Back in the 80's NZ's government actually subidised the installation costs for alternative fuel conversions. As result many cars were converted usually to run dual fuels, including Minis and 1200s!! Govt Dept fleets ran hoards of 6 cyl sedans that ran either LPG or CNG. My Dad even had his brand new 84 Honda Accord converted to CNG. As the fuel crisis died off conversions were less popular and slowed to a trickle. There was a clever ignition box produced call a dual curve ignition which allowed different advance setting when switching between petrol and gas. Almost all of the original gas filling equipment has now been pulled out , reconditioned and shipped to Malaysia. It's a shame really because it was the way to go.

I am also looking out for an inlet manifold. I remember someone posting a pic of one made from two manifolds welded together but i can't find it....So sorry to hijack your post but if anyone in NZ has a spare SU A series manifold for sale or trade let me know.

I hope you find some 1200s soon, otherwise your next trip will be downunder....there are definately more Dattos left in Aussie and NZ. Have fun..

Translation can be a prob but they have dealt with a few Kiwis recently with no reported probs.

Here in NZ if a car is 30 yrs old it qualifies to be in the Vintage car clubs. Last year some of the older guys were a bit put out when a mint 120Y won the concourse at one of the local events. I have my 65 MGB and Dattos registered with the VCC as well as my 31 MG M type.

I don't know how to link photos to the forum but in my photos under the title My Toy is a pic of my racecar with the flares you are talking about.

74sss, have a look at Stockman Fabrications site. They are in Oz and do a neat flat back Model A cab in fibreglass,it would be a dodle to drop on your chassis. Around 6000 aussie gets you all the bits including fenders and bed.

I reckon any A series motor would be severely underpowered for your car. Back in the 70's guys like Buttera were dropping rotaries and 2 litre Pintos in A's but most of those cars are running 8s now. I have a 28/9 roadster pick up that will get a alloy 3.5 litre Buick /Rover. It is not too big and still has the torque and v8 rumble. Here in NZ there a a few guys who are building some strong 4 cylinder A motors with alloy heads , new manifolds and even new quickchange rearends.They are all made here in NZ. I would hop up the original motor and perhaps bolt a modern gearbox behind it. I know of a 4 banger A here with a s10 5 speed in it .

There should be 2 more mounting points the tongues under the valance. If you are replacing the panel just chop it off with a cut off disc in a grinder.

I tend to agree with you on the diff issue. In a standard open diff I reckon the deflection in the side gear divided by the length of the axle is not enough to cause problems. With the fitting of a LSD the tolerances tighten up on the side gears and maybe thats where problems occur. As for the ute diffs my Kiwi parts book lists both 145s and 165s. From 78 on the 165 appeared in most utes. NZ assembled the 1200 sedans and 120ys but imported the utes. We were at the mercy of the factory I guess and took what ever they sent !!!