Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Last weekend I flew to Pennsilvania to get the cars prepared for shipping to Durango.

Video of them being exposed to the world for the first time in 23 years:

https://youtu.be/DUrSI0h4DMg

I'm going to let photos tell more of the story...



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We used zip ties and bungee cords to re-attach the fenders to the silver car for shipping.










Bonus! A 1983 edition of Rallye's catalog is included!



The silver car is a 1968 2000. This was the chassis my friend intended to restore, using parts from the silver car.

It turns out the white car is a 1969 2000. This was to be a parts donor.

I expect the cars to be in Durango within a month. Once here, I'll dive in deeper to see how much of either car is salvageable. Assuming the frame on the silver car is not too far gone, it'll likely be used as the basis for Penny. If not, then I'll start the hunt for another roller I can use.

I still don't have firm plans on what kind of build this will be. If pinned down today, I'd say: "A resto-mod of a 1969 2000 with an SD20DE, RX7 LSD, 300ZX breaks, in a burnt orange with a killer interior." Don't hold me to that.

My son thinks I should put a Hayabusa motorcycle engine in.

Two U20s and 2 five speeds... I'd consider rebuilding one of those.
I'd be interested in more info on the long tube header I see but it might be for an L-series based on bolt pattern...

May the Force be With You! Looks like a big project. Pat

That long tube header looks a bit BRE-ish.

rwmann wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:35 am That long tube header looks a bit BRE-ish.

I think it's for a 510. My friend was big into 510s back in the day, so there's a bunch of 510 parts mixed in (we sorted most of them out).

Aha

Thread rename.

Was: "Penny: Two to make one, In Durango CO"

Now: "Penny, THREE to make one, in Durango CO"

I'll be picking this up this weekend...

Nice find. I think your project just became a lot more manageable.

Saw that one on BaT, didnt look too bad. Congrats

Score. I'll start with the upshot:

The body is free of bondo or fiberglass. I can't find any. There's some rust, for sure, in the typical areas, but none you'd call bad. More of the "patina" variety.

Same with the frame and undersides.

And check out the valvetrain. Woah. Almost no wear visible. The chain looks brand new.

The seller/auction said "The replacement U20 2.0-liter inline-four was reportedly installed in the 1980s and does not turn over...The engine will not turn due to what I was told as ”high internal friction”.

After pulling the valve cover and plugs and lightly trying to turn the crank it moved without obvious interference. So we turned some more. It turns ok. Two full revolutions and it feels tight to me, but my friend who's owned several 311s and 510s and knows his shit says he doesn't think it feels any tighter than normal.

We put a near-dead battery on it (all I have right now) and the starter couldn't turn it over.

Tomorrow I will pop off the oil pan and see what I see there.

The seller was super nice and the transaction was smooth. So was the drive back to Durango from CO springs...

Looks Great! Looking at the head, none of the valves appear sunk (adjuster are all equal and not high) and the cam looks good. Will want to shim the tensioner. Wish I had your shop!

Washed and inspected.

I am completely convinced this is NOT a parts car, but a long-term keeper. It won't be perfect-Penny but her sister: patina-Peggy.

To that end, a new thread:

viewtopic.php?t=37943

Mods, would you please move THIS thread to "Member's Garage"... it's no longer an "Introduction". Thanks!

I agree with Greg. I have a strong case of garage/shop envy. Looks like you have all the makings of a nice roadster now. Let the fun begin!

Peggy's (viewtopic.php?t=37943) twin sister (s) have arrived from Pennsylvania!











That dent was not there when they started their journey. Arrrg.





I'm going to try to avoid the temptation of diving in too deeply, but I had to at least see what the heads looked like and whether there was any chance either had a B cam. One is clearly marked A (white car). The other has no markings.

I'll be using both carbs as cores for rebuilds for Peggy. ZTherapy is 10 months out. One will go to them and another to our friends at Datsun Roadster Resorations for a functional rebuild.

Pretty big dent to just happen along the way... bummer, did a tree fall on it? Looks like you'll have a few cams you can grind for a B if desired...
Noted at least one good '69 tear drop side marker... those are spendy I hear.

Should be quite the transformation! Have fun!