Advice for a TA22

[ta22fan]

Others will probably disagree with me, and I'm only speaking from my own limited experience, but my advice is to make the project your own. Come up with your idea of what you are wanting to achieve, have a budget in mind (almost everything tends to cost more than you think it will), and go for it. I decided to do everything I possibly could on my TA22 resto - body work, paint, engine work, suspension and as much of the interior as I could. So I think it depends on what you are after. For a real show piece, you'll need to pay the pros plenty. If you are more interested in the process, and willing to accept some compromises (and have plenty of spare time) then give it a go.

I wouldn't bother too much with the steering - as already mentioned, you'll spend a lot of cash for really not all that much of an improvement for "regular" driving IMHO. Just get the existing stock setup sorted as best you can - it's actually not that bad. Loads of options for engine improvements - not my speciality, but you'll find lots of good info on this site and elsewhere.

Lots of luck.

[king-szeitszam]

I agree with ta22fan, do as much you can yourself- even if it's just in the interest of saving some money. However one thing I'd still strongly suggest you employ a professional for is the paint and panel work- as its very easy to mess up and quite hard to get perfect. If your husband or yourself are confident with it then by all means go ahead, but it's just one area where you shouldn't push the boundaries too much as the results will be very noticeable.

["Z" UTE]

Lambolica, I had one of the Vintage Air A/C units here a while ago for another car. Even their snmallest unit is going to be a huge headache to fit to a TA22. Best bet would be to find an original A/C system from a TA22. No where as bulky as you might think. And in comparison to the knee busters you hang under the dash, sooo much nicer. You actually do not lose much room in the passenger foot well, and the outlets will be where the orinal heater outlet sits.

cheers Chuck.

[TheToyman75]

Lambo,

I have both Original and aftermarket A/C at the man cave you can eye ball to see the size differences. As chuck suggested, the Units that feed into the factory Heater box are the least space invasive but none of them are as bad as you may think. Besides, its the passengers problem

[Lambolica]

p00 p00, I'll have to have a closer look then Rod, and do a trial fit as I'll have to fit all the EFI gear so's not to clash with the passenger side setup.

[caam]

Use Knox auto carpets to buy your carpet and underlay, they fit well if your willing to spend a couple of hours doing it right
A lot cheaper then 1000 aswell, but I guess it depends if your confident doing your own work

Also along with the 2T-G option, they are awesome little motors.
Cam

[king-szeitszam]

Use Knox auto carpets to buy your carpet and underlay, they fit well if your willing to spend a couple of hours doing it right
A lot cheaper then 1000 aswell, but I guess it depends if your confident doing your own work

So they're good are they? I tried the other pre-cut brand..forget the name..and it was utter shit. Waste of $300.
If you can testify to Knox's quality then I may just go buy one as it is much cheaper..
Once my car's back from the shop I'm tearing everything out to fit sound deadening- might as well do the carpet while I'm at it.
How hard are they to fit?

[TheToyman75]

King,

None of the press fit carpet is awesome but the Knox stuff is not to bad. For a really sweet fit you need to reproduce the factory 5 piece set.

That said, Most people are happy with a Press fit if you take the time to fit it yourself and do it after its been out in the hot sun for a couple of hrs to make it easier to mold into the corners.

If using the press fit, a good way to help make it fit better and tidy up the install is to fit a set of 23/28 sill panels as they hold down the carpet and only require some minor trimming to fit in a TA22. Most of the Alloy TA22 sill trims are dented and in poor shape these days too. I have press fit in the Colonel and the Unicorn but will be using a 5 piece set in the flat light.

[king-szeitszam]

King,

None of the press fit carpet is awesome but the Knox stuff is not to bad. For a really sweet fit you need to reproduce the factory 5 piece set.

That said, Most people are happy with a Press fit if you take the time to fit it yourself and do it after its been out in the hot sun for a couple of hrs to make it easier to mold into the corners.

If using the press fit, a good way to help make it fit better and tidy up the install is to fit a set of 23/28 sill panels as they hold down the carpet and only require some minor trimming to fit in a TA22. Most of the Alloy TA22 sill trims are dented and in poor shape these days too. I have press fit in the Colonel and the Unicorn but will be using a 5 piece set in the flat light.

Awesome info there mate, cheers.
I've read that the Knox carpet isn't really a great fit because it's actually molded for a TA23/RA23, I've tried contacting them about this but no response as of yet.
I went past No Bull accessories (formerly Queensland Moulded Car Carpets) on the way home today and had a chat with the chick there. She reckons that they get heaps of people coming to them complaining about Knox and then buying their product as a replacement. I imagine she'd be a bit biased though.

I'd love to do the 5 piece repro but I've shot myself in the foot and spent $500 on sound deadening. Looks like I'll have to have an el-cheapo carpet for now.

Did you use Knox in both the Colonel and the Unicorn? May I ask where you are having the 5 piece done?

[Silly Rabbit]

I used a Knox set as well. Just do as everyone has said and take your time. I have had mine in for 15 years and the wear is really good. I just didn't take as long fitting mine as I should and yes it does look shabby where I have cut it short etc but that's life. Next time I am buying another set from Knox and then getting a motor trimmer to fit it.

[TheToyman75]

King,

Actually I prefer the Tru Fit Carpet and don't like the Knox stuff as much, especially for a TA22.

The Tru-fit stuff has a bound edging around it which I am a big fan off and I have been happy enough with the fit for most applications.

The Knox stuff comes with all the edges looking like a 5 year old hacked the carpet off the roll with a steak knife and I believe they sell a one size fits all Carpet for all Classic Celica Models. If your fitting the 23/28 sill panels this is not too much of an issue as you cover up the carpet edges down the sides.

I only use the True Fit Carpet and found the fit much better than the only Knox Carpet I have ever fitted.

So yeah my personal preference for a TA22 is the TruFit stuff.

As for the 5 Piece set - No idea yet. I want to use the factory Alloy sill panels and the factory clips that hold the carpet in place in the flat light resto so it has to be a 5 piece set for that

[purplehaze]

with the A/c compressor, -could I use one that's compatible, similar size, bolt holes in the right spot etc.. from a corolla or camry or the like??

["Z" UTE]

King,

Actually I prefer the Tru Fit Carpet and don't like the Knox stuff as much, especially for a TA22.

The Tru-fit stuff has a bound edging around it which I am a big fan off and I have been happy enough with the fit for most applications.

The Knox stuff comes with all the edges looking like a 5 year old hacked the carpet off the roll with a steak knife and I believe they sell a one size fits all Carpet for all Classic Celica Models. If your fitting the 23/28 sill panels this is not too much of an issue as you cover up the carpet edges down the sides.

I only use the True Fit Carpet and found the fit much better than the only Knox Carpet I have ever fitted.

So yeah my personal preference for a TA22 is the TruFit stuff.

As for the 5 Piece set - No idea yet. I want to use the factory Alloy sill panels and the factory clips that hold the carpet in place in the flat light resto so it has to be a 5 piece set for that

Rod, I am with you on the TruFit carpet, Knox is rubbish.

The dude on Egay selling moulded carpet is simply reselling Knox at inflated prices. (Dumb ass managed to include a bunch of old Knox invoices as packaging in something he sent me)

I use a local carpet guy to overlock any edges I have to cut. That is the best way to get the original TA22 look and still retain the alloy sill plates. From memory the sill plates are still available, maybe from old mate in the states. I have a couple of sets in my spares for the TA22 rebuilds.

Full 5 piece fitted, all edge bound and attached with clips and velcro as per original is about $1200.00 from my carpet edging man.

cheers Chuck.

[Dan_k36]

I just did 900km just for a lazy drive, ended up at 7.5l/100, the first part was sitting on 110, the trip home was more 120 to 130 and still got the same

[The Green Terror]

Hey Rachel, if you want to keep the 2T, do it. Trying to get timing parts for a 2TG is getting a whole lot harder (fairly certain they are made of unobtanium now) and there is a big market for go fast bits for the 2TC & 3TC in the States. I've had my '74 TA22 for just over 20 years with a 2T and it keeps going. I have a single side draft Mikuni-Solex 40mm carbie and it gets down and boogies when it has to. The secret is to find an old school tuner who knows what he's doing with carbies.

A couple of web pages for you to look at:
Paradise Racing - High Performance Parts for Toyota's

Welcome To BRD Racing: Your Toyota 3TC and 2TC Performance Specialist


race series 4cyl DCOE throttle body kit 40mm
(these guys are in Aus but the Paradise racing set up is somewhat more affordable)

If you are determined to go a 2TG try:
- SW Motorsport

Remember it's your car and you have to be happy with it.

Cheers
Matt (The militant 2T lover)