Fiat meets Datsun

Drove the X today and visited the new storage "garage" for the 1970 Datsun. Not bad for a temporary home while a larger garage build is coming up in the same spot. Yes, that is a bowl of pasta on the X's trunk lid.

Fiat Adoption

We recently picked up a new project in the form of this 1980 Fiat X1/9. I owned an '81 years ago, and recently got the urge to acquire another one. The one I found is an '80 that is rust free, but in need of cosmetic and interior work. It runs great though and came with a recent set of KYB GR2 shocks, so it rides pretty good too. Plans are for a lowered suspension, larger wheels and tires and a more powerful motor to complement the terrific handling these old mid-engine classics have. It will be used for rallies, autocrosses and as a track car when it's done.

Roadster Engine Work

We are now in the process of detailing and cosmetically restoring the engine so that we can get the car running. The engine will then be pulled out and the rest of the car restored. If there are problems with the engine (smoking, poor compression, etc.) we will rebuild it before it goes back in the car.

Roadster Engine Work

When we acquired the Roadster, it did not have the original motor. However, it came with an identical 1600 engine that came with the car, though it wasn't installed. This was a good thing, since we were able to examine the motor in detail in an engine stand. We think this motor was rebuilt and then at some point left outside, since the internals look very clean but the outside is very weathered.

1967.5 Datsun Roadster 1600 Field Find

We recently picked up this '67.5 Datsun Roadster, which will now be undergoing a refurbishment so it can be driven on the road again. The 67.5 Roadsters are an interesting model, in that they have a few bits and pieces that can only be found on this particular model.

This example sat in a field for many, many years, but was found to be in surprisingly solid shape under the faded paint. The floorboards will need to be cut out and replaced and the rocker panels need some rust repair as well, but otherwise its a dry New Mexico car that is a bit sun baked.