Another new roadster owner

[Dino in Reno]

It's a 1969 2000, I will be trying to get it up and running over the fall and winter. I will need help
Long story for buying it, to be told later, maybe.
Mostly rust free with only a few square inches of rust-out at the right rear wheel arch, at the rear bottom. The floors and trunk wells look good. Reno is kind of dry after all.

My first plea for help is for a few shops you would recommend for engine work/rebuild, on the west coast from Sacramento up to Seattle or ? OK, LA too... Or a rebuilt or good running used engine I guess.
Chain noise until the oil pressure is up at first start, but I found the pressure drops far too low at a hot idle . No smoke of any color and no engine leaks.
Clutch slave cylinder was leaking, now replaced. Transmission seems ok.

There is a family history of having them, 30 years ago...
Thanks in advance,

Dino in Reno

[S Allen]

Welcome Dino. I will let others recommend engine rebuild shops. Good luck with your project.

Steve

[bajaroadster]

Dino, dont be overly concerned about the oil pressure gauge reading low at hot idle. These cars are known for this issue of oil pressure reading low at idle. I certainly recommend having it checked by your mechanic once youve found one you trust, but the stock gauge is well known for inaccurate readings, Welcome to the party.

[Gregs672000]

I'd assess your current engine to determine if it needs a rebuild yet. As noted, the allegedly low oil pressure is likely the gauge, and chain rattle is a lack of proper shims on the tensioner.
Welcome!

[Dino in Reno]

Thanks Baja and Greg, when I find a mechanic I'll start there.

Dino in Reno

[Gregs672000]

I think there are a few owners in your area who could probably help evaluate your engine.

[Dino in Reno]

Greg , thanks. Everyone, PLEASE do if you are Northern Nevada...

Dino in Reno

[Dino in Reno]

The back story. Have Kleenex handy.

35 or so years ago a pretty blond showed up to a friends house in a yellow 1600 roadster. 31 years ago we were married. About two years before that she lost her roadster to an engine fire, she did not have the money to get rebuilt so bye bye roadster.
At least once a month after that for the next 30+ years she would look at everyone in the room, put a sad face on, and say "I miss my roadster".
When we had money, no good priced roadsters, when there was one at a good price, no money.
I just lost her to glioblastoma, they gave her six months to a year and a half, but she fought to over four years. The week she went into the hospital for the last time this yellow 2000 roadster showed up for sale. I was hoping for another of her "No way, no one recovers from that" comebacks, but she was just too tired.
So I want this for trips through the West, like she did. Not restored for shows, but rebuilt for driving on the dusty, pebble strewn Nevada and Sierra two lane roads.

Dino in Reno

[S Allen]

Dino,

Sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I am sure she will be looking down on you as you repair the roadster and drive it in her honor. Good luck with your project.

Steve