Toyota Crown MS63 Custom Wagon Info

[TheToyman75]

Since they are a rare old beast in Australia I figured I should probably list a little info about the MS63 Crown Custom Wagon.

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Brochure%20Early%20001.jpg
1971 - 1973 series 1

The MS63 Crown Custom Wagon was released in 1971 through to 1974. It was the Flagship model for Toyota, top of the range. Also refered to as the Crown Estate wagon it shared top spot with the MS65 Crown Deluxe and Super Saloon (None of these models were released for sale in Australia By Toyota. All we got was the MS65 AMI build sedan :( ) The Custom wagon is a 7 seater wagon with in floor rearward facing dicky seat in the luggage compartment. It received a facelift for the 1974 release resulting in two distinctly different versions.

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Brochure%20Late%20001.jpg
1974 series 2 styling

Even when first released in 1971 the Custom wagon was well ahead of its time for comfort and features.

Engine:
4M, A 2.6lt single overhead Cam straight 6 with alloy Crossflow head generating 140bhp @ 5'200 RPM. Compression was a miserable 8.5:1 and was breathing through a two barrel down draft carby with automatic choke.
Bore: 80mm
Stroke: 85mm
The engine was smooth as silk with eight counterbalances ( As opposed to the industry standard four ) 7 main bearings and Chrome plated, forged rocker arms. (Woo hoo factory forged internal's ;) )

By 1974 the engine had been tickled with improved combustion chambers and modified intake manifold to produce 150bhp @ 5'400RPM and 164ft/lb torque @ 3'800RPM

Performance: (As per Autocar Road Test. 1972 3 speed Auto)
0-100kph = 12.1 sec
1/4 mile = 19.1 sec @ 72mph
Top Speed = 102mph


Transmission:
The original MS63 was only released as a 3 speed column shift auto. But this was quickly ditched in favour of a full syncromesh 4 speed floor shift Manual (W40) or a 3 speed floor shift auto.

Diff:
F series 7.5" with 3.9:1 or 4.11:1 ratio live axle

Suspension:
Front: Independent with coil springs and wishbones
Rear: 4 link rear end with lateral track bar and coil springs
All shocks were hydrolic.

Brakes:
Tandem master cylinder complete with low fluid warning light and brake booster. 10" Solid Front Disc brake with 10" rear drum brakes

Steering:
The 1971 model was only released with manual steering but by 1974 it was power assisted. Steering was the recirculating ball type (Steering box) with a turning diameter of 11m...... (Hey its a big car ;) )

Wheels and tyres:
5J x 14" pressed steel rims with 175 SR 14 Radial tyres.

Dimensions:
15ft 4.4 in long
5ft 6.5in wide
4ft 7.9in high
8ft 9.9in wheelbase
4ft 6.8in front wheel base
4ft 6.4in rear wheelbase
3'020 lb kerb weight (Varies slightly between facelifts)

Oh and there is 6ft 9in space from the tailgate to the back of the front seats when the rear seats are folded down...... ;)


And now for all the cool factory standard features and optional extras:

Full chassis ( The body literally bolts on and off :) )
70 litre fuel tank
3 speed heater and demister
Rear window demister (electric)
Dual speed windscreen wipers
Electric windscreen washers
Energy absorbing Steering column
Night/day rear view mirror
One piece safety glass ( No quarter windows)
Push button radio with in windscreen mounted antena :D
Front and rear speakers
Reclining Bucket seats
Centre console
Wall to wall carpets
Electric Clock
Parcel tray
Foldaway centre armrest for rear passengers
Armrests on all doors
Foot lights built into rear doors
Glovebox, Luggage and engine compartment lights
Chrome exhaust pipe extension
Under Bonnet sound insulation
Central locking
Optional Air conditioning.
Optional power windows

Not bad for the early 70's !

[TheToyman75]

The Autocar Test from 1972 shows the 1st release design and provides a fair and unbiased evaluation of the british 1972 model. Its 4 pages and can be found here:

Page 1 (http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Autocar%20test%20MS63%2030%20Nov%201972%20p1.jpg)

Page 2 (http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Autocar%20test%20MS63%2030%20Nov%201972%20p2.jpg)

Page 3 (http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Autocar%20test%20MS63%2030%20Nov%201972%20p3.jpg)

Page 4 (http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Autocar%20test%20MS63%2030%20Nov%201972%20p4.jpg)

[TheToyman75]

A not so standard example of the face lift version can be seen here:

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/TuffMS63.jpg

[Lambolica]

What is the tail gate setup in the 63??

The 53 swings open like a conventional door. Is the 63 the same or a more conventional lift style??

And how interchangable are the front ends on the 5x and the 6x?

And links don't work.... :(

[TheToyman75]

Simon,

The links work now (Thanks Josh)

The rear door lifts up like a more conventional tailgate and lacks the cool rear electric window of the MS53 and 40 series custom wagon.

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Brochure%20Late%20002.jpg

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Early%20Wagon%20Rear%20001.jpg

The mechanical side of front ends are actually very interchangeable. The MS5x and MS6x have the same front tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints. The MS6x series front hubs are a bolt up swap between the two models. The caliper mounting bolts are the main real difference. (Hence why MS6x series stub axels are used for allot of brake upgrades on MS5x series Crowns :) )

[Lambolica]

An what about the panels? I realise there is a destinct difference between the MS5* front panels and the MS6* front panels but taking the shape of the guards out of the equation, is it possible to bolt a MS6* front end to a MS5* ?

[TheToyman75]

Simon,

The body styling of the 5x series and 6x series crown's is vastly different. Anything is possible but it sure as hell wouldn't be a bolt on swap. Not something I'd consider myself.

[Lambolica]

Then remove that picture of the white 63 up there and stop giving me ideas.... :(

[TheStitt]

Thats all good rod but seriously it lacks so much on the very cool MS53.

Simon you don't want to do what you are considering

and yes Rod I will get an article very similar to this going for the MS5X crowns

[gianttomato]

Get to work Rod.

See attachment.

Add 1xZ where x is G, U or J.
???
Profit.

[Norbie]

OMG

Phattest wagon EVAH.

[Matt]

oh goodness....

that black one looks badass!!!

[TheToyman75]

GT,

Thanks for the inspiration mate. A pic that good shouldn't be a link tho ;)

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Black%20MS63%20Wagon%20-%20Late.jpg

I was actually originally going to paint it black but the current plan is to do it a Dark Red Coke type colour. Just haven't found quite the right shade yet.

Still it a little while off yet. At least 6 months before I can start on it. The TA22 and the MS53 have to be finished first.

[Matt]

http://www.toymods.org.au/~rod/Crowns/60-70%20Series/MS6x%20Wagons/Brochure%20Early%20001.jpg

sorry a bit off topic, but doesn't it look a bit "nipply" outside

[TheStitt]

When you said a Black one I thought it was this one.

I love how the grill has be added to and goes over the inboard lights!!!

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5882/tuff637mp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[gianttomato]

Another pic. Pretty smicko and for sale too in Japan for a measly 12 million yen.
Sorry I have nowhere to host the pic so it'another attachment.

Cheers Dave.

[TheToyman75]

Dude did you say 12 million yen ????? Bugger me thats almost $140k Oz style !!!

mmm for a sec I was going to ask for a link to the Auction

[gianttomato]

Sorry 1.2 million yen - it' funny what an extra zero can do!!
Here's the seller listing - he has an MX41 there too.

MS63 (http://www.goo-net.com/cgi-bin/goojp/used/spread_n_w.cgi?goo_car_id=0130051105D4004609006&areacd=15&baitai=goo&flag=&lang=)

MX41 (http://www.goo-net.com/cgi-bin/goojp/used/spread_n_w.cgi?goo_car_id=0130051105D4004609012&areacd=15&baitai=goo&flag=&lang=)

Thanks to Rob_RA40 for Goo-net

[Joshstix]

Damn 1.2 million is stil ludicrous. There was a awesome MS51 for sale on yahoo not long ago for about half of that.

That MX41 is well cool though.

[gianttomato]

And just to show you what they're prepared to pay for the really old stuff, here's a 1964 RS46 for 2.3 million yen - yeah, that's right, nearly $30000 for an old Crown.
http://www.mooneyes.co.jp/garage/car_s/rs46-rhd/

Pretty tidy though.

[toyrota]

the way Rod should have started was
" It first entered earths atmosphere in the early 70's around Roswell"
Several sighting have been recorded around the world the most resent being from Rodney Try, claiming he has infact captured one and is holding in a painful state of limbo that most of us know is "Rod's list of things to do",......never has a list been so long or has one grown so quick, even though it gets wittled away hour after hour.
Rod as I have said in the past it looks like an early space craft....forget the 7m's,2j's etc jam a rocket up it's ass and paint it white with red graphics saying NASA, thats how it should be

Really ........it looks cool.....
Cheers Grant

[toyrota]

sorry double post

[gianttomato]

Just so there's no confusion, I'm recommending something like this.

MS63 wagon.....
http://www.mooneyes.co.jp/crown-classics/events/05cp/report/05CP/112.jpg

....equipped with one of the correct engine options......
http://www.mooneyes.co.jp/crown-classics/events/05cp/report/05CP/113.jpg
http://www.geocities.jp/tadpoleinstitute/2005cp058.JPG

[TheToyman75]

Now your talking !

[gianttomato]

Not low enough.
http://bbs6.fc2.com/bbs/img/_108000/107960/full/107960_1137932154.jpg

[IN 05 NT]

bringing up the dead!..... but damn these old crowns are hot!

blake

[PERTANO]

Does anyone know where I can find the tailgate chrome I am missing from my MS63 Wagon? I can't seem to find it anywhere here in the states and I'm trying to get the car ready for the JCCS car show.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/ROJOPEREZ/CROWN%20PICS/100_4323.jpg

[IN 05 NT]

yahoo japan?

[PERTANO]

I can't seem to naviagte around yahoo japan well enough to find anything.

[gianttomato]

I suspect you may need to get it made.

[TheToyman75]

I assume your chasing the chrome strip that runs along the bottom of the tailgate ? Lucky for youI am one of the half a dozen MS63 crown fans not located in Japan ;)

I have one hear that has 2 dents in it but could be repaired allot easier than making one from scratch. I was keeping all my tailgate spares but if you happy to have it posted from here (Australia) then PM me and we can talk pricing. I'll get a cuouple of pics up when I get back from a quick trip to the shops.

[WDE_BDY]

So if I was to mention there is one getting crushed tomorrow (I never checked if it had the chrome you want) then I will be neg repped into oblivion?

:o

[gianttomato]

Your rep will be flopped lower than whale shit dude.:P

[PERTANO]

If either of you can check on that chrome strip for me I'd greatly appreciate it. Also I'm after the vents that are inside the car just behind and above the rear seats. Those are the only two pieces my car is missing. I'll gladly pay the post from Australia. "And yes I know how much that can run me." Let me know what you guys find out there. The Crowns over here are as rare as Carina's over there.

[WDE_BDY]

Unfortunately I can't check that one for you as I am heading out of town for work for 3 days, if it doesn't get crushed though I will be back out there next weekend so just list everything you need and I will have a look for you. I'm in NZ though, so freight is probably even worse than Oz.

:eek:

[TheToyman75]

I stripped the spare rear hatch this morning and the chrome trim came off well.

Are these the vents you were after ??

http://www.toymods.net/~rod/Parts/MS63%20Vents%20001.jpg

[PERTANO]

I guess I should have been more clear. I need the trim piece for the vent. Not the actual vent itself. sorry for the confusion. But if you can still help........ :D

Here's updated pictures of the wagon.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/ROJOPEREZ/CROWN%20PICS/CIMG1182.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/ROJOPEREZ/CROWN%20PICS/CIMG1180.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f34/ROJOPEREZ/CROWN%20PICS/CIMG1178.jpg

[sheepers]

im liking those wheels,
i have a friend who has a parts MS63, he'll be on these forums in a day or two, ill tell him to get in touch with you. i think he has the bits you need if no one else can help. his user name is loceda.
cheers,
sheepers.

[PERTANO]

Toyman 75 or Sheepers. I need that chrome trim still. I'm running out of time for the JCCS car show here on October 6th. Let me know if you guys can help. The car is getting dropped of at the upholstery shop tommorrow. I hope to have it all done and ready for the show. Thanks for all your help so far. Just need that chrome piece if at all possible. Paypal is ready to be sent when you give me the word.

[sheepers]

ill see what i can do.
how long do we have before the show?

[TheToyman75]

Toyman 75 or Sheepers. I need that chrome trim still. I'm running out of time for the JCCS car show here on October 6th. Let me know if you guys can help. The car is getting dropped of at the upholstery shop tommorrow. I hope to have it all done and ready for the show. Thanks for all your help so far. Just need that chrome piece if at all possible. Paypal is ready to be sent when you give me the word.

Pertano,

I have organised the freight and can have it on the way Monday by. You have a PM :)

Love the pics of your wagon dude its awesome.

[PERTANO]

Rod,
Payment was sent. Thank you!!!!

Got the carpet done already. Car looks and feels much better. I exploded the radiator on tuesday so I had to have that rebuilt and I just got it back. The front seats and rear jumper seat will be re-done early next week. I am going to just dye the rear seat and call it a day for now. I hope to get the stereo installed while it's at upholstery too. I still need to bring the front end down another inch but I think I'm going to run out of time for that. SUCKS!!!! Show is only 8 days away!!!!

[sheepers]

Rod,
Payment was sent. Thank you!!!!

Got the carpet done already. Car looks and feels much better. I exploded the radiator on tuesday so I had to have that rebuilt and I just got it back. The front seats and rear jumper seat will be re-done early next week. I am going to just dye the rear seat and call it a day for now. I hope to get the stereo installed while it's at upholstery too. I still need to bring the front end down another inch but I think I'm going to run out of time for that. SUCKS!!!! Show is only 8 days away!!!!


dude, be ultra careful with the temprature of your engine now that you've blown a radiator, keep an eye on the guage, if the needle even looks like moving, stop. early M series engines HATE being overheated and youll have a blown headgasket before you can turn the key off.

[PERTANO]

I am well aware of the 4M's shortcomings. But I will be keeping an eye on the guage. All it needs to last is a few more weeks then I can start tearing it apart for the 2nd phase of it's rebuild. 1JZ!!!! If the motor lets go it's just the excuse I need to let the misses approve the funds for the swap. :D

[sheepers]

I am well aware of the 4M's shortcomings. But I will be keeping an eye on the guage. All it needs to last is a few more weeks then I can start tearing it apart for the 2nd phase of it's rebuild. 1JZ!!!! WHEN the motor lets go it's just the excuse I need to let the misses approve the funds for the swap. :D

fixed for you:P

sheepers.

[PERTANO]

My argument is it's cheaper then 400 a month for the next 4 or 5 years.