1972 Datsun 1200 CA18DET

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Probably because they all tend to be designed by committee/CAD to suit ever-changing/tightening legislation for emissions, crash-worthiness, etc..., so all that gets churned out is the usual homogenous blobs loaded up with safety and emissions equipment to keep the PC brigade happy.

For instance, on most modern cars, even small ones, at least a foot of the front end is all crumple zones/crash bars, etc. behind the front bumper cover, and it all weighs a considerable amount!

[datman]

You can set tracking surprisingly accurately at home using straight edges on both sides of the car held against the wheels, I use aluminium channel. Measure the distances between the straight edges with a tape measure in front of and behind the wheels. You will need an assistant to hold the bars and the end of the tape measure.

[paulwoolley91]

Got a few bits done since the last post, it's now gas an mot and I have sent all the registration documents off so hopefully I will get some number plates for it soon 🤞 

Rebuilt the carb, fitted new rear shocks, replaced the rear brakes and actually got both cars out at the same time haha

[minijohn]

Great project - well done.

Also, my wife has the same push-bike as the one in your garage.

[paulwoolley91]

Finally it's registered 🙂 ordered some black/silver number plates but couldn't wait for them so had some made up and went for a drive. 





Apart from not wanting to start in the petrol station it went well 😂 think the fuel pump is the culprit so it'll be getting the electric pump I bought months ago fitted soon 

[mat88]

What a cool little thing!! Love all the modern upgrades (proper suspension, brakes and what not) yet still looks 100% 70s from outside!

And not sure if the decision has been made, but an sr20 is definitely right engine for it! You can't have too much power 🤣🤣

Bookmarked

[paulwoolley91]

Thats the first choice of engines for it bit also looking at CA18DET Also as they are more reasonably priced 😂 will be getting modern (90's) rear suspension too at some point but thats I massive job 😂

[Alpina99]

Congratulations on the MOT and getting it registered,
Really love the way all your (hard) work has left you with a relatively standard looking car,
Looking forward to seeing future updates on this thread,
Nigel

[grifterkid]

That is a stunning little thing...!!

[paulwoolley91]

I was worried about how long it would take to register it but wasn't too bad in the end.

Its a bit battered but it'll get there 😂 

Got the proper number plates for it now too 

[datman]

random hot non starts on Datsuns usually caused by the contact breakers not being Japanese ones, and the pivots seizing up when warm.

[paulwoolley91]

Fitted a electric fuel pump, set the float height in the carb and it runs lovely now, or did for a bit anyway 😂 replacing a few more bits that I should have done any way and hopefully it'll be back running again.

Finally fitted the lowering blocks on the back at the weekend too 

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Nice. Any photos of the mighty A12 engine?

[paulwoolley91]

Only from when I first picked it up, not much has changed really haha

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Neat looking engine and bay. Is it a four or five-speed gearbox, and has the battery been relocated?

[paulwoolley91]

It's a 4 speed. Battery goes in the bottom left of the picture, did think about moving it to the boot but wasn't sure on the idea with the fuel tank being in there

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

Any plans on what you will do with the engine/box if you decide to do an engine swap?

[paulwoolley91]

Not really thought about it yet but I do need a new table 😂

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

I may be interested, if you decide to sell; it would fit quite nicely in a Morris Minor, as many Aussies have discovered...

[stevo67]

Excuse my ignorance, is this engine based on an A series BLMC engine?