Am I mad ?

[CMF_Family Hack]

Well with the big move looming towards the end of this year a crazy notion has filled my tiny brain.We will be away for 3 years. Now what if I bought a Super S/SLX that had a straight body and over the next 3 years did a complete rebuild. I have somewhere to store it ( a mate who is a panel beater) who could over time rip to to bear metal do a complete re spray etc. Next door is a guy who specialises in mods. Do a turbo or a NA job on it.3 years to do the job and when we got back there she would be ready and waiting.
Every time I drive Hack I must admit the driving pleasure is greater than most I have ever had. To come back to a K11 that was like new would be a thrill and it would see me through until the Grim Reaper collected me.
Am I crazy and will there be any one around still driving the mighty Micra?

 

[cisco]

Hmm possibly. Not sure.

Its an awesome idea if you are hooked on modifying cars, because it means that all the stuffing around is being done while you are away. And the way things go, 3 years is just about what it takes to do a complete top to bottom restoration and upgrade.

One problem is that you won't be around to pick any defects in the workmanship and therefore a lot of work will be done and dusted by the time you get back, and might be trickier to get them to re-do any work once the whole project is assembled and in one piece.

Parts becoming rarer, older and more brittle. E.g. rear plastic boot handle (the mounts always crack) finding a new one will be expensive and possibly a hassle. E.g. the headlights all look very old and dated, you can install crystal ones but they don't aim straight. There are a few tricky custom things like that which may be a hassle, but its not as if you haven't done all of that before, you already know where to get most parts from that you will need, so I'm sure it will be easier for you just to coordinate things from over there seeing as you've done all this before..

But after its all done, would you still just sell it anyway, like what happened with White Knight? Or is this being brought on because you miss White Knight ?

I'm not sure if I think you're mad or not yet, sorry

 

[cisco]

PS these random images are killing me. I am going to fix the problem right now. But some good images may be lost in the process.

 

[CMF_fred]

my friends say that I will be buried in my micra, s'pose it'd be cheaper than a coffin by then? As fer parts... what do the guys with 50's metal do?...... (retorical)

verdict: not guilty...do it.

 

[CMF_Yom]

If its what you want, then there's nothing stopping you from doing it. Its only money and you can't take it to the grave now can you...

 

[CMF_Family Hack]

Thanks guys. I will ponder a bit more and keep my eye out for a cheap Super S/SLX. Not worried about the motor so much just that the body is straight. I am sure my panel beater mate will do the right thing re body/respray.Motor well maybe bring in a half cut from Japan off a later spec model and then decide to either turbo or do an NA job on it.

 

[CMF_evade]

*raises hand*

i have a super-s that might be perfect for you if you arent worried about the motor

 

[cisco]

Actually what about this for something really different...

Somehow get your hands on a HK11 front cut and build up a micra that looks like the 2000 model micras with the massive bug eyed headlights and some of the newer technology like the electronic flip-in mirrors and the CGA3DE engine with the more modern ignition. Do a HK11 up!! Now that would be something real different, something I always wanted to seriously do.

 

[cisco]

Allright, the random images are... GONE!

 

[CMF_Family Hack]

Well Cisco I have put out enquiries about cost to bring in a HK11 front cut.Depends on cost. There are a couple of big importers in Perth so we will see.
I know aaron has a Super S which is available as the base for such a project. Will depend on cost of front cut.Have to get one with AC as well as could not live here without it. So IF I go ahead thinking more along the lines of a NA job.
Watching nissanmanias project with interest.

 

[CMF_Tony]

Hey Family Hack you should also checkout the cost of front cuts from New Zealand aswell! If you don't mind could you let us no would the cost would be?

 

[CMF_Yom]

Be careful with the update front end (all jap k11's seem to be HK11 chassis code, different letter starting infront of them seems to differentiate market/model revision).

Could run into issues with it not being crash tested.

Unlikely, but check it out before you put your money on it.

If you get a halfcut with a cg13 suitable for working (preferably under 150,000km) you will get power steering and aircon (this is std. on all the newer jap k11) so you wont have to worry too much about getting a micra with aircon already. If you've got all the parts it is easily a day job to install it into the selected car.

 

[CMF_Nissanmania]

You're completely bonkers!

You're hankering for a project and you love your Micras (Duh!) so it's a logical symptom of the disease.

There is no cure. Eventually old age will weary you into being a sensible car owner who just buys a car and uses it as an appliance.

Or otherwise you could just catch up with other crazy Micra nut's pursuits on this forum!

 

[CMF_makes]

Hi Whiteknight,

Of course your decision is entirely yours but I would suggest you wait and make up your mind when you return from overseas....

There are some really interesting small cars (at last !) being released over the next year or two that might be of interest to you... and perhaps many of us also.

Personally i am particularly keen to see what the new Fiat 500 will be like in real life... Check out the Premiere section on the following website ;
http://www.fiat500.com/eng/index.asp?par=ind

I reckon it looks awesome !. Lots of clever styling cues (like the instrument binacle) from the original but still modern. Fiat have confirmed that one engine option will be a 1.4 100Hp 16 Valve with a 6 speed gearbox. This should provide brisk performance while still being fairly economical.

There are rumors that a special Abarth version with a Turbo putting out around 150Hp will also be released later. That should really "kick butt" !.

Details and specifications have not yet been released (it's being officially launched on the 4th July 2007 at the Turin motorshow). However, Fiat have confirmed the new 500 will definately be available in Australia next year starting somewhere under A$20,000.

Unfortunately after 12 years of daily use my poor old Micra is getting a bit tired now. It's a brilliant car and I am really very fond of it. It's never let me down but it will need a fairly comprensive cosmetic & mechanical overhaul in the next year or two to remain solid and reliable.... This work will cost far more than it's worth plus with all the hassles of a restoration project so I have decided to be sensible and start planning for a newer replacement.

What I would really like is a new K11 "Supermarch" like those available in Taiwan but unfortunately that's obviously not possible. I am very hopeful that something like the new Fiat 500 will prove to be a suitable replacement !.

Anyway I guess your decision will depend on whether you are keen to start on a new project car... if you do decide to go ahead I am sure the results will be awesome. Good luck with whatever you decide to do !.

 

[CMF_makes]

Fiat picture

 

[CMF_chilidawg]

no offence, but GAWDANG! the 500 looks just like the k12!

 

[cisco]

That little thing looks pretty nifty.

Yeah not bad advice there from Makes.. You never know what funky little features are going to hit our Aussie shores - automatic windscreen wipers, factory GPS - mmmm!

 

[CMF_Family Hack]

Yeah I know BUT at my age all the wizz bang goodies do not draw me to a car.The Micra for a small car has lots of space, terrific vision all round and yes lacks a lot of safety features such as air bags etc
but its joy to drive. From all I have been through with my 2 Micras I know the car so well and how far I want to take it is up to me.Guess its my comfort zone thing.Anyway I will ponder a bit more and wait until I get some more prices confirmed.
I really appreciate all the comments and my time left on this earth to do something mad with a car is limited.

 

[CMF_chilidawg]

respect! n y not, u only got this life, eh?