Skip to main content

Junkyard/craigslist finds part 1

So I had a few components that needed to be replace.

- Cruise control lever broken
- Passenger side vanity mirror broken
- Capt chair lever for seat adjustment broken
- Roof top garnish broken

-------------------------------------------------

These annoyed the hell out of me! I didnt notice that the cruise control lever was broken until after I paid for the van, or I would have bargained for it (they a previa parts van in the lot).

But I was able to get the vanity mirror taken cared of. I just went to that parts van and ripped it out.

I cut the wires and put it in my van.

I finally got a chance to take it apart and realized it was easier than I thought!!!

When you open the flap, pop the cover the light cover with a flat head.

This will expose the fuse type bulb and 2 screws (philips type)
Click image for larger version. 

Name: IMG_3351[1].jpg 
Views: 7 
Size: 86.9 KB 
ID: 1824

After you unscrew those two, the mirror can slide out, but one more step:

Click image for larger version. 

Name: IMG_3353[1].jpg 
Views: 8 
Size: 95.6 KB 
ID: 1825

Unplug he wire and it is free.

Click image for larger version. 

Name: IMG_3349[1].jpg 
Views: 9 
Size: 97.6 KB 
ID: 1826
 
-------------------------------------------------

When I started to look for the captain chair lever, I knew that I would end up buying the whole seat, as I dont think anyone wanted to just sell the lever (couldn't find a junkyard that had a capt chair, but had the bench style instead).

I found a guy on craigslist that had a seat and was selling for $30. I went to his place (an hour away) and bought the seat. He had it sitting under a tarp, so the underside was rusty crusty. I have never messed with a capt's chair, but I was able to get that out of the way.

--------------------------------------------------
 Saw that a van was being parted at a local junkyard, a 95 previa like mine. I asked if they were open on Saturday and they said yes. Arrived that weekend and looked at the Previa, it was in the middle of being ripped apart. I saw the cruise control lever as the air bag was removed, couple screws and it was freed. I then saw the vinyl gray door panels and was amazed by their condition. Getting door panels to replace my driver side (horrible) was in the plan, but not priority... But when I saw it, I had to ask, they said $25 each panel, so I bought both driver side and passenger side panels (super great condition) and asked for the cruise control lever, which they gave to me for $15!!!

* I might go back and pick up the other van's panels as they were in good condition and well maintained. I hope it is still there.
--------------------------------------------------

Finally, the roof garnish. These were plastic covers on top of the van that would cover the roof rack bosses if you wanted to put on a roof rack. I looked at STEALERSHIP prices and they wanted $250!!!

I saw a van on craigslist being parted out at a ToyotaLexusScion scrap yard in Rancho Cordova. I drove the 1.5 hrs there and picked it up!!! both sides for $45


 --------------------------------------------------------

So all these were my major concern and now, I just wait for the van's motor to be put back together.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

EGR system Clean out and Code P0401

EGR system clean and Code P0401 This is another MUST DO on the previas, especially if you are having issues and code P0401 being thrown. P0401 is "Exhaust Gas Recirculation flow insufficient detected".  Parts: - EGR intake gasket - 25628-76010 - this is on the far right side next to the exhaust. - EGR valve gasket - 25627-76010 - used for the EGR valve to the intake manifold.  -Air inlet duct gasket - 22273-76010 - this is where the air goes into the intake manifold and where   the EGR port gets plugged. 1 container of coolant I did buy a set of crow's feet and Universal joints for the Exhaust pipe. I followed Zenseeker's photo's on every single detail. If you haven't visit his website (http://zenseeker.net/Previa/PreviaMaintenance.htm), it is a treasure trove of information!!!  Zenseeker gets the credit and this would have been impossible for me to do without those pictures! **The pictures are located at the bottom of this po...

I GOT A COOLBOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found out that the previa had a "cool box", which is like tiny fridge under the dash in the middle, from Toyotavantech. I have seen them only in photos and in Canadian spec previas (unsure if they were in US spec). Even our owner's manual has some mention of them. Often times, I would look at CL in Vancouver BC in hopes someone wants to sell or part a van with it. Now, I've seen a few different versions, in which I don't have the ones that are pictured below. (note, these cool box images were found on the internet). A slanted shape one  This is a cool and hot box, 3 buttons on top ------------------------------------------------------------- I've kinda looked at the cool box as a Holy Grail. 9/12/15, Saturday. After volunteering my morning at the farmer's market making boxes and putting fruits and vegetables for low income families (Phat Beets Produce!) here in Oakland, I went to go fill up gas in ...

Comparison of the Estima (ACR), Estima Aeras (TCR) and Estima Emina..

I'm here in Vancouver BC and stopped by a shop called Velocity Cars. It is a car lot that sells some imported Japanese vehicles. Import laws are different in Canada. These are all legal. They had 5 Estimas. 2 ACR Estimas, 2 TCR Estimas (like the US previa) and One Estima Emina. Looked at all of them to see their differences. They are all 8 seaters as well. First I looked at the Estimas (TCR) that were the same body as the US Previa. Besides the awesome upgrades, one was lowered, but they are the kouki versions, so newer headlights, tail lights and one had the newer Aeras roof rack. Both were AWD. The side mirrors' top were extended like a sun guard. Obvious difference in the outside, but the inside, pretty much the same. There were some small differences. 1. Rear A/C had more buttons for adjusting flow. 2. The lower tray. US previas had a tray (some didn't). Of course some Canadian models had the cool box set up. The Estima has a tray, but it is raised. The to...