New 311 driver in Virginia

[funkaholik]

Welcome! You made a great choice in buying a car that's ready to drive and enjoy. The 1970 models, being the last iteration, have the most advanced wiring, but also have some smog controls that hinder performance and cause the engine to run hot at idle. If the PO didn't do this already, you might look into getting the earlier, "non-smog" distributor advance parts and then setting the timing accordingly. Several vendors here sell these parts and even whole replacement electronic distributors. You will be amazed at how much better the car runs and performs.

There are many people who can get you a used set of visors, too. I'm sure there are some closer to you, but two good sources here on the west coast are

Mike Kerr 530-644-6777
Mike Young 415-828-8778

If you don't find the parts locally, both of them are willing to ship parts.

My usual stop light explanation is "Datsun made these little roadsters in the '60s before the 240Z" Since almost everyone knows the Z, it gives them a quick frame of reference before the light turns green!

[david premo]

Hey FlowerGirl,
I always tell people that this is the original sports car that proceeds all the Z cars by Nissan/Datsun. You may or may not know this, every Datsun/Nissan sports car is called a Fairlady in Japan. The Fairlady name was dropped in the United States and was referred to as the Datsun Sports 1600 or 2000. This was done at the direction of Mr K.
Dave

[FlowerGirl]

Sorry, I went away for the 4th and didn’t see the responses.

Erik, thanks for the information. When I get home I’ll check on the smog/non-smog issue. And thanks for the contact info for possible visors. I’ll reach out to see what might be available. Yes, it’s great to have one that drives well—so much fun

Dave, I hadn’t been able to completely figure out when a Roadster is a Sport, when it’s a Fairlady, and when it’s both. I appreciate the context.

[FergO2k]

Great looking car. You will be learning to factor in the 10 minutes of stories / explanations at each fuel fill-up.
When folks ask, shortest answer is, "Grandpa to the Z Car", as few realize there was anything from Datsun prior to 1970.

Definitely removing smog equipment and the electronic ignition (dizzy swap) is a huge plus, well worth the $ spent. Set it and forget it.

Once visors are in place, I have seen some use "snap-on sun visors" that swing below the visor, (see Amazon)
but they do tend to draw second looks from picky police folks, as they are not legal in most states. (but those who drive 'indoors" never get noticed! and Cobras get away with everything. ) Some could be mounted to a rod, not requiring the visor itself.

Hmm, << ... when a Roadster is a Sport, when it’s a Fairlady, and when it’s both... >>
I love new questions, welcome to the forum BTW!
Definitely a Fairlady when at a car show. But it is a Sports when running and you are grinning, definitely.
And if taking a right angle corner at the legal speed limit without touching the brakes it is definitely a Sports!

[FlowerGirl]

Hmmm, I think I'm quickly moving from owning a Fairlady to owning a Sports!

[FlowerGirl]

Fergus, the PO took your advice and did the de-smogging for me. Very zippy ride and no overheating so far!

[Solex68]

Hmmm, I think I'm quickly moving from owning a Fairlady to owning a Sports!

I agree. I prefer Sports!

[FlowerGirl]

Until I get pulled over. Then it will be, "It's just a Fairlady, Officer. I'm sure a car this old couldn't have been going that fast."