1983 Celica convertible

[DoubleActing]

Hi. I got myself a 1983 Celica convertible. No, that isn't a typo. The car was built in 1982, then went under the knife to become a convertible. This process apparently took long enough that the car was registered for the road as a 1983. It was built using the GT+S package. Basically it's fitted with the analog 22re and independent rear suspension of the gts, but there was no gts badge back then.
Right, so, I need a driver seat since mine is bent, literally bent to shit from the fatass PO throwing himself into the car, and the head needs a rebuild cuz number 4 has a burned valve.
Oh yeah, and the engine was rebuilt about 15 years ago. Guess what? They put in flat pistons instead of crowned ones, so compression test maxes out at 90psi. Turbo time I guess

[twotone_ra64]

Welcome! Quite the unique 'vert you've got there! Is it auto or manual? Where are you located?

The GT-S seats are actually very easy to take apart; they're basically just cushions bolted to a tube frame. There's a chance you could straighten it out.

Oooh, a boosted vert... I think that would be cool and easily increase the uniqueness factor of your car!

[DoubleActing]

Near chicago, car is a manual. I need the head repaired before anything else. Know of anyone who can handle rebuilding an early head? engnbldr isn't responding to calls or emails, seems he folded.
Folded across n^N dimensions into a pocket universe no longer accessible from our own. Not even his dad knows where he is.

[twotone_ra64]

Very nice! There's 22RE Performance in Chico, CA, but after a quick read, it looks like they can't work on the pre-84 heads... Not entirely sure of any specialists in the Midwest, either. Toyhead Auto would be another option, it seems they have parts but not sure about services.

[Sigma Projects]

Welcome to the forums! Sounds like a proper 83 Convertible.

[swan song]

If engnbldr ain’t around anymore, you 22re guys are eff’d

[Sigma Projects]

If engnbldr ain’t around anymore, you 22re guys are eff’d

Why is that? There seems to be quite a few parts still available for the 22R because of all the Tacos.

[DoubleActing]

I keep trying to contact the guy, and every time, no bueno. No response to emails, his line is busy every time I call. Maybe he doesn't like me? Can someone who's done business with the guy try to get in contact with him? Maybe I just keep calling at the wrong time

[swan song]

Not that you can’t get parts, but he provided quality parts at a price that couldn’t be matched with free shipping.

[DoubleActing]

Hold up, just got off the phone with him. He must get a LOT of calls. Not surprising when you think about it, the guy REALLY knows his stuff. I'll definitely be getting parts from his shop, can't think of many other places that still know anything about the older 22re's