Il RX8 lI

Do what you want really. If it's cool to you, then it's your money to spend. The only wrong way to go about things is to let someone else influence what you really want.

datsunfreak

It is very cool to me, and it worked out to where I will have to spend very little money to do it.



A friend of mine imported a wrecked 1200 ute (if you are now asking "what's a ute?", click here). He wanted to be able to register it for street use so he took a US 1200 unibody with a good title, and cut off the front clip and welded it to the ute back half. He also needed a good door, so I traded him a spare door I had for the RHD dash, firewall, pedals, etc. All I had to buy was a steering gearbox, idler arm, and center link to complete the swap. I was able to get those parts through a friend stationed in Okinawa. He got them from the junkyard out of an '86 model 1200 ute for $100. Fortunately, they sold 1200 utes in Japan well in the 1990s. Heck, they still sell them new in South Africa! The JY parts look like brand new compared to the stock stuff.

RoadsterJoe

Never heard of a Ute. Looks alot like a '76 Datsun Pickup, no offense.



Keep us updated on your swap. I'm contemplating a rotary swap into a '68 Datsun Roadster. Just need to find some engine and tranny measurements.

datsunfreak

Well, what makes it a "ute", as you can see, is that the bed is one piece with the cab, unlike most trucks. They mostly only sold them in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand , and Japan. the only real US equivalent would be an El Camino or Ranchero.





I will be posting regular updates in here on the swap. FYI, a friend of mine is putting a KA24DE in his roadster. Based on how his fits, I'm sure you have PLENTY of room for a rotary. In fact, the only problem he has had is steering box clearance with the header, which you won't have that problem with a 12A/13B.

RoadsterJoe

Does Ute stand for anything? Like Urban Truck Evolved or is it actually the vehicles name?



The KA swap is pretty standard and a very good swap. That would be my second choice. Alot of other guys are doing SR20's and a few VG30's out there as well.



When I get back in a month or so, I'll start looking for a donor car. I'm thinking 89-91 13bt.

DJ Rotor

Short for utility I do believe.

datsunfreak

As stated, it's short for utility. Now in South Africa, the call it a Bakkie. I have NO idea what the heck that means...





And I may do that also...



I'm going to get it running and driving with the 12A, with a look ahead to swapping in a 13BT somewhere down the road...

jgarza77

[quote name='datsunfreak' date='Jun 7 2005, 09:13 PM']Here's the recipient, my '73 Datsun 1200 Coupe:







The donor will be a wrecked '79 RX7 I just bought.



One small wrinkle in the swap will be I am also converting it to RHD.


[/quote]

sharp wheels, those rewinds?panasport?other?

datsunfreak

[quote name='jgarza77' date='Jun 15 2005, 03:47 PM']sharp wheels, those rewinds?panasport?other?


[/quote]



14x7 Konig Rewinds.

RoadsterJoe

You know, I thought those were mini-lites.