I looked into it with the MTA (Motor Trades Association) and they said he has done what was required. Paint your car. There is no documentation stating the difference between a $500 or a $5000 paint job.

This and some of the interior is the only thing which has been done outside my shed. I wanted a paint job which reflects all the other $$$ I have spent on this car.

If your coupe was originally a manual and your using the silvia gearbox. Minor mods are required. I had to cut a new gear stick hole, strengthen it and weld a plate into the original. I also did some minor panel beating with the hammer to give a little more clearance. Not a big job.

With the radiatior support. I have a intercooler (600 x 140 core) below the front bumper which required minimum mods to the radiator support. I am currently re-thinking this approach. My engineer advised against cutting up the radiator support which is why I went this way.

Jarrad

Your Right

Since I brought my 1200 coupe 18 months ago I have noted very few in the quoka.

If your interested in a ute, try and get a hold of a country trading post or simular.

Jarrad

Im not having a cry or a winge, but what do you guys think.

I had my 1200 repainted 4 months ago. I did all the normal checks and chose a paintshop which came very recomended. The car was in the shop for 8 weeks, minimal work done when the owner informed me he was selling up, but my car would be done and it would be the last one they would do.

I left it there and picked it up the day the business was handed over to the new owners. Late evening. The painter said he would be re-openning because he had sold only due to a marrage breakup and any issues he would rectify no questions asked.

That was over 4 months ago and Im not happy with the finish on the car. It has severe ripplidge and minor dents. I was told it was goint to be floorless and no budget was ever set. It was a reasonably expensive job on a car which only needed minor, very minor work.

The guy in question said that yes it didnt come up to scratch and he would re-do it. Now he wont even return my calls or talk to me. He says he cant find a suitable factory unit to rent.

Should I bite the bullet and go somewhere else ???

It would have been a car of the same era and the goals would still be the same. Drop in a modern turbo engine.

So the choices would be:
Escort, Cortina, Toyota KE55 Coupe

Jarrad

My first car was a 1990 Holden Nova Hatch and after saving for 3 years to get money to by a car. The first thing and the only thing I could afford at the time was Chrome Exhaust Tip.

Things have changed since then. Now I have brought most parts available. But thats the fun of doing up cars and living happy.

Jarrad

Im going to use a 28 spline borg warner out of a commodore and get it cut down. There heaps lighter and cheaper than a 9".
LSD centers are readily available in a range of ratio's

Jarrad

Thanks for the offer of a lift Aaron

Im going to take the Corolla for a cruise. I havent taken it cruisin for 2 + years and my girlfriend has never been on a car club cruise. So she's comming as well.

OK its not a Datsun - but I will bring some pix of my new found passion. A Datto 1200 Coupe

Jarrad

Bargan ... Who made them?

I had the guys at restorers hotline make door skins for my 1200 coupe and they were about $150 each.

With the exception of the line which was slightly more pronounced than normal. They were bloody good. Better than original and thicker.

Jarrad

How low do you want to go?

Personally I would not use anything more than a 1.5 inch lowering block.

I have got a 1.5 inch lowering block and the springs reset 2" lower as well. If I get a defect notive I only have to remove the blocks to achieve legal ride height.

Jarrad