Dads old ‘67 1600

[justin-311]

Just got my dads old ‘67 1600 and I’m starting the process of going through it. It took a little starting fluid to get it going but it eventually was running pretty well (albeit a little smokey). Really stoked to have it and excited to play with it.

Any recommendations on what to start with would be greatly appreciated!

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[theunz]

Welcome to the group. Unless you know the following has been done recently, than I would suggest that you change all fluids and filters to include, Oil and filter, Coolant, fuel filter, transmission and rear end fluids as well as brake fluid. While you’re at it, it’s very important to keep the steering and suspension well lubed. From there, only you can decide where you want to direct your attention.

[iloveredmeat]

I'm assuming that's your dad with a proud smile in his cool car. What a great photo!

Lots of super smart guys on this forum, starting with the likes of @theunz and his good advice above.

There are several guys in and around Seattle that all help each other out. I'm sure you'll be able to find some hands-on help up there.

Good luck!
pm

[Gregs672000]

Welcome Justin 311! The above maintenance suggestions are excellent, especially flushing the brake fluids as old fluid will result in cylinder pitting, driven or not, and brakes can be expensive. Changing out the fuel filter is a good idea too as the tanks can rust and crud will cause problems. You will need to understand balancing of dual carbs, and that takes a specific tool to measure this. I suggest you contact some folks at DROPS or NWDE (local clubs... do a search on 311s for Ted Heaton for DROPS and send a PM) and before long you'll have plenty of local support. We will be able to look the car over and offer suggestions. Did you miss the Greenwood Car Show? Biggest turn out of Datsuns we have seen, mostly Roadsters. We are happy to help you regardless of your level of car knowledge.

[justin-311]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I’ve added some things to my list of maintenance to take care of.

I’ll definitely reach out as I have more questions. I’m somewhat familiar with dual carbs on a VW but not on the Datsuns.

I did make it to the Greenwood car show but didn’t have the roadster with me. Talked to a couple of the owners and am excited to make it to more events.

[Gregs672000]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I’ve added some things to my list of maintenance to take care of.

I’ll definitely reach out as I have more questions. I’m somewhat familiar with dual carbs on a VW but not on the Datsuns.

I did make it to the Greenwood car show but didn’t have the roadster with me. Talked to a couple of the owners and am excited to make it to more events.

We probably Met! Sorry.... so many people, and I'm terrible with names!

[justin-311]

We probably Met! Sorry.... so many people, and I'm terrible with names!

Yep I think we did! Glad to find you on here. I’ve got plenty of questions already so I’m sure I’ll be a fixture on this site.

[Dreymar]

Welcome to the club! Enjoy

[justin-311]

So I’ve managed to do a handfull of things to this little car (oil/filter, brake bleed) and I have plans to redo the rubber fuel lines under the hood.

However, when trying to give it a start a month or so ago it had a real hard time getting going. I had to use some starting fluid and it started backfiring out the intake. That stopped once it got idling but after sitting at idle for 10 minutes, I noticed it was spilling gas all out the front. I can’t tell which bowl overflow tube it’s coming from, potentially both.

I’m not sure what to do at this point. Guessing it could just be a stuck float of the gas. But, the intake popping seems like it would have to be an open valve or something on the combustion stroke. With these beautiful Seattle winters and having it currently stored outside, I can’t really dig much into it.

Do any of the Seattle folks here know of a shop that works on roadsters?

Ultimately, I’d like to do an engine swap/rebuild but just want it functional now for the rare day we can take it out for a spin.

[jamesw]

What a cool car!

If it's got a running engine than it's probably fine inside - R16's are tough engines. I would start with some basic carb work that is easy and not too much $$$ and you can do it yourself. Replace the floats and the float valves (get new gaskets too when your order your parts) - that should fix your overlowing. Replace the needles and the jets - also easy. Check that the choke linkage is hooked up ok and not causing your problems. It's kind of rube goldberg so worth checking and spray it with carb cleaner. All of that should help you get her starting easier.

Also you'll want to replace the rubber brake hoses (3) eventually before you drive a lot. Then you'll have to bleed the brakes again which is a pin in the ass - but no getting around it.

HTH
James

[Gregs672000]

Hey Justin, there's several folks in the Seattle area who can help... probably easier after the holidays. Otherwise I'm a bit south in Tacoma, but we'll be sure to have you up and running by spring!

[justin-311]

Thanks! I love it!

I’ve got the brake hoses on my list for the spring.

For the carb stuff, I know some pieces are hard to find. Does it make sense to just clean what I have (jets/valves) and replace the float and gasket? I saw some things on Datsunparts but not much anywhere else.



Thanks for the offer. Will connect after the new year. Guessing there are no real shops that work on these little cars huh?

[jamesw]

If you can afford it I would recommend to just buy new replacement parts. The needles and especially jets wear out.

HTH
James

[justin-311]

After doing a little more reading, I think I will need to start with the ignition components first. Also need to compression test.

I checked timing earlier this year and it was fine, but did not update any parts. I have a set of plugs ready and might just do a Pertronix insert with 12v coil to not deal with points and get a little more juice to the spark. Will update the wires to 8mm at this point (ha!) too.

I did find a source for the carb jet/needles/float/gasket, so that’s good.

It all seems fairly straightforward. Just need the goods and a few decent days I can be outside to uncover it and get to work.

[jamesw]

The ignition/points conversion is a great idea too. Once you get the car running good just drive it around and enjoy it for a while (this spring) before you do any huge projects.

HTH
James