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What parts from other cars fit a Datsun 1200? This is called parts interchange. Interchange may be classified into two types: Strict interchange where the part bolts right on and works exactly the same, and Loose interchange where the part fits but may work or look significantly different. Also we will talk about parts that do not technically interchange but are commonly used with minor modifications or for the purpose of upgrading the Datsun 1200. What is not considered "interchange" is engine swaps and other swaps where fabrication is required or many pieces need to be changed along with the part you really want.
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Example
For example, the most universal part on the 1200 is the headlights. Any 12V large round headlight will fit a 1200. This means most cars from about 1960 to 1985 that have a "two headlight" system (a single headlight on each side of the grille).
Strict interchange:
- Headlights: large round 12V type, any car - foreign or domestic (Type 6014). Exception is high power separate bulb types, which generally require a wiring update (relay, etc).
Rule of Thumb
The rule of thumb for Datsun 1200 parts interchangability is:
- Many parts from other "B" series Datsuns interchange:
- A big exceptions is body parts, which do not interchange
- Parts from most other Datsuns do not fit the 1200
- Most A-series engine parts interchange to some extent
- Starter, Distributor and Carburetor from other A-series Datsuns will generally work in the 1200
General Interchange
General parts from most 1960s/1970s/1980s cars (Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, etc):
- Headlights and other light bulbs
- Wheels B210 has same 30mm offset as B110, in either 12" or 13" size
- Battery
- Hubcaps (for same wheel size, i.e. 12" or 13", or dogdish)
- Many Alternators (Datsun and otherwise) interchange. See Alternator for details.
510, Datsun Pickup, F10
- Alternator. See Alternator article for specific details
- Some suspension, brake and steering parts from 510 fit B210
610
B10
Strict Interchange:
- A-series Cylinder Heads
- Pistons: Coupe Flat-top pistons were used in A12GX Engine
- Differential assembly. Ratios may vary
Loose interchange:
- Engine assembly will fit but is only 1000cc instead of 1200cc
- Rear Axle assembly. Some change of brake lines is required
B210
Many mechanical parts from the B210 (1974-1978 Sunny) fit the 1200. Most other parts will not. However, many other parts are used to upgrade the B110.
For details, see B210 Parts Donor.
B310
A few B310 (1979-1982 Sunny) parts fit the B110 directly, while many others are adaptable.
Strict Interchange
- Rear-seat 'rotating' ashtrays -- identical!
- Arm rests have fancy stitching but otherwise identical
- Rear Seat belts will fit the 1200. The retractors are on the buckle, whereas the 1200 retractors are near the mount end (sit against seat back). The 1200 ones (USA) are perhaps a better design
- Carburetor varies for emission equipment but can generally be used on any A-series engine
- Steering lock assembly. Discussion: Stuffed igntion switch on 1200 ute. Any ideas for replacement?
Loose Interchange
- Exhaust system (sedan fits sedan from manifold to tailpipe, except for manifold flange)
- Steering wheel
- Coat hooks. They are the same color and same shape, but the B310 one has a locating nub which must be cut off
- 2-dr sedan rear side window weatherstripping. It's almost perfect, but about 1 inch too short for the B110. Surprisingly, the B110 glass is actually larger! The B110 has a window seal that's glued to the outside of the frame, and an inside cover for the door frame. The B310 uses a one-piece seal. Just trim a bit of it off when fitting to the B110.
- The wiper motor and other electrical parts have reverted to the rectangular connectors (B210s use round connectors). So some of these parts may fit B110.
Upgrade Parts
- 60-Series 5-speed, requires swap. See 60-Series Transmission
- Ignition switch
- Air conditioning
- Larger Radiator
- A12, A13, A12A, A14 or A15 engine. See details at Engine Swaps
- Tires are 13", commonly 175/70-13 in USA
- B310 Wheels fit rear of B110. They don't fit the front of the B110 as they have too much positive offset
- B310 Electronic Distributor Swap
- Various underhood components
- Front Seats, with rail change
- Heater demister hoses do not fit
- Most individual engine parts, except block and fuel pump
- Glovebox doesn't fit a 1200
- Dome light is different, the B310 looks very similar but is larger
- Above-door grab handle (unconfirmed)
- Rear-view mirror and sun visors. The visors could be used if you change the mounting pads. However, they are a bit wider and slip in the center into the mirror mount. The mirror mount possibly (?) could be fitted to the 1200. It's a nice larger mirror with night anti-glare flip lever.
- Front Seat belts will not fit, unfortunately. The retractor is large and fits into the b-pillar. Whereas the 1200 retractors are exposed and bolt to the door sill below the B-pillar
- 2-dr sedan rear side trim. The panels are smaller than the 1200 trim. However, the clips can be saved and used to repair 1200 trim.
- Front suspension assembly swap donor parts:
- struts
- same diameter springs used on B210 and B310 (e.g. 1974-1982), but need to be cut to proper length
- Larger rotors & calipers (same as first 200SX & late B210) require 13" wheels
- Differential third-member (pumpkin). This is the H150, so it's stronger than the 1200's H145. It will bolt in the 1200 axle case, but it needs a thin spacer. Or may not need a spacer ... see this discussion: Diffs 145 vs 150]
- Ratios include 3.54, 3.7 and 3.9
- The rear axle assembly can be used, if you can weld. B310 uses a 4-link coil-spring design, not a leaf spring like the 1200. It is simple enough to cut the spring pads and link connections off and weld on leaf spring pads. This will also get you slightly larger brakes (all the way around if you use the front stuff too).
- Brake vacuum booster (does it fit the B110?). It is not like a B210 booster, that has as aluminum extension that holds the booster away from the firewall. The b310 booster bolts right up to the firewall.
- Steering box is different -- it has a flexible coupling while the B110 has box directly connected to the steering column. But maybe the gears are the same. Does the steering arms fit B110? Could get a different steering ratio this way.
- Gas cap fits, but is the vented kind and will let your 1200 puke. Don't use it.
Hollander Interchange
Hollander Interchange is the source of the "Parts Lists" you see advertised on eBay for $10 or so for a specific car section and around $75 for an entire (very thick) volume. The primary market for Hollander Interchange is junkyards. According to Hollander, only a handle of parts interchange with the Datsun 1200. Also, they don't list very many types of parts but only a few most common types.
According to Hollander, only a few parts like the alternator and starter interchange with other Datsuns. You'll find much more useful information here in our Club Wiki.
For more details see Hollander Interchange