Getting nostalgic & wondering if anyone's seen the Blue ute I built up?
I sold it to a guy down Ormeau (Gold Coast) way around 2 yrs ago...

Reasons for selling my CA18DET ute: -

1) The wife hated it - This is mainly a combination of the following reasons.

2) Impractical - I couldn't pick my daughter up from kindy or take the family for a drive (should've buit a coupe).

3) A bitch to drive in traffic - I had a Gikken twin plate heavy duty clutch & after 45min's of peak hour traffic I felt like I needed a knee recon.

4) Maintenance - This comes back to the old addage that "a project car is never finished"... There was always something to do & I never seemed to have enough time.

5) Buit for purpose - I originally built the ute to comete in the SEQ sprint serires.... Again, I just didn't have the time.

6) They're in demand - Mine sold for $12.5K.... In the 1st week.

I wold've kept it for a weekend fun car, but didn't have the garage space.

I really miss going for a blast in the blue ute, but I figure I'll just go & buy a WRX / EVO / B-spec liberty or something soon which will give me the performance I like (granted - Without the character) & I won't have to worry about the above 1, 2, 3 & 4 above.
I imaging cost will be the trade-off though... Nothing gives you bang for your buck like a turbo datsun 1200

I watched the little blue ute drive away last night with the new owner behind the wheel.... 'sniff

So I guess it's farewell for the time being (until I get another Datto).

I just wanted to thank all the members of Datsun1200.com for their advice, help & constructive criticism over the past 4 years or so.
You guys really were a large part of bringing the blue ute from an idea into reality.
It also must be said of all the forums I've been involved in, I think this one is the most progressive, helpful & "real"..... I'll miss it!

The blue ute's moving to the GC - So Coast guys, keep an eye out.

I still have all the tools I made for R31 Skyline diff LSD rebuild & am more than happy to do for "mates rates" for any Brissy guys.

I'll drop by for a look from time to time.
Keep an eye out for my next idea (if it ever comes to fruition) - SR20DET into a Datto Fairlady

Ciao gents..... And thank-you.

Trading Post ad here: Clicky clicky

Gee.... Not a single nibble!
Oh well, going in the trading post next week.

BUMP

14" skyline rims.
2 pak metallic silver paint + custom machined 316ss centre caps (kindly donated by work ).

I thought a lot about alloys, but I wanted a factory "sleeper" look....

Legal baby seat in a ute.... I didn't know you could do that....
Anyway.... I hear you mate, there were other factors in the decision.....

This ute is my daily driver - Sitting in peak hour stop-start traffic every day (did I mention the heavy duty clutch?) for an hour has left me feeling like I need a knee recon .

I also need to make trips to site for my job & occasionally drive clients around. ATM I use the bosses car, but this is wearing a bit thin.

If I had the room & could afford to keep it as a 3rd car I would.

You're right about one thing though - It'll be hard to see it go.

Asking $13.5K ono

The wife has finally won....
To be fair though this project was started before my daughter was conceived & my "toy" has proved totally impractical for family life.

Those who've followed this project over the 3 year build time will know the story.....
Body's been back to bare metal, new panels added where necessary.
Re-assembled with all SS nuts, bolts etc - all panels were rustproofed to the point where the stuff was dripping all over the workshop floor for weeks.
Paint is Ford "shockwave" blue mica.
Engine is standard CA18DET out of a 180sx font cut inc. CA18 5 speed - Around 40,000 kms.
T28 ball bearing turbo.
120Y struts with 1" lowered springs, running 180sx discs & calipers. 120Y sway bar. New KYB shockies all round.
R31 skyline LSD w/ disks & WORKING handbrake setup.
R31 fuel tank, mounted behind rear axle.
Kev Rowley electricals, cross-members, strut conversion etc.
All mod plated & 100% legal.

There's plenty more, but that'll do for now - Check the link in my signature for more build photo's.
If you're interested PM or e-mail me & we'll go from there.

Haven't put it in the paper yet - datsun1200 members get 1st tilt at it..... (I remember how hard I looked for exactly what I'm selling now).

Here's some photo's I took yesterday: -

3" & over the diff for me.......
Nothing to do with the law.... I figured I'd be more likely to be dropping the diff out & having the 'zorst over the diff means 1 less thing to unbolt.
So far my decision seems to be well founded.... I've had the diff out 1/2 dozen times for various reasons & haven't had to touch the exhaust.