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08/09/2006 Archived Entry: "The Datsun Project Report #4 (Time for a mechanic)"

THE DATSUN PROJECT: REPORT #4 (I'M CALLING A MECHANIC)

Blogispondent Ian here, sadly reporting that I'm throwing in the towel on the Datsun Project. Some changes in my life have led to a situation where I am more dependent on the Datsun for regular use, and I also have much less time and space to work on it. The number of important fixes has become significant enough that I think it's time to admit defeat and hire a shop to do a bunch of work. A lot of the things to be done are things that I could theoretically do, if I had more free time and work space, and it really bugs me to pay someone else to do them. But that's the tradeoff for my new living circumstances, I guess.

The list I have for the shop is thus:

* Replace rear shocks (the truck bounces all over the place when going over even minor bumps)
* Replace the carb with an aftermarket Weber unit (I already have the Weber, I just haven't gotten it installed. The old carb has a broken choke and just doesn't perform well)
* Flush or replace the radiator (the engine is getting hotter than it should, and I think the radiator may be partially plugged up)
* Replace the throttle cable (the cable in there now shows a lot of wear)
* Replace the A/C compressor (it's dead, Jim)
* Fix the parking brake (it doesn't work - dunno why)
* Flush and replace the brake fluid (this should improve braking performance a bit; the fluid in there now is in bad shape)
* Fix the wiring so that the environmental controls in the cab work
* Replace the sprayer nozzle for the windshield washer fluid (there isn't one now)

Ug. Quite a list, huh? I've got a good AAA-recommended shop picked out, and I'll get a quote from them in the next day or two. We'll see how much I can get done for the money I can put into this right now. My priorities, in descending order, are the carb, throttle cable, brakes, and radiator.

As you may recall, one of my main reasons for getting into this project was to learn some things about working on cars. That is still a goal of mine (and more so every time I have to pay a mechanic). So, I will undoubtedly find another way to meet that goal. Hopefully it'll work out better next time.

Posted by Ian @ 09:33 PM CST
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