Fairlady and the Tramp - New roadster owner in Maryland

[andyroo]

Hello!

Earlier this summer I purchased a 1969 Datsun 1600 on a complete whim and so far, I'm having a great time.

I'm about to turn 28 and a "car guy" but do not have experience with anything like this. I was originally looking for 240z's (that I had no intention of buying) when I came across my roadster. Never owned a car with carburetors. I'm very much a suspension and brakes geek and work in my free time for a race/performance shop for Subarus. This Datsun is well outside of my comfort zone but I'm excited to learn a few things and build something fun and unique.

The previous owner did a great job taking care of mechanical issues and the exterior. He did the Volvo brake upgrade, new shocks, cleaned the fuel tank, rebuilt the carbs, new tires, and gave it a fresh coat of paint. All rust has been taken care of. Drives really well. It does have a very slight oil leak that I'm hoping is not a rear main seal issue. I keep checking levels and it's pretty minor but needs to be looked into more.

The interior does need some work. Seats are great, but it needs carpet, dash cover, center console, door cards, a few knobs, etc. No soft top or frame, but a nice hardtop in good shape.

Anyway, I have a bunch of questions but I won't throw them all in here. I did start a blog that I'll try to keep updated:
http://fairladyandthetramp.blogspot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Andy

[andyroo]

[Rodster]

Andy

Welcome to the group from the west coast. Clean the motor top to bottom and see where the leak is coming from. My leak was the oil sensor on the passenger side lower rear area.


Rodney

[S Allen]

Andy,

Welcome and it looks like you got a pretty good looking roadster there. Ask away any questions you might have. Some one will provide you with an answer or two. No need to be bashful here.

Steve

[notoptoy]

Welcome Andy!
Anywhere near Olney? I've got a buddy there who is somewhat Roadster saavy.
Ask away on the questions.
Your ride looks better without the top - but all Fairlady's do.

[andyroo]

Thanks guys!

Welcome Andy!
Anywhere near Olney? I've got a buddy there who is somewhat Roadster saavy.
Ask away on the questions.
Your ride looks better without the top - but all Fairlady's do.

Not too far from Olney.

I'm currently keeping the car in my brother's garage, since it's not quite ready for Baltimore. I'll be doing a little more of a teardown on the interior this Sunday. The 3 big things at the moment are the speedometer, fuel gauge, and temp gauge. Fuel/temp seems like a regulator problem from what I've read on here. Speedo I'll have to look at the cable. I'm not exactly what to look at for both problems but I'll explore.

- Andy

[andyroo]

Long time without a post. I'm going to try to keep up with this a little more.

The previous owner removed the smog equipment but kept the smog distributor. I recurved the distributor, added a pertronix kit, and added a new coil. After a lot of trial and error with wiring and setting the timing (I'm new at that), the car is running wonderfully. Just so nice and smooth. Starts super easily too. Really happy.

Unfortunately I have not made a lot of progress on my other to-dos, which are:
- fix gas and temp gauge so I can see how much gas I have (purchased new adjustable regulator, need to test fuel sending unit)
- replace speedo cable so I can see how fast I'm going
- add gauge back lighting so I can see my gauges at night
- locate my small oil leak
- pretty much everything with the interior except the seats
- install the weatherstripping I've been stockpiling
- install the custom Konis I purchased
- install my sweet Momo steering wheel

But it's so much fun to drive!



- Andy

[andyroo]

I did unfortunately just discover a fuel leak...decent amount of gas dripping off the tank. That's pretty dangerous and has been jumped up to priority number 1. I did not notice it before but I keep the car at my brother's place so it slipped by until now. Hopefully it's not a cracked tank or something and just a loose fitting. Will investigate ASAP.

- Andy

[andyroo]

I should have moved this to the member's rides forum...

- andy

[pebbles]

Way more funner with a MOMO!!!!

[Tomakze]

Glad to see other guys my age into these old cars! We are an oddity! Love the car, and wish mine were half as good as yours when I purchased it. Looking forward to seeing it progress. BTW, You should do something about those wheels!

[Tomakze]

Also, this ebay seller is great for getting carpet. Hundreds of options, and great communication. It is where I will be buying. If you want something more original, RoadsterWorx on ebay is also awesome.

[andyroo]

Thanks! Not too many under 30 types with these cars. Just read through your thread and whoa, sounds like an adventure!

My car is getting closer and closer.

I was planning on the Datsunparts.com carpet....did you mean to put a link in your 2nd post?

[Tomakze]

I could swear I did put a link there!!! Aardvark Motors makes a carpet kit they sell on ebay. Lots of options, and great customer service. You can pick any color you want, and they have lots of different kinds of carpet as well. The complete kit runs about $230.

Thanks for reading through my build! I'm finally doing some real work, instead of just tinkering. It feels good!

[GregK]

Hey everybody. Just bought a 1969 2000. I should have it in 2 weeks. Here's a pic of it. Top could use some work, but I'm not really planning on taking this out in the rain...strictly a sunny day car.