Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I've gone back and forth on the windshield pad set and I just can't bring myself to buy it. Too much money, I'll get creative and make something myself that will look better and actually be "padded."

I got my carpet from Dean. Looks good but haven't installed it yet.

bakerjf wrote:I kind of "cheaped-out" when I bought my carpet and went with some EBay outfit. Visually, it looks fine but If I had it to do again I'd make sure to purchase a kit that had things like the shifter, e-brake, and footrest areas already cut out - it's a serious, time consuming PIA.

I think the cuts missing are the norm for all the carpet kits since the holes would be different for 2000 & 1600s. Not sure about the 1500s. Yes they are a major PIA.

andyroo wrote:I've gone back and forth on the windshield pad set and I just can't bring myself to buy it. Too much money, I'll get creative and make something myself that will look better and actually be "padded."

I got my carpet from Dean. Looks good but haven't installed it yet.

I am really disappointed in the cheap ass black plastic that costs 215 bucks. I just cannot imagine I paid that much. I was expecting so much more. My old OEM padded sections, may just get new vinyl and re-glued back on. I am having a tough time putting on something that looks so incredibly low rent.

anybody know a good way to remove that black silicone-like trim adhesive? Man that stuff is really on there.

Ok had some time today and managed to make some progress. I pulled all the stainless out of the door sill area that kept the black vinyl on. I ordered a whole role of black doe skin and replaced all the black on the inside of the body near the door. Then I was finally able to put on my new foot well cards I ordered last year. Very happy with the results. I also got the drivers side dynomat down. I am actually using a product a bit thicker called Fatcatt, but it is all the same stuff. Goes on easy and very simple to work with. I am pretty pleased. I left the carpet securing snaps uncovered as I plan to attempt to use them.

Did some more testing on my heater core. I pumped it up to 15 psi and held it for a minute with no leakage at all when full of water. I am ready to declare victory on that! Here is a pic of the fatcatt going in. I will pull the passenger seat out and all the carpet soon and finish the installation. Any extra will go into the trunk.

Zedyone_Kenobi wrote:

andyroo wrote:I've gone back and forth on the windshield pad set and I just can't bring myself to buy it. Too much money, I'll get creative and make something myself that will look better and actually be "padded."

I got my carpet from Dean. Looks good but haven't installed it yet.

I am really disappointed in the cheap ass black plastic that costs 215 bucks. I just cannot imagine I paid that much. I was expecting so much more. My old OEM padded sections, may just get new vinyl and re-glued back on. I am having a tough time putting on something that looks so incredibly low rent.

anybody know a good way to remove that black silicone-like trim adhesive? Man that stuff is really on there.

I expect that the adhesive is butyl like they bed windshields with. I had to remove a lot for a project a few months ago. I used a razor blade in a holder, then cleaned up with final prep cleaner.

Whoot!

New carpet shipped today! After that some real progress should be made. Spring Break may be a mad dash to get her all back together.

I just have to get my water valve working. I am putting in new cables this evening after I take apart the levers and clean all the parts.

As a present to myself for doing this hard work I decided to go with a new steering wheel for the Roadster. I currently have a wooden older Nardi 365 mm wheel, I am going to sell, but I replaced it with this little jewel. It is a 365mm black leather wheel, that sort of echos the look of the OEM wheel, which I never had.



If anybody is interested in my old wheel, let me know.

Here is a pic of it.

I like the old wheel. Wood is cool

I like the wood wheel, but more so on low dash cars. I think the black will look great in your car.

notoptoy wrote:I like the wood wheel, but more so on low dash cars. I think the black will look great in your car.

+1

bakerjf wrote:

notoptoy wrote:I like the wood wheel, but more so on low dash cars. I think the black will look great in your car.

+1

+2 ....save the wood for British cars.

"It's the wood that makes it good"

"Once you go black..." oh wait...that is not the appropriate saying here.

Solex68 wrote:"Once you go black..." oh wait...that is not the appropriate saying here.

Instead of the quote that you hesitated with, how about "With vinyl, it's final"

I love wooden wheels as well on cars that were meant to have them. I have the OEM wheel in my Z after I refinished it. It is beautiful. But I also know the 68 did not come with a wooden wheel, it was a beautiful textured black with metal and stitching on the vinyl. IT was a nice detailed piece. I think the thing you touch in the car should be a pleasure to your sense of touch and vision. I want it more original looking. I love the craftsmanship of a Nardi wheel, and hey I am Italian, so if I can throw some money back to the mother land why not!

Seriously, a Nardi is such a wonderful addition. The one I picked was the closest to the OEM wheel they had. I wish it were 1 inch bigger, but I am taking out a 365mm wheel for another 365mm wheel. I think it will look amazing against the new dash. Unfortunately it will take 4-5 weeks for it to arrive from the land of wine and pasta.