Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey everyone! Nice to be part of the group. My name is Scott and I live in San Diego, California.

I tried to buy a Datsun Roadster almost 9 years ago and the wife said no. But nine years later, I've talked her into it, but the one I was able to get is a real "project." So I am starting my restoration and hope to be spending a lot of time in the forum asking questions and helping in return.

I have a long road ahead, but I have inspiration from all the wonderful cars that are shown here on the site. I can't wait to be a Datsun Roadster "Driver" and not just Owner.

I will make sure to try and post a bunch of pictures and I am hoping to have my own little blog up, kind of as a diary, for the build.

Just a little background. I am a "newer" car guy, but my dad is into older vehicles. I thought this would be something fun to do and he and I could try to get some of it done together. I've only had the car a week and I think he is contemplating getting one. lol.

The oldest thing I've ever rebuild is a 1994 Honda Civic. But I am so excited to be able to put ANYTHING I want in the engine compartment and not have the State of California tell me no! I can't tell you how excited that makes me feel.

I know we all start off with grand dreams, but I hope that I can bring together mine in this car. My inspirations are Michael Spreadbury with his SR20DET conversions coupled with the best looking Roadster I've seen, Jeff Torres' 1966 1600. I have a different take on his paint scheme, but I can't wait to own a car that classy. Hopefully with some great get up and go from the SR20.

So that's my introduction. I've started disassembly and I am eager to get the body off the frame and start working on that aspect of this. We'll have to see where this goes, but I can't wait. Oh, and here is a picture of my bucket of bolts.

Nice looking 2L
There are a few of us here in San Diego and Classic Datsun Motorsports is just up the road in Vista.

Phil

Alright! We have a Datsun Shop! I can't wait. My wife is going to hate you for that one. lol

Welcome you have found the best possible resource, looking forward to your progress.

Hi Scott,

Welcome! These cars are terribly addictive, but they are a lot of fun-- you are in an ideal location to both enjoy your car (once it is running) and to network with fellow roadster owners and Datsun related business owners.

I look forward to seeing your progress on your project, and if we can help with parts for your SR conversion, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Enjoy the ride,

Michael

welcome and post lots of pics as you work on the roadster

Welcome to the addiction! Good luck with the resto and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. And as stated before post lots of pictures.

Just wanted to update everyone on my quest. I now have two Roadsters. lol My 1969 - 2000 and a 1968 - 1600. I didn't get an engine with the 1600, but I have the complete motor (totally disassembled) for the 2000. And I just purchased today, two SR20DET motors that I am rebuilding. I am loving this.

I also have started welding a jig setup so that I can remove the body and work on the chassis to prepare it for the motor and powder coating. So I've been staying busy and my wife says that I have the bug. She's not happy either. lol Just kidding. She's being very supportive.

So I have two cars, three motors and a lot of time to get going on all this. But I'm having a blast. Just wanted to let everyone know.

Well, I've been making some slow progress this winter, but I'm finally starting to see the frame! I think I am being a little too meticulous on labeling and bagging every screw, but I don't want to screw this up. I've dreamt about driving one of these cars for so long.

I was reading a thread about the horse hair "bushing" or washer that is between the body and the frame and I checked out mine today. Doesn't look like too much rust, but hopefully when the body comes off next week and I get to the frame, I'll be able to tell more.

So I had a question. The front valance, or piece just below the bumper with two rectangular holes in it, has a number on the back. I'm curious if anyone knows what the number means?

Wow, you don't mess around - you bought the whole fleet and spares -talk about jumping in with both feet.
As far as the number, maybe that was replaced at some point and is a replacement panel part number? Just guessing.
The red one (the '69?) looks very solid and rust free, and excellent starting place, congratulations.

notoptoy wrote:Wow, you don't mess around - you bought the whole fleet and spares -talk about jumping in with both feet.
As far as the number, maybe that was replaced at some point and is a replacement panel part number? Just guessing.
The red one (the '69?) looks very solid and rust free, and excellent starting place, congratulations.

lol Yeah, my wife isn't happy about the "Junk Cars" as she calls them. She thinks I've spent way too much money for stuff that isn't put back together. But that's what she said about our first house. It turned out great. She just doesn't see the vision.

But I agree, the red car has a really nice frame that is going to be my base. I've got a shop in town ready to powder coat it as soon as I'm ready. I'm just trying to figure out how to spend the $400 with Spriso to get the Jig and Motor mounts in soon. I bought a dash from Ross, which I hope comes in soon. I know I have way too many parts, but the parts, when they get here, are what inspires me to put things together.

Soon. That's what I keep saying.

Too many parts? Don't be silly.

dw

Yeah, maybe some of us should post photos of our "collections" for other roadster owners to use whenever their significant other complains about "too many parts". The owner can show S. O. the photos and say "mine's nothing, look at these guys / gals!"

We roadster owners are like that; willing to take a hit for the other guy! My wife would just like me to get and keep my parts out of the breakfast nook area. No, I'm not kidding as Steve Carter can testify. And if you look carefully, you can see more part boxes at the nose of my car in my photo.

I've kept the parts from getting into the upstairs of the house, for now......

Yes Paul, you would be a great person to compare ourselves to. It would make everyone else look like they didn't have very many parts. And if we kept them in the garage or shed we would look good too.

Kind of like telling your wife about a guy that has 15 Roadsters. It makes just having 2 look reasonable.

Steve

Steve,

Exactly!!! A saying that I heard many years ago (and still like): Nobody is completely useless; they can always serve as a bad example...

And Steve, the frightening part? I know people that have collections that make my collection look puny!