D 120Y (Read 491 times)

[ninja]

Hi Newbie here just looking at a Datsun 120Y need to know of any nasties before I view.
   Cheers

[gainsb1]

Hi, Ninja. A good choice of car for a starter classic- I've had two in the past. They are very popular and easy to work on with good parts availability.
Apart from the obvious rust that you are likely to find (although they only rusted as any car of that era did) have a feel up inside the front wings at the top towards the bonnet. This area suffers frequently from serious rust. The panels here are known, for some reason, as the trumpets and are part of the inner wing. With the outer wing removed they are very easy to see but you will feel the frilly rust if you push your fingers up; BE CAREFUL as it may be sharp. Repairs are possible with the trumpets available. You can also just about get your head up there with a torch to have a look.

Rear springs can go saggy so make sure the car "sits" nicely.

The front seats have a bar running where the back of your bum sits and thus the car is really only comfortable for about 30-40 miles before you need a massage OR get the seats re-stuffed at an upholsterers (I did and it was worth every penny!).

The steering is naturally a bit on the heavy side when manouvering but should be okay when the car is moving.

The light switch does it's "thing" with main and dipped beams when the sidelights are selected - try it out and you'll see what I mean. There's nothing wrong with it, it's just a feature and most MOT testers have no idea so you'll be able to tell them at test time.

The heated rear windscreen rarely works fully as the elements frequently fracture.

If the gearstick flaps about a bit, it's the plastic spacers (Top-hats) that have perished and are easy to replace without taking the gearbox out.

If you have trouble with spares, look here on the forum or give me a call (No. at the top of the page)

Good luck with the purchase. let us know how it goes.

Leigh (Area rep)

[Tobeshaw]

Hi there. I have one of those and absolutely love it. A genuinely capable everyday classic model, the engine is bullet-proof. I had to spend a lot of time and money on the bodywork including new wings but thankfully the trumpets were fine. I have a couple of sets of wings, one set steel and only suitable for someone skilled in fabrication, the others in fibreglass which will be a pain to fit. Will (Datman) was interested but I haven't heard from him for a while. Free to collector. Anyway I hope you go for it and find a good one to keep on the road . There is a coupe for sale in Windlesham for more than £12k so they must be appreciating.