Hey club. I've been looking for a datsun 120y coupe to restore for a while now. I now have the option of purchasing ONE out of the following two. I can only buy one and I'd want to make the best purchase decision as to which would be the best to restore i.e Which would require less overall work i.e BODY, PAINT, INTERIOR & MECHANICAL and hence cheaper to work on. Please advise based on current exterior body and interior upholstery state. Here are pics of the two vehicles. I'd appreciate your thoughts... Which is the best purchase for purposes of resto-mod/ restoration?

Attach file:

---

  CIMG2021.JPG (178.70 KB)


  CIMG2028.JPG (186.42 KB)


  CIMG2029.JPG (195.21 KB)


  CIMG2034.JPG (195.88 KB)


  CIMG2035.JPG (187.12 KB)


  CIMG2037.JPG (168.00 KB)


  CIMG2044.JPG (170.81 KB)


  CIMG2058.JPG (135.28 KB)


  CIMG2062.JPG (130.65 KB)


  DSC00556.JPG (60.22 KB)


  DSC00557.JPG (62.50 KB)


  DSC00560.JPG (52.02 KB)


  DSC00562.JPG (57.82 KB)


  DSC00565.JPG (51.36 KB)


  DSC00572.JPG (48.60 KB)


  DSC00575.JPG (61.59 KB)


  DSC00578.JPG (63.06 KB)


  DSC00593.JPG (60.97 KB)


  DSC00596.JPG (60.08 KB)


  DSC00606.JPG (61.14 KB)

Personally, I find this:
* Mechanical: easiest to fix, I can do all the work myself
* Interior: somewhat easy, if the spare parts can be found
* exterior: most difficult for me

From those photos, I might find the white one to be acceptible exterior (no work needing to be done) but I would definitely want to get the green one fixed.

Thanx dd. If I should choose the white one, what would be the solution for the 2 holes on the bonnet. They are apparently latches to hold the bonnet down. I prefer the other mechanism. So solder or new bonnet? Best result option? Also, how do we get to restore the interior usinh new cloth but maintaining the original datto lines and designs?

EDIT

The white one looks more promising, the engine bay has had a respray, which can mean two things; the owner took good care of it and fixed the rust and painted the engine bay or the owner painted over the rusty areas without curing the rust first.

I think the white one looks really quite good, stored under cover and all.

The white one looks to be more complete, less exterior work, interior looks to be in better shape, the tail lights and garnish look to be in great condition.
First thing first ..

CHECK FOR RUST!!!!!
Then question any repairs.

Start with the front guards, cheack along the top of the guard where it bolts up to the car for rust, also down the bottom of the wheel arch where the guard meets the rocker panel (sill panel)

Move on to the fire wall, check there is no lifting or bubbling along where the water channel runs, and down both sides where the inner guard and fire wall meet.

Make sure the battery tray and underneath the tray havent rusted.

Check the A, B and C pillar, around where the venting is

Check along the gutters at the roof edge

Run your hand along the length of the rocker panels feeling for rust bubbles

Have a look inside the boot/trunk down along the floor pan where the rear 1/4 panel meets the floor pan for rust, dirt and muck usually get caught up there and retains water rusting out the 1/4 panels, check up under the rear parcel shelf along the windows, also have a look up along the rear 1/4 panels either side around where the C pillar and parcel shelf are, rust can form along there interally.

Check the rear tail lights where they mount up to the rear facia, under along where the hatch seal runs, check the floor pan in the boot where the spare is located.

Check all doors for rust

Pull back or lift up if possible, the interior carpet and check the floor pan for rust.

You will be VERY fortunate, to find a rust free 120Y, you need to find one that has the least, especially if you want to restore the car withoiut too much cost.

Just from the pictures, the white one would be my choice.

Hope this helps a litlle

EDIT:
I just realised I was describing a sedan, not Coupe!
LOL, still, most of this will apply.

Thanks dats 120. Will be sure to use this info. Still trying to get the old man owning the white one to finalize the sale. He suddenly seems a bit reluctant!!