GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

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rcutclif
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GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by rcutclif »

Hi All,

This forum came to me highly recommended by a friend, so I hope not to disappoint. My name is Robbie and I live near Chicago. I'm currently building a car for the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 challenge (build the fastest and best looking car you can for total budget $2k). The car is loosely based off of a 1965 Datsun 1500 - I came to own a couple of rusty shells and a pile of questionable parts last October. I am putting the Datsun body down on top of a cast-off early 80s formula 440 frame, and powering the whole shebang with a 2003 GSXR1000 motor. This will not be a streetcar, instead it's aimed squarely at autocross.

Here's a drawing that was inspired by my build that is now inspiring the build:
Image

Here's a couple current state of affairs photos:
Image
Image

Here's my main build thread, which I update almost every day:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum ... 581/page1/

Here are my questions:

1. What questions do you all have? What do you want to see?
2. I have a pile of parts I'm not going to use. I'd like to get them to someone who needs them. I have no idea if anything is valuable. I'm not into these parts for much money so I'm not worried if it all has to go to the scrap bin but I don't want to toss something of value to someone. Although less of a worry, I'd also be a bit bummed to give something away that was then immediately flipped for real money (maybe let's split it 50/50? haha).

Pile of questionable parts (these photos not showing, working on it):
Google Photos album of datsun parts
not pictured but I've also got 1500 chrome trim strips (5 pieces, missing one front fender), a couple of front disk brake setups, a couple of carb sets, etc. All looks like it has been sitting a long time and very little is ready to just bolt on and go. But some maybe refurbish-able?
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2mAn
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by 2mAn »

Welcome. I LOVE this plan! Im going to follow your other thread, but if you could also copy & paste the updates here too that would be great.

The Dash, windows, suspension parts are all valuable. Im sure you will get a bunch of PMs immediately. The rollbar will be worth something to someone too, can probably get ~$200 for it. The other parts (dash especially) could be worth more, but I have no idea on that.

This is going to be good!
Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 Porsche 911 4/98-build, 3.8L M96
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MattC
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by MattC »

I am a GRM subscriber, too. I always wondered what kind of crazy people enter those challenges....now we know, it's you! Looks like an awesome project...good luck!
Matt

1970 2000 #14204
2004 350Z Roadster
2014 Tundra

Williamsville, NY
rcutclif
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by rcutclif »

Yes, I resemble that remark - haha. I've been to the challenge a few times and really love it. Here are some of the other build's I've done:

1990 bmw v12
Image

Saab 9-3 "Ute"
Image

AMC with massive plywood downforce (we didn't build this car, we bought from original builders and re-campaigned with plywood wings)
Image

Reviewing this list - yes, I do agree this makes me look crazy.
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MattC
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by MattC »

But its a fun crazy.
Matt

1970 2000 #14204
2004 350Z Roadster
2014 Tundra

Williamsville, NY
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DCooke
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by DCooke »

Welcome Robbie, glad to have another roadster in Chicagoland.
Dave Cooke
Cary, IL
1968 1600
1969 1600
2016 BRZ
Chicagoland chapter of the Dairyland Datsuns
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spl310
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by spl310 »

This looks seriously cool!
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
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rcutclif
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by rcutclif »

thanks for the warm welcome all!

Now I've got most of the basic structure and control systems in place. frame, suspension, steering, pedals, shifter. Also, I am still working on pulling some of the parts that have been asked of me. More to come.

Image
rcutclif
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by rcutclif »

still been working along diligently on this one. Not much in terms of super exciting work since I've been mounting ancillaries like radiator, oil cooler, fuel tank, etc. Soon I'll be done with that and I'll be taking it all apart for final welding of the frame.
Oil cooler:
Image

Radiator:
Image
rcutclif
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by rcutclif »

Image

Hi All!

Just had the event last weekend - sorry I haven't updated this thread much, been busy building! I ended up using a CBR600rr engine instead of the planned gsxr1000, so we had less power than I originally planned for but the honda motor was a much better fit for the build.

We got 4th overall, and best in the car show, which I am very happy with. Now on to testing and tuning this little beast. I also have a ton of parts in my garage that are going to go, so I will post a dedicated for sale thread.

If you've got questions, let's hear em

Robbie
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GeoffM
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by GeoffM »

awesome, congrats!
Geoff
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Linda
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Re: GRM $2000 challenge roadster build, and is any of this junk valuable?

Post by Linda »

Since you are kind of crazy, you seem to suggest, and have the time, apparently, why not bring the car to Solvang in April, assuming it happens? :shock:
You might win “ diamond in the rough” award...lol

Linda
Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.
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