Datsun Bluebird 910 (1983) - Recommission of car

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Fri 26 Nov 2010 17:55
Datsun Bluebird 910 (1983) - Recommission of car - Talking Hoarse

I am about to take on a very handsome old 1983 Datsun Bluebird (that is the Japanese RWD model, ie before Sunderland builds). It is a 1.8GL petrol model. It has been well cared for, has done only about 34,000 miles, but has had little use for the past 5 or 6 years. It is currently SORN'd, was last MOT'd 3 or 4 years ago. Bodywork is not quite perfect but is "as good as it gets" as it was kept in a dry but draughty lock up.

Obviously it will need a proper assessment as to what bits need sorting or replaced, but does anyone have any tips for the things that must be done so as to get it back into occasional but reliable use? I presume change of all the oils & fluids, probably brake pipes, tyres, hoses etc. Any tips?

Edited by Talking Hoarse on 26/11/2010 at 18:00

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 27 Nov 2010 00:30
Datsun Bluebird 910 (1983) - Recommission of car - 1litregolfeater
Be very careful with the engine, make sure it turns easily by hand before you try to start it, then give it a few turns without the plugs in and make sure oil is circulating. Don't get carried away by eagerness and optimism. A little bit of rust inside the cylinders could break it.

Brakes might still be ok, if they work don't replace the fluid until you know the cylinders aren't leaking so you don't do it twice. Same with clutch.

Hoses and tyres might still be ok, I'd just see how it goes. Good luck.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 10 Dec 2010 07:50
Datsun Bluebird 910 (1983) - Recommission of car - Talking Hoarse

It should arrive here in next few days (transit has been held up with all the weather). So this is a good time to repost & bring back to top of the page!

I am presuming to change the engine oil asap (although the existing oil looks quite clean). Is it worth a flush - if so what with? Also - should I change the oils in the gearbox & diff (assuming I can drain those readily). And .... what is your opinion about the best "waxoil" type product for preserving this car?

Any other recommission or preervation tips really appreciated.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 11 Dec 2010 03:19
Datsun Bluebird 910 (1983) - Recommission of car - 1litregolfeater

Engine flushing is something OAPs do to make them feel good, and I don't know if the garages bother, they just smile and charge them for it. It should only be done if you are concerned that a build up of sludge (which we don't have any more since about 1980) is a problem.

Gearbox/diff good to go

Waxoyl, you can buy a copy made by a firm in Bury which is the same but a lot cheaper. It always goes rusty in the bits you can't reach though.

You need to worry why this car was laid to rest in the first place and fix that.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.

Insurance group finder and how to save on insurance