Ben(@Crabolsky140)'s 14X hunt.

Crabolsky140

Wow Rob, thanks for taking the trip out there! I think I would have pulled the trigger on this already if it wasn't so far north! Although having said that, if this were a 142 I would have already booked tickets to come up and rescue it.

I have couple options on the table now (which is great) but it has left me with a conundrum. 142 vs 144 and super clean ready to drive vs project car.

A couple forum members have graciously offered their 72 142's in need of some immediate attention. These are a bit of a journey away but worthy. Then there is this charming 69 144... then.....there is this:

1973 144 in Marina Blue. As clean and straight as they come (some issues but nothing major). Other than the 4 doors (which isn't a deal breaker) this particular car is the single carb variant and is auto : ( bugger.

I have limited funds to make moves to quickly so a cleaner car is alluring. What say you all?

Rob

This discussion was created from comments split from: [ebay] [gumtree] 1969 blue 144s.

Rob

Honestly, if the 73 ticks more of the right boxes, grab hold of it.

I am a bit biased, I have a thing for '73s and as much as i like the 144S, I would be on '73.

Carbs can be changed, auto can be removed. :)

Crabolsky140

I know what you mean Rob. There is the right balance between old and new on the 73's. The grill is the best of the plastic variety and I like the exposed petrol cap, interior improvements and of course the small bumpers.

beema41

I really like the front of this model and for me four doors are more practical (I have 4 kids), carby change and manual conversion are great projects as long as the body is strong. Does it run? how much $$$?

Rob

Yep, I reckon the dash is a big improvement as are the wipers with the correct swing.

I still like the skinny bumpers, 1/4 glasses, fuel cap etc.

Crabolsky140

beema41;14606 wroteI really like the front of this model and for me four doors are more practical (I have 4 kids), carby change and manual conversion are great projects as long as the body is strong. Does it run? how much $$$?

Jeeez. 4 kids! I happen to have 3 little ones so I can definitely appreciate the 4 doors. The 2 doors just sport it up a bit. Still either way it I am not going to kick a 4 door outta bed. It hasn't been started in in a few years. but ran fine up until then. $TBC.

The interior is very clean. This one was very well looked after and clearly loved by the previous owner(s). There is still a little gloss to that original paint too.

@Rob I wasn't even aware of the wiper swing improvement.

If I wasn't moving house this week, I feasibly could have brought it to Flemington!

Rob

Crabolsky140;14609 wrote @Rob I wasn't even aware of the wiper swing improvement.

I am only assuming the 144 is the same as the 164, the 142 i had certainly fitted the theory.. Up to 72 have wipers as you would find on any left hand drive vehicle with the rh wiper pivoting near the centre of the base of the windscreen and the lh wiper pivoting on the outside meaning the bit of the windscreen not wiped is in the upper drivers side corner. From 73, in conjunction with the newer dash i assume, RHD cars had their wiper pivots reversed so that the missed spot is on the passenger side.

Tigabu

Doooooooooo eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!

Vee_Que

Anything made in Sweden is going to be the wrong way still. Melbourne assembled cars were the correct way for sure.

Crabolsky140

Rob;14610 wrote
Crabolsky140;14609 wrote @Rob I wasn't even aware of the wiper swing improvement.
I am only assuming the 144 is the same as the 164, the 142 i had certainly fitted the theory.. Up to 72 have wipers as you would find on any left hand drive vehicle with the rh wiper pivoting near the centre of the base of the windscreen and the lh wiper pivoting on the outside meaning the bit of the windscreen not wiped is in the upper drivers side corner. From 73, in conjunction with the newer dash i assume, RHD cars had their wiper pivots reversed so that the missed spot is on the passenger side.

Rob, I noticed that you actually did the auto/manual conversion on you 164. Reading through your post it looks like you've already listed off all the parts you needed. Is there anything I should be mindful of (other than sourcing the right parts)?

Rob

if you have all of the correct bits it is easy. Bear in mind that the 144 uses a cable clutch instead of a hydraulic as used in the 164 (AFAIK).

I actually have quite a few of the bits you need, including an M40 gearbox. There are a few more here that would have bits too.

Crabolsky140

That's awesome. I should put together a shopping list once I get a handle on it. The owner of he 73 has agreed to put it on hold for me until I can get to it next weekend. :D

egads (she/her)

Should have the rest of the bits for a manual conversion although I don't have an m40 out. I have a Celica W50 with bellhousing to suit though.

Crabolsky140

Intriguing. Is the w50 a robust and worthy gearbox? The 5th gear Would be welcome.

Rob

good box.

Crabolsky140

What sort of modification would be required to the cross member?

egads (she/her)

I have a cross member designed for it that bolts up.

egads (she/her)

Oooh, steel case 4 speed (pretty sure) so actually w40? Thought it was w50, might have to eyeball it again and confirm the 5th gear ness. If it is a 5 speed I am officially an idiot and it is not for sale as it should be in the 145 asap.

egads (she/her)

In that case I would have an m40 though :-P