Essential part list for an '87 tercel 4wd

[GLet71]

Well, it looks like I am going to inherit an '87 Tercel automatic with a twice blown engine (warped head maybe), and would like to throw it out there as to what essential pieces I should take off to keep for myself. Unfortunately, I cannot keep the whole car, so I must come up with a list of items that aren't going to take up that much space before finding a home for it's remains. Rather than pre-loading you all with ideas of what I already would expect to keep, I will leave it open to your vast expertise on the subject! Thanks in advance...

I will add my hope is to find a place where it will not be crushed, but cherished for it's remaining parts.

[Petros]

These are parts I am always needing to fix up old Tercels

grill, front markers and headlights for sure, the composite headlights are very costly and impossible to get new (and darn rare used too.) Interior light covers. if the front seats are good you might consider those, but the auto usually have vinyl seats (not really worth keep IMO), fabric seats are worth keeping. Left and right window regulators if any good. Heater blower motor, heater core (if good) and heater control consol (with cables). Carpet if good.

Rear tail lights, all rear view mirrors, possibly bumpers and front fenders if any good. Alternator, distributor assembly and carburetor. front splash pan. FRont hubs and rear axles with bearings not a bad thing to have, but it would make towing it a PIA so you may have to leave those.

[dlb]

keep everything. i bought a parts car a few years ago before i had done much work on my tercel and mainly pulled a lot of the trim petros just listed, as well as wiper motors and removable engine stuff (alternator, power steering pump, etc) and then had it taken away pronto because i hated looking at it in the yard. soon after, i found i needed a ton of stuff that i had left on the car.

so IMO it depends on how much storage space you have. off the top of my head, i'd keep everything petros listed plus sway bar, sway bar end bushings, control arms if the bushings are still good, struts if mounts still good, inner and outer tie rods, tie rod accordion boots, CVs (if they're the same for automatics, not sure), brake calipers, brake hoses, plastic splash guard, all removable engine components, any good speakers/stereo stuff, shocks, wheels if they're nice, roof racks...i'm sure there's other stuff i'm forgetting.

also, the '87 DLX models came with a cloth seat. not the same as the SR5's, these ones don't have handles and look moderately sporty and modern. i actually like them so i would grab those too if the upholstery is in good shape.

it goes without saying but i would carefully inspect everything i salvaged to make sure i could put it on another vehicle with confidence. i'm sure some people wouldn't want to reuse things like brake hoses but if they've been replaced recently and are in good shape, there is only as much harm in reusing them as there is in driving any used car.

ultimately, if you took all the stuff petros and i listed there really wouldn't be much to pass on to anyone, so i would get it hauled away as scrap. the good news is that if it's leaving as scrap, you can take the hubs and axles since scrap trucks usually have a crane and flatbed to pick up the vehicles!

[GLet71]

Wow, and then some! I was definitely of the mind to pick all the signal/light stuff, carb, and alternator, but you guys are absolutely right to mention what all you have listed here! Yes, it is a DLX like mine, and the cloth seats rock! I appreciate your time, and when I finally get my hands on it, I will let everyone know. If parts are needed, I can make an effort to get them shipped out to those in need...

[mrmora]

Hey GLet... not sure if you still have the 87' Tercel, but hoping you do. I'm looking for a driver side corner light + frame, perhaps you might even have a luggage cover. Well I've been looking all over for each and coming up empty. Let me know if you have either of those items.

[GLet71]

My wife and I recently had a child, and it has put everything to a virtual halt. I still have not gone up to ask about the car, so I can't say what is what at this time. Keep looking for the time being mrmora, I'll let you know whenever I get a chance to commence my work!

[mrmora]

My wife and I recently had a child, and it has put everything to a virtual halt. I still have not gone up to ask about the car, so I can't say what is what at this time. Keep looking for the time being mrmora, I'll let you know whenever I get a chance to commence my work!

Thanks GLet... in the mean time, I will keep on looking!