Red Sun Rising.... a Roadster chronicle.

[Shamus980]

Prologue.

Happy New Year 311s.. After many months of reading posts and researching the many topics you all touch on this site concerning these great little cars, it has given me the confidence to begin the resurrection of my “SRL311-12127”. I’ve been the proud owner since March of 2018. There was little improvements I’ve made along the 8 months she has been with me. I guess I was developing a plan for the restoration and not knowing it. I thought it best to begin documenting the beginnings of my love affair with this roadster and the improvements I made along the way. This way., you all can read and advise me on what to check., what to do next., how to do it. This way I can be sure when it’s done, it will be done right.

As I have already stated., I’m not a mechanic. But am mechanically inclined. What I believe I can not do., I will find and hire the expertise to do it. However., they are not roadster specialists. So whatever info I can get from you all on what to look for and things to be weary of. I can make sure it gets done correctly. Thank you in advance.

I am about 8 months behind in documenting my adventure with this roadster. I will be writing in chronological order so forgive me for all the excessive writing. I just believe what makes a good story is the trials and tribulations that lead to the conclusion which will be the restoration of this vehicle. Since it a New Year., what better time to begin.

Chapter 1.

How it all began...

I’m a car enthusiast. I like unique things. Always wanted a classic car. While watching cars shows on velocity channel, I acquired the bug back in mid 2016. I talked it over with the wife and she wanted a convertible to enjoy during the summer nights. I began going to car shows and admired the care many owners took into their cars and the pride they all have when passing people either snap a picture of their ride or give the occasional “thumbs up”. I decided to hunt for one., but which one? A classic 57 Chevy? Played out. Too many. A classic Corvette or Mustang? I’m Not a ford guy and classic corvettes were mostly show cars. Never really driven unless to shows. I wanted a driver. I began looking around for a project and stumbled upon a roadster in Montana I believe. I instantly was hooked on lines and styling. Well then., the hemming and hawing began. I started looking for one closer to the Midwest for sale. I never knew what year or model. Was there any year to stay away from? Were there any other quirks about the car in general? The research had to start.

After many car shows and endless hours behind a computer looking.., I finally sent an email inquiring about the Montana car on Hemmings. To my dismay, it was sold days prior and was being shipped to France. The search continues..

I was kicking myself in the ass for being indecisive and losing out on that roadster. I was now determined to find one. I couldn’t sleep one night and began searching thru CL from different states. There were some here and there and I stumbled upon this one from Kansas. It was recently posted. I think within 24hrs. I looked over the listing at 3am and a few days later was enroute to Kansas to have a look.

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After conversations with the previous owner and his honesty with the overall shape of the car and what it needed. I decided it’s now or never. With the intention to just inspect the car., I realized I should drive out there with a trailer just in case the purchase was made. Thank goodness I did. It was a 22hr 1300m round trip drive I endured just own a Roadster. Could you imagine if I had to do it twice??

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[ACote]

Very cool! That is a long drive, but it looks great! Mikuni carbs on a 2000 are very desirable. Can't wait to see your report on it.

[spl310]

Great story!

[jrusso07]

Good for you and congratulations!

I find that these cars are very intuitive to work on....mechanically inclined will fit the bill just fine and the sense of accomplishment you will get is worth the learning you will acquire along the way.

[notoptoy]

Looking forward to "The rest of the story".

[2mAn]

Looking forward to "The rest of the story".

Same here, excited to see updates.

I think that car was posted here in the Internet Finds. Looks like a great car, very similar to mine but probably a better start than mine was.

[Gregs672000]

Yes, looks like a very well bought car, especially with the hipo parts on it and the increasing expense and rarity of them. I love the color... had seriously considered something like that many years ago. Looks very straight too. Like some others on this list, I'm not partial to black wheels because they tend to disappear, but I'm not sure what other options I would consider.

This is the perfect car to learn mechanics on. I am fully self taught (with a machinist/engine developer who became a wonderful friend in my corner for the past 29 yrs), starting out at age 16 on a '73 620 pick up and a Chilton manual. What you don't know now you will learn, and together you and your car will become one. There's nothing more satisfying than working on the car and enjoying the results of your efforts... and more humbling at times when things don't go the way you thought... but that's the fun! There's nothing that you can't fix (or get fixed), nothing you can't learn (and decide you don't want to do or don't have the talent or tools to do right, so you make friends or business connections), nothing you can't overcome. My car has taught me more about myself and life than most anything. Cars teach problem solving and patience. They don't care how angry or frustrated you become, because they will be waiting for you to calm down, get it together, and put your energy toward moving forward instead of smacking your head against the wall. Important life lessons for sure.

Looking forward to watching you step into this. We're here to help and cheer you on, you're part of the family now! HAVE FUN!

[Shamus980]

Chapter 2.

Love at First Sight....

After 3-4 days of email conversations., many more pictures and a video of the roadster prancing around the neighborhood. I felt comfortable in all the information the previous owner Keith had conveyed. The decision was made to go have a look. The vehicle was in far west Kansas 700 miles away. I rented a truck, a flatbed trailer, and bribed a friend to ride shotgun. It was decided that we would leave Mid evening after rush hour had subsided. Our midnight jaunt thru the Midwest commenced at 1900hrs. This would bring us into the PO’s town roughly at 7ish. Just in time to get breakfast and then see the roadster. The drive was leisurely and my mind began to drift. All I could think about was what direction I wanted to go during the restoration. And yes folks. The decision was made during that drive out. Passing thru Springfield, Kansas City then Topeka made me think that this wasn’t a simple “sit in the seat & kick the tire” vehicle evaluation. I was headed into uncharted territory. I was about to be a proud owner of a classic car. And a member of a very small elite group of Datsun Roadster Owners.

At the time of purchase., I had not joined 311s yet. But once I did., I realized these little cars are becoming extinct. With that in mind., each one still operable deserved to be restored to its former glory. Was I up for the task?? I said hell yeah!! Let’s so go crazy and when this little roadster is done. I will feel that I preserved a bit of history in a little car that a few have come to love so much.

I arrived near town approximately 0600ish when I received a call from Keith asking how far out I was. When I said 20miles and looking for a place to eat., he was happy and asked if we could do the deal then if there was one to be made. He had an appointment in Wichita which was in conflict with our 0900 appointment. I was excited. After following his directions and many rural miles later., I was greeted by Keith at the corner and followed him in. The man had a pleasant an honest demeanor about him which put me at ease. The roadster was parked on a slab of concrete where Keith was in the process of building a garage/workshop. He had many other roadsters but this one was his only Datsun. The man had a collection. He pulled off the car cover to reveal her in the morning light. This is what I saw...

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The roadster was in good shape. But alas., she wouldn’t start. The starter was fried. We have to do it the old fashioned way. He had it roped and ready to go. He pulled the vehicle while I popped the clutch. After a couple of try’s. She started and off I drove around the rural roads. She drove rough but she ran. No oil burning and nothing knocking. However., everything needed to be tightened down. There was rattling. Not from the engine though. I never rode in a pristine roadster so I’m not sure. I felt every bump and she rattled. I’m sure in the future when that road needs to be crossed., I will have to restore and upgrade what I can with the suspension.

I liked it. I see the potential. Upon returning to Keith’s house we didn’t want to shut her off so I drove her up onto the trailer. My friend began strapping her down. Keith and I relocated inside to conclude our business. Mind you., there was no negotiation., no hand shake. He looked at me and agreed on a price that was way less than what was listed. Looking back on it now., I believe I was auditioning to be the next owner. Keith has higher offers for the roadster. But he told me he wanted someone who enjoy driving her and not some broker who would flip it for profit. It showed me the man had character. I believe in me he found comfort in knowing that I would do what’s necessary to keep her on the road. Keith gave what parts he had which included a new starter and as much documentation he had which was extensive enough.

The long ride home. Thank goodness for cell phones. I got insured outside of Kansas City and scheduled a complete mechanical checkup the next day. More on that later.

[Shamus980]

Chapter 3.

As I arrived into the metro Chicago area, my mind was racing on what to do first. My first inclination was to see what was needed to make her dependable. Let’s enjoy driving her for the summer and determine what was needed. The first repair was to replace the starter so I can drive her. I drop her off a reputable mechanic that my best friend had recommended. His name was Drew. When I first met Drew, I was impressed on the cars in his shop especially the vinatage Porsche 911 in his front lobby. He had a beautiful vintage 1969 corvette big block convertible in the shop. I was at ease. He was commissioned to do a thorough inspection of the roadster which I believe he was excited to do.

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I requested Drew to confirm the VIN # and to see if it was also stamped onto the frame. I read on the Rallye site that the U20 engine # does not necessarily have to match the vin and or frame #. Needless to say, the VIN # was stamp onto the frame. Nice to know.

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Drew also reported the rust really wasn’t that bad. It was typical of a 50yo car. The rust in the floor pan wasn’t bad. I need not worry of falling out the car upon hitting a bump.

He replaced the starter which was really in there.

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I’m not an engineer but my observations conclude this vehicle is left side heavy. Starter., Carburetors, intake, exhaust headers and alternator. Not a fan of all that equipment bunched up so close to each other. Later on., my research and just reading all the improvements all you roadster owners have devised here on 311s really has helped advised me to make my improvements.

[2mAn]

I see a lot of similarities in our journey, and am excited to watch your progress.

Easy way to shift some weight to the pass side is the alternator relocation. If you can buy the kit, just do it because I built mine and it ended up costing me about the same as the kit itself did.

Keep up with the updates!

[Shamus980]

Chapter 4.

I drove the roadster home from Drew's shop on a cold and rainy day. The wipers worked but very very slow. The vehicle was very drafty and there wasn't any boot to cover the stick shift. I could see the road as a drove. While stopped at the lights, I began to look for any other signs of corrosion. I noticed the hole on the driver's floor pan., small but there was corrosion. A few pin holes by the tunnel. All of which I made a mental note to repair. I few other observations were the brakes were squeeking., shifting was tight., turn signals and the everwing spot lights were not working., idle would dip ever so often when I was standing at the stoplight so I had to rev her to keep her from cutting off., the heater wasn’t working., but the gauges did and the original AM radio was also.

From a driving standpoint, the engine wanted to go but she seemed like she was being held back. Something was definitely off. I was just gonna have to figure it out. I arrived home and parked her on the side driveway. I stared at her for awhile, parked there on the driveway glistening under the raindrops.
The next day, it was still cloudy but I managed to get her washed and inside my garaged. So, out went the CLK and in went roadster. It was mid spring, we activated the insurance., a few maintenance checks and the wife was ready to roll her out. Now., I had room for the roadster. Here are some points of concern cosmetically I have to address.

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That’s just the exterior. Once I pull the interior and carpeting out, I will have a better idea of the corrosion underneath. For now, Drew’s assessment of the current body was good enough. So long as I dont fall out the car. lol.

A few weeks had past and the bad weather broke., I drove her one day to my friends shop and while approaching a stop light, the idle dipped and she cut off. I attempted to restart her while coasting but no go. I coasted into a corner spot by the light and parked her. A phone call and 5min later my friend came out with some jumper cables and she started right up and we drove her about a mile to the shop where she cut off again while entering the shop. Not good, but I had her at the shop and now I can run some diagnostics with some help from the mechanics.

The battery wasn’t charging. Alternator was faulty and fried out. It was time for my first modification. Previously., I had mentioned how the roadster was left side heavy. Very many components were clunked together in a tight space. Intake manifold., carburetors., filters., headers ., starter and alternator. That whole area radiates a lot of heat. I may not be an engineer or a wrench but I would conclude that high temperatures isn’t a good thing for anything mechanical. More on this later.

My appetite for information on these cars grew. I joined 311s and I’ve been hooked ever since. A read a thread about right side mounted alternator and how many have done this mod and were happy with the outcome. A phone call later and I had one on order from DatsunParts.com. I then called Good ole Jimmy Tyler at Datsun restoration products for the right side mounting kit. Is came to realize shortly thereafter., the alternator I ordered will not mount on the right side. I quickly called and cancelled the order. However, luck was not on my side. They had shipped it prior to the weekend. Nevertheless, I returned it. I took the bite on the restocking fee and bought what I wanted. Jimmy was very helpful answering technical questions. He explained it would be a GM alternator., that’s a plus., with a modified smaller sprocket installed to keep it from frying out. Very well thought out by JT. I was impressed by his customer care and knowledge of these cars. If you’re looking to do this., I highly recommend giving JT a call.

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After the installation., the new alternator was charging up to or near 14 amps. Which I imagine is a good thing.

A few days after., Chava, my mechanic and I took the roadster out. We drove up and down Western Ave. and could only get her out to 40mph. She wasn’t running right. It felt like she was holding back. During a test drive., she began backfiring. Not good. Changed the spark plugs and then we looked at the distributor cap and determined it was old and needed to be replaced. It was time to research Dizzys.

Another 311s thread about dizzys and I decided to go with the 1-2-3. I was really leaning toward the east coast dizzy by Gary Boone but after many hours reading and watching YouTube., I decided 1-2-3 dizzy was able to tune the engine on the go. My future plans to do a “Scott Fisher” tour with the roadster. I figured going thru different terrain with varying altitudes and temps., I will be able to tune the car to suit the environment I will be driving in.

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And ofcourse. A new coil was added in the mix by MSD and I order the wires thru another vendor written about on 311s. I believe in keeping these vendors afloat. After all., could you imagine hunting these parts down??

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Once these new parts were replaced we ran her again up and down Western Ave. we OT her up to 65 mph before we had to slow her down. But she was running easier and no backfires.

I have the charging system running right. I have sparking on all 4s with a new dizzy. She is responding well. But something still seems like it’s holding her back. Well, I needed to getting her fuel delivery system in order anyways. Research began again. Like my motor. It seems like west coast is top heavy in resources for these cars. Midwest., not so. Sigh . I found Datsun Spirit out of Manasas VA. Just so happens., I had my cousins wedding to attend in late October 2018. I began a dialogue via email with Eiji., the shop owner whom is a very talented and knowledgeable expert on the Datsun L engines and 240-280z. He also rebuilds Mikuni Carburetors. I drove out to the wedding and stopped by the shop and met Eiji. I immediately liked him. He took a look at the twins and gave me a little history about them. He said they were 44 and most likely the original Mikuni Carburetors commissioned by Nismo for this setup. Not that this means anything but it felt better to know the car wasn't bastardized. I commissioned Eiji to clean, refurbish and tune the twins up. More on that to come. So I said my goodbyes to the twins and felt confident that I left them in good hands.

Earlier in this story., Drew confirmed the VIN tag matched the frame stamp. The serial number on Roadster’s U20 engine is a few hundreds off the VIN and may well be within the specs of the original U20 motor the car came with. Besides the rivet not being inside the C on the valve cover., I’m excited that this may be a HIPO set up for the US market from the factory. Fingers crossed. I don’t know if she has a C cam or B. I will find that out later as the engine will be going for a complete rebuild during the winter months.

[Shamus980]

Please excuse the repeated photos. I believe when I save the post and re load to finish writing. It loses all the photos that I had added. I guess I should add the photos last before a submit the posts. Thanks all. I don’t want these chronicles confusing. But here are the JT right mounted alternator pics.

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[Gregs672000]

Loving the story! Remove the valve cover and put a mirror behind the back of the cam and you will see if it is stamped A, B, or C... most likely B. Check the cam shaft body itself for any markings by a regrinder (my Isky is cut from an A cam but Isky engraved their info on the shaft).

Good choice on dizzy. Once you get all components working right, mainly the carbs, then you can post what jetting they have and we can start making sure they are balanced and jetted correctly for where you live. There can be many reasons why the engine does not want to rev fully, mainly ignition timing and incorrect jetting or carb imbalance. Jetting carbs is not super hard anymore because of the availability of wide band air/fuel meters. You can do this yourself with some instructions and understanding. You have the right components (highly adjustable carbs and now highly adjustable timing) and together you can fine tune this engine. If it continues to have problems reving up, then we'll look at things in more depth.

[Gregs672000]

Also, ask your carb guy what size main venturi the carbs have. Originally they came with 37mm main venturi, also known as chokes, but later Mikuni came with 34s to improve low end torque but with some sacrifice of top end power. I prefer the 37s, which I think are a very good street option that still allows for decent torque without hurting top end. I found my carbs easier to jet for general driving with the 37s vs the 40s I also had.

Just so you understand, the smaller venturi size creates more air velocity through the carb and gives a better "signal" to the jets at lower rpms. On a race car you're not as concerned about slow speed driving. Spend some time on the Internet learning how these type of carbs work so you can imagine what I'm talking about for future use.

[Shamus980]

Greg... I’ve told you before I so do enjoy your advice and feedback. Your input is going to be the death of my bank account. Lol. I never told you but I suffer from OCD. My wife knew this was going to be an issue with this car. But I promised her I would keep it under control. . Between you., JT, Simon and some of the 311s crew. I think I’m going to need therapy when this is done. I’m addicted to restoring this car. Lol.

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