New World Datsuns...

Worked on the Venza restoration for a few hours today. Installed the hitch.


When I pulled some interior panels to run the wiring, I found evidence of past rodent activity. I pulled all the rear interior panels and scrubbed them down in bleach and hot water. Then went down to the car wash to vacuum everything before I put it back together. Much better now.





I installed the new all-weather mats, then pulled the console to swap the old power port for a new 3amp dual USB with volt gauge.




The last thing I did was run the wiring for the trailer lights and the 110v power inverter. I sent it down the passenger side rocker. The rubber bulkhead grommet fought me with a vengeance. I never would have been able to reach it if this was a V6 car.



I was out of time so I just coiled it at both ends. I'll finish it up when my 50A relay gets delivered.

Those subtle very practical features are looking good. Reading about the rodents was unsavory.

Meh, used car surprises.

Got the trailer wiring done and finished the inverter installation.


I also addressed the sketchy previous wiring "repair." All soldered and in shrink-tubing now.




XT225 engine is all sealed and freshly painted. Just need to find the time to swap it out in.

As I was reading your post too fast I did not see your comment "I also addressed the sketchy previous wiring "repair." All soldered and in shrink-tubing now.", when I seen the photo I thought that I hate that kind of wire crimper that just flattens/crushes the wire connectors, I have the old school type of crimper that punches a single hole in the side of the connector, unless one does not get the wire all the way in the connector it lasts for a very long time, the way you did it is best.

XT225 engine is in and running. I ran it for about 15 minutes. No noises, smoke, or leaks. If it doesn't burn oil, I'll probably just leave it in there.

Pour one out for a fallen homie.


Fuckin Seattle

Is that your vehicle?

Sorry, I do not know as I do not even pay attention to modern vehicles, my neighbors have to flash their lights and honk at me before I even notice them and then I think I did something wrong until I see their faces, then I wave as fast as I can before I drive past them, most the time I am too late and hope they do not think I am mad at them or something like that.

That is sad, especially if it is yours, I hope no one got hurt.

I like that you posted, but I do not want to like it with a thumbs up because of what it is, a wreck.

Yeah, that's Supervibe. We were the last to be invited to a 4 car party last night. Nobody got hurt and the other 3 cars were able to drive away. Mine is actually still drivable but definitely totalled. The F150 i went under looked structurally unharmed. This was supposed to be the last trip before I start using the Venza I just bought.

Well at least you have a replacement.

My sister is driving a rental because 2 trees fell on her Subaru Forester, one fir tree fell on it and squashed it, then later another fir tree fell on it and totally flattened it before the first tree was removed I believe, either way mother nature did not like my sisters Subaru Forester, she was house sitting for someone at the time it happened.

Well that just double sucks. Hopefully her insurance company treats her fairly.

DRIVEN wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 25, 2024 4:54 pm

Well that just double sucks. Hopefully her insurance company treats her fairly.

Fact is he was house sitting, and the trees falling on it were an "Act of God" according to the home owners insurance, she has something that is paying for the car rental and the people that own the house she was house sitting at felt bad and paid her deductible.

For 30+ years she worked in the insurance industry, I do not think any insurance company could even pull anything bad/shifty on her.

Holy cow , sorry about the vibe man , better the car then yourself in the end. Damn. At least the venza can go into rotation.

Thanks man. It's a bit of inconvenience but the circumstances could definitely be worse.

Definitely glad you’re ok. At least the Vibe was near the end of servitude.

All it owed me was one last ride home.

Runs and drives.

I wish I had that kind of engine compartment room in my Datsun 521 trucks, I can barely get the hoods closed.

Ironically, these old Ford pickups take a SBC a whole lot easier than a SBF.

I bought a couple spare swingarms and promptly cut them apart to stretch them 2". I offset the cuts by 2" so that one could be slugged and stitched, while the other will need filler pieces. I finished the easy one today.












I got lazy with the pics as the project progressed. I've got a new front chain guard and swingarm bushings installed. I Ebay'd an XT600 brake rod, which is 2" longer than stock TW. New chain and rear sprocket are ready to go. I'm probably going to order up a Bradley Performance HD rear shock to, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.