We just found your group while at the Good Sam Site surfing around.
Glad someone thought of this. My family and I live in California and
have just recently aquired an '80 Toyota Dolphin. I say aquired
because it actually belongs to my uncle. Two years ago his tail pipe
sort of rusted off without his knowledge (or permission, I'm sure)
started a wee fire at the back end of the mini. Melted the holding
tank,left turn signal/brake light unit and back exterior wall and left
the license plate bare of paint and tags. It has since been parked at
the rear of his house, being used as a storage shed of sorts.
When we decided to go on a winter camping trip to see the Monarch
Butterflies (At Santa Cruz Ca.) I could NOT face another round of the
"tent from hell" OR sleeping on the ground. I decided to go to my
Uncle and bring the old mini back to life. A real quick patch
job,(Thankfully he had got a non-op from DMV)a quick smog (passed with
flying colors after just an ordinary tune-up)spray painted the burnt
license plate, paid DMV for tags and we were on our way!
We were amazed at the smooth ride, got 16 miles to the gallon, and it
ran like a top. The only bad thing is...I'm afraid that my Uncle isn't
going to get his Mini back anytime soon. Last week we took a quick
ride, and are planning our May vacation, to slowly amble north up the
coast and into Oregon and Washington. So I'm afraid it's a case of, I
fixed it- I get to keep it.He's such a good guy, I might let him
borrow it occasionally ;.)
I have no idea what engine it has (other than a 4 speed) or any of the
other things you guys have been posting about...I DO know that it has
8 tires that I should think about replacing soon, and we'll definately
need to find a new holding tank ( those late night treks to the
campground potty with a five year old grandson have got to stop!)
but, even with all the work still to do...we love the little Dolphin
and couldn't be happier...unless that is, if we had more time and $$$
to use it alot more often.
We have friends here in our town in the Motorhome Repair business and
we'll be sure to put up a notice about this group! Happy Camping in
2001!
