newbie (lookin at a car 8/22, what do you guys think?)pg2

ekb20b · Post by **ekb20b** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:07 am

New member here. New to the datsun world and after searching online about the roadster this forum popped up. Hoping to learn as much as I can before I go looking and purchasing my own roadster. The funny thing is my wife mentioned that she wanted a classic car to ride around on the weekend and gave me the green light to start a project. I didnt give her a chance to change her mind. At first I wanted a 1969-74 BMW 2002 she wanted a karmann Gia. The compromise came when she saw a red datsun 1600 roadster on the road and fell in love with it. So I'm here to soak up as much information as I can. I do have a few questions I'll like to ask members who's done a swap and restore.
1. Would you rather purchase a running car or a non running car if you know you wanted to swap in a SR20 motor.
2. So far l've searched Craigslist, eBay, and autotrader. Is there any other sites you would recommend?
3. Are there any shops in So Cal that is trusted to do a SR swap?
4. Estimated cost for a swap?
The swap I'm looking into is an automatic SR20 due to the fact that its for her to drive.
Any pointers will be appreciated!
Thanks

Post by **Linda** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:50 am

Kevin Desirello of krdroadsters.com, I think that's his website, can do a very good job for you . I don't know how busy he is these days though.
If it were me, i'd opt for a non running excellent no rust body since you will be swapping. But if you have to wait to get the work done some kind of a beater engine would be fine LOL
Put the word out and something should show up

Linda

SuperCarSunday in Woodland Hills is a good chance to see roadster owners milling about, and they might have their cars there too, or perhaps a Subaru--

fj20spl311 · Post by **fj20spl311** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:02 am

First thing chose high or low windshield. Buy the best roadster you can find.....I would normally suggest drive it for a while before the conversion. Kevin has done an auto......

NostalgicDatsun.com · Post by **NostalgicDatsun.com** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 5:31 am

Linda wrote:Kevin Desirello of RestorableRoadsters.com, i think that's his website, can do a very good job for you . I don't know how busy he is these days though.
If it were me, i'd opt for a non running excellent no rust body since you will be swapping. But if you have to wait to get the work done some kind of a beater engine would be fine LOL
Put the word out and something should show up

Linda

That would be http://www.krdroadsters.com and his email is kevin@nostalgicdatsun.com

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:22 am

Welcome to the site. Did you see a 66-67.5 low windshield flat dash or 68-70 high windshield padded dash 1600? I would look for a 1600 for swap and not the 2000. Please buy the best the Roadster you can find. I do not know the first thing about swaps, however the better the car with the newer the parts will save you time and money later.

Rodney

Post by **dbrick** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:35 pm

All of the above, if you start with a running driving car that someone else spent the money to get body and paint done. Drive it as is, be sure it's the right car for you and then do the swap, this way you will be ready to drive it when the swap is done, not start fixing other issues.. You're in SoCal, so find the next event and go. Kevin can defiantly get you going, from the base car to a swap to the whole package.

IMHO, Best buy is a 66 or 67 1600 for low windshield, or a late 69 for high (better steering). No sense buying a 67.5 2000 and doing a swap, you pay too much for the VIN number.

RCMike · Post by **RCMike** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:21 pm

Kevin did my swap, and it was done well.

1.Running or not running.. I would recommend running, but it does not need to be recently rebuilt or anything. Running lets you know how your suspension, brakes, electrical and all are, and what else you will need to do in addition to the swap. Also it will let you drive the car for a bit before you start the swap to get used to it and enjoy until you are ready to start the work.

2.I would add this site to that list. Don't be afraid to travel to get the right car, and don't be afraid to drive it home..

3.In SoCal, Kevin is the one that I know of that has done the swap. In your case that is double, since he also built an auto SR for his mom. You can also go look at some of the drifter shops, but they are not going to have the experience with the roadster..

4.As far as cost, adding the auto adds tunnel work etc. I would get in touch with Kevin to discuss what that all needs to get done.

My $0.02

Post by **notoptoy** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:19 am

Go to shows and see (and drive if possible) as many different set-ups as you can.
Broken record from above, but, buy the best you can afford.

ekb20b · Post by **ekb20b** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:36 pm

Thanks everyone. Im searching everyday. Does the forum frown on me posting a couple car ads and seeking advise on if its a decent car for the price?

RCMike · Post by **RCMike** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 3:18 pm

Post away

Post by **bikermike** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 3:25 pm

ekb20b wrote:Thanks everyone. Im searching everyday. Does the forum frown on me posting a couple car ads and seeking advise on if its a decent car for the price?

A few others have posted similar questions on cars for sale on CL and ebay. Maybe a car you are considering has already been discussed so search a bit. Also review the various buyers guide articles.

And yes, post away

Alvin · Post by **Alvin** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 7:44 pm

Welcome!
Kevin Desirello in SoCal is the man for roadster engine swaps
He built a beautiful SR20/automatic transmission roadster for his Mom:

Kevin Desirello · Post by **Kevin Desirello** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 8:56 pm

Hey Guys thanks for all of the props.
I just got back from a well needed vacation.
I have several projects in process at the moment.

ekb20b Give me a message, email or call.
You can find my contact info at my website below..

If you are close we can arrange a ride in the Automatic car. It is a real fun car and gets real good mileage tooo.

The car was just featured in Kyu-sha Roman a japanese magazine..

Alvin: Check it out the pics and files are way to big for me to try to post here. Maybe you can help a brother out LOL...
They are on my Facebook. You can also find Kyusha Roman on Facebook it's a real nice mag and site. They are deticated to the dream of high performace classic Japanese cars.
Thanks
Kevin D

Alvin · Post by **Alvin** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:12 pm

Kevin,
I don't think the FB link in your signature is correct, change it to:
https://www.facebook.com/KrdKevinsRestorableDatsuns" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I can't find the magazine pictures of your mom's roadster on Facebook. I did find lots in-progress/complete of pics on your facebook, is this what you want to post? I just tried copy/pasting the link and it worked!

Kevin Desirello · Post by **Kevin Desirello** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:21 pm

Cool thanks i will get it changed. I think my personal Kevin Desirello FB has the mag pics not my resto FB just noticed that tooooo. Darn it....

Thanks Alvin

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newbie (lookin at a car 8/22, what do you guys think?)pg2

newbie (lookin at a car 8/22, what do you guys think?)pg2

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