1986 - 1991 NISSAN SKYLINE
BODY & CHASSIS
With smaller spans between major components, the Skyline is quite tough and stiff. The ruggedness of its monocoque construction can ultimately be compromised through complex, multi-piece stainless and rubber trim pieces around all window locks allowing in dust and muck, thus promoting rust. Tail light apertures, too, can rust badly although necessary repairs are not line-ofsight. Evil structural rust occurs half-way down A-pillars – hidden from sight – but inspection of the ends of the firewall/ plenum box (from under the bonnet) might give a few clues. Paint will more than likely be dull and lifeless by now – especially metallic – but many cars’ appearance will be lifted by wet-sand and buff or bonnet/roof/ boot respray.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Cam belts require changing every 100,000km. Coolant type is important to prevent the alloy head and iron block (and intake manifold) cannibalising each other into a cruddy mess. Oil change intervals of 5000km are more sensible than the specified 10k to keep the hydraulic lifters clean. EFI is reliable, but distributor sensor circuits can give problems, as can the air-flow meter. Make sure all intake plumbing is in place. Check the five-speed’s synchros with brisk shifts when warm. Autos can suffer from harsh shifts at part-throttle; budget $300 for a service – with falling values and less use for most of these cars, chances are it hasn’t been done in a decade. Diff design is shared with Commodore/Falcon: also tough and longlived. You’ll hear a bad one before it stops
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Standard fourwheel disc brakes use similar (but not the same) Aussiemade components to other Aussie cars (Sigma, Commodore) and pre-date ABS and other tech so rebuild kits and parts aren’t yet a problem. However one type of rear caliper will need replacement rather than reconditioning. Top-line GTS models’ front brake spec differs and is difficult to find these days but enthusiast-club and FB pages can yield parts. Front and rear strut-type suspension on the beam rear axle is similarly foolproof but with rear strut/ spring/damper units’ direct connection to the body shell near rear seat occupants, rear suspension noise is often evident. As it is for most classic cars, too-low suspension is another ‘back away and run’ type situation.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Interior plastic quality lets the Skyline down: multi-piece dash and instrument binnacle leads to movement between parts and hence squeaks and rattles but is more durable than many cars under Aussie sunshine. Several other plastic interior components tend to go crusty and biscuity. Door lock snipper buttons rattle. Aussiemade instruments are generally reliable but labelled plastic covers over centrestack switch gear can dislocate. Cloth seats in all models right up to the luxury rouged velour in Ti is quite durable but any car this age will be looking a little tired and emotional. Unlike local Ford and Holden products, seat fabrics are just about impossible to source and restore so kays and condition count.