Ok so I got a new exhaust welded up last Saturday (from the extractors back) and it's all looking pretty good. The dude at the exhaust place wasn't sure if I needed a cat or not for an 85 model (his book only went up to 79 for datsun/Nissan 1200s) so he left space for one in case I need to put one in for rego.

Finished putting in the crystal headlights and mirrors, will have pics up soon.

Rigged up the carby a bit dodgily just so I could finally get the engine running, and realised I hadn't put coolant in the radiator yet. So I filled it up, got ready to turn the key and... Ralised coolant was leaking out everywhere. From what I can tell the dope who had the A14 before me changed the head gasket but put it in upside down, cos I can see it doesn't exactly line up. I should have looked more closely before I put the engine in, but you live and learn.

So next weekend will be a fun day of taking everything apart again to get the gasket in properly. Sigh...

They're from Singapore. They seem to be ok, not AWESOME, but good value for that $. I haven't put them on yet, but I can give you more feedback once they're mounted.

Great build mate, well done! Really like the colour

putting plastic tubing over the tailgate chain stop the annoying rattle, i did that on my ute much better, saves wear on the paint job aswell....i like the vents..well done

Did the mirrors come from oz? I saw some from bangkok but im always a bit iffy wen it comes to buying things from overseas like that.

Nice ute mate Awesome

So I haven't updated this for a bit...

Wiring loom - what a bitch. Took heaps longer than I was expecting and still have a few bits and pieces to do like the interior light, horn, etc.

Exterior is going pretty well. I bought some side vents off clyons which look pretty schmick. I'm trying to use chrome where I can on the outside cos it looks good on the blue paint. I picked up some new mirrors off ebay that should look good too. I made up some new chains for the tailgate, and I need to try to find good looking wipers and a washer nozzle.

I've been fiddling with a few bits and pieces around the motor, put in a new water pipe cos the old one was all rusty, etc. I gotta get my new exhaust in (I'm thinking 2") and figure out the carbie... Anyway, took some pics this arvo so you can see how it's coming along:

Attach file:

---

  newengine.jpg (120.86 KB)


  newcarbie.jpg (97.39 KB)


  newside.jpg (83.10 KB)


  newint.jpg (128.72 KB)


  newchain.jpg (101.86 KB)


  mirrors.jpg.JPG (20.19 KB)

Will stick with the original A14 for the moment, but just bought a 32/36 Weber off eBay. Time to get an exhaust made up - anyone have any suggestions for what diameter I should get for an A14 with extractors and Webers?

Yeah, looks sweet. Just remember if you're thinking about putting in a CA or SR you might need to mod the trans tunnel. Stacks of people ask after they've done all the pretty carpet etc how they're going to jam it in there!

Good luck with the project.

Tamra

Got the engine and gear box in now. Looked up the casting number on the gear box and it said it was a 5 speed but seems to be a 4 speed. Next up cooling and electrical systems. Hope to get them done before Christmas.

Attach file:

---

  105.jpg (141.11 KB)