Shops to perform the major work

[mewboys]

Hi All,

I have a 68 2000 that I want to begin to restore. I don't have much garage space so I like to send out the major pieces to have it work on. I am planning to send the motor out to Mike Young. Mike recommends Steve Pettersen in Chico, CA to work on the transmission. I am planning to send the frame to Maas Brother in Livermore, CA for powder coat. Who in Northern CA do you recommend to do the body work? I also like to have someone to work on the rear differential. I live in San Ramon, CA. The major city in this area is Dublin, Oakland, San Francisco, etc. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[anthonymckay]

I'm in Oakland with an SRL311 on it's way here in the coming weeks. Interested in these suggestions as well.

[mwegener111]

I'm a few steps ahead of you, Mike Y did my motor, Steve P did my trans both great people, Mike Malone in Monterey rebuilt the Mikunis, frames been Powder Coated, and suspension all back together. I'm ready for the body work and having trouble sourcing somebody around that I can trust. I'm in San Jose. One lead caught Covid, and is taking time to recover, so out looking again myself. I'll let you know if I find someone.

[DAC21]

Can anyone provide names of the same motor / tranny rebuild experts in the So. Cal area? 1600 / 4 spd.

Thanks

[datsun65]

For paint and body, I'd contact Williams Autobody and Paint in San Mateo. The owner previously had a Datsun Roadster and I've seen several of his paint jobs on Datsuns over the years.

[anthonymckay]

Any other recommendations for engine rebuilds in the bay area/northern california? I talked to Mike Young today about my incoming 67.5 SRL, and he basically said "probably not till spring" due to his shop being mostly outdoors and the weather being what it is right now.

[datsun65]

Anthony,

Though they primarily work on Z Cars, check with Rob Fuller at ZCar Garage in San Jose. His shop is exceptional. He also owns a 67 2000.

[mwegener111]

You can try Rebello Racing up in Antioch. Definitely expensive but they do the Datsun builds.

[mewboys]

How heavy is the empty body of the roadster? I am still looking for a shop to do the restoration work and would like to remove the body shell and send it work.

[FergO2k]

Simplifying, but the mantra that the Texas auto-x monster (Andy Cost was known as the 311s durability tester for a long time) used to use was,
“engine weighs 400, body weighs 400, frame and suspension weighs 400”
Make sure you put in door braces if lifting body off the frame without doors closed...

[RustBucket]

I'm looking for a shop to rebuild the differential. Preferably somewhere around Orange Country (LA/SD/RS okay too). Any recommendations?
Rustbucket

[mikeb]

Rustbucket - Hoopers Rear Ends in Sun Valley (San Fernando Valley) has been around for a long time and does excellent work at reasonable prices. I've had them swap out ring and pinions on an LSD unit in the 1980's and most recently in 2019. I provided new bearings and seals purchased from Rock Auto. Call Anthony at 818-899-2515.

[caraddict]

J & S Gear in Huntington Beach.

https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... and+S+gear

They used to be J & S speed shop in Westminster (back in the 70's and 80's) but slowly trimmed it back to what they do best. They have done several roadster rear ends for me in the past and do excellent work. They will probably have you source the bearings as they are not part of the roadster community but a small price to pay to have it done it right.

Jon