Here's how I EASILY found my Datsun "210" gearbox.
1. Get the gearbox part numbers that will fit. Also, they'll tell you the
diameter and number of splines on the input and output shafts. From
Rivergate or MiniMania.
2. Go to a pick-your-part junkyard where you can examine cars at your
leisure, and where you won't find yourself balled out by a gorilla behind
the parts counter.
3. Look for small, rear wheel drive Datsuns around 1980 models. Car does
NOT have to say Datsun 210. The part number is on top of the gearbox near
where it attaches to the engine. You'll probably need a rag, some solvent
to dab on it, and maybe a scredriver to reach, but it is not a major
challenge. Yes, some small Datsun gearboxes ARE too big, but many are not.
4. Pull the thing out - not hard, and no impossible fasteners. These
places usually have some old wheels and tires that you can "lower" the
thing on to when it comes loose so it doesn't drop on the ground. They
also have heavy-duty carts for carrying the thing to the check-out.
5. At the same time, get the shift-lever, the speedo cable, and also the
driveshaft yoke. You may have to take the whole driveshaft, because many
times the U-joints have no circlips but are factory-pressed and peened
over.
6. If you can bring with you ANY old gearbox and driveshaft, you'll save
the core deposits they will otherwise charge.
7. The parts should cost about $110 in total, plus around $30 core
deposit.
8. If you are in the Los Angeles area and need directions to one of these
yards, E-mail me.
Daryl
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