Hello Dean!
Over the past several months I have done as much research as I can on this thing. I tried to trace this thing all the way back to Japan. I have traced the dealership that ordered it, the freight company that shipped it here, dates, etc...
It was ordered through San Bernardino, CA Toyota by the Sheriff's office to be used as a department fire truck. I verified this through the counties annex and historical records.
It was hosed RED (originally cream from Toyota) at the SB County shop as all of their emergency vehicles, fire vehicles, and search and rescue vehicles were hosed red, and outfitted with various emergency hardware (in my case Hornes, flashers/lights, siren, radio equipment, etc..).
So if I were to be an absolute purist - I should paint it cream.
There is one Toyota color in particular that has tickled my fancy since I first saw it. T621 Rustic Green. I love that color and have decide to paint my 45 in it as I can't stand that cream color and Red was not original.
I have been keeping an eye on Destin's thread and yes - I agree that particular red is indeed pretty sexy. When he painted that fender skirt - it looks great!
I don't know if people will crindge at the thought of me painting it T621 or not, I don't know. I just know that is my favorite Toyota color and the cream color is anything but interesting to me.
Thanks for tuning in!!
Dallas