Newbie buying first Datsun

[Cam_NZ]

Hey there. Thinking about buying the black datsun here http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-ca ... 236288.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (not the red sss).

Txt he sent me "7k firm with the spares have heaps of interest on it !! Doesnt leak doesnt over heat, replaced the head gasket has ported and polished head lumpy cam, cam chain not belt, gearbox sweet has dog leg 5speed. Is l20 block with l18 head hasnt got wof shouldnt need much have just for horn and hand brake lights etc all sweet. Has spacers on the wheels tho" txt he sent me. spares are apparently an engine, painted doors, and little trims here and there


Just wondering if it looks any good etc? I have never owned anything other than a b16a vtec crx. How would this compare power and handling wise?? Are they easy to upgrade engine wise and reliable? Any info and what you guys think about this datsun would be much appreciated

Cheers
Cam

[classicdat]

Are they reliable?

Welcome aboard Cam.
To answer the question above, these cars are the reason we have Japanese cars today, they are very reliable!!!
Sure they are getting old, and some have not been as well looked after as others, but come to a Datsun meet and you will find cars with a history, because they have been used and keep going reliably. (Some other clubs only have the low mileage cars left)

Truth is they are older now, this won't handle like a CRX, it is an old family car in comparison, that said with the right mods and the fact they have a very good IRS, they handle better than any other 'Old Family car' out there, and a lot of new ones. The L20 is a good motor but without work it won't breath like a V-tech. This car is 40 years old, the design, 45. They are COOL, they do go well and when maintained they still are very reliable, I drive my Datsun Daily, have done for years, all I have done is a Manifold and Radius arm bushes is the past 4 years , they are easy to live with, turn heads and grow in Value, if that one is in decent condition I think it sounds like a steal.

Check out the 'members rides' for re-power options, no problem to bolt 400hp into one of these and the chassis will handle it. Heaps of fun.

[crustywhip]

Looks wobbly and 7k is a lot of money. Take some one with you and go over it with a fine tooth comb.

[Cam_NZ]

Cheers for the replies guys. If the cars unique, then handling and power is less important to me. Really want something thats going to stand out.

Wobbly in what way? Problem is Im in Auckland so making that sort of trip just to view the car is kinda out of the question.

How much would you guys pay for a car like that?

Cheers

[sr1600]

Cheers for the replies guys. If the cars unique, then handling and power is less important to me. Really want something thats going to stand out.

Wobbly in what way? Problem is Im in Auckland so making that sort of trip just to view the car is kinda out of the question.

How much would you guys pay for a car like that?

Cheers

As a collectors item now dont think the price is that bad really , however I would highly recommend you go and look at it before buying a car like this.

If youve only had newer vehicles buying a 40 year old car can be a bit of shock in terms of condition/technology/noise etc
Rust is another problem in the 1600 and you want to be clear of what your getting yourself into with your own eyes before you hand over the money to avoid disapointment , a clean/mint/rust free 1600 can go for over 10k now so you have to be prepared for there to be thinks that need doing/replacing on it.

There are some really good members in hawkes bay who you maybe able to contact to go with you for a look.

cheers mark

[Garth]

Yeah I was thinking that price for a 1600 seems not too bad for one of those these days. Definately would be ideal to check it out...as most of us know with most datsuns there will be some hidden/not so hidden work needing done.

Definitely will be a sweet car though that will only grow in value and everyone loves these!

A bit suspicious that he mentions that it doesnt leak/over heat and its just had a new head gasket...makes you think it was doing this recently...just have to hope it was fixed to an ok standard.

[gingofthesouth]

A datsun 1600 is notorious for rusting out:

Rear quarter panels
Boot rubber grooves
Front guard bottoms (bits right by the front doors at the bottom)
Sills
Bottom of doors

The Datsun 1600 is a great car with pedigree and race history.
Like Vaugh said, these cars are old family cars, they handle ok, but with the right mods can handle amazingly.

The L20b is a horribly underpowered engine. With that said, there are many many repower options available to you down the track.

My advice would be to check over the main rust points to see what condition they are in (rear quarters are often horribly filled with bog). Make sure the budget you have is a decent chunk more than what you pay for the car. Fix the car up to warrant spec, tidy up some things to make it comfortable and just enjoy it. Don't look to perform a million upgrades at once or you will end up like a lot of us with a car in the garage for a few years as you do the mechanical version of "feature creep".

Good luck!

[pl510]

Don't forget to check the A Pillars, under the boot seal rubber and underneath the car especially in the spare wheel well and the floor under the rear seat! (as well as everywhere else)

[torqued]

A datsun 1600 is notorious for rusting out:

Rear quarter panels
Boot rubber grooves
Front guard bottoms (bits right by the front doors at the bottom)
Sills
Bottom of doors

Under the backseat

The L20b is a horribly underpowered engine. With that said, there are many many repower options available to you down the track.

Keep it Lseries. Much Cooler. with the right upgrades You will not be disappointed. and more than enough

[Bartman]

Take a fridge magnet with you. (A thin flimsy one) They're great to see how much cheese in in a panel.