Gen7 Getting Old... Requires Some Loving...

[Big_Sid]

I've had my 2001 Gen 7 190 now for about 3 or 4 years. It saddens me, but the car is getting old and I can tell. Its getting more rattly inside these days and there are various scratches, dings and chips on the paintwork. I want to restore it to it's former glory and have a list of things to get sorted. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how much this work is likely to cost, or give me any hints on things I might be able to do cheaper / or by myself...

Standard 5 spoke 16" alloys (fourth set I'm aware of) are now corroded beyond recognition. Most of the surface of them has bubbled up and is flaking off. The tires need replacing soon anyway so I'm going to fit a set of Wolfrace Ikon Plus Shadow Chrome 17x7" as seen here -> http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_I...chSize=17"

opinions??? (the car is Thunder Grey metallic).

Someone scratched the read nearside wing in two places. Each scratch is about 12-18 inches long. They are deeper in parts than others. I already had one of those Chips Away blokes look at it and say he couldn't do it because although it was down to the primer in some places, it wasn't deep enough for him to get good enough adhesion of the new paint. He suggested that the entire panel would need to be resprayed. Would Toyota be able to repair these possibly? If so how much?

Possible replacement of rear offside brake caliper.

Finally, today I spotted a minor oil leak in the engine bay. At first I thought it was the head casket and nearly pooed in my pants, but the oil filler cap didn't show any tell tale signs of white scuzz or anything. I wiped it down went for a spin and checked it again. On the top left hand side of the VVTL-i engine on the cam housing there is a half inch diameter pipe connected that comes out towards the front and then down into the engine bay. There is a triangular section where it meets with the main body of the engine and two bolts one on either side. There seems to be a small gasket here which is where the leak is coming from I think. Its only very minimal but I'd like to get it done. What is this part, what's it do and how much am I looking at here?

Can't think of anything else for now. Thanks for taking the time to read my post - Cheers - Sid

[fazzer]

I've had my 2001 Gen 7 190 now for about 3 or 4 years. It saddens me, but the car is getting old and I can tell. Its getting more rattly inside these days and there are various scratches, dings and chips on the paintwork. I want to restore it to it's former glory and have a list of things to get sorted. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how much this work is likely to cost, or give me any hints on things I might be able to do cheaper / or by myself...

Standard 5 spoke 16" alloys (fourth set I'm aware of) are now corroded beyond recognition. Most of the surface of them has bubbled up and is flaking off. The tires need replacing soon anyway so I'm going to fit a set of Wolfrace Ikon Plus Shadow Chrome 17x7" as seen here -> http://www.alloywheels.com/product.asp?P_I...chSize=17"

opinions??? (the car is Thunder Grey metallic).

Someone scratched the read nearside wing in two places. Each scratch is about 12-18 inches long. They are deeper in parts than others. I already had one of those Chips Away blokes look at it and say he couldn't do it because although it was down to the primer in some places, it wasn't deep enough for him to get good enough adhesion of the new paint. He suggested that the entire panel would need to be resprayed. Would Toyota be able to repair these possibly? If so how much?

Possible replacement of rear offside brake caliper.

Finally, today I spotted a minor oil leak in the engine bay. At first I thought it was the head casket and nearly pooed in my pants, but the oil filler cap didn't show any tell tale signs of white scuzz or anything. I wiped it down went for a spin and checked it again. On the top left hand side of the VVTL-i engine on the cam housing there is a half inch diameter pipe connected that comes out towards the front and then down into the engine bay. There is a triangular section where it meets with the main body of the engine and two bolts one on either side. There seems to be a small gasket here which is where the leak is coming from I think. Its only very minimal but I'd like to get it done. What is this part, what's it do and how much am I looking at here?

Can't think of anything else for now. Thanks for taking the time to read my post - Cheers - Sid

If you could post a pic of the pipe in question(oil leak) then should be able to help

[Big_Sid]

This is the fella.... not a photo, but from the Workshop Manual...

[Vince W]

This is the fella.... not a photo, but from the Workshop Manual...

Thats just an engine breather pipe, won't do any harm if leaking other than make a mess. Engine oil vapour condences in the pipe an eventually weeps out if the tube becomes coked up. Remove it, give it a clean out and re-fit with a new gasket or RTV sealant.

[Big_Sid]

Gasket £1.99

Toyota Labour £10 (ish)

Gunk Ultra Degreaser £4.99

Sponge...errr about 10p

Shiney engine without oil stains....priceless :D