A very long time ago we purchased a brand new soft top Nissan and I thought it was the Ants pants (not the missus). It had few negative design features such as the steering, tyres, noise, useless seats and a somewhat robust
suspension.
Needless to say it was
mine, and several improvements were added over time including Recaro
suspension seats, a decent ash tray, rear
seat, hard top and winch.
The latter two are memorable, and nearly caused a divorce on both sides of the marriage. We’ll start with the hard top first.
After coming back from a camping trip to the North of Benambra the car had a bit of mud on it. During the time we were washing it I received a telephone call and let the missus to do her thing.
I came out to witness her attacking the year door with Jex! The conversation thereafter is not fit for publication.
Not all that long after, we visited a few Italian friends in what was then known as the Tobacco producing area around Myrtleford.
Following a rather robust lunch (with Vino) the mate decided we should go fishing down on the river, which we did.
On the way back to the house the Nissan got bogged in the wet ground, but fortunately there was an old dead tree close by.
As a
young bloke I’d only had experience with PTO’s on the
farm and didn’t know much about technology. So we connected up the gadget, I placed the right hand index finger in the hook, and proceeded to press the button.
Exist one index finger. Later on I was informed there are two buttons, and some importance is placed on getting it right.
Not long after that, the Nissan was sold and we purchased a SWB FJ45 and what a car it was. Far better than the Nissan to drive, even though it had the same cross ply tyres.
However, the Toyo had a few problems, particularly with transfer wind up. If I had a Dollar for every time I put the mongrel of a thing into first, reverse and then rocked the thing sideways I’d be a rich man.
I’d also have to say that brakes were not on the list of design features. We almost came to grief one day going down a Spur that only a goat would attempt. Obviously a manufacturing problem! LOL
So which manufacturer would I choose? In truth they still have their same strengths and weakness even to this day.
Cheers