1963 SPL310 Roadster - Single Carb - Restore or Resto Mod

[odasker]

Hi, I have a 1963 Datsun Roadster SPL310 single carb roadster I picked up this past summer from a guy in Kansas. I've always loved these cars as my dad had a 1966 back in the day. I finally bought one and had to get a 3 seater because I have two small kids that would have never stopped fighting to go with me if I didn't.

Long story short I'm about to do the restoration on this, but I'm kind of torn on which way to go. I know there were very few 3 seaters and even fewer single carb matching numbers vehicles around. I want more of a mod vehicle, but don't want to tear up a car that someone may really want to put back to 100% original.

So I'm really looking for some sort of suggestions. It has most everything, except the banjo air cleaner and a soft top and hard top. Everything else is essentially there and it does run (doesn't stop though since the rubber brake lines have rotted out).

Thanks,
Oscar

[notoptoy]

Welcome Oscar! We need pictures or your new purchase!
Lots of opinions on which way to go here, but I would support original as much as possible due to the age and uniqueness of the three seaters.
I would not think poorly of mothballing the original engine and driveline and substituting a newer 1600 driveline - that should be reversible - but other experts on here can tell you that better than I.

[fj20spl311]

Oscar Welcome....add your location.

I would suggest you find a 1600 with a rusted out body.
You could swap the drive train and brakes and keep all the old parts.

I personal would not worry about keeping her stock and sell off the rare parts to fund the conversion.......buts that me and the car would be worth more Stock...so if that's a concern, keep here as stock a possible........

[odasker]

Here is a photo of it after it was dropped off.



And here is right off the truck.



(sorry I don't know how to get the photo to post on this posting).



Also, my other thought would be to sell it and get a 1964 with a third seat and mod that instead. I really didn't know it was a single carb when I got it.

Last option (the one I'm leaning towards) is to just keep the 1500 drivetrain in the vehicle; update the brakes to disc brakes; take out the stock radio and put in a new stereo and speakers; and keep most everything stock (other than a set of Panasport rims and new tires).

[Toptech360]

I thought i read somewhere that only 300 some single carb cars were sold? Imo keep that one stock. Also, again simply opinion but i feel the stock drum brakes actually are quite effective, even for spirited 85hp driving!

[spl310]

The single carbs only had 77 bristling horsepower iirc....

[dbrick]

I have an easy self-serving solution...Sell the 63 as a complete unmolested classic, buy my 64. It's already flared out and not stock, engine is out, has 69 disc brakes and 69 rear axle and comes with full interior kit, aftermarket wiring harness custom gauge set and I can also sell you a stroker 1600.
only problem is it's in New Jersey

[jamesw]

That is a great looking and rare classic. My advice would be to keep it stock. If you want a roadster to "resto-mod" then get a 69 or 70 1600 for that.

Cheers
James

[odasker]

Do you guys see any problems with keeping the stock drum brakes? I really don't plan on driving it on the freeways here in California. It will be mostly used to cruise around town at speeds under 45 for the most part.

[jamesw]

The stock drum brakes will work fine to keep you out of rear-ending someone - provided you get them bled and adjusted properly. I have a 310 and have driven it on the freeway at 60 but the brakes are finicky and hard to get all 4 wheels braking evenly.

Also - the first thing I recommend you do is to remove all 6 brake cylinders plus the master cylinder and send them off to Karps to be re-sleeved. Then get the rebuild kits and put in all new rubber seals. Have the drums turned and get your brake shoes re-lined.

HTH
James

[dbrick]

The stock drum brakes will work fine to keep you out of rear-ending someone - provided you get them bled and adjusted properly. I have a 310 and have driven it on the freeway at 60 but the brakes are finicky and hard to get all 4 wheels braking evenly.

Also - the first thing I recommend you do is to remove all 6 brake cylinders plus the master cylinder and send them off to Karps to be re-sleeved. Then get the rebuild kits and put in all new rubber seals. Have the drums turned and get your brake shoes re-lined.

HTH
James

Agree with James, if you keep them stock, they need to be in perfect condition, not much room for error.

[odasker]

Isn't there a huge difference in cost when it comes to replacing or redoing drum brakes? Even more so than just switching it to some sort of disc conversion? If they aren't too hard to fix right I think I will keep them as is.

[jamesw]

The issue with switching is that the stock 310 wheels are 13" - and won't fit over the later disk brake setup. There might be a way to incorporate a different 13"disk brake setup (maybe from a Mini?) but it's not as easy.

HTH
James

[Toptech360]

Agree with James, if you keep them stock, they need to be in perfect condition, not much room for error.

I think thats fair to say about any brake system.


Odasker, the brakes on my 1500 work great, good firm pedal and very predictable. From a safety/worst case scenario standpoint a dual reservoir master cylinder would be a nice upgrade...but otherwise the stock drum brakes are matched to the car and can stop pretty quickly.

[steve_car]

You can install the dual carb setup if you want to get more hp.
Look for the 64-65 1500 carbs and intake manifold. Might be a little hard to find though.
You could always put in the 1600 carbs with manifold and replace your choke cable with the dual type. Much easier to find.
Keep your old carb and radio to maintain value.