TE71 GT hardtop build 3tgte

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AE25
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Joined: Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:03 am
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TE71 GT hardtop build 3tgte

Post by AE25 »

Hey, Mark here from NZ. I have a new project to continue on with my passion for drifting old corollas. Although this forum has slowed down alot, I stil prefer to share on forums rather than social media.

A bit of back story... So i've had a ke70 1.3 SR coupe (jdm fastback 4k auto, 6" diff) since 2001 which was a daily + drift hack for many years running a 3tgte, w57 and kaaz 7.5" 2way in it's final guise (2013). Probably have seen that on the interwebs via club-k or original garage3tc and other forums or my website toycrazy.net or youtube user toycrazynz. It has succumbed to cancer finally because it wasn't always garaged (my bad) and our climate is humid and warm. So I'm re shelling it.
I had sourced a TT141 corona that i was going to use (project thread on 3tcgarage) until i found another suitable E7 shell, but found one already!
The last few years i've been busy with property renovations, building a new shed, got married etc so car play was on hold.
Took a while to find but, have sourced a TE71 hardtop shell suitable to continue on with some track duties and get back into drift. Unfortunately it's an unfinished project but not out of my abilities.

The car is a jdm 1981 TE71 GT Sprinter hardtop. Pics from previous owner Alec on his new wheels at the time.

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Somewhat rare these days to see one with the 'OK computer' option. The early spec Sprinter front end had been exchanged to early corolla by a previous owner. The project didn't come with the front trim though, or tail lights. Or the original 2tgeu & t50. Alec stripped it to a bare shell with a bunch of mates, and were converting the whole suspension and drivetrain to ta63 GT-T Carina. They got as far as mounting up the F code IRS and had it back on it's wheels. There's a little work to get that finished off. Pic from previous conversion progress.

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He also built a half cage which is a bonus. The car came with a bunch of ta63 front suspension too but that won't be going in. It's also been media blasted to unhide any rust that an 80's corolla was bound to have! Some showing on the A pillars, lower rad support, rear wheel arches and some small areas. Nothing a session with the TIG can't fix.
So this is how it sits currently awaiting further work. Here's hoping sooner rather than later..

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The goal:
Complete the IRS conversion, fit an LSD.
Patch all rust, panel and paint it back to looking externally stock with facelift corolla front swap. (vinyl side stripe, wing mirrors etc).
Swap over the 3tgte running gear from the ke70, install the ae86 BC BR Gold front coilovers as well as the modified crossmembers and rack steering.
Find out if an original efi fuel tank will fit back in or find alternative solution. mount pump, tweak fuel lines and install rest of efi systems.
Finish the 3" exhaust which stopped at the diff previously.
Re fit the interior from front seats forwards.
Get it back together.
Do skids
BOBLOOK
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Joined: Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:32 pm
Location: Under a bonned in Netherlands.

Re: TE71 GT hardtop build 3tgte

Post by BOBLOOK »

Wow very nice project
The day we learn to think
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