[pryde97]

I don't know if I should make an attempt at body work myself or just put the car in a shop... It has real bad rust spots and others are not to bad.
It is an 85' 5M-GE I've already done some engine work, as it now runs.
I really want to save this beast and keep it away from the grave yard...
They are quick to crush cars here in Germany... I want to bring mine back to the states, also finding parts is next to impossible out here.
Any tips, help would be appreciated... I want to restore it to like new.

Photo Link http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/pr...&.view=t&.done=http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

 

[4SFED]

How long before you rotate back to the world? I would probably not bother to ship it as there are many to be had here that are in better condition. Besides, you may have a problem with meeting emissions requirements without EGR and any other differences it has from the US model. If you are going to be over there a few years yet, and you plan on driving it, do what you can to keep it from rotting away.
BTW, I have never seen louvers where the rear side panel body markers go - is that the norm there? I'll trade ya!

 

[pryde97]

I have a year and 8 mos. left before I rotate back... Checked with customs and they told me when I go back that I will not have to change any specs on my car due to it will be 20 years old... it does have a cat.. not sure what the egr would look like if it had one or not... but still I'd like to save it

 

[Angkistrodon]

I would have to say...insted of spending all the money to ship the whole damn car!! before you leave go through every inch of the car engine and interior......Look for any thing in NICE shape(seats, interior bits etc.). Dig through the engine bay(ac compressor, any upgrades, fuel pump etc.) The exterior, you know.

Also look for anything unique to europe.

Pack all that away ship it and search for and buy an MK II in the states and you will still probably spend far less money than if you shipped the whole car.

 

[4SFED]

Checked with customs and they told me when I go back that I will not have to change any specs on my car due to it will be 20 years old... it does have a cat.. not sure what the egr would look like if it had one or not...

Most states, or any with metropolitan areas require US spec emissions for any car manufactured after mid 70's. So customs may let you import it but the local/state government will fail it. Your pictures show lack of EGR.
I would bet there are other GIs that would buy it from you when you come back to the world. There are many Supra enthusiasts around. When I returned from Philippines a few years back, I wanted to bring back a FairLady Z (looked like a 240z with righthand drive) that I got from another GI but red tape for emissions was overwhelming so ended up selling it to another GI and it kept getting passed on whenever we had to come back stateside.
Oh, BTW, I am still curious about the louvers on the side where here we have body marker lights - do all european mk2s have them or is that an owner mod?

 

[Muchbzy]

Oh, BTW, I am still curious about the louvers on the side where here we have body marker lights - do all european mk2s have them or is that an owner mod?

I saw another member here selling those or on ebay. Never made it to the states.

 

[ZZT231]

Oh, BTW, I am still curious about the louvers on the side where here we have body marker lights - do all european mk2s have them or is that an owner mod?

I saw another member here selling those or on ebay. Never made it to the states.

In Australia we have the rear vents but not the side markers. "I" think that the side markers are mandatory in America but no where else in the world...

That's my 2Cs worth.

Cheers

 

[85SilverWedge]

Everyone has their own humble opinion, and I'm no different. Just judging by the pics, and the fact that you sound like you REALLY want to restore this car, (which I can totally relate to after waiting over ten yrs for mine)you KNOW it won't be easy, especially with that rusted section at the bottom of the windshield, but nothing is impossible. It helps to have some skills or connections in sheet matal work. It depends on your level of commitment, skills, cash flow, and assuming the undercarriage is ok.
Your the best judge. If you think you may be in over your head, or may not finish what ya start, wait till ya get back, we'll find ya one.
Just another humble opinion.

 

[pdupler]

I can't argue with previous posts on economic grounds. However, there is another viewpoint. If you are like me and just like to restore cars as a hobby and know full well going in that you aren't going to get all your money back on the resale, then rescuing a mk2 from the crusher is a noble act. :angel: Even restored tho, it'd probably still be best to sell it to a new mk2 fan in Germany and buy another one back in the states. Mk2s are getting rare here, but its not like it'd be a major ordeal to find one that you like. Probably less hassle than shipping, customs, title, license, and dealing with the smog nazis. In fact, I have an 85 in progress that'll probably be just about done in 20 months. :deal: :wink:

Phil D., Director
Celica Supra Rescue Society (hey, they do it for purebred dogs!)

 

[85SilverWedge]

Phil D., Director
Celica Supra Rescue Society (hey, they do it for purebred dogs!)

Careful Phil, with the title of "Director" we may call upon you for greater responsibilities than you signed up for! I'm in, lead the way. C.S.R.S! :drink:

 

[CJSREDPRA]

LOL!!!!

This is rather amusing.... You need to hang a sign above you garage saying it's "Dupler's Supra Restoration House"... :shock:

However... Depending on regulations & what the final say is, this still might be possible!!!!

Isn't it Peter (forgot his last name) up in Canada (somewhere on the right coast) that has a Germany Spec MKII???? And has been to the Toronto meet several times???

So this means that it's possible to import one into Canada at least. Just thinking.

 

[pryde97]

I don't plan on selling it.. The vents in the back are standard on my MkII,
As far as shipping the Army pays for one vehicle, just getting it to pass emissions is the hardest part... the rust below the windshield is only on the metal strip that runs along under the wipers, worst rust is right behind both rear weals under the bumper.. not sure how to fix that except maybe cutting away a piece from a wrecked one... the under carriage is in great condition, now that I can see it... no rust on the hatch at all, also anyone know what wing that is on my hatch.. I think its ugly, should i get rid of it? its made of like a foam rubber

 

[85SilverWedge]

That's actually good news about the rust. Your not dealing with anything that many of us haven't had to overcome. Sounds like standard bodywork, nothing huge. I wouldn't advise trying to find/use a used panel. I am in the middle of repairs in the exact same areas and I think it's minimal for a car pushing 20 yrs old in New England. There is only one way to do it. Don't skimp/cheat. Do it right. A good body shop will advise you even if they arent doing the work. Lots of info on the web too. I honestly don't know if any aftermarket panels are available for our cars, haven't seen it covered on this forum. :n00b: Anyone got info on that?