My First Roadster

[datsunfever]

Hey there, My name is Scott and I'm from the Dallas, Texas area. I just picked up a virtually rust free west Texas sora blue '68 1600 for free!, although I am new to the roadster scene I have been around Datsun's (mostly Z's) my whole life as my dad was a Datsun/Nissan master technician. Anyway, the previous owner decided at some point it would be a great idea to hack up the engine compartment including the front crossmember and inner fender-wells. The x-brace has also been removed along with the front spring perches and control arm mounts. I have no Idea what he was planning on doing with it, now I have to try to figure out some sort of front suspension setup. I would appreciate some input on this. I will attempt to get some photos up shortly.

[sleepyzzz]

welcome, and i would start looking for a parts car to have a source for all the parts you need to complete your car. .

i see that you have an early 260Z also. mine is a 2+2. one day i must get back on getting that one finished.

goodluck with the roadster, and again, welcome to the site

[S Allen]

Welcome to the fray Scott. I think you will find us a pretty friendly group with quite a bit of knowledge on these cars. If you would please register your car in the Roadster Registry here>> http://www.311s.org/registry.html As sleepyzzz pointed out you might want to to pick up donor car to scavenge parts from. Unless you are seriously considering an engine swap if definitely sounds like you will need a frame. Good luck with the project and keep us updated.

SA

[spl310]

Welcome to the fray Datsunfever! Sounds like you are in for some fun!

On the car, what do you want to do? If you want to restore it, you may need to get a spare frame. (who would need a spare frame?) If you want to build a custom, you have a blank canvas. For the custom, I would suggest that you look into a street rod (mustang II based) suspension. It would be about the same price at this point, and you get fun stuff like tubular A arms, rack and pinion steering, choice of lug patterns, choice of finish, etc. With that, you can build a custom crossmember so that the transmission can be removed without having to pull the engine (what a novel idea!) and even put in whatever rear end you want - such as a Chevy, Ford, Mazda or some other unit. Since the inner fenders are out, you can go wild with the engine - no inner fenders means easier header work for a V engine (I vote small block Ford, but I am sort of goofy that way)

Either way, you will get plenty of support, ideas, suggestions, recommendations, and debate here!

[wgb1]

Hey Scott,

Welcome to the forum. I am not too far from you over here in the Tyler area. There are a few other Texas roadster owners on here. You have several relativley close to you in the DFW area. This is the best site for Datsun roadsters. Good luck with your project. Lets see what she looks like.

[Velo]

Hi Scott - Welcome from another Noobster.. I've only been here a couple weeks and find everyone incredibly friendly and extremely helpful. Look forward to seeing your pics. Good luck on your project.

Hal

[ppeters914]

Welcome. Free can be good. We need pics!

[datsunfever]

Here are a few pics showing the carnage.

http://community.webshots.com/user/Camarosm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[GeoffM]

I think you know what has to be done.











(LS1)

[spl310]

Well, that to me is screaming for the street rod suspension and a custom K member rear crossmember. Darned nice body!

[notoptoy]

I agree the body looks darn good.
I think that I would have to go full custom with the amount of "stuff" that's been removed -
There is a frame for sale on e-bay.
Tom

[fj20spl311]

Well, that to me is screaming for the street rod suspension and a custom K member rear crossmember. Darned nice body!

Mazda Miata front Suspension.

[dbrick]

Mustang II maybe? They make custom width kits. Is a Miata a McPherson strut?

[shifty]

No, it has double a-arms. But it does have a shock tower to deal with.

[spl310]

Well, here is my opinion on the Miata suspension. Yes, it is for a car of comparable size, but is the track the same? If not, you will have to do some re-engineering. The springs would need to be figured out, and that could cause some issues - it would be tough to make the brace look elegant in a vintage car.

The street rod suspension is available for whatever track you want. Now, the problem with it is that the crossmember will likely bisect the oil pan. If you put in a 302 out of a Bronco with the double sump oil pan, that may work. If you go dry sump, that can work. Either way it is all a lot of work. The EASIEST solution is to find a ratty parts car, swap bodies and have the suspension back stock.