Restoring a Classic Celica: Challenges, Upgrades, and Customization

- Authors
- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this episode of Larry Chen's show, we delve into the world of Celicas, a car that's making a roaring comeback. Larry takes us through his personal journey with a project car that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. From initially not knowing much about these vehicles to becoming immersed in the Celica community, Larry shares his experiences of driving, tuning, and learning from fellow enthusiasts at car shows. The allure of older cars, free from strict regulations, led Larry to embark on this restoration project, where he encountered challenges with tuning carburetors and eventually upgraded to a modern ignition system for improved performance.
As a master in building high-performance drift cars, Larry found himself in uncharted territory with this hobby project, carefully restoring a rust-free chassis and repainting it with a modern finish. Despite his expertise in crafting fast cars, this full restoration presented a unique set of challenges and learnings for Larry. The custom wheel project, inspired by Toyota Works, showcases his attention to detail and dedication to creating a truly unique vehicle. From 3D printed badges to LED headlights and a manual brake setup with adjustable bias, every aspect of this Celica restoration reflects Larry's passion for excellence and innovation in the automotive world.
The journey with this Celica project has not only been about reviving a classic car but also about pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques. Larry's meticulous approach to color sanding for a flawless finish, along with the custom slotted rotors and hats on the brakes, demonstrates his commitment to perfection in every detail. Through this project, Larry not only pays homage to the heritage of the Celica but also leaves his mark as a visionary in the realm of automotive restoration and customization.

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube

Image copyright Youtube
Watch Celica Restoration Made To Be The Best Daily-Driven Canyon Carver, by Stephen Papadakis on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Celica Restoration Made To Be The Best Daily-Driven Canyon Carver, by Stephen Papadakis
Larry's humorous comment at 2:13
Appreciation for Stephen Papadakis' respectful build of the Celica
Comments on the beauty and color of the Celica
Mention of another YouTuber, Sarah-N-Tuned, building a similar Celica
Nostalgia for older JDM cars like the Celica
Positive remarks on the build and color of the Celica
Memories and experiences with older Celica models
Excitement for the new Celica model
Curiosity about the modifications made to the front end of the Celica for better handling
Personal stories and regrets related to owning or not owning a Celica
Related Articles

Capturing Ken Block: A Journey Through Iconic Motorsport Moments
Larry Chen and Exhibit reminisce about capturing Ken Block's iconic moments, from Climbkhana 1 to rally shots, showcasing their journey in motorsport photography. Explore their shared history and the Ken Block exhibit at the Peterson Museum.

Unveiling the Nissan Tarmac Edition: SEMA Showcase Highlights
Larry Chen unveils the Nissan Tarmac Edition at SEMA, featuring a supercharged engine, Nismo carbon fiber intake, and unique livery. Mr. Nismo surprises Chen during the showcase, highlighting the truck's aggressive design and limited availability.

Rare N1 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR: Racing Origins and 400R Tribute Build
Larry Chen showcases a rare N1 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR at SEMA Booth, highlighting its racing origins and 400R tribute build with 750 hp engine. The meticulous restoration includes authentic 400R parts, emphasizing the importance of preserving JDM legends.

Unleashing Power: Shelby Raptor R Baja - Off-Road Beast Revealed
Discover the Shelby Raptor R Baja, a high-performance off-road truck with 900 horsepower, unique design elements, and luxurious interior features. Learn about its powerful upgrades, testing by Larry Chen and Gary Patterson, and how to acquire this beast through Ford dealerships or Shelby America in Las Vegas.