Series 2 Thinking of buying a series 2A, any advice please ?

Hi all, I am thinking of buying a 1968/1969 Series 2A SWB hard top (if that's the correct description, no windows in the back and bench seats) petrol, from a friend and wondered what they are worth in average condition, it has new MOT, chassis is supposed to be very good. Starts and runs fine he says.
It has recently had some wiring replaced, not sure what and the clutch is suspect but functioning.
He is talking £2k which seemed pretty reasonable to me but would really appreciate any advice on potential pitfalls.
I have had a 1983 series 3 diesel in the past and the engine was poor but the basic mechanics were very easy to work on and very cheap.
Any advice is much appreciated
Andy

I would say that price is pretty good if he says it is how it is. Petrol economy is poor low 20's on a good run. Top speed about 60mph for average condition.

Ride is quite harsh a leaf springs all around especially if not maintained. Originally non servo single line brakes 10" diameter. So braking may feel poor compared to the series 3 you had it will be a lot quieter.

Petrol timing is crucial but the engines are pretty bullet proof.

Do not just take his word for chassis condition just because he's a friend get a small hammer out and start tapping all under the chassis. Ask what was rewired and check it and make not of what wires go where if different colour wire was used to standard. Clutch should be pretty simple I would just replace the master cylinder and Slave as its very easy to do and not that expensive.
If it has a series 2 box it won't have synchro in first or second so you'd need to double de clutch

Make sure it has Toyota printed on the back

Two bags of sand sounds good enough to me. The bonus is if it falls to bits you know where he lives.

As you say a basic easy to work on vehicle,so condition of bulkhead and chassis is the first thing and then the body depending on how dent free you want it to be.Just about anything else can be replaced.

Also check the bulkhead for rust. I reckon if that and the chassis are good, and the engine & gearbox, it's a bargain. There's not much else in a 2a!

holidaychicken said:

Hi all, I am thinking of buying a 1968/1969 Series 2A SWB hard top (if that's the correct description, no windows in the back and bench seats) petrol, from a friend and wondered what they are worth in average condition, it has new MOT, chassis is supposed to be very good. Starts and runs fine he says.
It has recently had some wiring replaced, not sure what and the clutch is suspect but functioning.
He is talking £2k which seemed pretty reasonable to me but would really appreciate any advice on potential pitfalls.
I have had a 1983 series 3 diesel in the past and the engine was poor but the basic mechanics were very easy to work on and very cheap.
Any advice is much appreciated
Andy

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Everything that they say^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^. Mainly rust anywhere, bottom of door pillars can go too. Transmission condition and everything working.

If it is half decent at that price, doubt if you will regret it, I have had 88 and 109, loved em. The best of the series, imo. All steel dash, doesnt have the BL placcy feel of the 3s.
If the performance is an issue, loads of cheap and easy engine tuning. Other upgrades are simple, brake servo cna be fitted if desired, etc. Road handling is better on a 205R16 or similar than on the original 6x16 crossply. Road tax exempt!

Time was [not that long ago] a roadworthy 2a would NEVER make two grand - now it's reasonable - in 12 months time you'll never find one that cheap! Buy it [if it checks out] better than money in the bank................

Brilliant , thanks very much for the replies, if he agrees to part with it I'll have it away. He mentioned the non synchro box which isn't a problem, much the same as the 3 when the slave and master cylinder were on their way out. Is the engine 2 1/4 ?
It wouldn't be a daily driver just a bit of fun and something to restore over time and thankfully no ECU's to worry about !
Thanks again, ill keep you posted

2k with a full mot sounds good, as others say if the chassis and bulkhead are sound - or relatively sound - should be a deal

brilliant, now to see if he changes his mind and won't part with it
many thanks
Andy

holidaychicken said:

Brilliant , thanks very much for the replies, if he agrees to part with it I'll have it away. He mentioned the non synchro box which isn't a problem, much the same as the 3 when the slave and master cylinder were on their way out. Is the engine 2 1/4 ?
It wouldn't be a daily driver just a bit of fun and something to restore over time and thankfully no ECU's to worry about !
Thanks again, ill keep you posted

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Yes. 2 1/4 four cylinder. A few had 6 cyl, but it would be obvious.

Ok thanks , I've not had a close look yet only seen it parked up as I've driven past but I'm sure it's only 4 cylinder from what he has said

Turboman said:

Yes. 2 1/4 four cylinder. A few had 6 cyl, but it would be obvious.

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Assuming it hasn't been replaced at some point - mine's a 2.5 from a 110.

wattfield said:

Assuming it hasn't been replaced at some point - mine's a 2.5 from a 110.

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Would be nice, lovely engine in a series.

Turboman said:

Would be nice, lovely engine in a series.

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It was, and it will be again if I ever find the money for a new bullhead and the time to put it back together!

I've only heard one 2 1/4 petrol series engine and it purred like a kitten

Buy a large galvanised bin to store the rust in as it falls off.

holidaychicken said:

I've only heard one 2 1/4 petrol series engine and it purred like a kitten

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The petrol is smooth and quick enough not to feel like a prat in modern traffic as well. Having a conversation at 60mph in a Series was a revelation

blue beasty said:

The petrol is smooth and quick enough not to feel like a prat in modern traffic as well. Having a conversation at 60mph in a Series was a revelation

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I am a dyed in the wool old diesel nut, and have been my whole life.

But have to say the 2 1/4 petrol is a far better engine all round for my money than its diesel-ised derivative.

It was the used from very early on, very low stressed, and any glitches have had years to be ironed out. More power, smoother, quieter, than the diesels, and pretty much designed to be serviced and operated by bush mechanics.

Most people who own these now do very low annual mileages, so the modest fuel economy wont be a huge problem.

And for even more road usability, many tuning parts available.

Turboman said:

I am a dyed in the wool old diesel nut, and have been my whole life.

But have to say the 2 1/4 petrol is a far better engine all round for my money than its diesel-ised derivative.

It was the used from very early on, very low stressed, and any glitches have had years to be ironed out. More power, smoother, quieter, than the diesels, and pretty much designed to be serviced and operated by bush mechanics.

Most people who own these now do very low annual mileages, so the modest fuel economy wont be a huge problem.

And for even more road usability, many tuning parts available.

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True story things do get a little interesting at severe angles off road though

A 2.5 carb and manifold would be nice.