I bought a Bosch starter around 1986 or so for my A12. I don't know if they still make 'em but worth asking it was so much better design. Bosch Starter dealers. There's one in Hayward.

[edit] looks like it's Part# F5000-11306, for a 1972 Datsun A12 manual transmission starter. Wow, only $30 at drivewire.com

do you happen to know the p/n of that bosch starter? (for an A series, right?)
Also, anytime is a good time to check/change your starter. It's probably the easiest thing to remove and replace. Oh wait, the distributor rotor is probably easier

Never had a problem with the starter when swapping gearboxes, but I always used the original flywheel (A12, A14 or A15, no matter which tranny)... so nothing changed there.

When changing gearboxes, the starter has to be removed/unbolted anyways. It's a good time to repair it.

Take the starter off and make sure that the gear turns only one direction. If it "slips" (turns both directions), change the gear. This will cause it sometimes to spin the engine, other times to make a strange "whiz" sound.

If you decide to buy a new starter, get a Bosch.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh a new twist in the tail, can't remember anyone ever having any problems with the starter motor?! Mine when I turn the ignition, sometimes it catches, sometimes just spins? Is the starter going to be easy to replace when i have the gearbox, I'm assuming that repairing won't be that economical?
Cheers Will

I'll get all the info I can off this site and take that to the wrecker as well, I'm actually not even too sure what exact model the gearbox is, except for the fact that it's a dogleg 5 speed off an A series, I know it's not off a vanette. I think that this guy will (hopefully) know what he's doing as it's a nissan only wrecker that has been around for a good 25 years? Atlas Auto parts, does that a ring a bell to teretonga, it's down by the wharf.
Cheers for that stirling, the tech section didn't say anything about that so I was a bit worried

Firstly Will I'm pleased to hear your'e keeping the car. Now the 5 speed swap...It doesn't require certifying as it was a factory option. The reversing lights must work to get a warrent. Anything fitted to the car originally must remain in working order. To get room for the reversing switch "dress" the tunnel area gently, that is belt it with a hammer to make some room !! A 10mm depression should do it. Now you will need to make a new gearbox crossmember, you can base it on parts of the 4 speed one and use the original mounts in the tunnel. Depending on the model of gearbox you may need to swap your driveshaft to one with the correct front spline. Make sure the wrecker is fully aware of what they are in for, though they should have plenty of spare parts to try.The swap is a straight forward one and well worth the effort.

thats fine.

if it all bolts up & looks original then I very much doubt they'd even notice ......

Yeah the original 5 speed one bolts up (I think?!), will that count?

you don't need to modify mounts from memory i.e. either the orginal 5 speed one bolts up or the 4 speed one can be used for the 5 speed. - not sure which way round but make sure you have both when you do it

What about new mounts, I know that it needs a new cross member? Will that count as bolting straight in? Mind you they would never (hopefully!) know anyway would they?