Thinking about buying this 1983 sunrader with a rod knock

aram

aram

Well-known member
Unless you are really bored and really enjoy fixing old toyota motorhome things.. spending the time to fix that probably isn't worth it.
 
TT120

TT120

Well-known member
If the engine is trashed, the transmission probably is too. Gutted inside? Unless you plan on using it as a meth lab, that will cost big bank to replace. The fridge probably doesn't work if it's even there. Same with the genny.

Offer him $500, when he scoffs, run away.
 
aram

aram

Well-known member
czgheib954 said:
Well I heard that the fiberglass shell alone is worth it...
Click to expand...

Could be one of those deals where the sum of the parts is worth more than the whole.

But really even if the fiberglass shell is worth it.. think about the cost of fixing that thing. You need a new engine and new interior at minimum. You need time and a place to store it. Buying a rebuilt engine (say a really crappily done one) is probably 2k, then labor to install it is at least 1k. Then you'll find all the other broken stuff because the thing is 30 years old.

I mean if you like to tinker and love old toyota motorhome thingees and have a bunch of toyota trucks for parts in the backyard, then sure.. could be fun. I mean if you have nothing but time you might even be able to find a cheap used engine for a couple hundred bucks and toss it in. There are probably 2 people in the country that want to do that though.

If you have to ask how much an engine is going to cost, then I wouldn't recommend it is all I'm saying.
 
angelsndevils

angelsndevils

gas burning o-zone killer
10 inch lift, some 35 inch tires, front straight axle conversion, front and rear winch bumpers, 5.29 axle gears, gun rack, on board BBQ.....Don't bring out the hill billy side in me!!:toothless:troy:bbq:port
 
mototireguy

mototireguy

Moto Tire Veteran
Good for some knock knock, who's there jest fodder.

If planning on a new motor/tranny/tires/brakes, interior redo or unreliable so just park it meth lab then ok.
 
auntiebling

auntiebling

megalomaniacal troglodyte
Staff member
Sonora does not have to do smog checks. In addition to the rod nock I would expect all of the emissions to need repair. 80s vintage Toyota emissions rely heavily on a spider web of vacuum tubing which cracks and drives you crazy. It is highly likely in a "no smog" county that the emissions systems have been removed or otherwise disabled.

Also, the shell is only worth 2k if you sell it. Getting rid of the rest of it will cost you money.

That said, the small RV niche has few players. If you can fix it yourself it.might be an appropriate price. The to e of the ad suggests the owner overpaid and is emotionally attached
 
Tri750

Tri750

Mr. Knew it All
maybe a race bike transporter if you chop out a new door. add a couple camping cots.
get a Japanese exchange engine.
if you have a place to store it.
or make it into a rolling 420 grow house and farm some dank weed to buy race tires with.
electrical and water hookups already, park it at the Delta and get a mannequin and a fishing pole.
I'm tired. long day.
do they still say dank weed?
 
Cycle61

Cycle61

What the shit is this...
Every time I see one of those on the road (which isn't often anymore) I wonder how the hell a little 22r motor drags that whole chassis around. Yeah, new clutch + rod knock means you're in for $$$$ to get it running properly, and that's if you're a good mechanic already.

As for the shell being all gutted out...they didn't do that because the carpets went out of style. Gutted motorhomes fall into three categories: Water damage, meth lab, and half-assed incomplete project.
 
Sharky

Sharky

Well-known member
czgheib954 said:
Well I heard that the fiberglass shell alone is worth it...
Click to expand...

You heard wrong.
You can get a Class A RV without a rod knock for that money. That pile of bolts might be worth $500.

Trust me, you are waaaay better off not getting this even if it was free.
 
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