There is a strong possibility that none came off the line in 1970. The new model introduction service bulletin for the Datsun 1200 I have is dated March 1970. So assuming that this bulletin would have been distributed very shortly before the models made there way into dealers, some 1200's would have already had to have been assembled. Prior to that the assembly line would have had some downtime to re-tool for a new model so thinking about it - it does seem unlikely they would have actually built them in 1970. They would most likely hav had enough stock from the 1969 production run to tide them over until the new model was available. sound reasonable?

That is possible. I believe some early Datsuns sold here were actually shipped from Japan to Holland before being shipped over here. that would have taken some time. The car probably wouldn't have sat around for long once it was over here though, as there was a very limited supply of Datsun 1000's.

If the plan goes ahead (which it looks like it will) I'll use the longer doors etc as I like the idea of having more space inside. Here's the difference in length of the doors. This is a four door skin layed up against a door from a two door sedan. As you can see there's more to it than just lenghtening the apeture...the whole shape of the back edge of the door is different...

No, the ute uses the same doors as a four door sedan. they are much shorter than either the two door sedan or coupe doors. It's about three inches I think but I can go out an measure.

I'm contemplating this chop job as all the floor in my ute is rotten and there is a lot of rust in the roof. I have a complete almost rust free floorpan from a sedan and a wrecked coupe to butcher for parts. I also have some brand new genuine sills for a two door 1200 which makes it nice and strong.

The only thing I haven't figured is what to do with the rear window. Wether to shorten it or just move the whole rear window down in the body.

If you get stuck for finding the parts there I can send you some from the UK. I have parts from a four door sedan I broke up a while back still. If you need anything just email me.

The only one I have ever found was a brand new one and I paid roughly $450 for it so I guess that was a bargain.

The only place the A series 5 speeds seem reasonably easy to find is the US it would appear. Hey, maybe I can make a cable shifter to work a vanette 'box! Hmmm...

I used to skate loads but it's been years since I last did. I probably still have some bits of my old one lying around even now. That kind of faded away once I got into cars.
Still have my old skool bmx though, and I still ride it even though I'm the wrong side of 30 :D It's looking abit rusty these days. Maybe I'll be restoring it one day




Note the high performance Nissan it's leaning on

How easy is it to get hold of A series 5 speeds in Aus? There are extinct here.. I have only ever managed to find one. Just wondering as a friend is going to be shipping a 720 ute back from Sydney soon and I could chuck one in the back of it.

I lived in Cape Town as a kid and went to school in Wynberg. That was a lot of years ago now mind. I'm in England now. Where abouts in SA do you live?
My 1200 ute came from SA ...built at Rosslyn.

We didn't get Gazelles either THe only Gazelle I have ever seen was the RS-X that I used to have. The car is gone but I still have the FJ20ET from it.

I think I'll probably have to modify the tunnel to get a normal CA18ET 'box in there as they are very easy to find so if it dies in the future I can just fit another. Shifter might be a bit further back though.