They're Insanely Rare.. SO I Restored Mine // V8 Celica

Restoring Next To Impossible to Find OEM USDM Tail Lamps for my 1974 Toyota Celica.
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Mark L.
Meghan "in Seattle"
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Ray I.
Terry S.
Todd C.

[@ArunSudama-ur2cd]

Sarah..overkill? No! Seriously, I so appreciate the detailed work and watching your attention to detail. Every other KZbin builds an engine in 20 seconds and then drag races it. I prefer seeing the magic of engineering

[@marcfisher7280]

Sarah’s videos are so fun to watch and the build choices are unique. Your comment is on spot 🍻

[@mostcom]

🏁

[@bruzrcruzr2004]

If that was my Little Badazz Celica I'd be going full detail. These are really very sought after cars even AFTER their debut. You come across one and it just ain't for sale. I did end up with a Datsun B210 that was pretty much the Celica's cousin back then.

[@matthieu4792]

I totally agree 💯

[@zachbelstra4901]

I’m sure 100 people have already said it, but your attention to detail and showing what others don’t is why people who have stuck to this channel stay around. We’re here for the nitty-gritty, not the fast cuts and “magic” transformations. Keep it up, Sarah, you do great work.

[@coreyscarrepairs]

I for one deeply appreciate the real restoration content and am sick and tired of watching rushed "builds" that don't even run right and blow up. I wish I had the time and money to do what you are doing but until then I live vicariously through you. Thank you for what you do, Sarah.

[@jwenting]

yeah, I always cringe as those guys, whether on youtube or television. Remember "Orange County Choppers"? Always pulling rush jobs and shipping products that anyone with half a brain could tell were horrible quality? The only reason they got rich and famous was the TV contracts and exposure. I doubt they'd ever even have made it as a local quality shop with their practices had they not had the business acumen to contact Discovery for a TV coop. And all those car shows that paint a car less than a day before delivery? No time for QA and touching up... Either the customers have to sign some seriously restrictive contracts that bar them from complaining or they take the vehicles back after the recorded delivery and correct all the problems. My money is on the former.

[@coreyscarrepairs]

@@jwenting Shows like that I always assumed what you said at the end. After the production I assume they actually finish them, I hope. lol

[@michaelbrinks8089]

Will the heavier 562 lb V8 have any negative effect on handling? I'm not sure which would be more fun to drive. A lower rpm V8 that makes way more torque than HP. Made for trucks & hauling weight. Or a lighter weight, higher rpm, high HP turbo 4 cyl? The Celica was purposely meant to look like a mini late 60s Camaro or Firebird muscle car but came with a peppy 4cyl engine. I dunno, I think the lower rpm V8 will make it like a torque monster, stoplight to stoplight drag muscle car in a mini body. And a lighter weight, high hp, higher rpm, turbo 4cyl. Won't have as much bottom end grunt. But might be overall more fun & engaging to drive. 🤷‍♂️ If the heavier engine/more weight up front, doesn't hurt handling. Then I'd probably go V8 also.

[@digital4282]

For those of you who don't know, Sarah has quite the time with the contact cement ... awhile back she had a can explode and it was everywhere, in her hair, all over the shop, and IIRC there are still remnants of it over on that shelf in the corner

[@JohnDoe-qz1ql]

😮😮😮 How did it explode besides the Boom!!? Thanks, I was about to ask!!

[@michaelkemmet834]

@@JohnDoe-qz1ql IIRC, the can got knocked off a box/table and it landed on the nozzle. The stem broke off or got pushed inside the can, so it started shooting contact cement everywhere as the pressure propelled the can around.

[@BradleyBellwether-oy2qi]

It even got in her eyes. 😭

[@JohnDoe-qz1ql]

@@michaelkemmet834 Dang must've Really sucked! Girls really like their hair!!

[@dustinparker9456]

During the Ragnar build. Acetone cleans that stuff off

[@ericthomas3181]

You're at your best when you're rambling... I like the way your mind works... ramble on!

[@jimbrust486]

Plastic is 'chromed' using vapor depositing. The plastic is placed in a vacuum chamber attached to an electrical ground, then a vacuum is pulled in the chamber, and then aluminum is vaporized with high voltage electricity which gives the vapor a positive charge. The positively charged aluminum is attracted to the grounded plastic. A coat of clear is applied once the plastic is removed from the chamber. Plastic car models use this process and there are videos out there showing this. Great restoration so far.

[@tj_offroad]

I think you can also spray parts with a conductive base or primer that you can then electroplate yourself in a similar way to a metal part. 3d print enthusiasts use this method.

[@jwenting]

yeah, same way that optical instruments are coated, but with far less stringent requirements for consistency and thickness of the coating. Done it a few times (under supervision of a master instrument maker) as a student. Interesting process.

[@michaelmader9607]

​​@@tj_offroadYes exactly. As a student I worked in a factory doing Mercedes and Maybach trim. They had these huge galvanic basins for it. Precoated with some copperish stuff, then treated similar to metal parts.

[@hydroxacte]

Yup and for plastic models at least, there is "liquid chrome" paint available as a pen or a bottle or a spray can. Probably wouldn't pass muster at a concourse exhibit, but if there was one eentsy little flake missing on a taillight bezel...

[@jabberwockytdi8901]

Not the only way , plastic ( nearly always ABS ) is also properly chromed using electroplating aftre pretreatng the plastic to make th surface electrically conductive. Thats what the auto industry uses. Aluminium is too delicate a finish.

[@kylee5510]

One of the best automotive content creators, top notch. Keep up the excellent work!

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Celica build is looking great, those little details take horrendous amounts of time for sure, but they pay off on the final product in a huge way.

[@BradleyBellwether-oy2qi]

It's kind of frustrating waiting for so long of a build, but it's still better than a 20 second slideshow, then cut to burnouts!

[@SarahnTuned]

Fast Progress Equals Junk; there are no exceptions.

[@JustaPilot1]

90% done, 90% to go.

[@kirknewton100]

I really look forward to watching your videos. Your knowledge is second to none, your patience is incredible. Your attention to detail is fantastic. You keep doing your thing. Love the humour. 😂❤

[@jetsons101]

Sarah is so enjoyable after a long day at work...... Thanks for your time, hard work and posting.

[@timjim9016]

Thanks!

[@james1965]

I love that you did not settle for the LS swap. Having a Toyota V8 in your muscle car brings it to a much higher level. Love your builds, you do great work!

[@bandicoot543]

Sarah get your self a can of Eagle One Nevr-Dull Polish. It's a wool like material that has a polishing fluid soaked into it. It works wonders on everything from soft plastics to wheels. It would have probably helped a ton on those plastic chrome tail light bezels. Its not expensive and easy to find and it goes a long ways. I use it all the time and its my go to for hand polishing most things.

[@jackhegarty3495]

Sarah, you Rock. I am a 66 year old grandfather and watched your video for the first time today. My two daughters had a wrench, hammer or drill long before getting their first Barbie. If they call for help today I know they have already killed themselves trying so I grab my tools and hit the road. Be You and stay Awesome.

[@alanlevy8655]

In 1975 I purchased a 1974 Celica Gt. Almost 50 years ago. You’re really bringing back memories. You’re a superstar keep up the great work and vids.

[@wjye]

OK as cool as LS swaps in 20 seconds, and blowing up engines may be, I really like seeing the minor and small stuff. The attention to detail and your focus on all the little details that add up, is one of the reasons I love this channel. Keep doing what you do Sarah.

[@wild_lee_coyote]

The ST in the Celica ST stands for Sarah-n-Tuned. This is going to be one mean Japanese Muscle machine.

[@christopherbrown6697]

That would make for a nice decal or T-shirt design: I'm imagining the ST in its original font and color on a black circle or oval with Sarah-n-Tuned around the perimeter in a band of 1974 honey mustard.

[@craigpennington1251]

Attention to detail and being a perfectionist makes a quality build like no other. Keep at it Sarah. You're doing great. Everything that I've seen you build is killer & quality. So glad you didn't stuff a Chevy 350 in it like all the rest. Plus you got a manual stick shift which should come standard in every vehicle made like they used to.

[@SarahnTuned]

Same exact transmission that’s in the Celica Supra, the W58 is crisp and notchy.

[@gregmuon]

Let's be blunt here. I don't want to see an LS SWAP!!! A gazillion and one people have done that already. THANK YOU for doing something that is much more interesting!

[@SWells679]

Oh yeah.that "iForce V8" has gotta go somewhere on there.

[@SarahnTuned]

It will!

[@wesleypulkka7447]

Sarah, I totally support your attention to detail. A couple of years ago I completed the restoration of a 66 VW Bug and did my best to cover all the bases. You are a very rare person who has the patience and energy to do things as close to factory quality as possible. But in your case any vehicle you touch comes out better than factory. Mega Kudos!

[@RattleCanShenanigans]

LOL @ 10:44 - "Actually, you can't even really see it... but I'll still do it." Yup! That's our Sarah!

[@sabledriver]

I subscribed to this channel because of the unusual project content. I'm not even into Japanese or European cars, but I have enjoyed the journey with each of the projects I have watched. Your sense of humor is fun, and your attention to detail is above and beyond. I wish you could redo my car! Thanks for the content!

[@googleyoutube766]

Hey girl, I watch your builds because you take the time to fix the little details instead of just swapping in NOS. Keep it up!!

[@danielstanway1222]

Sarah laying down the hard truths and facts! I appreciate your work and efforts, never leave us lady, ever.

[@ready4u814]

Do you realize perfection is where Angels dwell. Keep up the great work. You are an Angel in disguise.

[@michaelmitten2977]

Sarah had a bad experience with the spray glue crap once. Glue meet hair. Like I said, bad experience.

[@mrwest5552]

@michaelmitten2977 - agreed. while working on Ragnar her 1969 VW give away, the top of spray adhesive got sheered off then pressurized contents covered her beautiful hair. not good. i'm sure she doesn't even like "looking" at can of spray glue now.

[@bandwagon240]

Yeah, from experience it's not a fun time when you accidentally glue your beard to a headliner. 0/10, do not recommend.

[@mrwest5552]

@@bandwagon240 - agreed. no fun.

[@Bawkr]

Sounds like I need to watch old vids. Think I found the channel during the 1g celica build.

[@edwinflores807]

Big storage box tip: before you cover the tub, take a Polaroid of the contents and tape it to the front of the storage tub so you can see the contents with a glance, instead of opening them every time to remember what is in the tubs

[@petermoller8337]

Polaroid, like an arctic robot 😊😅

[@henriyoung3895]

I take a sheet of paper and list everything and slip it in a clear plastic cover n tape it to the outside. This works if you don't have a Polaroid camera from 1970's.

[@corsa180]

As someone who is horrible with details, I appreciate, and am fascinated by, your attention to detail. Love watching it. The Celica is going to be amazing.

[@xciteful]

DON'T CHANGE A THING. The way you do things is so adorable.

[@worseorbetter]

Chrome plated plastic. There are 2 ways to go about it. One is vacuum metalization in which the part to be plated is set in a vacuum chamber along with filaments made out of aluminum foil. A current is run through the foil causing it to become incandescent as the atoms from the foil coat everything - including the part/s - in the chamber. Finished parts need be 'finished' in a clear urethane or epoxy to preserve the coating. A much easier way is to just coat these parts with a paint that has a high metal content and then have them chrome plated. This is how the T800s were chromed in the Terminator films.

[@jimwyer4257]

I’m not sure if someone else commented on your trunk trim installation, but I believe the reason the join of the gasket is placed at the lowest point is precisely for the reason you stated to move it, I.e that’s were any water will pool. Placing the join there allows the water to escape. Placing the join anywhere else, guarantees that the water will pool and rust out the bodywork. Think of the join as a drain hole in a sink or, shower or bath… always at the lowest point. Window trim also follows this philosophy.

[@georgegarcia4712]

I don't watch for instant gradification😂n of time lapse mods. I watch because of you and your OCD and love of the details.

[@JK-ns5dr]

You're a frigging rock star Sarah. Love this car...... And you're wearing the DL shirt! I was guessing on the size.

[@DaveOnTheInterWebz]

Always happy to see a new Sarah video in my subscription feed! Your attention to detail is sublime. Stay cool Sarah! :D

[@simonjenkins5738]

While I can’t say I would’ve put in the time and effort you did, I definitely understand and appreciate the fact that you did

[@PatHaskell]

Love your sense of humor, skill, vision and attention to detail.

[@davidglad]

I was a latecomer to this series, but I have an infinite amount of respect for the insane amount of time that went into the earlier videos too. Rookie mistake for somebody to ask "why do you keep changing your shirt?" (Spoiler alert: obvious giveaway another day or two flew by.)

[@BillinSD]

OMG the tail light work is so satisfying. Very nice!

[@larrydemonte2218]

When I was 17 that was 50 years ago, I was in love with the Celica I couldn’t wait to get one which I did and 1981

[@jaball77]

Lots of automotive KZbin feels pretty stale right now with supercars and LS and K swaps in everything. I appreciate the pace and the depth of your projects! It's refreshing!

[@EfTheTank]

This is actually the exact type of car content that I'm interested in. The nitty gritty of stripping and renovating an older vehicle. The fact that you did this with a Celica Supra, a vehicle that I'm fond of from my own history, and now a classic Celica, is especially fun to observe. That you're a lovely, charming woman of similar disposition is a nice bonus. You're entertaining to watch, and I very much enjoy your content. The minor details of clipping a roof -- this sort of "minutia" is completely glossed over or skipped by every other creator, but is 100x more fun than another burnout video. More of this, the struggles and victories! Also, thank you for existing! :)

[@Primus54]

I have seen many so-called “restored” classics for sale that use the words “excellent” or “like new” in descriptions that leave such details you are correcting or renewing undone in their projects. We can watch any number of channels that swap motors or upgrade suspensions, but these OCD-ish things you do are to me more interesting, satisfying, and sets your cars apart. Please never change. Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍

[@jandostal7343]

Job worth doing is a job worth doing well. I find it relaxing watching Sarah detail every piece. Window regulator replacement is an art. Well done 😊

[@bigkeg9173]

The only channel on KZbin I fully watch the ads 😊

[@bellesogne]

3:53 The masking, cleaning, and detailing is why I watch. So much OCD goodness. Watching burnouts does not scratch the OCD itch.

[@FrederickMohler]

Always a great video, Sarah. Thanks.

[@Penguins247]

I love the fact that you care for your cars, and that you don't go around blowing things up. That's the reason I watch your channel, and not Cleetus's :)

[@pkane5472]

Sarah's mind is a beautiful thing to try and follow sometimes..... actually, all the time! I guess that's why we love her!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

The early Celica style you are working on are IMO the best version of the production Celica ever produced. You're absolutely spot-on regarding those tail lights. One of the best stylized light sets ever made. For a car getting its styling cues from the early Mustangs, by 1974 they were just gorgeous. I tried one on in 1974 - at 6'4" it just would not fit. I was a sad panda.

[@trentdawg2832]

They have that mini baby mustang vibe!!!

[@hackfabrication139]

90% of the work, is in the last 10% of the job. Thanks for mentioning the cost for a shop done resto (or resto-mod). And a total custom creation, is well into the six figure category. I know how much it cost to resto-mod my 1976 Jeep CJ5 (Ford Racing 5.0L, EFI, etc.), and I refer to it as 'an embarrassing amount'. I don't disclose the total, as people would either think I was lying, or stupid (for doing it). Or both.

[@thomasbraeking6225]

Insane! You forgot "insane"! (as I continue the resto on my 2001 XTERRA) Sarah's vids give an amazing amount of insight to the "little stuff" that differentiates a "meh" resto from her "works of ART"!

[@trackstarflash]

Listen, I have been following you for years because I enjoy your content. I enjoy your choice in vehicles. And I enjoy that you take your time to show the truth of what building alone is like. Plus we're both from the 'Shire. ;) Keep being yourself and don't compare your unique channel to others because they aren't you!!

[@abpsd73]

The cleaning/painting/polishing of all the little parts makes all the difference to how the finished vehicle looks. One thing I found for crusty rubber parts (provided they aren't too far dry rotted) is to throw them into a bucket/container with water and a crapload of dishwashing detergent, let it soak for a week or so, it restores the softness and years of accumulated grime film comes off easily.

[@Primus54]

Yup… and might I add the use of distilled water to eliminate mineral accumulation and put a lid or cover on the container to prevent evaporation. Excellent technique. 👍

[@geraldc.37]

First!

[@CH3NO2Semonious]

If I want to see down and dirty street rods being built I'd go out to my shop. After fifty years of building street budget rods, I'm watching you to learn stuff! Same reason I watch your car reviews, I learn stuff. And I trust your opinions, something I can't say about 99% of what I see. I love your attention to detail, and how you explain your thought process. As you were looking through the totes, I thought that next time I dig through mine, I'm going to take pictures, print them and tape then on the end of the totes. Thanks for sharing your time with us.

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Sarah! Thanks for making it. Those of us that live in the desert laugh at "recommended curing times".

[@melodicchronic5181]

Those rear lights look fire! I personally think that all turn signals should be amber colored. I don't like how most American made car's turn signals are red. . . that's the brake color. And this new concept on newer cars where the turn signal is the same light as the headlight, so when you turn it on, the headlight turns off while it's signaling. . . so stupid. They should be separated and amber colored. Anyway, this car is looking so badass, Sarah!

[@davidholland3564]

Thanks for showing the steps most channels jus skip over, it's wat we been needn

[@brianhernandez589]

Welcome to Sarah's Toyota Channel. All Celicas, all the time! So there!😊

[@HannahFortalezza]

As someone that has also restored cars, yeah, it’s a process; a long process. I appreciate you showing the realities

[@smavtmb2196]

I love that Sarah doesn't build Janky KZbin cars. Her attention to detail and qaulity is awesome.

[@rlorion]

You're the best Sarah, keep doing what you're doing, and you will have happy followers for a long time.

[@Friedbrain11]

No such thing as overkill! I do not like "20second" builds and then burnouts and such. Your channel is what I look for and it fills the bill perfectly.

[@bmurphy8946]

Sarah, I don’t want to see NOS swap outs and then go to burn outs I like see exactly like your doing everything, all the take apart, taping, scraping, repainting, repairing and refurbishing. Thank you 😊

[@witchcraftauto]

I absolutely love your channel! I bet your awkwardness goes away when you're talking about cars, because I know mine does! Keep up the awesome content.

[@russellyurkovich1296]

Binder clips are also good for keeping bags of chips closed.

[@jimhewitt1273]

Started watching you when you did the GoKart build. That was my introduction to the wonderful world of Sarah OCD. I don't know if you still have it, but I am still waiting to see you drop a stage 3 or 4 engine into it. Here's to my next 2 years with Sarah-n-Tuned.

[@mrmister385]

Hey NH gurl ! It's me, the winner of the Supra, Mark! Yayyyyyy! (i hope) Not only do I live just left of Nashua, in Hollis, but I was also stationed at DM and was a EC-130H Crew Chief in the late 1990s. Keep giving me the beans !!!!

[@thomasphilyaw8593]

The Celeeeca is really coming along. As you would say, "that rear end is fire". The tail lights really pop!!!

[@SimplyJohann]

Absolutely one of my favorite cars from the 70s. Such a smooth vehicle.

[@michaelau5159]

I have never watched your content before but subscribed after watching this video. I like your commentary style and the general "realness" of the build video. Makes a nice change to 99% of auto rebuild videos (where the KZbinr actually gets someone else to do the work but off camera) so I'm looking forward to going and watching your old content.

[@thekatmann9730]

One rad little Celica!!

[@christopherpotter6254]

Absolutely a beautiful talented young lady.... keep chasing those hard to find cars and pushing yourself to do better... it's what makes the world go round

[@niklaswejedal463]

I am one of those who don't want to see a 20 second LS-swap, and, since I am not a child anymore, especially not burn-outs and beating the crap out of cars. Hence my love for this channel, where things are done the proper way - the Sarah way. Loving this build and your attention to every last detail. Very much looking forward to the review of the Supra and also those "wild cards" you mention. Thank you for what you do and stay awesome!

[@appleapple3855]

True while I do enjoy Mighty Car Mods and Roadkill, your content is different and also extremely satisfying. Keep it up!

[@theweezl]

Not sure if you're aware or not but the tail light bezels were never originally black. They are actually a dark metallic gray (graphite) same as the C pillar louvers and headlight bezels. Through experimentation I found GM Nightfall Gray Metallic (G7Q) to be a very close match, especially if you use a flat or satin clear over it. (Depending on base material. i.e. flat for plastic, satin for metal)

[@norm-nas]

I enjoy restoring, and hot rodding, and restomodding old cars, so I learn stuff by watching you, keep it up. I've seen enough LS swaps, and I've done it too.

[@calvinpochinko4277]

Pattern Tip/"File Folders "are Excellent for making patterns... they're strong and resist tearing and you can bend them multiple times!!!.. Beautiful Work Sarah!..❤🇨🇦

[@thadrobeck]

No need to speed up or abridge the videos. I'm genuinely enjoying this series. I may be a little biased as I am currently restoring an RX7 at a snails pace and may have just gotten halfway through a hatch seal install before realizing it was the wrong way round.

[@MikeSmith-km9ff]

People have no clue what it takes to properly restore a car. Great job!

[@IronmanV5]

Ours is not to understand how you think, ours is to stay out of your way and enjoy the process & the spectacular results.

[@chrisgabbert658]

There’s nothing sketchy about how you get stuff done . 👍😊

[@mey82]

Couldn’t care less about the LS swap. The weather stripping, masking, tab pulling, clip removing is what I’m here for. Thanks for doing this!

[@charlescdt6509]

Thank you for showing all this. You are beyond awesome.

[@Chris-13]

This car is going to look truly stunning, it will be possibly your best creation so far ? Love your work 👌👌👌

[@feabicyoplung]

Thanks Sarah, the build on the Celica is fascinating. Appreciating every detail.

[@shoutykat]

This is going to be the most exquisite little muscle car when it's done.

[@Yourmission9]

Your celica looks awesome! I can’t wait to see the finished product!

[@FrankyRedEyes]

Really enjoying the channel Sarah. Thank you.

[@ManicSalamander]

I am blown away by all the work.

[@bryanhawk6052]

We like seeing a restoration done your way Sarah!

[@GP-fc7jv]

It great to see it start to come together

[@markthomas715]

Another amazing video! Your attention to deal is Brilliant!! 😁❤️

[@2blackbikes]

Simply - AWESOME can't wait to see it complete love that car

[@eefneleman9564]

This is the kind of video I like to see. Non-linear.

[@mikeklein4949]

Absolutely perfect!!

[@woodzy575]

What a beautiful car. Great work!

[@isalmankhan1]

Thank you for sharing, all this great work😍