Over 1M Posts • 84K Topics • 9K Authors

A Box and His Celica - 6G Celicas Forums

Topic #90827 139 posts Started by Box
Well seeing as we're stuck together by fate, or something like that, I suppose I should embrace it and what not. So I thought to myself, "Hey, maybe if you did stuff to the Celica to make it your own you'd like it more." I then gave myself a high-five for such a good idea. All in all I really like the car aside from the slowness, then I thought to myself again, "Hey, the only time you have to use speed is pulling out into traffic or passing some moron and the Celica is adequate in that regard." Another high-five occurred. Then the deal sealer, "Hey moron you couldn't buy another car, not even another Celica, worth a damn for what you'd be giving up your car for." You guessed it, a...punch to the face. Nah, just kidding there was definitely another high-five. So anyhow, the whole purpose of this thread is to keep me and the Celica on positive terms and it's also to help motivate me to do the things that I want to do. I have a bunch of cheap ideas that in all should be under $100, and should help in making the car more to my liking. Less on that now, and more boring history. So I bought the Celica almost two years ago, and nothing has really happened. The end. Glad that's over, now for fun things. Of course there're the obligatory pictures.





So there ya go, I'm even so hardcore I left my plate tag exposed for the world to see. Anyhow a little more about it. It's the ST 5-speed and is fully loaded as they could be. Power windows and locks, A/C, power moonroof, rear wiper, and even has the optional 14" alloys. I'm curious as to how rare the 14" alloys are, as I've yet to see another set as most ST's have steelies or have aftermarket wheels by now. As far as the car goes it's pretty much stock. The only thing aftermarket is that it's lowered on Tein coil springs and KYB struts, and the radio was replaced as well. Mechanically the car is sorted and everything is already taken care of for the next 50,000+ miles, I suppose that's a good kind of boring though. There is one thing I've done to make the car unique, I painted the plastic trim pieces in metallic black: Door handle cups, air vent trim, door switch panels, center console, and gauge surround. I think it's a classy and subtle touch, I like that it could pass for OEM.

Can see it really well on the air vent trim and door panel switch. You can stop oogling my legs now.
I also added some awesome decals:


Then at one point I spent a couple of days busting my ass waxing it.

So that was fun, of course the clear is still peeling. Thanks a lot previous owners' neglect, Alabama heat, AND THE FREAKING COLOUR RED.
Oh, and one last thing... I have something that I imagine very few of you people do... So very rare...

That's right, the original key! The key's teeth are so smooth and rounded now, yet it still works. Of course I keep it in a safe place and use a copy key now. So now that all of that is out of the way, time for possible future modifications:

>
QUOTE
>Figure out something to do with the clear peel...
S2000 or VW shark fin antenna
Tint the taillights with window tint for a deep glossy look, along with painting the tag bezel black
Find 5GC power mirrors and paint them black along with door handles, if the above happens
Install a short throw shifter for quicker response and fun factor
True cold air intake for sucking sound and marginal, if any, gains
Replace the secondary cat with a glass-pack and the muffler with a Magnaflow XL chambered muffler for marginal gains and hopefully not too bad of a sound
Possibly buy JDM tails and "American-ize" them, therefore making them legal by meeting U.S. side-marker requirements.
Remove spoiler and properly fill and paint
Remove front side-markers and properly fill and paint.
FIND and install better seats
Find premium audio door panels
Redo sun visors
Repaint wheels
Redo audio
LED interior lighting
Fog lights
Lit key-ring
Replace front Toyota badge with Celica dragon emblem


Some of those are iffy, but most I'd like to do in the nearby future. If I happen to think of anything else I'll throw it into here. So anyhow I promise to stop complaining, or at the least cut it out significantly. After extensive searching since April, and especially here recently, the grass is only greener on the other side due to the other piece of shìt cars fertilizing the soil. Besides, all the other forums suck in comparison and I really don't want to go through the trouble of reestablishing myself. tongue.gif

This post has been edited by Box: Apr 16, 2014 - 8:44 PM

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
redface.gif redface.gif redface.gif >>BOX MADE A PROJECT THREAD! redface.gif redface.gif redface.gif>>

SOLD :( 1997 ST204 Celica ZR ----->See it here on 6GC!2013 October Celica of the Month XDNow: '00 NB8B Mazda MX5 ----->See it here in off topic!
I know, it's revolutionary in a way. tongue.gif Meh, just figure it's for the best. I could buy another car for what I could sell the Celica for, but then I'd have to instantly spend $1,000+ on it to make it the way I want it and to bring it up to a level I could halfway trust it. Honestly I rather spend the money on a cheap RWD project that I could care less if it dies during auto X and drift. That and my first love of musical instruments, I sadly have more invested there than anywhere else.

This post has been edited by Box: Oct 12, 2013 - 7:00 AM

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
Hey Box... Box... Box....... ..... .... .... Its >>RED>> laugh.gif

P.S. You forgot to mention your awesome JDM storage tray next to your cigarette lighter.

And I didn't realise the key thing was rare... I use my original every day and I'm sure many people do tongue.gif


And new plan.... get unreliable POS but fun drift / autoX / hooning around car.... work on it until you are confidant in it running for a couple of weeks, then BEAMS or V6 swap your car wink.gif

SOLD :( 1997 ST204 Celica ZR ----->See it here on 6GC!2013 October Celica of the Month XDNow: '00 NB8B Mazda MX5 ----->See it here in off topic!
Yeah, I know.. Still hate that, but meh... Seriously contended finding a black liftback to swap all of my stuff into, then sell mine. Of course everyone is asking not much less for their ragged out piece of junk than I am for mine.

I don't know, it could or could not be. I just rarely see cars over 10 years old where they kept up with the original key.

Yep, except for semi-reliable. tongue.gif I'd swap if it were a GT, but being the ST it's a pain in the ass either way.

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
to do list!

1. Remove spoiler

2. Remove telecommunications antenna

3. Remove stickers..

4. put a BOX in da trunk

Learned a lot in 10 years...I hardly log in anymore, last loginToday Sept 6 2019, and I was forced just to clarify a post. LOLIf you PM me and I dont respond, dont fret or cry. Im alive, better post your questions in the thread below, maybe I log back in2grfe Swapped...Why I chose the 2GR, before you ask read here...A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.@llamaraxing in Instagram is the best way to find me. I hardly log here anymore.
>
QUOTE (Box @ Oct 12, 2013 - 7:45 AM) *
>I promise to stop complaining...



>
QUOTE (Box @ Oct 12, 2013 - 8:13 AM) *
>I'd swap if it were a GT, but being the ST it's a pain in the ass either way.


Whinging excuses = Complaining. STOP IT! We know it can be done! tongue.gif Just makes for a better reason to get a BEAMS clip with LSD, or V6 and get the E153.

I do agree on the black GT front.... just sit patiently waiting and one will turn up. Just spend money on things like the leather, speakers, lights etc. that can all be swapped over really easily anyway, so you aren't wasting anything by waiting for a car to swap later smile.gif

SOLD :( 1997 ST204 Celica ZR ----->See it here on 6GC!2013 October Celica of the Month XDNow: '00 NB8B Mazda MX5 ----->See it here in off topic!
I have to keep the decals, I lubs them. tongue.gif I have an 1,000 watt U.S.A. made Rockford Fosgate subwoofer just sitting in the floor of my music room.

Hey, only I get to paraphrase others for my benefit. tongue.gif I said I would for the most part. Being it is the ST I'd just go V6, since the BEAMS would lose its easy factor. There's always the 4A family, but from what I've found none of them are really any easier it'd seem.

This post has been edited by Box: Oct 12, 2013 - 7:28 AM

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
We need to build you a 3s man!!!
>
QUOTE (bsamps4 @ Oct 12, 2013 - 10:15 AM) *
>We need to build you a 3s man!!!



^^^ THIS GUY! biggrin.gif

SOLD :( 1997 ST204 Celica ZR ----->See it here on 6GC!2013 October Celica of the Month XDNow: '00 NB8B Mazda MX5 ----->See it here in off topic!
2 of our 3 still have factory keys lol

95 gt coupe, v6 swap weekend toy99 gt hatch beams swapped wife's94 st hatch my daily driverhttp://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=82235n
>
QUOTE (bsamps4 @ Oct 12, 2013 - 9:15 AM) *
>We need to build you a 3s man!!!

That would also work. tongue.gif

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
>
QUOTE (kurt95gt @ Oct 12, 2013 - 1:15 PM) *
>2 of our 3 still have factory keys lol

So, semi-rare. tongue.gif It's the first car I've had with the original key, outside of my '67 Coupe DeVille which had both original keys and the owner's manual. Leaving for the weekend, will get started on some things when I have free time next week.

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
I also have my original key along with the valet/spare key; not to mention the two extras I've had made.

I'm glad you started a thread Box - maybe you'll keep your red Celica hate confined here. :] You may want to add "Replace radiator" to that list as yours looks about ready retirement.

Are you looking for a particular color for your leather seats? Don't say black...

This post has been edited by Keiri: Oct 12, 2013 - 5:37 PM

Has no more Celicas
That black metallic trim looks really good. I'm now considering doing the same with mine.
>
QUOTE (jesse09 @ Oct 12, 2013 - 6:34 PM) *
>That black metallic trim looks really good. I'm now considering doing the same with mine.


X2

Box, looks clean.
Turbocharge it biggrin.gif

1993 Celica GT Coupe - sold1994 Celica GT Liftback
I've just logged in after listing my Black GT for sale and I see Box has made a thread biggrin.gif

It came up lovely after the hard work mate fair play,

The only thing I don't like is that it's Red frown.gif
put in some fog lights. it will look great.

Learned a lot in 10 years...I hardly log in anymore, last loginToday Sept 6 2019, and I was forced just to clarify a post. LOLIf you PM me and I dont respond, dont fret or cry. Im alive, better post your questions in the thread below, maybe I log back in2grfe Swapped...Why I chose the 2GR, before you ask read here...A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.@llamaraxing in Instagram is the best way to find me. I hardly log here anymore.
I didn't believe it at first, box making a project thread >.<


Anyway, I would put some foggies on her and then stick to you plan tongue.gif

------------------------------| White '94 Celica | Bought 11/05/12 | Sold 12/05/15 |------------------------------------------------------------| White '02 N-Edition Caldina | Weekend Car |------------------------------
>
QUOTE (Keiri @ Oct 12, 2013 - 5:27 PM) *
>I also have my original key along with the valet/spare key; not to mention the two extras I've had made.

I'm glad you started a thread Box - maybe you'll keep your red Celica hate confined here. :] You may want to add "Replace radiator" to that list as yours looks about ready retirement.

Are you looking for a particular color for your leather seats? Don't say black...

What is rare though is my spotless undercarriage, the next time I have it up on the lift I'll have to snap some pictures to make all of the northerners jelly. tongue.gif

Yeah, the radiator is needing replaced. Haven't had any problems since it was patched though, so I'll keep with it until it completely dies. Somehow I trust an aged Japanese made radiator more so than a new Chinese made one.

Ehh, I'm looking for obsidian coloured seats. tongue.gif

>
QUOTE (bnr32celica @ Oct 12, 2013 - 5:49 PM) *
>>
QUOTE (jesse09 @ Oct 12, 2013 - 6:34 PM) *
>That black metallic trim looks really good. I'm now considering doing the same with mine.


X2

Box, looks clean.

Thanks, it was one of the Rustoleum family of paints. I think it was for bikes? and stuff like that. Has a really nice appearance to it, classy just like me. tongue.gif

>
QUOTE (Syaoran @ Oct 12, 2013 - 5:56 PM) *
>Turbocharge it biggrin.gif

I've thought about it, but could get a RWD beater or engine swap when it'd all be said and done. redface.gif

>
QUOTE (sr666 @ Oct 13, 2013 - 2:53 PM) *
>I've just logged in after listing my Black GT for sale and I see Box has made a thread biggrin.gif

It came up lovely after the hard work mate fair play,

The only thing I don't like is that it's Red frown.gif

Thanks. Yeah, I hate red...but I guess I can overlook it, all things considered. I seriously tried to find a black one to just swap everything to, and nothing came up.

>
QUOTE (njccmd2002 @ Oct 13, 2013 - 4:22 PM) *
>put in some fog lights. it will look great.

I knew I was forgetting something. That and I thought about poly bushings, but it'd be stupid to go through and replace new rubber bushings.

>
QUOTE (rentaspace @ Oct 13, 2013 - 7:13 PM) *
>I didn't believe it at first, box making a project thread >.<


Anyway, I would put some foggies on her and then stick to you plan tongue.gif

Better believe it. tongue.gif

This post has been edited by Box: Oct 13, 2013 - 9:07 PM

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
WHOO!!! a red Box thread! laugh.gif

we knew you'd stick around. smile.gif
anyways, gotta see those undercarriage pics so i can be all jelly and whatnot.
rust is eating mine away as we speak!


PS. I got a key light ring laying around if you should want it.

*1997 Celica ST - 3SGE Greytop BEAMS*1977 Celica RA29 - Classic Cruiser*2005 Matrix AWD - dedded but still hanging around like a ghost2019 Rav4 XLE Premium - Sports mode is fun.
Wooo! tongue.gif

I might just snap a few with the car on the ground, though won't be able to see as much.

Key light ring you say. redface.gif

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
>
QUOTE (Box @ Oct 14, 2013 - 2:16 PM) *
>Key light ring you say. redface.gif

Yes, get the keyring light... biggrin.gif

Josh and I recently put ours in, it *should* be plug and play... But the US celica seems to have been left out of so much Optional Extra equipment kindasad.gif

------------------------------| White '94 Celica | Bought 11/05/12 | Sold 12/05/15 |------------------------------------------------------------| White '02 N-Edition Caldina | Weekend Car |------------------------------
Hmm, I want to say some GT models had it. Trying to remember if there was wiring there when I had the gauge bezel off... Oh well... Anyhow, got around to looking and the wiring for the antenna is still there. For whatever reason someone at one point thought a cheap ass generic antenna would be better... Anyway, hopefully can get the OEM antenna from The_End and I found a S2000 antenna on eBay. So can get that all straightened out, hopefully I'll pick up more than one station once it's all said and done. I know it'll look a lot better at least. tongue.gif

2001 Miata LS 5-speed
>
QUOTE (Box @ Oct 15, 2013 - 12:23 AM) *
>Hmm, I want to say some GT models had it. Trying to remember if there was wiring there when I had the gauge bezel off... Oh well... Anyhow, got around to looking and the wiring for the antenna is still there. For whatever reason someone at one point thought a cheap ass generic antenna would be better... Anyway, hopefully can get the OEM antenna from The_End and I found a S2000 antenna on eBay. So can get that all straightened out, hopefully I'll pick up more than one station once it's all said and done. I know it'll look a lot better at least. tongue.gif


You're correct; GT models have the keyring light - well, at least the post-lifts have it.

Has no more Celicas
MOST STs came with the wiring for it too. mine was plug and play.

*1997 Celica ST - 3SGE Greytop BEAMS*1977 Celica RA29 - Classic Cruiser*2005 Matrix AWD - dedded but still hanging around like a ghost2019 Rav4 XLE Premium - Sports mode is fun.
>
QUOTE (cheela @ Oct 15, 2013 - 7:33 AM) *
>MOST STs came with the wiring for it too. mine was plug and play.

Both of mine have the light ting stock lol

95 gt coupe, v6 swap weekend toy99 gt hatch beams swapped wife's94 st hatch my daily driverhttp://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=82235n
Alrighty, suppose can do it after getting the antenna sorted. What I need are key-ring lights on the outside. tongue.gif

2001 Miata LS 5-speed