I wanted to restore this but I don’t know where to start! I need someone with Supra knowledge I have the funds but I’m not sure that it’s even worth it! Please help!
1986 Toyota supra
$4,000 USD
Fairview, Texas
Joined
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6,806 Posts
I don't usually reply in the For Sale section and refrain from offering an opinion of value on specific cars unless asked, but you seem to be in a quandary as to whether to sell or restore.
In short no, its not worth it and I can say that without even seeing it. There are very few cars on this earth that can be restored to like new for less than the finished value and even then, the trick is to convince a seller to let the project car go for low enough that its possible. For consideration, a 1966 Mustang v8 base coupe and a 1966 Shelby GT350R are pretty much the same car, cost the same for a paint job, the same for upholstery, the same for engine machine work, the same for chrome and trim, etc. Really only minor differences in the restoration cost of the two are due to performance parts like brakes, drum vs disk for example. The major parts and processes are all the same. Either could easily cost $30,000 or more in parts and supplies plus another $75,000 labor at shop rates, but when complete, one would be worth $34,000 and the other, $340,000. But a seller will still want a quarter mil for a basketcase of a Shelby.
Supra by comparison is more difficult and costly to restore than a Mustang. Paint and body work is about the same cost as any Mustang. Upholstery and trim would likely cost more because we can't order Chinese-made reproduction parts. Existing parts either have to be refurbished, replacements scoured the earth for or even hand-made. But values of mk2 Supras are currently little more than that base Mustang. Those of us who restore ordinary mass-production cars like these do it because we just love the car, maybe it has some sentimental importance. Most of us do it because its our hobby and we enjoy the challenge.
Very few of us tho are capable of doing a really professional job. We cut corners here and there and we learn to live with the imperfections that we are unable to fix. If you truly have the funds, it would be best to sell the one that needs so much work and just buy one off BaT that someone else has already finished or better yet, one that never needed so much work in the first place.
If on the other hand you want to take it on as a hobby, the forum can definitely help with information, how-to instruction and advice. That's what we're here for. Just start a restoration thread, post a bunch of detailed photos, some details like will it start and run and drive or what won't it do and ask "Where do I start?" You'll find this group just loves to restore Supras vicariously (because most of us DONT have the funds).
In short no, its not worth it and I can say that without even seeing it. There are very few cars on this earth that can be restored to like new for less than the finished value and even then, the trick is to convince a seller to let the project car go for low enough that its possible. For consideration, a 1966 Mustang v8 base coupe and a 1966 Shelby GT350R are pretty much the same car, cost the same for a paint job, the same for upholstery, the same for engine machine work, the same for chrome and trim, etc. Really only minor differences in the restoration cost of the two are due to performance parts like brakes, drum vs disk for example. The major parts and processes are all the same. Either could easily cost $30,000 or more in parts and supplies plus another $75,000 labor at shop rates, but when complete, one would be worth $34,000 and the other, $340,000. But a seller will still want a quarter mil for a basketcase of a Shelby.
Supra by comparison is more difficult and costly to restore than a Mustang. Paint and body work is about the same cost as any Mustang. Upholstery and trim would likely cost more because we can't order Chinese-made reproduction parts. Existing parts either have to be refurbished, replacements scoured the earth for or even hand-made. But values of mk2 Supras are currently little more than that base Mustang. Those of us who restore ordinary mass-production cars like these do it because we just love the car, maybe it has some sentimental importance. Most of us do it because its our hobby and we enjoy the challenge.
Very few of us tho are capable of doing a really professional job. We cut corners here and there and we learn to live with the imperfections that we are unable to fix. If you truly have the funds, it would be best to sell the one that needs so much work and just buy one off BaT that someone else has already finished or better yet, one that never needed so much work in the first place.
If on the other hand you want to take it on as a hobby, the forum can definitely help with information, how-to instruction and advice. That's what we're here for. Just start a restoration thread, post a bunch of detailed photos, some details like will it start and run and drive or what won't it do and ask "Where do I start?" You'll find this group just loves to restore Supras vicariously (because most of us DONT have the funds).
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8,137 Posts
As Phil stated above, if you want to try it, we, as a group, have help more than one member here take on major restauration.
There is a lady somewhere that decided to revive her Maroon 84 that was in really bad condition.
We have not heard much from her recently, as I remember that they had to move to a new house, and the move was very time consumming.
I tried to find the thread to give you inspiration, but after a good 15 min of search, I still have not find it.
May be Dale @supraz could remember one or two key words that would help find that thread.
There is a lady somewhere that decided to revive her Maroon 84 that was in really bad condition.
We have not heard much from her recently, as I remember that they had to move to a new house, and the move was very time consumming.
I tried to find the thread to give you inspiration, but after a good 15 min of search, I still have not find it.
May be Dale @supraz could remember one or two key words that would help find that thread.
Do you have any mechanical experience? Are you technically inclined and a problem solver? Can you look at a pile of parts with issues and engineer a solution as you go?
That's car restoration.
You can absolutely start from scratch. It's a long learning journey but very rewarding when you are done and you look at your car and say "I built that!"
Go to Youtube University Read, Watch and Learn. Take notes if you have to.
Ask questions and do deep dives using the search button at the top of this forum. Read and read more.
There is about 20 years of Celica Supra knowledge here plus some equally patina'd guys that know their stuff.
Post some pictures, front, sides, interior, engine compartment and any rust you can find and we'll give you our best opinion.
Lastly, see if you can find a Toyota or other import classic car club locally. Join it.
This is what I did. I joined the Toronto Supra Club in 2000. Great times have been had and much knowledge has been gained.
That's car restoration.
You can absolutely start from scratch. It's a long learning journey but very rewarding when you are done and you look at your car and say "I built that!"
Go to Youtube University Read, Watch and Learn. Take notes if you have to.
Ask questions and do deep dives using the search button at the top of this forum. Read and read more.
There is about 20 years of Celica Supra knowledge here plus some equally patina'd guys that know their stuff.
Post some pictures, front, sides, interior, engine compartment and any rust you can find and we'll give you our best opinion.
Lastly, see if you can find a Toyota or other import classic car club locally. Join it.
This is what I did. I joined the Toronto Supra Club in 2000. Great times have been had and much knowledge has been gained.
You may have trained the bot to learn more about our cars and how to converse haha! That’s the scary part about AI and all the new tech. Pretty soon it will be very difficult to discern bots and real people, essentially reality from virtual reality. We are almost there now. We are going to have continue to be vigilant on these forums and come with tests and further authentication methods to ensure bots don’t take over.
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3 Posts
Hmmm, now if we could train AI with our car Manuels and pictures,then some car jargon, maybe AI could ACTUALLY help us in the garage.
Just saying, a point to ponder.
Just saying, a point to ponder.
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