Hmm since the tank was empty, rust could certainly be an issue that will clog filters in no time and give you endless headaches since fuel blockages always seem like something else. If you plan to leave a tank for a while, its always best to leave it full since the fuel is oil based it keeps it nice and clean.

Yeah get the tank out and give it a good knock about with nuts as roconnor said. Flush with some clean fuel and then use a lighter to look inside for anything left.. On second thoughts no dont do that, using a torch would be a better idea :) Rinse and reapeat until it looks all good, but Dont be too violent with the shaking since you dont want to damage the tank.

I can appreciate what its like to work for what seems like slave labour rates as I am sure most tradies here can vouch for. Lucky its a datsun.

shake it.. put a hand full of nuts in it and shake it up to remove all loose bit's, and you can get a treatment for the inside of it, or hav it acid washed I think?

i know the fuel tank was dry the whole time it sat there. how would i go about checking it for rust?

don't forget the fuel tank, gone stale maybe rusty in side

Thanks guys, i will start with the coolant when i change the radiator hoses. Ill do oils next, engine, gearbox and diff, any others? Ive bleed the brakes and put new fluid in, i also had to change one of the rear wheel cylinders as it was leaking fluid everywhere. The car has almost no rust, a little bit of surface rust under the carpet but im replacing the carpet and ill rub back and paint the floor at the same time.
Ill get to filters and that in the new year as im only a first year apprentice and its not hard to spend a weeks paycheck before i know it.
Thanks heaps everyone

rust is a big problem if it is not found.. it will take it over dude. but mind you in a shed it shouldnt have accumulated much of it unless it wasnt fully enclosed and it was leaking.. best bet is to replace as much stuff as you can rubber wise as reubin said. new oils and spark plugs airfilters and oil filters... everything should be like new.. most parts are readily available aswell.

Just general "car been sitting for 13 years" stuff really to start with.

I spose the first thing to do if not already done is give it a big birthday. Replace all oils with fresh stuff and check for impurities. Stuff like water or filings in oils can suggest nasty things. A brake fluid change out is a must after 13 years. Its bound to have absorbed water and broken down.

Check alll the rubber stuff in the car. The radiator hoses you said were hard, so check everythiung else for the same issues. Hardened belts, vacum lines, brake lines, tyres etc are all important stuff to check before you get too far.

Check for nasty rust around places like the bottom of doors, the bottom of the front fenders, and around the seatbelt bolts. Rust is not terminal, buts its worth knowing where it is.

Check all the electrical items inthe car are working fine and can function all at the same time. This will help to check that the wiring harness is on functional order and can handle a full load.

That should keep you busy for a while...

welcome to datsuns, they are great but after sitting for 13 years you will find yourself replacing quite a few things in the next 6 months

after 13 years maybe the thermostat is not opening anymore and the shifter bushes are available from www.maddat.com.au

chuck your location in your profile for ongoing reference

Hi my name is Tom and i have recently bought a 1200 sedan off a family friend. It has been in a shed for the last 13 year and im just after some advice as to what to look out for and help with a few things. the previous owner got the car running and i have taken it for a few short trips.
1. After around 10 mins of driving my temp gauge is reading almost on H. Im going to flush the radiator and replace the hoses as they have gone hard. Any advice on things to look out for would be welcome.
2. In the few short trips the gearstick bushes(i think) have perished and need replacing. the gearstick was firm when i first got the car but in now really sloppy. Where can i get them either on the net or somewhere in adelaide?
Any advice is much appreciated, im only 19 and have had little experience with cars of this era.