Source
r/cars•
eyecite

Buying older Toyota, need a few tips and perhaps a good website for parts...

First, let me just say that you all are awesome. I've been subbed here for a short while but consistently see you guys providing quality advice/help to random folks such as myself. Thanks for that.

So, I've got some problems with an early 90s corolla (~200k) that I'm looking to (buy and) fix myself as a way of saving money and learning a bit about DIY as far as cars go. It's got bad rotors and brake shoes.. cracked windshield.. needs new rim/wheel.. neither rear brake lights up.. needs strut assembly fixed.. I could go on.

Anyway, Imma do most of it myself. Any websites you guys recommend for buying parts**?** Should I go to the local parts store? Anything specifically a newbie should take to a repair shop no matter what? I'm definitely going to scour a few junkyards for at least the wheel.

Any general tips for jumping into a 'project' like this**?** The most I've done on a car in the past myself is an oil change, battery swap, and just keeping the fluids straight.

Word. Thanks guys. Remember to change your oil every wheneverthefuckyoufeellike miles!

Posted May 13, 2011, 11:11 PM UTC

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TennesseanNissan Titan and Jeep CJ5•

-I don't fool with front window glass.
-Find a local pick and pull junkyard.
-If you don't own tools look for a harbor freight or a Northern Tools. I prefer northern. Good tools for way cheaper than anywhere else.

-Get a Chiltons or Haynes manual.
-Check fuses and bulbs thoroughly before you start chasing phantom problems through an electrical system. Fuses can be bad even though they look good.

Junk yard website

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eyeciteOP•

Thank you. I've got a Haynes Manual to start with.. what do you mean ya don't fool with front-window glass? Just replace it and be done with burden?

1
TennesseanNissan Titan and Jeep CJ5•

Maybe I'm just not an expert but I'm afraid of curved glass. It's easy to screw up.

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AutoPirate27•

Getting a windshield in and out requires some very unique tools and learned techniques. I've been a mechanic a long time, and have never gotten a windshield out without shattering, which is a hell of a mess to clean up. It's worth the $200ish it'll cost to have it done right by pros.

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insomnia_accountant•

Any websites you guys recommend for buying parts?

rockauto.com, also, I think there's a guy on toyotanations.com that sells OEM parts at a pretty good price.

Should I go to the local parts store?

To be honest, I think napa generally have pretty good aftermarket parts. Though, make sure you do some research on the parts before you buy them. Also, like Tennesean has said, Junkyards are awesome at finding parts (wheel, door panels, bumpers, even hose clamps, etc; just not rubber parts).

Anything specifically a newbie should take to a repair shop no matter what?

You can basically do every repair on a 90s corolla, but also do some research beforehand and find someone who has done that job before to help you. Also, get some penetrating oil for those rusty bolts.

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eyeciteOP•

Thanks. I plan on either doing or getting a friend to teach me (while doing) how to perform pretty much all of these tasks. Have a good one.. I'll keep an eye out for those rusty bolts. I do know there are a few.

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Ioncannon•

http://www.toyotanation.com/ for all things Toyota.

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AutoBach2005 Pontiac GTO•

www.rockauto.com for parts

3