KinLM's Teenage Camry Project

[KinLM]

Hi all!

So, I'm now able to legally drive 👍 and I've been handed down a late 90's Toyota Camry.

Being an ambitious 15 year old teenager, I've got some reasonably big plans for this car.

So, I thought I'd turn to the great minds of GTP for some help!

The first things I want to do are all things that cost little or no money, and the first of these would be to strip out the inside.

I'd like to take out all the inner carpets and yucky 15 year old plastic leather in the car. All I'm gonna keep in is the AC (I live in Texas, 100° summers) and probably the stereo for now, as well as all the other basic things like the dash and such.

I've got some money to spend and would also like to replace the enormous decaying leather seats for some more racing-spec seats and racing harnesses, so I could lighten the car while also improving safety.

This might cost too much right now but if it helps, I'd probably take out both the front and back seats, but only replace the front ones with racing seats. I really won't be needing the back ones.

Anyways, I've got many more plans but that's mostly it for now. I just know little about this stuff and was just wondering if anybody can give me tips on how to safely and smartly strip out the inside of my car.

Any input is greatly appreciated! 👍 happy driving to all.

 

[motortrend]

Don't strip it. Just take good care of it, fix it up
And care for it As much as you can so
It looks good and maybe do some light mods such as wheels/tires and suspension that also count as maintenance since they have to be replaced eventually anyhow. Other than that, I would do nothing, as it would be more cost-effective to simply save up and buy a car better suited for speed. More info on the car would help (transmission, miles, pictures etc.)

 

[SpartanG]

Honestly, I'm in the same position as you (owning a non-fun car) and your money would serve you better just saving it and eventually flipping the camry and getting something you like.

If you tear up the interior on the camry, it will be worth nothing if you ever wanted to sell it. There's just no point in modifying a car that was meant to be soulless and tepid. You want to make the car lighter... What exactly will that accomplish? It will handle just as awfully as before.

I'm going to be selling the RL I've had for two years and getting something fun. I think you should consider the same.

 

[KinLM]

The problem I have are these two things.

1. The car is already pretty much worthless. 190,000 miles on the tranny, most everything is in need of maintenance and

2. the used car market where I live isn't very friendly either.

I'd much rather buy something better but doubt I'll have the money anytime before I'm 80.

 

[NissanSkylineN1]

What's the engine? If its a 2.2L 4 cyl, then you're in luck.

I would just remove the back seats for now. And get on the maintenance!

 

[SpartanG]

The problem I have are these two things.

1. The car is already pretty much worthless. 190,000 miles on the tranny, most everything is in need of maintenance and

2. the used car market where I live isn't very friendly either.

I'd much rather buy something better but doubt I'll have the money anytime before I'm 80.

It's less worthless than if it had no interior. See if your parents are willing to sell at some point in the future, you never know what you're gonna get. If it's in need of maintenance, try fixing it up then! you'll grow more attached to a car by working on it than by putting bucket seats in it haha. And the sooner you start saving, the sooner it'll pay off. Like I said, i was in your position. A lot of other people probably have been too. Now that you have a car you can probably find a job. I worked in fast food for 2 years and a job at a food store, but now I have enough money to get a sporty car for these twisty backroads

 

[KinLM]

What's the engine? If its a 2.2L 4 cyl, then you're in luck.

I would just remove the back seats for now. And get on the maintenance!

The problem is the maintenance is all expensive stuff.

Replace the brakes, needs new tires, new air filter, the suspension is quite fatigued, and the whole interior leather looks terrible.

EDIT: I also can't get a job really until I'm 16, thus why I'm somewhat upset, as I'll have no real income for another year.

 

[Kylehnat]

The problem is the maintenance is all expensive stuff.

Replace the brakes, needs new tires, new air filter, the suspension is quite fatigued, and the whole interior leather looks terrible.

Unfortunately, all of that maintenance is stuff that needs to be done to keep the car functional and safe. (Racing seats don't really accomplish that). Welcome to world of car-ownership!

 

[motortrend]

Indeed, one can't get into modding when there's upkeep to do, which there is always something on these older cars.

 

[speed junkie]

Change the oil to at least keep the car going. Dont spend time or the money you don't have on anything else unless it's falling off. Keep the car running for as long as you can save up enough to buy something that's worth modifying like a Miata (there's your answer for whenever you need to make a "what cheap and reliable sports car should I buy" thread.)

Also don't take the interior out. You'll be disappointed to find that the condition of whats underneath is no better than what you have now.

 

[Cano]

Change the oil to at least keep the car going. Dont spend time or the money you don't have on anything else unless it's falling off. Keep the car running for as long as you can save up enough to buy something that's worth modifying like a Miata (there's your answer for whenever you need to make a "what cheap and reliable sports car should I buy" thread.)

Also don't take the interior out. You'll be disappointed to find that the condition of whats underneath is no better than what you have now.

Took all the words right off my mouth (keyboard).

 

[SpeedDrift360]

Like everyone else said, definetly take care of it. I'd put some things to make a stand out a bit more, and some stuff under the hood to make it a little faster. That's it. I wouldn't go over the top with it.

 

[hawkeye122]

I have a 2.2 Camry (Granted, its the Manual) and find it works JUST FINE to drive around in. Dont waste your money on modding it, just keep it plain and learn how to drive.

I kicked some serious butt in Autocross against some much stiffer and lighter Honda Civics. Really, dont bother. Keep it real.

Besides, girls dig the whole "Clean interior" thing and would rather ride in something that resembles a complete car.

 

[Space Dynamics]

Anything that drives (reliably) and has A/C can sell for good money. Commuters love those two things when they are looking for a car.