Is there anybody who likes Datsuns

Mikko, I've seen your cars elsewhere on the web. They are very nice. You do very good work. I do appreciate stock restored cars. It isn't the way I like to build them mainly
because I'm too lazy to do it 100% right. My philosophy is build what you like and everyone else be damned. Keep up the good work. Tim

Sorry, not here. Nothing exceptionally special to me about driivng a stock 30yr old economy car. I *DO* prefer mostly stock looks, but I'm a "fast car" guy first, Datsun
guy second. I do appreicate well restored 30+yr old cars, however.

Some guys like to restore to original, others just want to make 'em fast. Nobody is "right", it's just a preference.

My 510 looks pretty stock from the outside (lowered and wheels is all), but it doesn't run like a stocker.

http://www.datsuns.com/cars/pl510/davel510.htm

We're like a family here - we have something in common (we like Datsuns), but we all have our own ideas of what a "good one" is.

Dave Lum
www.datsuns.com

Hey Mikko,
It's been a while. I'd own a stock 1200 if I could find one. It's getting harder and harder to find them. Although I do agree with Dave, I don't think modifying Datsuns is a 'sin'. Think back
to the 70's, to some people, Datsuns were considered 'rally' cars which were all modified or waiting to be modified. The existance of newer more exotic modification options broadens this
appeal even more, for me anyway. They had another image also, that of a grandfathers car, that was bought to travel to lawn bowls on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They generally travel at no more
than 20 mph, and are the reason for many a raise middle finger from other drivers. I think this makes modifying Datsuns fun. Having them go faster than the expectation of 'normal' people, and
still maintaining the cool styling intended by the factory. It's also about being an individual, and let's face it, people into Datsuns are predominately down to earth, nice people, as they
obviously don't follow the masses, who drive around in airconditioned loungerooms. Although I can see why some may choose this...

Datsuns are cool..that's all there is to it.

Mikko - we ALL like our Datsuns because they are Datsuns. And, just like you, we want the best for something we respect, so we try and help them become even better.
1200's were enhanced from the very start of their production life by owners as an acknowledgment of their performance capability. Datsun New Zealand even modified them at the factory
with twin carbs, cam, alloys etc. People who modify now are following a 30 year Datsun tradition and it's brought a lot of younger people to still appreciate the 1200.
If you brought your cars along to a Datsun meeting that these Yahoo club members attended you'd be swamped by people checking out your standard rides!! And you'd get much respect too.
Check out the Photo's: Norwegian 1200 section to see some mint, standard cars. Cheers.

Geez Mikko ,
You got every one talking...!! I have owned over 10 1200s and they have been stock and modified. I have fitted 4,6, 8 cylinder and rotary engines to many. I love them to death and would never
be without one. I am continually looking out for parts for my own projects and friends cars as well. As I have got older I have found myself tending to go for the more standard look. When you
are younger you tend to copy the style of cars involved in motorsport, that means lowered, flared and spoilered. My race car is to say the least radical but is still a Datsun and it amazes me
still how many young guys get excited over it.The wings and spoilers are necessary to keep it on the track at over 140 mph! My 1400 GX road car is a racetoration, that is a car fitted with
all the period parts available from Datsun to improve it's performance.It was stripped to bare metal and fitted with brand new fr guards, doors and valance. It has twin sidedrafts, Nismo
manifold and header, alloy sump and radiator. It has a race oil pump and oil cooler. The cam is a factory race grind and the suspension has adjustable front struts, 20mm front sway bar and a
12m GX rear bar. It is lowered with Nismo springs and has Panasport Minilites as were offered by Datsun Competition as they were known then. The diff head is alloy with a LSD and it has alloy
brake drums. The front discs are larger and thicker and all I need now is a pair of alloy 4 pot calipers which were fitted in the 70's. It has no flares, spoilers and the tyres are narrowish.
To some people, they see the car as modified but I argue that it is built in a way that it could have been brand new. The Datsun options were incredibily detailed with steering wheels, seat
and even back then pedal extensions. I am all ways getting enquiries from people wanting to build 1200's and if it's a racecar they want I will try and find them one all ready built or an
abandoned project.There a very few unmolested cars left. I unloaded a new project for a fellow 1200 nut last week... it's a 1 owner 1200 4 dr sedan. It has been acid dipped and there is no
rust! It will be a stock looking car with some sensible upgrades in the brakes and handling departments. I appreciate a well restored car as much as the next guy but as a owner of several
vintage MGs I get bored going to events and seeing standard cars that all lokk the same. Though a time capsule unrestored car is all ways a buzz. The main thing is as has all ready been said
is that together we are keeping 1200s out there and in peoples faces and having heaps of fun as well. Anyone can go out and buy a new car that will corner like a train and go like a rocket
but there a certain satisfaction in zapping past these boring belly button cars with a 30 year old Datto.

Yeeeeeeeppppp, i know. Yet another response from a datto owner. I'll probably repeat something someone else has said, but....
Datsuns are a rarity in the automotive industry. They are vastly underrated vehicles which in my experience have been bad mouthed by many; especially those who prefer to drive unmarked
taxis (and will argue till blue in the face that a dunnydore offers more class and reliability(ignorant)). Whether or not u decide u want to modify ur datsun depend on its ur intended use
of the vehicle.
I agree with mikko. I have respect for all vehicles, but theres just something about these little crankers that screams HOBBY! However, the way u decide to modify ur datsun is completely
determined by ur taste.
I feel that the datsun mistique is maintained through the originality and individual mindedness of the people who drive these great mechanical wonders. The presentation of the vehicle is
a reflection of the owners personality, and likewise the owners personality is reflected by the car they choose drive.

Simmodat1200

Well here we go again. Just gotta add my 5c.

I love stock 1200s!! And i also love modified 1200s. But i fell in love with the shape of the coupe more than anything over 10 years ago when i was a little fella. My dad bought a coupe
in 1988 and from that day forward Datsuns were my game. My first 1200 was completly rebuilt from the ground up and was restored to factory specs. I loved that car. After that i had caught
the Datsun performance bug. My 2nd 1200 had a warm A15 with SU's and a nice shiny black paintjob. Went well until i wrote it off. Got a 120y, sold it, then bought my current 1200. And
this one is gonna be a head turner and V8 eater thats for sure :)

See not all people get into Datsuns for there easy brake upgrades or lightweight for racing, i got into Datsuns because it was a Datsun and Datsuns are very loveable.

Scott
Davo

PS. Thank God my dad didnt buy a peugout, Mitsubitshi or some other peice of crap!!!!

come on man this is not good therapy for me.
i shouldnt have sold it, i shouldnt have sold it, i shouldnt have sold it, man. i remember the first time i saw my datto, man. beautiful, the way the rear end curves from the side to the
rear window... man. the feeling of power after i changed the air filter for a new one, that was just before the engine got re-built :) i used to smoke out the street as i would refuse to
go anywhere untill my baby was warmed up :) it turned out that number 2 piston was cracked...
but once we got a new set out of auckland, man, yeah. if i see another coupe i think i will get it. life is crazy. straight up never sell your datto unless you have to.
choice from chris.
ps yeah man i know what you mean about peugout man, and audi's? man, what the hell is going on there? freaky. hehe, one of the guys i went to tec with works at a peugout dealership... lol

Lemme get this straight...are you really asking to be re-admitted to the club Chris? After what you did? You're doing 5 to 10 in Datsunless Land bro. Our New Zealand chapter is on
to you - makin' sure you do that Primera detention - so no weaslin' out or Hastings goin' under siege. Peace out bro.