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Originally Posted by DicKy  
Glad to see the TownAce in your hands. |
Thanks! Was going to quote you in the other thread with the link to this one but you were clearly faster!
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Originally Posted by DicKy Some more deep cleaning and period correct new interior carpeting, this would be a looker and keeper. |
Yep, will use it a bit and get it sorted completely before going for a deep clean later on. Matting too is in the pipeline. It is a keeper for sure!
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Originally Posted by AKSarkar1 Japanese/JDM cars from the 90s are truly evergreen and your Toyota is a perfect example of this, not many cars out there that can handle Indian roads despite being 30 years old. |
Absolutely! They keep going on and on! Hoping this one is a trouble-free experience as well just like my previous Toyota, a 2004 Corolla.
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Originally Posted by AKSarkar1 Would love to see your car in person someday!  |
For sure! Glad to share the passion around.
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Originally Posted by VNair Wow! Looks brilliant! Can be converted in to a super tourer or a camper van. Was always a fan of this one since I saw it in a movie [It was a tamil one, I suppose].
Wishing you lot of miles and smiles with this beauty. |
I did intend to make it a camper of sorts. Let's see how and when I can get on with it. For now, I intend to use it as it and drive it for a few thousand kms.
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Originally Posted by ajayc123 Such a charming vehicle. I really feel sad about being in the NCR and being subjected to the NGT restrictions, we can’t even see such cars around. |
The scenario in NCR is indeed saddening. Especially with some stunning vehicles around.
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Originally Posted by benbsb29 I had a toy version of one of these in blue, when i was a kid. Brought back memories of playing with it back then.
Congrats on your find and looking forward to updates on your ownership thread. |
Glad it brought back some happy memories! Thank you and I shall try to post regular updates.
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Originally Posted by jeeva Glad that people like you still exist. :-) May your tribe grow.
Thats a beautiful van- exudes charm and character. |
Haha! Thanks, those are some kind words!
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Originally Posted by jeeva |
There is a tiny bit of smoking that is happening but to be frank, the car had been standing for a few years before I got it. There is an oil change and engine flush happening as I type this, if the smoking persists then will look at alternatives. Thanks for the link though!
[quote=ROG_AK;5376291]Wow! this is absolute nostalgia! I grew up in Africa with a Town Ace (1989 model) and there are so many unforgettable memories touring in this amazing van. It still remains my benchmark till this date. We had a Town Ace Royal Lounge, which was the top spec variant back then. It had features back then that put most of todays cars to shame:
Wow wow! That looks lovely. So glad this thread has invoked nostalgia amongst a lot of people. Did not expect that, to be honest. And yes, the TownAce were loaded with features indeed! The skylites look beautiful, would have loved mine to have them too.
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Originally Posted by rrsteer Hi ///RMan, congratulations on your acquisition. Hope you get to enjoy the van as much as you want. |
Thank you fellow van owner!
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Originally Posted by rrsteer Its a co-incidence but I have been preparing to put up a thread on the HiAce recently. I have written most of it and aim to have it up by the coming weekend. |
Waiting for it!
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Originally Posted by coolmel My man! I passed by you and wanted to stop but couldn't. Haha! I saw its a unique Toyota, wanted to park mine next to you and take some pics if you didn't mind. Id still love to do so, please dm me your location and ill definitely swing by to see the beauty. Drive long and safe bud.  |
Oh! Should have stopped for sure. Assuming you saw me in Goregaon?
Also, yes for sure, will drop you a message and we can co-ordinate.
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Originally Posted by Arbind Ray Your post of the Town-Ace made all those memories resurface. I've achieved most of my childhood ambitions, even customised a brand new Renault Traffic extended wheel base Van into a mobile home theatre with Sony Bravia HD TV, 5.1 digital surround sound with floor & ceiling mini recessed spots for mood lighting, even a 3kw sine wave inverter that could power a 240v hairdryer |
Wow that sounds great! The inverter is on cards for me as well, once my bank balance looks sensible enough to do that
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Originally Posted by Arbind Ray A modified camper van like the Town Ace has appeared on the radar from time to time, overtaken by diverse projects from one decade to another resulting in hours spent watching various renovations on YouTube. Then I read your recollection of the Mystery Van and wonder... maybe one day. |
Go for it! There's always space for one more.
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Originally Posted by ringoism I can remember flying across both Nepal and Thailand in these at speeds they probably shouldn't have been going (about 150kmph for the latter), and my dad has put lakhs of km's on his in Honduras with hardly a snag, despite regular overloading on bad roads A bit dull to drive and substantial engine noise is there in the diesels, but they certsinly do what they were made to very well. |
Damn! 150kmph seems scary in this thing. But good to know they are capable of that.
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Originally Posted by ringoism A true international success story, I don't think you could go wrong owning/driving one. If I could find a 4wd version I'd be especially keen / happy.
-Eric |
I don't think there are many Toyotas which you could go wrong with.
Even I hoped this one were a 4WD but I'm happy finding one out here.
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Originally Posted by vaibhavyagnik There is a town ace lying in absolute horrible conditon in Bhavnagar, gujarat. Probably abandoned by the once owner and garage for the lack of spares. I looked inside and the dash and seats were all removed, but lying inside. I wonder if it will get a second life by someone as passionate as you. |
Oh yeah? Would you happen to have pictures or a location? Will hit you up on this privately.
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Originally Posted by digitalnirvana Absolutely love this!
Wishing you many thousands of happy miles with this gem of a find! |
Thank You!
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Originally Posted by sandeepmohan The TownAce and many of its brothers, sisters, cousins are a common sight in my part of the world. Sturdy, dependable vehicles. The modification potential for this series of vans are huge. Many convert them to campervans. Throw in a bed, small utensil washing sink, storage cupboards and you are sorted. Some retro fit an electrical system to draw power from the outside when parked at powered campsites. With this option, you can run a heater, Oven, Toaster, etc. Useful during winter months. Check out some of the builds this couple have done to their vans here. You could use some ideas, in case you want to head down this road.
The dashboard is almost identical to the Qualis that was sold in our market.
Enjoy your new pride and joy. |
Oh yeah Australia and NZ is big on van culture I believe! When I was looking for some cosmetic parts on EBay, literally everything was shipping from Australia and NZ.
I do have plans to make it a camper someday, will think of it in detail sometime in the future. Thanks for the link, always helpful to have ready references.
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Originally Posted by SandyX These are common sight in SE Asian countries, all generations of it in all kinds of condition. Used to come across a ton of these everytime I stepped out. I'm pretty sure there's no shortage of spares for old Toyotas. People are just not caring enough to check with those sources, and instead choose to abandon these domestic rarities. I'm glad you saved one. I hope that Hiace sitting in a resort somewhere get saved as well. |
SE Asia runs on vans, quite literally.
I'd agree about the spares being available as well, but the cosmetic trims are a little tough to source, and tougher to import.
Which HiAce do you mention? Any pictures/link?
9th August 2022, 17:31
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Thanks
