New old Roadster owner

[jrgs3365]

Hello from the OC! My ‘66 1600 is scheduled to arrive next week. Very excited! Doesn’t run but the car is complete (no tops) and original except for the seats. I have owned Datsuns my whole life as my dad was an exec at the Datsun HQ in Gardena back in the ‘70’s. I previously owned a ‘69 2000 that I bought for $500, ran it to the ground while in college, then sold it for $500. I’ve owned 510’s, Z’s, and a ‘77 King Cab but the Roadster is the only Datsun I never did any work/modifications on so I’ll be looking for advice, guidance, and general knowledge from any and all here! My goal is to strip it down and completely restore it with only minor modifications. Total nostalgia!

[notoptoy]

Welcome! I might suggest getting it running and driving before jumping into a total restoration. You'll bond with the car and be a motivated to get it on the road. Too many owners have jumped into a total restoration and then lost interest part way through only to dump everything at a loss.

[jrgs3365]

Thank you and that's excellant advice! I have run various scenarios through my head, scoured the internet for anything and everything I could find that had anything to do with Roadsters but your advice is well taken and that's what I'll do. Thank you!

[TriniGriffin]

Welcome John, from another So Cal ( San Pedro) Roadster owner.

[Old Rice]

Welcome John, look forward to following your progress.

[iloveredmeat]

Welcome! I might suggest getting it running and driving before jumping into a total restoration. You'll bond with the car and be a motivated to get it on the road. Too many owners have jumped into a total restoration and then lost interest part way through only to dump everything at a loss.

This is the best advice I didn't listen to...

Granted, I'm in a unique situation – I'm a 500 mile flight away from my car – then this Covid thing happened to make those flights a bit less desirable... so I've spent waaaaay less time working on the car than I hoped. 4 long weekends over the year, all just to dismantle and prep...

I'm struggling with motivation... I really wish I had just started with getting it running...

nnotoptoy is a wise person.

Congrats, and I hope you have a blast and keep your project fun!

[jrgs3365]

Hello all! First, thank you all! Looking forward to any meet and greets once the country reopens! I took possession of the car and already got the engine running! Compression good and no leaks. Both my brake and clutch pedals are dead so those are the next items on the list and then I’m hitting the road! Won’t get too adventurous as non of my gauges work and seats feel like I threw a towel over a bunch of empty soda cans but I’m definitely taking it for a cruise down Pacific Coast Hwy! I appreciate everyone and this forum and look forward to many more communications!

[jrgs3365]

Follow up. Hi Peter, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with motivation and I’m sure it’s hard being 500 miles away. Renovations are typically long term deals but if you keep with it they are worth it. It took me over 10 years to restore my 240Z doing it bit by bit. Don’t concentrate on what you can’t do but revel in what you have done. Even if it’s just turning a few bolts. Good luck and stay strong!

[iloveredmeat]

Hey Thanks John... very good idea to focus on what I've done rather than what I can't...

What I've done, I've done well (I think) and thoroughly (i.e. prepping the seat frames down to bare metal and painting with many coats even though the metal will all be covered, and will likely never see the light of day!) Knowing that my daughters won't have to worry about rust for another 53 years is something to be proud of, I reckon.

Thanks, your note helped, and I'm looking forward to following your project!

[jrgs3365]

No worries! We are all in this together.