UAC - Datsun 140Y GX (Excellent) - '77 (Read 316 times)

[umtali]

Just to show off my pride and joy : Datsun 140Y GX more commonly known as the "Sunny Excellent"

This is one of the few GX's imported to Portugal from South Africa and was given to me on my birthday a couple of years ago by a good friend of mine ... this car stood for about 12 years and has only 44000 kms !!!

Although the car is now back on the road, I will post the whole restore process it underwent over the last 12 months ...


These pics are from the day I picked it up ...










After a washdown, time to check out the interiors ...


















But what really made me smile was this sticker ...




Despite the appearance, the motor started and ran smoothly after finally pulling the petrol thru and into the carbs ... but after a while I noticed that it was losing water, so the thermostat housing was replaced.




As expected after standing so long, the brakes were all shot, including the master brake pump ... nothing like a repair kit from the USA to solve!!

[umtali]

Two years ago I stripped it down ready to cut out the small rust spot and a new spray job ...









In the meantime I started working on the wheels ... sand-blasted first after which I will polish up the rims






I spent each night of the week polishing my wheels and this is the result : not too bad for a manual job and very old school ...





This is the final result of the wheels and tyres ...






Just thought I would zinc-plate the nuts and bolts which were lying around ...




Also worked on cleaning up the starter motor and alternator ...












Then it's time to start putting the pieces back together again ...






After 3 months at the paint shop and very little work done I decided to bring the GX back to the shop and take out the engine ...







At this stage I would normally strip the suspension down and give it the "overall" treatment ... however this time I'm going to resist and get the car back on the road asap!

The only rust has already been cut out so it's time to get the GX back to the paint shop!

[umtali]

Once the engine was out I cleaned up the covers and had to change the water inlet and outlets which were corroded ...








At the same time I gave the radiator a good wash and a coat of paint ...



I picked up a set of mirrors which are very similar to the original GX fender mirrors ... just in time to drill the fenders before they get painted. Pulled the front grille apart, cleaned and painted it all in original colour ... pretty nice finish!














The brake and clutch masters also got the "treatment" ...

[umtali]

Almost a year after the GX went into the paint shop and after much frustration and head banging, the guy finally started working on it when I threatened to take the car elsewhere (not very good for his reputation...)





A week later I get the car back to the workshop ...








First day of the mounting process: first of all the pipes lining the engine bay ... the problem is that it takes 10x longer than the dismantling process!












The pieces start falling into place ...












The interior was a mess and needed a good clean ...












I had the bumpers re-chromed but also painted the inside for extra protection ...










At this stage the car is almost complete except for the mud guards and bonnet ...






This pic shows its cousin just in from the paint shop and waiting its turn ...



Finally fitted the mud guards and wing mirrors but STILL waiting for the bonnet!!!






A year after the GX was dismantled it finally rolled out the garage and around the block under its own steam!



A week later it went back to the paint shop for polishing and having the bonnet fitted



And the completed look ...






A new battery fitted, lights checked and final adjustments before going for MOT the next day ...






Finally got the GX back home and ready to start the 2nd round!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[umtali]

In October 2011 I travelled to Lisbon for a local club meeting where my good friend awaited the opportunity to line up my 140Y and his 160Z!!! A 650 km round trip with four adults and a consumption of 7.5 lts/100 kms ... what more can I ask for?!?

[umtali]

In May 2012 the weekend was spent at a local "automobilia" show where old cars and parts are sold at ridiculous prices (everyone thinks they suddenly have gems in their hands ...) and where the car clubs are also represented.

This year we decided to show my GX ...

[datsfun]

Amazing as usual from the "UAC" camp!

That is one b210 that I really would like to own ...together with its bigger cousin, the 160Z

[Al Ramone]

stunning. obviously.

well done.

[mash]

Awesome, I love your cars and the fabulous work you do.

[RatDat]

These are really quite exotic looking things compared with a regular B210. Really nice resto work.

[barnzey]

inspirational, love it

[mize23]

I Know this car and Umtali.

The car is fantastic.

It was exposed at an event and it was subject of great curiosity

[umtali]

It's been so long since the last update that even the pics have faded ...

Last year decided to swap the original alloys for some Wolfrace bought in the UK - the GX has similar lines as the 240Z, hence my opting for the Wolfrace alloys!




















Exactly a year ago I finally managed to swap in a 5 speed dogleg (also bought in the UK with the help of Preet) which transformed the performance of the GX, equivalent to any modern day daily ...






In September the GX and Mize's Cedric were the stars at a friend's wedding ...








And finally, last Sunday morning took the GX out to a DatsunPT informal meeting ...

[mize23]

It's a very nice car. I really love it