Just a few thoughts from the old man in me. Recently got asked about the best things I’ve done to the 60.
Probably worth its own thread but I’ll add this for anyone that has just bought an old 60 and falls into this thread. ( mostly talking to the 16 yr old me’s out there that wants to lift it and everything else can wait) Take it for what it’s worth.
Assuming your 60 is caught up on maintenance and you just want to make it more enjoyable to drive and enjoy. Here my….Top 3 Favorite mods that are some of the best money I’ve invested. And would be the first things I changed/do again.
1. Fuel injection. I went with Howell for the simple reason, it was available, it’s not sexy and tunable like sniper but it just works. It simplifies the engine and just works. I’ll say it again. It just works. No more messing with choke. I know carbs are simple and your grandpa can adjust with a screw driver on the side of the road going uphill in a snow storm… if that’s your grandpa, stop reading now and go hang out with him now. Those guys are disappearing and you should absorb everything you can from him. For the rest of us, there’s a reason OEM isn’t running carbs any more.
2.steering box and linkage. Replace everything. Just do it. 60s are now 35-40 yrs old, And the parts are worn. If your 60 feels like your pushing a wet noodle down the road and trying to keep it in the lane, you especially. Chances are new TRE the the previous owner replaced is now being worn prematurely because the other side looked fine. Replace it all at the same time, don’t let the old parts wear out the new parts. Even though it feels ok, you don’t even realize how bad it actually is. TRE and Steering boxes are a great way to bust your knuckles and shed some blood. If you haven’t bled yet, you’re doing it wrong. Speaking of steering boxes, don’t neglect it. After 30 years it needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Chances are it’s never been replaced and the slop you feel in the wheel is in the box. Ive replaced several from different places and the one I recently had Redhead rebuild has been the best by far. Recently drove through Atlanta and didn't feel like a cat on a hot tin roof.
3. Seats. Invest into your back and/or driver experience. My back hurts a lot and I’ve stared at the Sheelmans for years. Never could bring my self to pull the plug. Luckily I came across the comparable Recaros that I recently installed. They didn’t leave me with the back pain that always lingers after a few hours. If I had known how much of a difference the seats would have made I would have spent the money right away. I won’t ever have an older car with out upgraded seats ever again.
This is the top 3 things that have added value to my life and made my 60 drivability better. Yes, these are expensive, and 60s aren’t cheap. If you’re not willing accept this Toyota makes a nice car called a Corolla. I hear they’re cheap to keep on the road will get you A to B just fine for years to come.
redheadsteeringgears.com
