So about 8 years ago I got my first Datsun. A huge project which I eventually lost my bottle over and about 4 years ago advertised for sale here. Haven't owned a car since.
 
I'm about to get back in the Datsun Club.
 
I have made payment for a 1000 ute which is interstate and arranged transport to send it to a resoration panel beater this Friday. Just hoping I don't get screwed over.
 
Plan is to get the body tidied up & motor running so I can register it. From there will probably do disc brake conversion and maybe an engine swap.
 
Wish me luck.
 
James

So after nearly two weeks of being stuffed around by the tow truck driver, my B20 has been picked up! It's now waiting to be blasted back to bare metal. Here's hoping what's underneath isn't too bad...

Thanks Reuby, it wasn't the great start I was hoping for but oh well here we go.
 
I have read your build thread and dix1000's with much interest.
 
It's going to be tricky for me because the ute is in Brisbane and I'm in Melbourne and it's hard for me to get up there. Until it's a runner I can't really get it down here due to space. I've asked the panel beater for pics as he goes so hopefully I can share them.

Thanks d. Unfortunately working on it myself isn't really an option for me now. I did really enjoy working on my previous datto. 
 
A pastel colour is definitely on the table - I was originally thinking a blue but maybe even seafoam or pink.
 
Basically the plan now is to blast the body back to metal, assess the damage and repair. While that's happening I'll get the motor looked at.

D,
 
Knowing what i know now about the cost of panel beating and how many sharks there are in the panel beatin world, I would seriously consider shipping my car overseas if i was doing it next time.
 
If your smart about it, you plan a holiday with it, so you can keep an eye on it during the works, and still keep it all under budget then getting it done here.
 
My car, (admitidly after 3 sharks have been through me) has cost me over 20k (Im embarresed as to the total cost) to get painted, and its not a competition car by any means. 
 
Indefense to panel beaters, given that a non-shark with reasonable skills will cost you $80-100/hr, and consider the number of hours required, the total cost is not unreasonable - its still expensive and out of the price range of most.
 
Its the reason that most panel beaters do 90% insurance work to make ends meet and 10% resto work. There arnt enough costomers with enough money for a resto shop to exist - certainly not in Perth.

I don't think the panel beater was trying to give me the run around. His hourly rate is $100 so a day on the ute would be close to a thousand bucks anyway. So I will be doing most of the work myself as you suggested d.
 
As it happened, he he said he was too busy to do any futher work on it so I've moved it to a mechanic who does older cars. The last update I got from him was:
 
- turns over ok
- no compression which appears to be rings not valves
- he has put new plugs and points in
 
so I have asked him to pull the head and inspect the bores. If we can get away with a quick hone and new rings then I'll do that. If it's going to be more then I'll have to evaluate my options.
 
I have managed to organise a place to store and work on it down in Melbourne which is a relief. I now just have to find someone to bring it down for me. After my experience getting it from Hervey Bay to Brisbane I am wary. If anyone knows a  reliable transport option I would love to hear it.

Thanks for the kind words d but don't feel too sorry for me yet! The ute is in Brisbane already so that makes it easier. 
 
The good news for me this time is I have a bit more cash than last time I did this. I can roll with the punches if things don't quite work out - my plan has already changed a couple of times as the situation has demanded.
 
I'll be excited to get it to Melbourne so I can start working on it and get some photos posted to share with the forum.

bahahahaha!
 
There's also more available in terms of repro panels now too so if I can buy stuff off the shelf instead of building from scratch. Anyway can't be worse than my last one

Funny you say that... Putting the shell onto something ride was actually my plan Z (if everything else didn't work out). But I was thinking something like a Sierra... I love the idea of a 4WD dat, and the wheel base is pretty much spot on. I had a look at the c20, seems the wheelbase isn't quite right?