"I'm Not a Car Guy." - A 1967.5 1600 Refurb Saga

[Gregs672000]

I almost spilled my coffee laughing at the "I Dream of Jeannie" restoration attempt! Maybe you should have tried twitching your nose instead!

I hear ya man. This is the time where you take pictures that will go into the Roadster photo album so you can flip through them later over a beer and burgers saying "remember when..." and "I can't believe it looked like this...". It's part of the "whole Roadster" experience. It's different than just buying a new car, or even a new to you car and fixing up a few minor things. Believe me, you'll appreciate it more and will have an intimate understanding of this car, unlike any you have ever owned. I tried to explain it to my wife (who recently had to deal with me through the third engine teardown in two years) just yesterday... the Datsun is not a car, it's a friend. You're gonna have so much fun with this thing. You're obviously a "get out there and adventure" kinda guy, and soon you will be finding excuses to go for a drive to explore less traveled roads that beg you to exercise that wonderful engine you had made for her.
And you will smile. Lots. It's important to realize these things, especially when you're doing something unpleasant or that is testing your patience. I once described sanding the 8 coats of paint off the car using a small palm sander as "good preparation for someone going to hell."

It's been worth ever freakin moment. Keep the faith, you will be rewarded!

[funkaholik]

"the Datsun is not a car, it's a friend."

So true, and well said.

[Daryl Smith]

"While I agree with you in principle , we have to remember most of those comments were directed at a regular run of the mill 1.865 and 2.0L strokers.
2150+cc strokers are completely different animals and not in the same budget league ."

Just want to point out that the majority of the power gained is NOT in the extra 100-150 cc displacement. That in itself is only good for an extra 10-15 horsepower. The majority of the power increase is in the head preparation (porting/valves etc.), and other assembly techniques....all available 25+ years ago if anyone was so inclined....

[iloveredmeat]

Reunited! Nice. That is a lot of parts, and boxes of parts. At least your car is in good company, even when you're not there. I see a '69 Buick Sport Wagon and what looks like an A body convertible - maybe an Oldsmobile?

Sweet.

Reuniting was great, every time I see it again I'm a little shocked at how small this car is! And honestly that's maybe about a quarter of the parts scattered between here in San Diego, the shop, and his house...

But, I did get a bit of a handle on inventory, and realized that I have a serious problem in the Purchasing Cortex of my brain. I found two vinyl trim sets, a small herd of grills, a flock of master brake cylinders, a gaggle of antennae, a murder of consoles, a pack of gas caps, a covey of at least 8 door pillar post covers (seriously, how the heck did I do that???!!!)... etc. It's silly, inefficient, and a little embarrassing. But... at least I gots some parts!

The company my car keeps -- my brother has so many cool car projects floating around that I'm constantly surprised that he even glances at my car. But he does, and man he was sooooo helpful this past weekend it was incredible. More on that later.

That red car — Pretty sure that's a '69 convertible GS 400 that he bought for my sis-in-law.

More parts - new and old:

I almost spilled my coffee laughing at the "I Dream of Jeannie" restoration attempt! Maybe you should have tried twitching your nose instead!

I hear ya man. This is the time where you take pictures that will go into the Roadster photo album so you can flip through them later over a beer and burgers saying "remember when..." and "I can't believe it looked like this...". It's part of the "whole Roadster" experience. It's different than just buying a new car, or even a new to you car and fixing up a few minor things. Believe me, you'll appreciate it more and will have an intimate understanding of this car, unlike any you have ever owned. I tried to explain it to my wife (who recently had to deal with me through the third engine teardown in two years) just yesterday... the Datsun is not a car, it's a friend. You're gonna have so much fun with this thing. You're obviously a "get out there and adventure" kinda guy, and soon you will be finding excuses to go for a drive to explore less traveled roads that beg you to exercise that wonderful engine you had made for her.
And you will smile. Lots. It's important to realize these things, especially when you're doing something unpleasant or that is testing your patience. I once described sanding the 8 coats of paint off the car using a small palm sander as "good preparation for someone going to hell."

It's been worth ever freakin moment. Keep the faith, you will be rewarded!

Greg.

First off, I gotta buy you a coffee or a beer or a whatever sometime... I thought I'd be the only one silly enough to think the Jeannie reference was kinda funny.

Secondly, thank you for always being positive and encouraging. I do listen, and I do take it to heart, and it does help me keep my 'eye on the prize'. I daydream about someday driving through the mountains with a fly rod waving out the back...

I'll do my best to keep on keeping the faith.

Cheers!
PM

[Gregs672000]

Peter, someday I'll take you up on that coffee AND the beer while landing a nice cutthroat trout or five on my previously neglected fly rod (at your favorite secret spot)! I have not done a few of my old hobbies in several years, and it may be time to get back out there. With fall coming I've been improving my attitude by thinking about the upcoming mushroom hunting season, as I don't winter well (I don't hunt, ski or snowshoe). I look forward to meeting you and yours in person some day, and I'd be willing to bet our personalities will match up well. BTW, I have a sick memory for TV theme songs... God help me.

[funkaholik]

Peter,

People afflicted with parts overpurchase-itis have many questions:

What is parts overpurchase-itis?
How did I get this disease?
What stage of the disease am I at?
Is there a cure?

Fortunately, we've created an informative brochure to help answer these questions and more. Just go to freepartsoverpurchase-itisbook.com for your copy.

Seriously, though, my brother and I are both afflicted. It sounds like yours is in an advanced stage (8 door pillar caps?!), but the good news is that modern technology can help you manage the symptoms. I create a spreadsheet for each car project that lists the parts I've bought, part # if applicable, date bought, etc. That way I can search this database before placing any orders, and make sure I'm not duplicating anything. It's a good idea to have a "need to buy" section so that you can keep track of that, too.

Tomorrow is a new day. With counseling and treatment, you can stop buying parts you don't need, and spend that money on parts you do need. Or beer.

We're here for you.

[iloveredmeat]

"While I agree with you in principle , we have to remember most of those comments were directed at a regular run of the mill 1.865 and 2.0L strokers.
2150+cc strokers are completely different animals and not in the same budget league ."

Just want to point out that the majority of the power gained is NOT in the extra 100-150 cc displacement. That in itself is only good for an extra 10-15 horsepower. The majority of the power increase is in the head preparation (porting/valves etc.), and other assembly techniques....all available 25+ years ago if anyone was so inclined....

Daryl, this is interesting and speaks to something I've wondered about but not known... That building a stroker involves a fair bit of 'art'. This seems evident by the extra displacement adding so little HP. And further, considering the performance disparity between my engine and @funkaholik's engine, that we know were managed by different techs. @funkaholik's tech was able to get over 5% extra HP out of his. I think that's cool that it's not just a cookie-cutter follow the steps process. Thanks for that info.

Peter, someday I'll take you up on that coffee AND the beer while landing a nice cutthroat trout or five on my previously neglected fly rod (at your favorite secret spot)! I have not done a few of my old hobbies in several years, and it may be time to get back out there. With fall coming I've been improving my attitude by thinking about the upcoming mushroom hunting season, as I don't winter well (I don't hunt, ski or snowshoe). I look forward to meeting you and yours in person some day, and I'd be willing to bet our personalities will match up well. BTW, I have a sick memory for TV theme songs... God help me.

Sounds great! I was actually telling one of the Pats (I think there are about 20-25 people named Pat on this forum?) that when my car does finally run, I'm seriously considering a big clockwise loop to the North and then back home. Do some fishin', sight-seein', Roadster-folk-meetin' then head back to San Diego. Ted Heaton scenics are inspiring... So here's to making that happen and getting some mud 'n suds and do a little fishing.

Peter,

People afflicted with parts overpurchase-itis have many questions:

What is parts overpurchase-itis?
How did I get this disease?
What stage of the disease am I at?
Is there a cure?

Fortunately, we've created an informative brochure to help answer these questions and more. Just go to freepartsoverpurchase-itisbook.com for your copy.

Seriously, though, my brother and I are both afflicted. It sounds like yours is in an advanced stage (8 door pillar caps?!), but the good news is that modern technology can help you manage the symptoms. I create a spreadsheet for each car project that lists the parts I've bought, part # if applicable, date bought, etc. That way I can search this database before placing any orders, and make sure I'm not duplicating anything. It's a good idea to have a "need to buy" section so that you can keep track of that, too.

Tomorrow is a new day. With counseling and treatment, you can stop buying parts you don't need, and spend that money on parts you do need. Or beer.

We're here for you.

Okay that is really, really funny. The Beer treatment speaks to me.

In my defense... when I bought my my carpet and vinyl purchase from the seller, he said he was going to throw in some extra stuff (I hadn't ever checked what was in the box)... he threw it 4 door pillar caps, some weather stripping, and that really cool tool bag! That was a very pleasant surprise. But, somehow I had bought two other pair of pillar caps, and had forgotten about the vinyl. I did make a list of needs like you suggest, so I may be on the road to recovery.

Thanks all for the encouragement. Good people here.

PM

[DAC21]

"While I agree with you in principle , we have to remember most of those comments were directed at a regular run of the mill 1.865 and 2.0L strokers.
2150+cc strokers are completely different animals and not in the same budget league ."

Just want to point out that the majority of the power gained is NOT in the extra 100-150 cc displacement. That in itself is only good for an extra 10-15 horsepower. The majority of the power increase is in the head preparation (porting/valves etc.), and other assembly techniques....all available 25+ years ago if anyone was so inclined....

Daryl, this is interesting and speaks to something I've wondered about but not known... That building a stroker involves a fair bit of 'art'. This seems evident by the extra displacement adding so little HP. And further, considering the performance disparity between my engine and @funkaholik's engine, that we know were managed by different techs. @funkaholik's tech was able to get over 5% extra HP out of his. I think that's cool that it's not just a cookie-cutter follow the steps process. Thanks for that info.

Peter, someday I'll take you up on that coffee AND the beer while landing a nice cutthroat trout or five on my previously neglected fly rod (at your favorite secret spot)! I have not done a few of my old hobbies in several years, and it may be time to get back out there. With fall coming I've been improving my attitude by thinking about the upcoming mushroom hunting season, as I don't winter well (I don't hunt, ski or snowshoe). I look forward to meeting you and yours in person some day, and I'd be willing to bet our personalities will match up well. BTW, I have a sick memory for TV theme songs... God help me.

Sounds great! I was actually telling one of the Pats (I think there are about 20-25 people named Pat on this forum?) that when my car does finally run, I'm seriously considering a big clockwise loop to the North and then back home. Do some fishin', sight-seein', Roadster-folk-meetin' then head back to San Diego. Ted Heaton scenics are inspiring... So here's to making that happen and getting some mud 'n suds and do a little fishing.

Peter,

People afflicted with parts overpurchase-itis have many questions:

What is parts overpurchase-itis?
How did I get this disease?
What stage of the disease am I at?
Is there a cure?

Fortunately, we've created an informative brochure to help answer these questions and more. Just go to freepartsoverpurchase-itisbook.com for your copy.

Seriously, though, my brother and I are both afflicted. It sounds like yours is in an advanced stage (8 door pillar caps?!), but the good news is that modern technology can help you manage the symptoms. I create a spreadsheet for each car project that lists the parts I've bought, part # if applicable, date bought, etc. That way I can search this database before placing any orders, and make sure I'm not duplicating anything. It's a good idea to have a "need to buy" section so that you can keep track of that, too.

Tomorrow is a new day. With counseling and treatment, you can stop buying parts you don't need, and spend that money on parts you do need. Or beer.

We're here for you.

Okay that is really, really funny. The Beer treatment speaks to me.

In my defense... when I bought my my carpet and vinyl purchase from the seller, he said he was going to throw in some extra stuff (I hadn't ever checked what was in the box)... he threw it 4 door pillar caps, some weather stripping, and that really cool tool bag! That was a very pleasant surprise. But, somehow I had bought two other pair of pillar caps, and had forgotten about the vinyl. I did make a list of needs like you suggest, so I may be on the road to recovery.

Thanks all for the encouragement. Good people here.

PM

Send me a PM if interested in unloading one of your four sets of Pillar caps. Low Windshield right?

Thanks, Dennis

[unklpat]

Up here in the rainforest, all of our overpurchased parts go to DEF parts exchange. Sort of like need a penny/take a penny, but with much more value involved. Those of you not contributing know who you are. Pat

[iloveredmeat]

Send me a PM if interested in unloading one of your four sets of Pillar caps. Low Windshield right?

Thanks, Dennis

Hi Dennis, I won't be back to my car for a while, and when I do I have a 'swap meet' plan. Don't wait for me if you're in a hurry.

Thanks,
pm

Up here in the rainforest, all of our overpurchased parts go to DEF parts exchange. Sort of like need a penny/take a penny, but with much more value involved. Those of you not contributing know who you are. Pat

I do like this idea. I also have a benevolent idea for my extra parts when the time comes.

Hopefully it helps many.

Thanks,
pm

[iloveredmeat]

Night One.

Barbecued wild elk tenderloin and barbecued romaine lettuce spears coated in olive oil, salt, pepper, sprinkled with blue (bleu?) cheese, then drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Un. Be. Leave. Uh. Bull.

And so easy.





Day Two. Friday.
Big day… real big day.

Piled into my brother's truck and headed south to Rebello Racing to pick up my engine!

We took the 'back roads' through some cool old Sacramento Riverside towns. A lot of Chinese Immigrant History from when they helped build the rail system. It was really neat. I love little old towns, and we cruised some on the way back.

We get to Rebello's and as we pull around the back of the parking lot, we see a guy in a trench coat standing next to his car with a cardboard sign that says: "Roadster Headers For Sale". It was a bit unsettling, but we couldn't just drive by, could we? So, I cautiously crack the window (for safety's sake) and inquire as to what this guy is selling… and that's when I realize it's none other than @Funkaholik!

Since we've never met in person, my brother and I get out to excitedly to finally meet this good man. We shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and he shows me the ceramic headers he's pawning, and we strike a deal.




And that's when he springs it on me: It's a trap!

He starts jumping up and down, pointing and yelling "He's a Car Guy! He's a Car Guy! No one but a Car Guy would buy headers in the parking lot at Rebello Racing! He's a Car Guy!" Over and over and over.

At least that's how I remember it…

Anyway, we all had a great time. Erik and my brother had obviously been there many times, but I got to tour Rebello's shop, meet all the guys who were in jubilant Friday Moods. We looked at a few of the cars/trucks they have and are working on. And 'Other Dave', Rebello's dyno tech, gave us an awesome run-through of how the dyno works and all the input/output/adjustments, etc. It was really, really cool.

Dave Rebello and his team are an amazing group of guys. They took a bunch of time for us and are so enthusiastic and knowledgable and friendly, etc. It was like your favorite Field Trip you've ever had.

Erik loaned us his customized engine cart (seriously great guy), and we loaded it up in the pickup and went to break bread.

We only had time for a quick Thai lunch, but got to hang out and spend some good time with Erik. It was lunch, so I only knocked one beer off of my tab, and so I look forward to hanging out again.

We then headed back toward my brother's. Stopped by his buddy Sawyer's shop - Morris Motors - He has some great history, especially for such a young guy, and, with his Mum, runs this very stylish, second generation shop in a really neat old Deco building. Beautiful cars all over the place. If this shop was in Los Angeles, there would be a line to get in the door behind Brad Pitt. https://www.instagram.com/morrismotorsusa/





We continued on, cruising through some of those little towns, and I vow to spend a long weekend slinking through the back alleys someday.







Finally made it to my brother's, and since no work had actually been done on the car, I had to dig into something, so I started wire wheeling my freshly prepped and coated fuel tank.





I forget what we ate, but I bet it was good, and we crashed out.

Next up: Day 3… and maybe 4 and 5.

Godspeed.
PM

[Gregs672000]

"Pist... pissst... hey buddy, wanna buy some header?"

"Don't do it Peter... you don't know where that headers been. And it's a lot stronger than it used to be..."

"Oh, what will it hurt? I'll be careful... I'm not a parts addict, I can stop buying parts anytime... honest..."

Peter was later found in an agitated and excited state in a nearby back alley, surrounded by various automotive paraphernalia with telltale "rust dust" residue under his nose. Witnesses, which included family, reported delusional thought processes and actions that led him to crossing his arms and then blinking or nodding his head while repeatedly making "boink" sounds. He was placed on a 72hr hold.

If you or anyone you know has a problem with DRPA (Datsun Roadster Parts Addiction), help IS available. Contact your local mental health provider, or call 311 from any phone.

[unklpat]

Peter, I made beef jerky the other day, waiting on machine shops for the continuation of my unexpected build. If you ever have extra moose liver, send it my way. Greg, you need to go back to work. Pat

[iloveredmeat]

"Pist... pissst... hey buddy, wanna buy some header?"

"Don't do it Peter... you don't know where that headers been. And it's a lot stronger than it used to be..."

"Oh, what will it hurt? I'll be careful... I'm not a parts addict, I can stop buying parts anytime... honest..."

Peter was later found in an agitated and excited state in a nearby back alley, surrounded by various automotive paraphernalia with telltale "rust dust" residue under his nose. Witnesses, which included family, reported delusional thought processes and actions that led him to crossing his arms and then blinking or nodding his head while repeatedly making "boink" sounds. He was placed on a 72hr hold.

If you or anyone you know has a problem with DRPA (Datsun Roadster Parts Addiction), help IS available. Contact your local mental health provider, or call 311 from any phone.

...sigh... I thought those days were behind me. DRPA got its hooks in me.

Good stuff Greg.

Peter, I made beef jerky the other day, waiting on machine shops for the continuation of my unexpected build. If you ever have extra moose liver, send it my way. Greg, you need to go back to work. Pat

Good on ya for the Jerky! I'm going on a fishing trip next week, so I really want to make a batch of venison jerky before I go.

[funkaholik]

Peter,

Great write-up, as usual. That was a fun day, and it was good to finally meet you and your brother. I'm going to fully embrace my new persona as a somewhat shady parking lot parts dealer. All I need is a cool scar to make me look tougher. Nevermind, I have earned plenty of those working on the roadster.

Love the photo of your engine with the historic Isleton Speed Shop as a backdrop. But - a bait shop sign that says "The Master Baiter" - that is the absolute best!