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Like any steel-bodied car, the Datsun 1200 is prone to rust. Unlike the Datsun 1000, the body panels are not galvanized but only painted on the inside. Eventually rust will attack your car, sometimes from the inside out. This means that keeping the car's paint waxed -- though it will help -- will not prevent rust.
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Rust Treatment Methods
Rust treatment is not specific to the Datsun 1200, you treat it the same way as any other car. So look for rust treatment guides here: Rust Treatment google search
- The best solution is cut the rust out and replace with sheet metal patches
- The best treatment is POR15, perhaps
Fender Corner Rust
Floor Rust
Lift the front mats to examine the floors.
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Typical floor rust -- very common
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A lot of rust and a few holes
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Rust around the taillights is another area to inspect
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Bottom of suitcase full of rust & holes, [need] more new sheet [metal]
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More rust & holes
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Engine
Engine with water damage to the bores must be re-honed
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Battery Tray Rust
Grind it off, sand it down, and cover with primer paint
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Water Box Rust
The most common "hidden" rust problem is with the "water box" -- the part of the firewall/cowl where fresh air enters the cabin.
* discussion: water leaks
Solution? Cut the rust out and replace with new sheet metal
See Firewall for how these panels fit together.
Water normally comes in though the vents behind the bonnet, then runs down to a hole that is there to let it out. If any part of the body in the area is rusted, water will instead leak down onto the fenders. You will only see this hole when a welded section is removed from inside the inner guard.
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The drain hole is behind the Reinforcement stiffener piece:
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Fuel Tank Rust
* discussion: repairing rusty fuel tank
Light surface rust like this can clog the fuel filter. Remove the rust and treat the inside to prevent it from re-ocurring
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