1967 - 1600 VIN # 06768
Purchased in November, 1980, licensed and registered, I drove it for one year
then started tearing it down.
26 Years later, it's again, licensed and registered for driving. I'm older and
more pooped than when I was 28, but when I get behind the wheel, the memory
of why I bought it in the first place comes rushing back to me like the hot
kiss at the end of a wet fist!
Zowwieeeeee! It's funnn!!!! Vroooommm!!!!
Upgrades include:
1. Gear reduction starter, with removable access panel under wheel well
2. Boone Electronic Dizzy
3. 2000 Radiator with 3 row core and convenient filler neck
4. Hayden 14" electric fan
5. Mike Young's Competition front springs (still have stock sway bar)
6. Monroe shocks all around (Yeah, I know, but that was before I found out
about the KYB's)
7. Added 2nd reverse light for extra bling factor (it also seems like it
improved my top end. Aerodynamics?)
8. Aftermarket headers
9. And last but not least, the coveted Type "B" steering box. A much smoother
and tighter steering response compared to my original Type "A" box.
A few comments:
Two items that I believe make a lot of work under the hood more difficult
were eliminated with the shorter starter and creating an access opening under
the wheel well.
You can remove and replace the starter without removing the carbs/intake and
exhaust manifolds!
The other is that huge shroud around the water pump and fan. When I went to an
electric fan with an integrated shroud, it provided complete access to the
front of the engine. Imagine this: I was able to completely polish my timing
cover while it was still on the engine! Yes, I even removed the bolts one at a
time to polish the little recess behind them.
One thing I regret not having at this time, is the KYB shocks, I think the
Monroe ride is not bad, it's kinda stiff, but I'm told the comp front springs
are like that and I remind myself, this ain't no Cadillac. What I'm really
thinking is, will the KYB's slide thru the lower spring plate opening like the
originals? Or is that just the Koni's?
I'm especially proud of my front end alignment. The only instrument I used was
a Longacre camber/caster gauge I bought on Ebay. It's not rocket science,
with careful leveling, precise measuring using string lines, good advice from
the list (thanks Gordon Glasgow and others) and LOTS of patience, I set my
wheels to -1.0 degrees camber, +1.5 degrees caster and 1/8" toe-in. At all
speeds up to 80 mph, it steers straight anywhere you aim it, doesn't pull at
all and has good return around corners with no effort at all. It almost feels
like power steering. I didn't imagine it would feel that good!
On the subject of turning, I found a new past time I'm sure is not so new to
most of you guys. I like turning tight circles at 45 mph in a big parking
lot!
I've heard those Mike Young springs help corner flat, but I had no idea! I'm
still trying to decide if I even need the larger sway bar.
By the way I understand why some of you get excited about the stock resonator
and muffler. I've got the complete, original exhaust with megaphone tip from
Nissan back in the early 80's for about $75! It really does have a great
sound!
This car sure is a lot of fun! Every time I go for a ride, long or short, I
find myself going out for another one about an hour later. This goes on all
day and evening. I have to go for a last drive before I go to bed!
Thanks alot to all you guys for the all the help, support and especially the
inspiration to keep going.
Mike Hudson '67 - 1600
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