1980 mq swb

[georges80]

Ok, may as well add to some of the old iron in this subforum

Bought Nov 1980 in Perth. My 1st 'car' and still own it of course. It's been modified/changed many times. Seems there's always something to tweak after each trip to the bush to make the next trip better.

Basic specs:

SD33 with aftermarket turbo, donaldson filter, custom snorkel.
160l long range tank
Converted a bunch of years ago from 24V to 12V (via an MK donor), and went dual batteries at that time.
Arb roo bar, warn 8274 winch (converted to 12V from 24V)
Custom bar work and roof rack.
Spare tyre carrier on the back.
OME suspension with extra leaves in the back (LWB version with extra leaves). Went through a few suspension variations.
F/R air lockers
Bunch of other tweaks/fiddles

It been on several trips up north into the kimberlies, to NT and back through the center, the canning, many many trips to the goldfields (WA), a few times down south (too many people), etc etc.

Me next to the old mq about 10 yrs ago:



Recent trip a few weeks ago to Plumridge Lakes area:



Yeah, it's a datsun



cheers,
george.

[Bigcol]

awesome to see this still going, good on you george......

[threedogs]

sounds like dads axe 4 heads and 6 handles later but it was still dads axe.lol
Good to see the Datto still going and a true one owner well done

[georges80]

Yeah, cost $10800 brand new back in Nov 1980, and there's more than $10800 in aftermarket stuff that has been added over the years... Certainly more $ in diesel fuel than the original cost as well

It has been a remarkably durable/reliable vehicle over all the years and trips its done to the bush. I have absolute confidence with the engine/drivetrain to get me where I want AND to get me back. A lot to be said for the old school sd33 versus all the modern electronics. No fear of deep water, dust, mud etc etc. I've also got an 80 series cruiser (1fz-fe petrol) here in the US (where I currently live/work) and though much nicer with all the modern amenities and power, it's had few things I've had to repair that seemed premature including an injector failure.

The old MQ is slow and steady but once you're out in the bush all the power/speed seems of little importance or need versus reliability. I have no issues with tight overgrown tracks scraping the sides for hour after hour, it is fully depreciated

I guess there's not likely many 1980 original owner MQ's out there eh? Don't see many 4wds with all the external bar work either. That bar work has likely saved the a-pillars from a load of damage. Having the roofrack on the bar work (that connects to the chassis) has been great too - no damage to gutters

Coming back to oz to find the old MQ waiting in the garage triggers many fond memories of trips to the bush and it's always ready for the next one.

cheers,
george.

[threedogs]

Certainly set up for some serious expedition style work.
Proves the old KISS saying correct,
Dont see many 4x4 with the exo skeleton bar work.
As for the 80s for some strange reason they seem to hold their value.
but coils on all corners is nice