1969 Datsun 1000 VB10-TU (Deluxe Wagon) review from Australia and New Zealand

Datto needed a major tune after I bought it because it has had only two owners (old geezers) and the timing was so bad it would hardly run.

Tuned the carby, so now it actually uses more fuel than it used to, corrected the timing, replaced original (!) radiator hose, brake lines, rear axle seals, rear brake shoes and other nicknacky stuff.

Engine sounds like the bottom end may be on the way out (a bit rugged sounding) and the synchro on 2nd and 3rd gears is a little dodgy. At least the pedals are close enough to heel and toe, so double-clutching is easy.

Lots of strange rattles from the tail gate - it's a wagon - and baffles in muffler are clangy.

Want to do some mods that don't make it look like a rice boy car. Thinking about worked A12 and 1200 diff, g. box internals etc. My datto mechanic told me that 120Y discs bolt straight on, but there are two different kinds - they must mount onto the suspension using the original bolts/bolt pattern. Some Y discs don't. I must stress that I haven't actually tried this yet, so I can't say whether this is true or not.

I'm wondering if there are any worthwhile suspension mods for the 1000, given that it's all leaf springs and stuff. No point having power without control and all that...