Cars

Charlotte's CA18DET Datsun 1600

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Update 18th September 2003

Well after a relatively trouble-free few months, disaster has struck the little datto once again. Thanks to another young female (in a Lancer this time) who failed to give way at a roundabout, the datto now needs 2 new passenger side doors, plus some surgery to pull out and straighten/align the b-pillar. It's still drivable but looks awful, and just my luck it has happened right before Jamboree. It's covered by insurance however, and will be fixed asap. Once again Shannons Insurance have been very helpful and quick with their service.

On other news, we have discovered a new problem stemming from the business (which shall remain un-named) who originally did the conversion. When the engine cross-member was reversed, the lower control arm pin tubes were not reversed and rewelded as they should have been to allow the use of the standard tapered pins. Instead threaded pins with no taper were placed in a done up both ends, and eventually this lead to the bolt on the back of one of them working its way loose and falling off, causing major wheel alignment and steering issues. For discussion about this problem see this thread on the Ozdat Discussion Board (thanks for your help guys).

To fix this problem the tubes will need to be removed and rewelded the other way around, and standard pins fitted back in them.

On a happier note, some more mods and improvements are on the way for the datto!

I have been lent an Autometer Autogage tacho with a shiftlight, just need to get it hooked up and mounted. It will probably sit on the steering wheel shroud in the middle. I also have been given on loan a 15" Orion subwoofer (my one concession to rice hehe), just need to put it in the car and hook up an amp and away I go... ;)

While the car is in the panel shop I am using the opportunity to get some custom paintwork done ... can't disclose what yet exactly but hopefully it should make the datto more visible to those 'concentration-disadvantaged' drivers out there who insist that the car is actually entirely composed of thin air.

I am also investing in a roll cage of some description, not sure yet whether it will be full or half. I am doing this for safely, having experienced first hand now how easily the 30-odd year old shells can crumple under impact, and hopefully to get me motivated to upgrade other bits of the car and start getting into some sprints racing!

Anyways expect some updates after the Jamboree ... until then, happy datto-ing and keep safe!

p.s. here's a couple of 'arty' pics of the datto cruising the streets of Toowoomba ... enjoy!