Some of you guys may remember that I bought this car in April this year, it is a true one owner car with only 3200 original miles and original paint that had been sitting for 7 years without moving.
I have been working on it a fair bit through the course of the summer and spent considerable time and money on the car, and replaced the following items:
1) Replaced the rear brake shoes
2) Replaced every single rubber brake hose
3) Replaced the front brake pads and rebuilt the unique brake calipers
4) Replaced the radiator hoses
5) Replaced all the rubber gas and coolant hoses
6) Replaced the air filter, oil filter and very neat fuel filter
7) Converted the car over to electronic ignition and removed the points and condensor
8) Changed the 23year old oil and flushed the cooling system
9) Changed the thermostat (which was a very sobering experience)
10) Changed the valve cover gasket and checked the valve clearances
11) Replaced the leaking clutch and brake master cylinders
12) Replaced the clutch slave cylinder
13) The transmission and diff oil had NEVER been replaced, so I drained them and installed Amsoil 80W90 synthetic
Parts are much more that I thought..wow!
From the years of neglect, the paint had started to turn “ashy” so I water sanded the car one night at 1am, when I could not sleep in my pajamas no less!! I started with 1500grit and then worked my way to 2000grit. As the car’s paint is original I wanted to see if I could revive it. I also did an extensive compound and several stages of buffing and polishing including using a clay bar. All the elbow grease has greatly improved the aesthetics of the paint but I do feel there is some more potential in the paint, I am waiting for another sleepless night!
With all the attention I gave the car, it was transformed. The more I drove the car, the more it improved. The flat spots in the carburetor were all gone, the engine was responsive and very linear and converting the car to Electronic Ignition improved drivability, smoothness and overall performance. The transmission shifted very smoothly as well with the new Amsoil. The car did come with a few containers of lead additive which were in the trunk and I make sure and add it, when I fill it.
I have removed the original steel 14in wheels (the full size spare even had a very neat cover on it - which is deteriorating) with their bias ply tires and replaced them with a more modern 4 spoke alloy wheel from Revolution Wheels (14in x 6in) from England. The new wheels definitely compliments the car, and at the same time saves 7.5lbs per corner and I have fitted modern and slightly wider radial BFGoodrich tires (185/60). The new tires have definitely made a huge difference in overall drivability. I have some suspension work to do next on the list as I address worn bushings and very weak shock absorbers. Part and parcel of ownership, and no complaints from my camp.
The car drives really great and enjoying the magical summer evenings in this car, reinforces that the Datsun was worth the price and all the effort and improvements along the way. I have never owned a Convertible before and I have discovered a new view and respect of motoring with the top down.
My girlfriend also loves the car and also gets equal bliss from driving it.
Well enough blabbing...here is the fun stuff...pictures!
When I first bought it early Spring:
After all the work and photos taken this morning:
Best Regards - Yasin