Hello from Sunny Southern California

[DJ9593]

Thank you for allowing me into this forum. My interest in the Roadster has been renewed recently. I have owned one since 1979, buy it has been stored since late 1981. I hope to begin rebuilding my car soon. After I obtain some necessary equipment for the rebuild, my step son and I will begin removing the body from the frame and the engine from the engine bay. My plan is to keep a written record of the rebuild along with pictures as we go.

[Linda]

Welcome. So here's a blunt question: Are you and your son most interested in the experience and fun of disassembly and assembly of a car (kind of like an interest in model cars) or do you like the idea of driving a car, then fixing modestly as you go? The question has importance because many owners have tried a full restoration only to get bogged down, lose interest, run out of money, or perhaps, have a son discover girls etc. Well you get my point. LOL
Still, climbing Mt Everest and getting to within 200 ft of the top DOES deserve credit.
Just like to hear if you considered it all with regards to your Roadster?

Linda

[DJ9593]

My step son is 26 and has already discovered girls. My desire is to drive this car again, it is such a fun car to drive. Also, my step son works at a body and paint shop. During the time I had the car prior to parking it, I probably only put 10,000 miles on the car. My mother purchased the car after it had been gone through at Arcadia Datsun in 1979. The only reason I am taking it so far is that I want to be sure everything works properly before I drive it again. My wife is also looking forward to driving it.

[Solex68]

What city are you in within So Cal?

[DJ9593]

Azusa, ca

[RCMike]

Right down the street…

Lots of fun right outside the canyon city..

[notoptoy]

Welcome, how about some pictures before you start the restoration?

[Linda]

Sounds like your resto has a better than average chance of succeeding. Good luck and hope you have fun with your project!
Some pics would be great if possible

Linda

[mraitch]

echo Linda. Drive it some, experience the car and the local people (JCCS) for example. Get in LOVE with the car BEFORE you start restoration. Create a budget and a timeline. Better to sort stuff BEFORE. Much you can do on an ongoing basis before you pull EVERYTHING apart. Figure how much time the car will be down - other people on this forum can give you an estimate for a body off, full blown resto - but maybe you don't really need to do this.
Eliza looks like s&*t, but she drives fine and still gets attention.
FWIW

[Rodster]

Welcome from Northern California. I am doing a body off retro so I know a little about the process. The time frame and budget are both blown. Talk to as many people as possible. I would get it running and driving first!!! Otherwise how to you know what to work on. During this process you get a better understanding of yourself and the huge job a head of you. Maybe you get it running, paint it and enjoy it.


Rodney
1967.5 1600 driver
1967 2000 restro project.

[RCMike]

It sounds like he has put 10k miles on the car, so I think he would know whether or not he likes it..lol

The rest is all about budgeted time and money.. Good luck with the resto, and if you need a reminder of why, get ahold me and I will run you up 39 to refresh your memory..

[DJ9593]

Thank you to everyone of you. When it was parked, the car ran excellent. I just couldn't keep an electrical system in it. I lost interest in the car for a while and every time I got interested in it again, money was an issue. I've come to realize that money will always be an issue and if I ever want to drive it again, I need to start working on it. My youngest is 5 and I keep visualizing him and I riding in it to take him to school. I am going to open up the engine just to be sure the bearings and journals are all good, after all it is 32 years since it last ran. Even though it has had oil in it during that time, it doesn't mean everything is ok. I want to clean up the frame and make sure is hasn't been damaged while I was in my youth. I did drive it hard back then, so I want to be sure all is well. The interior is completely shot (the cats used it to raise babies in), so it will require a complete interior. Probably the hardest part of this whole deal will be the electrical system. That is where I will be calling on those who have experience for help. I have been told that there is a gentleman in Azusa/ Covina who has a couple of these cars that he is working on. One he is restoring and one for parts. I hope to meet him and maybe get some parts from him. I am really hoping in the future to find a soft top for it. I did put about 10,000 miles on the car in the 80's. THE MOST FUN I EVER HAD driving was in this car. I will drive it again. Not so sure I want to take a ride up 39 though. I have pulled many a vehicle out of those canyons, some with bodies still in them, so if I go up that canyon, I'm driving. But I do appreciate the offer. I hope to become friends with many of you in the future. And I will post some pics as I go along. Again... Thank you everyone.

[FergO2k]

Well, there is Ron in Whittier.
I'd think you might be surprised that a few hours of gentle prep before re-starting might find that engine ready to run just fine again. The brakes may be a different story, I'd bet rubber internals are needed there.
Interiors are the easiest part (well, for me, cause my engine skills are sorely lacking). Strip anything ammonia soaked (cat fluids), and start rebuilding. Nothing that some new material and some spray adhesive won't cure in short order.
We'll all help with electrical, we've all fought those battles at times.
Welcome, and lots of resources not far away.

[Solex68]

Well, there is Ron in Whittier.
I'd think you might be surprised that a few hours of gentle prep before re-starting might find that engine ready to run just fine again. The brakes may be a different story, I'd bet rubber internals are needed there.
Interiors are the easiest part (well, for me, cause my engine skills are sorely lacking). Strip anything ammonia soaked (cat fluids), and start rebuilding. Nothing that some new material and some spray adhesive won't cure in short order.
We'll all help with electrical, we've all fought those battles at times.
Welcome, and lots of resources not far away.

To DJ9593,
I don't think electrical is all that bad on these cars. Am willing to help as well.
I believe Ron that FergO2k is speaking of Ron known as "EastMedia" on this site. If that is the same Ron, he is top notch! He knows a lot and is very friendly.

To FergO2k
....will trade a nice tune-up or engine help for your upholstery help. LOL.

[nismou20]

Welcome Azusa roadster guy, from Pasadena. As others have said, I'll be there to help if you need. Always nice to meet up with others who have such good taste in cars. Hope to do some runs in near future. Good luck with the car.