86 Toyota Pickup - Restoration questions before I bite the bullet

So my buddy has an 86 Pickup. Around 10k miles on a rebuilt 22r. Some surface rust, no frame rust he's aware of (ill take a closer look). Runs fine, I've driven it. Manual transmission with 4x4 lo/hi with manual lockers.

Gonna buy it off of him for sure since he doesn't really plan to do anything to it.

I guess my main question is, are parts for these still readily available and easy to source? The interior will need to be ripped out and redone. Not adamant about getting original interior, just replacing everything.

Second question: what will I need to learn or source out? Body work? Welding? And is it more cost effective to learn and do myself or just pay a 3rd party?

Any help appreciated!

 

Also, I guess I didn’t check when I drove it a year or so ago. He says it has a solid front axle. Did they make 86 pickups with a solid front axle?

 

I believe 86 is when they started the transition to IFS. Some were still made with solid axles.

 

Looks like a good project. Also looks like it might have a weber carb. Interior is rough but if it runs, who cares? What are your plans for it?

 

Thanks for the replies. Not sure on my plans yet. Just wanted a project truck and I love these little old trucks. Will probably start by seeing how damaged/rusted the bed/tailgate are, see if it’s worth repairing or not.

Probably want to paint it before I start adding stuff so I don’t have to remove things twice. Just kind of popped in my lap so haven’t thought much about long term plans for it.

 

It’s IFS He was mistaken. May not even get it now. God dammit.

 

Yeah I’m going back and forth. How much rock crawling am I honestly going to do.

 

Update. Looked underneath. The factory coating is cracking but still on it. As I plan to take it down to frame, do they still make coatings like this? I’m familiar with fluid film but clearly they used to do it right.

Bed is rusted and not worth saving/fixing. So it looks like a welded on flat bed.

http://shop-xo-fab-com.3dcartstores.com/Toyota-DIY-Flatbed-Kit_p_1812.html

Looks legit to me unless someone knows of a better one?

Not too worried about fenders/hood as I plan to throw long travel suspension on and will go fiberglass. Interior seems to be the biggest issue beyond that.

Am I ignorant or does the rust look manageable?

 

Anyone?

 

Looks fine rust wise to me

 

Thanks Guess I’m gonna go ahead and start draining my wallet on this fucker. Thoughts on finding a new bed for it vs going with the flat bed I linked?
I’d love to keep it more original but idk where the hell id find a bed in good condition.

 

The outside of the box doesn't look bad at all. Is it the inside that's messed up? If I recall those years had a seam on the lower portion of the box where they'd rust.
That truck is nice looking to me as it sits.
1986 Access Cab 4x4 is the model year 4x4 that converted me somewhat. My friend's truck who purchased it new.

 

The bed is rusted through in a few spots. Maybe I’m overthinking how easy it would be to cut/weld to fix?

 

On the other side there are spots rusted through the outer layer. I believe there’s a small spot on the side pictured.

 

Bought one brand new in Sep '86 and drove it for 10 years. Great truck.