In early 2004 a blue rust bucket 1600 was transported down from Cairns to Sydney. When picking it up our hearts dropped, she was nasty! Patchy paint work, trolley dings and plenty o rust. On the drive back to Canberra a god aweful sound was heard from the rear. Dammit!!! Closer inspection revealed a simple problem... decayed exhaust rubber. So out came the roll of copper wire I carry everywhere
and onward we went.
Anyway, the resto began the next day in our meagre car port, before numerous drives to Melbourne and back before moving down permanently. The job continued in an off street parking bay (much to the discontentment of other apartment tenants) with stripping back and priming. Later we moved to the current residence with the luxury of a tiny single garage! What a treat!
Anyway, after 2 years of sanding, scrubbing, stripping, a spray job with an experienced mate with British Racing Green, the ol 1970 1600 is finally complete! Photos of engine bay and interior to come soon.
The amazing thing is, despite the roughness of the original state of the car, she has only ever cost me a few sets of spark plugs, oil filters, and an ignition coil! the non essential mechanical alterations have only been in rebuilding the brakes, and lowered kings springies all round.
Future plan is an L20B, but Im waiting for the L16 to die first... and she just wont give up!
BEFORE:
Rear ender had ruined bumper and caused significant dent in rear panel work.
At her home in Cairns before the interstate move.
Patchy paint and aweful plastic side vision mirrors.
AFTER:
Rear all fixed up, new bumper ready to go on, and British Racing Green applied.
Our trip to Tasmania.
Trolley dings removed!
Cheers,
Ivan
_________________
SEADAT - South East Oz Datsun Community
http://www.tidalportal.com/SEADAT
*1970 Datsun 1600 - L16 3sp BW Auto