hey guys,
i am currently doing a bit of research into my first project car, a Datsun 1200 Ute. and i was wondering what the differneces were between the years for the Australian delivered utes. I'm sure they changed things over time (cosmetically, extra features etc.) and i was just wondering how many models there are (i've been told three 'models' were released), and what the difference was between them.
Thanks in advance,
Tom

I guess the three models are:

B120, B122 and B140.

I can't confirm the differences per model but I can tell you the differences over time.

First ones had steel grill, sedan dash, A12, much the same as the Standard B110 Sedan.

Second ones had plastic (Coupe-like) grill with square grill emblem, A12. Slightly different dash to include parking brake indicator.

Third ones (Bakkie) ones had square front lights, plastic grill, brown dash/trim, A14. Available in 2 lengths long and short wheelbase. Different hood catch/lock. Different front bumpers, 5 speed gearbox, airconditioning, electric windows as option, retractable seatbelts.

If you want a good starter..Get the front grill and trims off a sedan or coupe, depends what you prefer. And save up for a Bakkie import. You'll get the best of everything. I'd get the dash retrimmed in black, I think the brown looks horrible. It'll cost you close to AUS$8000. But it'll be worth it..trust me.

If rego is a problem, buy a second early model one, and then switch vehicle identities. If you don't plan to sell it, there'll never be a problem. Of course, if you find a good early 70s example, then swapping all of the Bakkie goodies across is perfectly legal. This way you can easily put a CA18 in later on, without late model pollution laws giving you a headache.

Chris.

EDIT: Oh yeah..of course, the crossmember and engine mount towers differ to suit the A12A engine (120Y), in the later versions. This also allows for an easy A14 and A15 install.

i have a B120 :P

and i have found with the aussie ones there was quite a difference bettween 70s and 80s modes....

i have have a 80, mates have 81 and 76.
and 74 and 85....

the differences are only like grill, bumpers etc and few differences on da engine

The B122s are the newer Japan models (after 1986 I think). The square headlights came in around 1989. They still used the A12, but some had 5-speeds.

The B140s are from South Africa.

The Aussie utes had a big change with the H165 differential (no one seems to know which year this changed).

As with the sedans and coupes, the motor mounts changed in 1974 to the "A14 style", even though the motor is the A12 (A12s?)

I thought all utes had the H165 diff. Mines a 1974 model, how can I tell if my diff is a H165?

thanks for all the info so far guys,
can anyone tell me what year the B120 ended? because i love the style of the original utes
Cheers,
Tom

the Aussie Utes (b120) stoped in 1985

According to Nissan Global, the B120 was made from Feb 1970 to 1986. The B122 was made from Nov 1986 until 1994. It doesn't list the B140 ... so it's hard to say exactly when different countries switched.

ok well then that is most likely right... its just i never come across a 86 1200 ute .... might be rare to get a 86 oz ute

I think they stopped selling the B120 ute in Oz in 1985 or 1986. Anything newer in OZ, is most likely a South African import.

Maybe that's why '86 ones are difficult to find. Maybe they only imported a few.

Chris