84' Brochure Car is My Birthday Present This Year

[Mattel]

Looks fantastic Bryan, keeping the dream alive! I wanted to mention how awesome that photo of your cut up family car is on your other thread. I work as an architect and really appreciate the design and packaging of these cars. I'm guessing that relaxed regulations of the times allowed manufacturers to really try some unusual ideas in cars. I also imagine that the bubble economy of Japan at that time really pushed Toyota to try some forward thinking such as the MR2, Egg shaped Previa etc. I think my Corolla alltrac wagon from 1988 is perhaps the last of period before the devaluation of the yen around that time.

[bryanthompson]

Thank you!

Herschel the Tercel is teetering between being the inexpensive little work horse I need him to be, and a full on restoration project. I'm really enjoying all of it, either way.

And regarding the innovative automotive architecture of the 1980's, yes I agree fully. There are so many more strict and standardized federal regulations today that, in the industry, we do have more challenges to differentiate proportions and packages. But at the same time, I believe we are entering a golden period in car design. Self driving cars will completely change our perception of what a car is and can be. Simply being able to sit facing each other in a more social layout will fundamentally alter the proportions. This type of design makes up a great deal of my current workload, and its an exciting time to be a car designer, indeed.

Looks fantastic Bryan, keeping the dream alive! I wanted to mention how awesome that photo of your cut up family car is on your other thread. I work as an architect and really appreciate the design and packaging of these cars. I'm guessing that relaxed regulations of the times allowed manufacturers to really try some unusual ideas in cars. I also imagine that the bubble economy of Japan at that time really pushed Toyota to try some forward thinking such as the MR2, Egg shaped Previa etc. I think my Corolla alltrac wagon from 1988 is perhaps the last of period before the devaluation of the yen around that time.

[bryanthompson]

Im learning so much more through this little project. Japanese Market offered a digital dash option, and an in-seat sound system. Very cool.

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[rer233]

I'm afraid I prefer our "old school" stuff- that's way too glitzy for my tastes (I hate electronics.)

[Notmikeb]

I really hope that car wasn't actually going 98kmh given all the warning lights lit up on that dash!!

[bryanthompson]

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Visual guide for replacement hatch decal.

[bryanthompson]

Who says it's too early for Christmas?? Not this big box of NOS OEM Tercel 4WD parts from Japan, that's for sure!!!

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[rer233]

So open the box, dude!

[dlb]

pics of the contents!!

[bryanthompson]

I'm too excited. Had to run around the block and lift weights first. Haha. I'll open It tonight I promise!

[bryanthompson]

Today's treasure is a set of NOS headlamps. These will be retained for the car I have in storage, and will eventually restore to new condition.

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[bryanthompson]

This is a small find, but something I'm thrilled about.

Being a car designer myself, I tend to be a purest when it comes to period-correct aesthetics. I've been looking for the correct radio / cassette player that was offered in my family's '83 car for a while, and today I located one. All black and shiny and hard edged, like a Battle Star Galactica space ship control panel.

So here it is, in all its glory:

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[bryanthompson]

Just a small update today:

New shoes for Herschel.

Went with a slightly wider than stock spec at 185/70-13.
Gives the car a bit more confident stance.

I am surprised at how much better it handles, too. Such a minor adjustment, but it feels noticeably more sure footed.

Hope all is well in Terceldom. A more exciting update coming soon for this little guy...

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[Mattel]

Those factory Alloys even though they are pretty heavy seem to help the handling as well. Tercel is looking great Bryan!

[Mad_Marx]

Any source for the replacement rear hatch decal?