Hello Again from Chicago

[darkbane]

Hello All,

A few years agao I was on the forum in search of info to get to working on my datsun, but financial issues came up and it was put on the back burning.

Well, I'm back. I finally have the means to start modestly working on the car, so here I am.
I have a 1967.5 Datsun 1600. This car was a gift to my mother about 25 years ago from my father. The car has been sitting in the garage from about 23 of those years. My mom finally handed the title over to me and told me to do what I will with it.

It seems like this is one of the best resources on the internet for out roadster, so I definitely plan on posting a lot of questions, and hopefully some progress pictures.

Here's the current state of my roadster:

Yes I know that hard top is not a fit for the car, it was just put there to keep some of the elements away.

Any other Chicago area guys, please feel free to introduce yourselves to me. I'd love to see your cars and pick your brain if possible.

[wgb1]

Welcome,

You have found the best site for all things D roadster. Lots of helpful folks and info. Kepp us up to date on your project.

[DnCrs13]

Welcome,

There are a few guys in the Chicago area. Check out the club section on this site for other mid-west guys, we have a good group going out here now.

Keep us posted on your progress, and definitely post pics.

Dan

[Dcyco1]

Hello, I live in burbs in Batavia. I am hoping to get my roadster home this weekend so I can get working on it. I will be getting alot of spare parts with the car and maybe able to help you out if you need it.
Chris

[darkbane]

I'm a big DIY kind of guy, but I'm not great with cars. I'm more knowledgeable with motorcycles than anything.

Unfortunately, I've had an interest in this car from day one, so when I was about 14 I started digging into this car when I didn't know what I was doing. I'm hoping I didn't do as much damage as I think I did. I should have left it be (it would probably be more complete), but I didn't know better at the time.

I've got a good group of friends that are very big car guys, but they more focus on American Muscle, so having some local Datsun guys would be awesome.

Hopefully (if things go well) I'll have my car here in Chicago where I can go over every detail and see what's what and start source parts and services.

I'll post some more pictures of it's current state soon and you all can give me a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks

[darkbane]

OK, Well....sooner than later.
I took these pictures about 5 years ago. The car is no longer in a garage, due to the garage being torn down. The car has been sitting outside wrapped up in the Illinois elements, and my parents are getting heat from the city for having the car sitting out being exposed. Small town cop BS. So this is the additional inspiration to get this car running under it's own power again after 25 years.

[spl310]

Do you have the missing tidbits?

[darkbane]

When I orginally took stuff off the car, I kept everything and put it in our basement. If the stuff is still there 10/15 years later, that's hard to say. My mom is a pack rat, so who knows, but if she didn't know what it was, she would have pitched it. When I go home to pick up the car, I'll be tearing about the basement in search of anything I can find.

[darkbane]

Small Update:

I went back home to gather a bunch of parts that was stored in the basement. Apparently I had taken apart more than I remember when I was younger. Seems to be a good thing, cause a lot of the small hardware is in pretty good shape. I also found the soft top, which I never remember having. That being said, I may just sell the hard top. I don't care for the hard top look.The only ones that seem to look good are the custom made ones.

So in about two weeks, I'll have the car in my possesion and I can began making this sucker road ready.

Here's some pix of her current state:


The body is in better shape than I remember.

Besides the rear passenger fender and some damage on the hood, I mainly just have some surface rust to deal with.






Once I get the car, I'll make a build thread to post my day by day progress.

[notoptoy]

It's amazing what a little clean up can do for looks! It already looks a ton better than the initial barn shots! Unfortunately, it also tends to uncover more opportunities for problem solving. From your comment on "making it road ready" I assume that you will be shooting for a rolling restoration where you attempt to get it up and running and on the road prior to tackling ALL the problems? I recommend this approach as your motivation is much better when you can enjoy each little advance.

Good luck and please do keep posting!

[darkbane]

There's definitely a lot of issues with the car, but like all roadster, there's a lot of potential.

If I had to means to do so, I would do a frame off restoration, but unfortunately I don't, and at the moment, it's kind of a Now or Never situation.

My main concerns are to tackle the engine and drive train. If I can get this a running roller, I'm ok with working on it as I go.

[sleepyzzz]

it looks like you will be busy for awhile. there are several very sharp guys on here who are willing to help answer questions that you have.

i wish you the best with your roadster. goodluck and have fun

[dbrick]

Be sure to really check the frame for rust before you get too far into it. Get under it and check the top of the frame rails. Also steel lines etc. Sitting that long can be a problem. Ask Datsun1500.

[darkbane]

If any of you Chicagoans saw a silver 67.5 being truck north on I-94 W, that was my roadster getting delivered to its new home.

As christmas present, my parents trucked her up so I can started getting dirty with her.

[DCooke]

It's good to get another Roadster into Chicagoland. I've toured my 68 1600 around to quite a few shows & cruise nights in the Chicago NW burbs last summer. Hope to see you this coming year.