Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Not often that you see a new build start right up and settle down to a smooth idle like that, good job.
I’m not known for smiling much, but when I first drove mine again after 35 years I had an ear to ear smile on my face! Maybe even a tear in my eye.

theunz wrote: Sun Mar 15, 2020 12:52 pm Not often that you see a new build start right up and settle down to a smooth idle like that, good job.
I’m not known for smiling much, but when I first drove mine again after 35 years I had an ear to ear smile on my face! Maybe even a tear in my eye.

I'd love to take all of the credit but a HUGE part of this successful start up is b/c I actually purchased the small block motor off Jim Tyler - Datsun Restoration Products. Not only does he create A+ quality products, but he also has probably the most patience in answering any question I had.... and still have lol. He has been a huge help from the time I purchased my Datsun over 2 years ago.

Not sure if this is ok based on forum rules (if so please delete) but I am going to plug in JT's website here even though many already have it saved haha....

Datsun Restoration Products
https://www.datsunrestorationproducts.com/

Well then, kudos to Jim, but don’t sell yourself short. It’s the carburation and timing that makes for a smooth running engine.

Wow man! the future is now, and love it! Truly great and unique build. Congrats!

Obviously I haven’t really had much of a chance to work on the car since it’s stored at my in law’s but here are some picture updates I’ve been working on.

I’m posting on my phone so hopefully the pictures turn out ok.

Some things I’ve been working on or finished:

- I repainted the fuel tank bottom a little since it got messed up after I painted it when it got moved

- painted the fuel tank straps gold with a metallic finish

- I added some foam padding for the straps (cut from a yoga mat)

- installed 2 add-on tank support brackets - from Mike Young (anyone want to trade my left black one for a yellow zinc one like on my right so I can match?)

- sold my ‘67.5 clock and installed the A/F ratio gauge there. Decided to put it there instead of glove box since I will want to monitor it often.

- I’m still very much working on wiring which is taking a LONG time. I took the route of making everything from scratch instead of buying a harness... maybe I should’ve just bought a new harness - idk... but this is not to replace the OEM harness. I have added a separate auxiliary fuse block, relays, and also added a negative bus bar.

- I don’t remember if I showed horns before - got new horns (old ones worked great - just wanted new - I’ll be selling the old ones)

- I think I decided against the light bar in the front - it seemed out of place. I plan to go back to large fog lights but will go for brighter ones and most likely LED

- I can’t remember much more so here are some pictures.... till next time

Excellent craftsmanship! What is installed in the upper radiator hose? I wrapped my harnesses in self vulcanizing silicone tape. It works and looks very nice. I made my parking brake handle look new by sanding and polishing. Pretty much as you do with clear coat.

C.Costine wrote: Sun May 10, 2020 6:38 am Excellent craftsmanship! What is installed in the upper radiator hose? I wrapped my harnesses in self vulcanizing silicone tape. It works and looks very nice. I made my parking brake handle look new by sanding and polishing. Pretty much as you do with clear coat.

Thanks!

I installed a Mishimoto NPT temperature sensor in the upper radiator hose. It connects to a fan controller module that kicks on the electric fan at a certain temperature.
I had to cut the hose - which initially made me uneasy - but it actually makes it a lot easier to fill the radiator bc I can undo the connections in the middle, flip the hose facing up, and then use that as a funnel into the radiator.

Yeah I still plan to (down the road) clean up other parts like the e-brake and steering wheel.

Oh and ya I got that tape you mentioned earlier thanks! I will wrap it all up once I’m done routing everything.

Good job Nick
On the AEM gauge I’m most likely doing the same thing but will order a gauge For AEM from Speedhut That uses the sender from AEM and that looks somewhat close to the originals when ordered with black face
It’s this model https://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GL-AFWB- ... -(FOR-AEM)

an look like this in black


If I end up not liking it I’ll have Jon F modify a clock for me

Pjackb wrote: Tue May 12, 2020 10:48 pm Good job Nick
On the AEM gauge I’m most likely doing the same thing but will order a gauge For AEM from Speedhut That uses the sender from AEM and that looks somewhat close to the originals when ordered with black face
It’s this model https://www.speedhut.com/gauge/GL-AFWB- ... -(FOR-AEM)

an look like this in black

B7704D25-4010-4808-8901-46FD5039CADF.png



If I end up not liking it I’ll have Jon F modify a clock for me

Oh wow that gauge looks great and would fit it nicely. I would’ve probably gone that route initially but I originally planned to have the A/F ratio gauge hidden.

I added another walk around video on Youtube. I'll be adding another video very soon too. I finally rolled it out of the garage last night. I tested the clutch/gears/transmission/etc - I rolled back a little down driveway - put it in 1st - and actually MOVED the car forward a little!!! Hahaha yeah I probably sound lame that I'm getting excited about moving 2 feet - but I'm SO EXCITED as I'm that much closer to getting it on the road!!!!

Here are some updates/highlights. Also look to Youtube for my video of last night with me driving the 2 feet and then finishing with a revving roar at the very end.

Also i just need to add another huge kudos to Jim Tyler (JT) at Datsun Restoration Products for all of his help for the past 2 YEARS or so. If I counted I'm sure there are thousands of texts back and forth and hundreds of hours of talking me thru all different kinds of projects. I have ordered quite a bit from them and I have not been disappointed with anything they have produced. And no - I am not a family member or getting a kickback for writing this.. I really am just very appreciative for all he (they - company included) have done for me. I think what I appreciated the most was his patience and constant help without making me feel dumb. I've talked with a lot of other companies, car people, shops, etc and I feel like I either get some type of attitude that they don't want to help or don't care to help. Or they would give me grief if I didn't understand something. Never got this from JT. And to show that I actually do believe in the quality of their work... here are a list of parts/items/etc I have purchased from them (and I'm sure I am missing something)

Items I've purchased from JT @ Datsun Restoration Products ( https://www.datsunrestorationproducts.com/ )

-------- Fully rebuilt and repainted R16 long block motor - which included extra already installed parts:
- ARP head bolts
- U20 oil pump w/oil pan
- Oil filter w/internal oil pipe
- Water pump
- EI Distributor w/vacuum (which was already properly timed and installed)
- Lightened flywheel w/clutch combo (already balanced)
- Motor mounts w/spacer
-------- Front air dam
-------- SS full exhaust kit (ceramic headers back to muffler tip which is the trumpet style)
-------- SS brake lines
-------- SS clutch line
-------- SS water pipe
-------- heat shield
-------- Accelerator cable
-------- Hood release cable
-------- Shifter boot trim ring
I'm sure there are items I forgot to add.

Here are a few pics and video - oh and I purchased some ethanol free fuel:

Looking good and sounds great. I am sure you are itching to get the car finished so you can take her for a twisty drive. I can see the big grin on your face already.

Steve

Excited for you!!! I see that you too embrace the black with gold accents! Really nice attention to detail, polishing up all kinds of things. I would like to see a pic of the tail with the gold straps. I have considered making a metal shield or cover that fits the back of the fuel tank, maybe with DATSUN on it, to give it a more finished look. I think the little bit of gold hiding behind the grill from your horns will be cool too. Glad you're getting closer to hitting the road!

S Allen wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 8:52 am Looking good and sounds great. I am sure you are itching to get the car finished so you can take her for a twisty drive. I can see the big grin on your face already.

Steve

Yup absolutely! There are a few roads near me that are always fun to cruise on. We have Ortega highway and another the locals call “Cooks Corner” which is basically driving thru Saddleback Canyon.

Gregs672000 wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 11:30 am Excited for you!!! I see that you too embrace the black with gold accents! Really nice attention to detail, polishing up all kinds of things. I would like to see a pic of the tail with the gold straps. I have considered making a metal shield or cover that fits the back of the fuel tank, maybe with DATSUN on it, to give it a more finished look. I think the little bit of gold hiding behind the grill from your horns will be cool too. Glad you're getting closer to hitting the road!

Yeah I really like the black/gold combo a lot! I’m trying to just have pops of gold accents here and there. I think your idea on that metal shield for the tank would look nice. I actually wanted to do something similar but for the front - basically a front skid plate. I also have been researching for a way to add a rear diffuser/bumper. I also want to cut out a hole in the rear diffuser/bumper for the exhaust to stick thru. — lots of ideas but not much time to finish it all quick enough to enjoy - that’s why I’ve really been focusing on getting it on the road and then adding to it after.

I still have a lot of parts/pieces just waiting to be installed (vinyl stickers, emblems, rear view mirrors, front air dam, etc) - but I will tackle that once I am confident it is road worthy.

What kind of pictures of the rear tail and gold straps? Do you mean with the last part of the muffler/tip installed? I’ve been waiting on that bc I really don’t want that to get damaged at all so I’m waiting to install right before I get it on the road.

Look'n good! Nice work. Looking forward to seeing you out in it soon.
Rustbucket