*THIS* close to getting an MK

[Justin_M]

Just went and looked at an 85 diesel MK swb. 250,000 on the clock, power steering, no aircon, non turbo. I searched for rust everywhere i could, only places i found are the door sill behind the drivers door, and the canopy window tracks.

I intend on just converting the rear windows to fixed plexiglass or similar. The windscreen is cracked, requiring replacement, im sure some of you have had to replace it before any idea how much ill have to pay? I might pick the glass up from a wrecker.

Also requires new headlight, something i was planning to upgrade anyway so im not too fussed.

Do you guys think $3500 is too much, apart from what i listed the vehicle is in MINT condition. Is there anything else i should check before i sign on the dotted line?

[Big Red Toy]

* top of b-pillars, infront of driver. (under lining, just press with hand)
*under door sills
*why no aircon??? should have it!
* how much mud is burnt onto exhaust? gives good indication of offroad history.
*take it for a off-road test and listen for any noises
hope this helps

[V8Patrol]

Just went and looked at an 85 diesel MK swb. 250,000 on the clock, power steering, no aircon, non turbo. I searched for rust everywhere i could, only places i found are the door sill behind the drivers door, and the canopy window tracks.

I intend on just converting the rear windows to fixed plexiglass or similar. The windscreen is cracked, requiring replacement, im sure some of you have had to replace it before any idea how much ill have to pay? I might pick the glass up from a wrecker.

Also requires new headlight, something i was planning to upgrade anyway so im not too fussed.

Do you guys think $3500 is too much, apart from what i listed the vehicle is in MINT condition. Is there anything else i should check before i sign on the dotted line?

The MQ/MK bible is your friend here, look under the rust links for further info regarding where it all hides !

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... hp?t=22197

The cracked windscreen will set you back around $160 for the glass .... + fitting. Allow no more than $250, if they charge more than that then they are rippin ya.
Also have a look at the windscreen rubber, if its old it will need replacing too. Check for small cracks in it or "feel" if its brittle, more n likely it will be stuffed and need replacing so add a further $100 just for the rubber !!

Nissan didn't seal the windscreens at the factory, they relied on the actual rubber seal itself to prevent water getting in, this is fine while the rubber is in good condition but it causes rust in the windscreen frame as Big Red Toy described above. Seal in the new screen and it will never rust.


The flexi glass idea is good ...... kewl solution, go 4 it ! wreckers WILL charge heaps for it, to give you an idea the back window glass goes for around the $600 mark !!!!. Ring a wrecker and ask how much for one, this will give you an idea on what to expect.

Headlight lenses are an easy fix but why waste ya time, fit quartz halogen, .... cost about $40 each + globes. The globes come in either 12 or 24 volt and are priced the same, slightly higher costs for a higher wattage globe IE: 130/90 watt is dearer than a std 55/60 watt.

The engine hasnt done "huge" Ks but I'd be taking it to a QUALIFIED DIESEL mechanic for a "leak down" test ( compresion test for diesels), theres more info in the MQ/MK Bible on this so do the research FIRST ! Better to pay out a hundred for a report than a couple of grand for another donk or even more for a V8 conversion!

The price seems fair for what you have described, but try n find as many faults as possiable then HAGGLE the price down, the more minor /major faults the cheaper it gets

Kingy

[MQ080]

Justin,

also check that radiator support pannels for cancer

[Justin_M]

I did drive it offroad on the test, couldnt hear any abnormal noises etc. Although it was sometimes a bit funny to move between 4hi and 4lo, put it in nuetral, clutch out, roll a meter and she went in fine (manual locking hubs)

I checked every place on those lists for rust, only place i didnt look is the B pillar. So that will be checked before i sign on the dotted line.

the owner is actually a lecturer of mine at caterpillar, he assures me the engine is fine and from what i know and have checked, i have no reason to doubt him either.

Is narva a good headlight? im looking at getting narva h4's, only in 55/60 and later when ive got time ill upgrade the wiring and add relays, going to 130/90 globes.

Mmmm shes also dressed in NEW desert dueler 31/10.5/15's and is riding on new suspension shackles, bushes etc. The owner wont budge on the price, the tyres and suspension alone set him back around $800 in the last few months

[V8Patrol]

Sounds like a good rig ....go for it !!

The Narva lights are kewl, not much differance between them and the other makes ( Hella etc )

Kingy

[Screwy]

Welcome to the Nissan Club

[Big Red Toy]

sounds good. don't waste time and money on low wattage globes, go to repco and buy 130/100's. cost $30 pair. and you don't have to upgrade wiring as it will take it, mine does and has done for 3 years now.
i've just changed mine to 100/90's which are white/blue globes which have a 4350kelvin rating/output??? they are really good but not as good as 130/100's. And they are not ADR approved but put out a really good light to drive buy

[Justin_M]

Only reason i dont wanna go the 130/90 route straight away is i have to take it over the pits (shes rego'd in qld atm) dont wanna be picked up for $12 worth of light bulbs!

I picked her up last night, new windscreen cost me $70 (new as in from a wrecker ) plus 50 for fitting. First impression is that the fuel economy is GOOD, like 10l/100km, road noise is pretty minimal (all the door seals etc are mint).

Do you guys think its worth getting a swing out spare tyre carrier, while i dont think the spare under the body is reducing ground clearance or anything, sure looks like it might get spiked or something offroad?

Ive got a nissan and im in love

[Big Red Toy]

thats fair enough, the swing away wheel carrier's are a great idea.
i've got one of the factory ones, but i think i might turf it for a swing away on rear bar.
Welcome to the SWB Club
Let the modifacations begin

[Justin_M]

How can i identify if ive got the lsd or the open center rear differential? Without trying to spin the wheels on someones lawn or in mud :p

What suprised me is the ride isnt that bad in the swb. Maybe its because the suspension bushings, shackles and that werent done too long ago, but shes a nice ride!

[Big Red Toy]

just tell em it was an accident!!!
take it out wheeling you'll figure it out eventually. Or go into nissan with VIN number and they will tell you

[buger man]

How can i identify if ive got the lsd or the open center rear differential? Without trying to spin the wheels on someones lawn or in mud :p

What suprised me is the ride isnt that bad in the swb. Maybe its because the suspension bushings, shackles and that werent done too long ago, but shes a nice ride!

TO check the diff jack up one wheel, make sure the hand brake is off and it is out of gear IF YOU CAN TURN THE WHEEL IT IS AN OPEN DIFF

[V8Patrol]

PICS


and a write up in the members section please