Hey Ian, Craig, Harry, and Andrew I just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to see the Datsun 1200 world Down Under. It was awesome to put faces to names and hang out with you guys up at Bathhurst and such. Thanks again Ian for picking me up and making the whole thing happen. Sorry I didn't get to hang out more after that Saturday, I had to work everyday all day from Sunday until we left...I am so burnt out on work right now! Anyways, good luck with everyone's projects in progress, I hope to have mine go under the knife soon.

After the holidays wind down after New Years, I'm probably going to buy another cheap banged up 180SX to donate it's SR20 to the 1200 coupe. There's several on Yahoo Japan for next to nothing ($100-1,000) but I won't be able to buy until after Jan. 15th or so cause work is too busy. I'm currently looking for a properly sized (thin, long, and not too tall!) intercooler for a good price on Ebay...looking for something between 5-9 inches high, 12-23 inches wide, but no more than 2.5 inches thick, preferably thinner. I'm trying to keep the 'cooler hidden between the grill and radiator but will need to keep the radiator, 'cooler, and fans as thin as possible!!! Well, take it easy, Australia was awesome (too bad work sucked) and I can't wait to visit again. Merry Christmas!

-Andy (back in Japan finally)

Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great time... guess I'll have to be next! Anyway, kinda off topic but I talked to Matsuoka yesterday and they knew who I was from talking to you lol... small world.

Yeah it's true it is a small world, especially with the internet and all. I wish more Japanese fans were part of the Club, cause then it would be HUGE. The 1200 (Sunny) was more popular here than anywhere in the world, tons of fans and owners. I see the Sunny Trucks (Utes) EVERY day and most have some work done to them. Did you have a little bit of a time talking to Matsuoka yesterday? The young lady that works there is trying to brush up on her English for a trip she's gonna be taking soon, and she's getting a lot better. After the holidays she's offered to help me buy/acquire things off Yahoo Japan which will be awesome. I could see Matsuoka getting a ton of business if they where fluent in English and listed ALL their parts/services on the internet, kinda like Pit Road. Pit Road is almost impossible to buy from because they speak no English and only handle payments a certain way, but that'd be another place with a lot more world wide potential if they would accept credit cards/online ordering and cheaper international shipping. Anyway, I think Matsuoka is now closed until like Jan. 6th for the holidays. Were you buying more parts from them or trying to get tips on tuning those awesome carbs you got? In a few weeks I should be able to upload pics from my new camera from Australia, Japan and such. Well I'm off to the Christmas Party my work is throwing, talk to everyone later!

-Andy

Yeah I just bought a heat plate and some air cleaner/trumpet adapters from them. Wish they listed everything on the web too but they've always got a huge ad in Autoworks.

Hmmm...
Perhaps you could make up some little flyers about the website and stick them under a few 1200/sunny's wiper blades....

Hi andy
It was a great day and good to catch up with fellow datsun 1200 drivers. Harry's coupe has given me some good ideas about building a rollcage. Ive already started work to get mine back together
I have only just driven back from QLD 2000km round trip I caught up with some more 1200 mates - kev Rowley and Mark Pacey and there sons have both 1200's one a coupe and one 4 door sedan both fitted with sr20 de's.
I also picked up my new front brake package. Unfortunatly I didnt pick up the diff as it was not what it was supposed to be. Im not very happy but as they say #### happens. It is a 3.9:1 lsd holden diff but an older type with only 23 spline axles not the 28 spline and heavy duty centre as I was expecting. I hope to get it sorted out soon.
cheers Andrew

Hi Andy,
it was great that you and the others made it out there. Really nice surprise to meet up with some of the guys here from NZ and USA/Japan that I never expected to get to meet.

Glad to hear you had a safe drive Andrew. It sure is a long drive - especially with a trailer on. I can't wait to see your coupe in action next year. I know it must be awesome from the times you've achieved, and even better soon by the sounds of it! and it will look great with those big wheels. Can't wait!

Have a great Xmas everyone!

Harry