Project Unicorn, the resurrection of 1967.5 Datsun 2000 SRL-00342

[dynaguy]

Most Excellent!!!

[Alvin]

I love the story, full circle! Thanks for sharing the period photos...they remind me that these cars were absolutely driven!

[funkaholik]

...and used to tow campers!

[DAC21]

...and used to tow campers!

I see that picture, but it can't be, can it?. Photo evidence indicates there is a Wife, at least one if not two kids and it looks like a skinny legged poodle. Granted it was the 1960's, but I can't see packing the kids and dog on the package shelf to the camp Ground??? Weirder things have happened I guess!

[funkaholik]

Absolutely. If you read the captions accompanying the photos, the original owner (and provider of the photos) said "...the kids just rode in the back...".

Ah, the good old days: When your children's safety was a distant afterthought. Fun times, though!

[funkaholik]

"Safety third"

[Gregs672000]

Absolutely. If you read the captions accompanying the photos, the original owner (and provider of the photos) said "...the kids just rode in the back...".

Ah, the good old days: When your children's safety was a distant afterthought. Fun times, though!

(I didnt mean to hyjack this thread, so I'll post this separately as well, but since i already posted...)

My wife's dad had a '69 Porsche 912 and she relates wonderful road tips all over California as a kid, riding (or sleeping) in the rear package shelf. Unfortunately he sold it a few years before we met or it would be in our garage right now. We located the car in Ohio but the owner apparently didn't want to sell as he didn't respond to our inquiry, and of course prices have skyrocketed. My wife sighs every time we see one.

These days pictures are so easy and common we don't always appreciate the magic that they are... a true moment of time captured exactly as it was. I have a picture of me as a college student, digging the Roadster out from under the pile of snow that covered it the day after I re-found it (for the second time if you know the story). This simple picture taken 35 years ago represents a true life changing moment in my life and the start of so many adventures, personal growth, philosophy, dedication and simple pure love. When I die, you will no doubt hear of a ghost driving a black sports car being sighted all over the Cascades. That'll be me!

Enjoy the ride.

Here's the pic I sent to my parents, saying "this would make a great graduation present!" Fortunately they agree! I had a lot more hair then...

[spriso]

DAC21 wrote:

I see that picture, but it can't be, can it?. Photo evidence indicates there is a Wife, at least one if not two kids and it looks like a skinny legged poodle. Granted it was the 1960's, but I can't see packing the kids and dog on the package shelf to the camp Ground??? Weirder things have happened I guess!

Yes, this car 100% used to pull that tent trailer-- Tony (the original owner) and I talked about this quite a bit, and he just shakes his head about what a not-so-good idea that probably was... but as they say, it was the 60s...

I did have to weld up the frame in the rear (after we got the body off) where the trailer hitch was attached (you can still see the wiring for the trailer lights too!):



Crazy stuff.

Michael

[Gregs672000]

I've considered towing one of those teardrop camper trailers, but it would probably require I remove my lowering blocks and maybe stiffen up the rear Bilsteins. Would be interesting on a hill with an 14lb flywheel, a cam and a useless parking brake...

[spriso]

And that's a wrap-- for now!



Project Unicorn is off to its owner this week-- it has been an amazing project and both the owner and I will be happy that he gets to enjoy it before the weather turns... but the last 10% is always a challenge.

One of the last things on the list was a persistent rear main oil leak that I was not looking forward to dealing with. Fellow 311s.org forum member Bill Cole and I were talking about it at the Shedd BBQ run and he suggested trying dropping the oil pan and replacing the rope seal. A new part was ordered from Dean at Datsunparts.com and a few weeks later we gave it a shot to see if we could fix it.

Bill was a former tool and die maker and had made just the tools for fixing the torn seal. With his expertise, we were able to replace the seal, and were very fortunate to finally solve the leak-- and I have a nice dry shop floor again (and I learned more than I ever wanted to know about U20 rope seals!)



The owner asked for a smaller steering wheel to make it more comfortable for him to drive, as well as moving the seat back 2.5", and both of those tasks were done and it did make a huge difference with the way the car drove. I refinished a vintage Momo cast hub, and put on a Momo Prototipo steering wheel to keep it looking sort of factory:





With that installed, the car was driven extensively to shake down the last little details to make sure everything works and the car performs as designed. With 500 miles on it now, the U20 is loosening up a bit now, and is feeling stronger than ever. I am very fortunate to have Mary's Peak just 20-miles away from Spriso HQ, so lots of fantastic mountain driving was done to make sure nothing was going to fall off the car:



Now finally satisfied, I give you SRL311-00342:













I have been asked if we ever sign the cars-- and the answer is yes. I always sign the cars under the dashboard (so the next guy knows who to blame)-- the timeline is off just a bit, but we have left our mark for the next 50 or so years...



And finally some additional thank you's.

Eric Straw- For so much great support, advice and an extra set of hands when I needed it.

As they say, it takes a village, and it certainly does when it comes to restoring one of these amazing cars-- these guys really helped me thru this project and I am so grateful for their support:

Paul Wells - Numerous unobtainium parts with exceptional customer service.
Ross Mullen - Technical advice and side stainless restoration
Michael Young - So much 67.5 technical advice
Dean Apostal @ Datsunparts - 10504 parts for this car
Stan Chernoff - Technical advice
Curtis Marsten - Wiring harnesses and voltage regulator help
Jon Frampton - Gauge restoration
David Neal - Re-arching rear springs
Jayme Christy - Exceptional paint and body work
Bill Cole - Master toolmaker to teach a young apprentice rope seal installation
Joe Harlan - Engine and transmission rebuild
Brian Kippen - 67.5 technical advice and expert hood rubber installer
Jim Tyler - Numerous correct parts and technical advice
Mike Malone - Miknui Solex rebuilder
Kevin Desirello- Engine pick hooks
Jeff Scoville - Mikuni Solex Tuning

[Gregs672000]

Mike drop...

[ted heaton]

Michael,
Excellent,

Ted

[raylim]

Love it!

[theunz]

Must be tough having to put those 500 shakedown miles on such a spectacular car. Outstanding!

[notoptoy]

Amazing quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Congratulation on completion!