keep on finding parts online that look like the part i need, but they all say 1977 onwards. Mine is a supposed to be a 1974.
The DVLA have it down as a 2000 not a 1600. So that's a bit weird too.
I must admit it's a lot easier with the 1966 Triumph!

 

 

 

Edited May 31, 2021 by Paula T

[flash22]

I would check the engine number on the block as it may have been upgraded, can you take a pic(s) of the engine

[Paula T]

It looks like a 12r to me. Judging by other pictures i've seen. But they are not all the same either.

[flash22]

It looks like an 12r to me too - trying to dig up some info

Original colour was 015 Iris White

Im strugling to find anything pre 77 - Manifolds i come up with 77-78 Hiace part number this also crosses to the hilux 1972-1978

do you know where its blowing from as there is a gasket between the intake and exhaust or has it cracked

[Paula T]

It's blowing from the back end of the manifold. I don't think it's cracked. Hard to tell. 

You can see the black bits in the pictures.

[Paula T]

I think i'm going to have to pull the manifolds away and get the old one off so i can see what it looks like.

Hopefully not too horrible a job

[Paula T]

A google search has brought up a very sad looking van. 

[RUToyota]

Well done...hope it all works out for you and that it's another Toyota that's been saved.!

[flash22]

The end ones are only held by 1 bolt a new gasket should do the trick

[Paula T]

3 minutes ago, flash22 said:

The end ones are only held by 1 bolt a new gasket should do the trick

It looked like the place you'd expect it to go. I'll get a look at the shape of it so i know i'm ordering the right one and work on the bodywork while she's off the road. 
Really appreciate the help! There's not many people out there that know these.

[flash22]

I know nothing, an engine is an engine, i have been around car's a long time, looking at your pictures and the gasket shows the bolt pattern, the intake and exhaust share the same bolts just like older British made cars

eg. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232899022414?fits=Car+Make%3AToyota&hash=item3639dd0e4e:g:0QwAAOSwV01be8rk

 

Those nuts/bolts look like their going to be a pain, heat and patience required

[Paula T]

10 minutes ago, flash22 said:

I know nothing, an engine is an engine, i have been around car's a long time, looking at your pictures and the gasket shows the bolt pattern, the intake and exhaust share the same bolts just like older British made cars

eg. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232899022414?fits=Car+Make%3AToyota&hash=item3639dd0e4e:g:0QwAAOSwV01be8rk

 

Those nuts/bolts look like their going to be a pain, heat and patience required

Yes, just like my Triumph. I'm hoping some wd40 and a lots of tea will help.

[Paula T]

The manifold gasket worked a treat on the exhaust. Wasn't a bad job at all.
Since then i've done a lot of work. I've sent the distributer off for refurb and convering to electronic. I bought a couple of distributers off eBay but one didn't fit and one didn't work so i thought i'd keep with the original part.
I've had what i thought was a fuel problem too. I've changed all the rubber pipes and bought a new cheap eBay carb (the carb on there is a cheap eBay carb already)
Has anyone had experience with these £50 to £60 carbs? Do they need much messing with to get working right? Is there another option? 
Thanks for all the help!