Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey guys and gals, first of all I just wanted to start off by introducing myself. I'm a soon to be newbie to the datsun game!

For starters, my name is Rolando. I'm 23 and I've had a love for cars ever since I was small. I live on the west coast in San Jose, Ca. I went to automotive school straight out of high school and have been working on cars since. I've owned about 5 cars so far. First of all is my baby, a 95 honda accord which I still own and put a lot of time and money into. I have also owned a 92 mitsubishi 3000gt, a 97 accord, a 90 acura integra and also my other current vehicle a 08 GMC Sierra. I currently work on cars at a Honda Dealership.

I first fell in love with the datsun roadster when I visited San Diego a couple months bag when my friends shop, Right Hand Drive, was forced to close after the tsunamis in Japan. After no longer being able to import, he closed, and we drove down to support him in his rough times. On our visit, he introduced us to his friend Tommy who stored some of his shop belongings. While visiting him, I saw a little curious car that I had never seen before. It was a 65 datsun roadster, custom suspension, lowered and later I found out, for sale. If I had the money at the time, I would have drove it home. I sadly found out, someone from the East Coast got to it before I could and drove it home all the way from the West Coast with no problems! Since then I was itching for a roadster.

Now I'm in the same predicament. I can either pay off my toolbox, or buy a roadster. I found a couple locally, but they were gone by the time I tried to act. One was listed for 1250. It was a runner, seemed to be decent, but had a bit of rust in the trunk and hood, no big deal. I called to check it out, but was informed it would probably be sold in the morning. I checked the ad the next day, but it was gone. Another was listed for 2400, rust free with plenty of rebuilt parts. Once again, I acted a little too late and heard no response. Owner wanted a call or e-mail, but when I went to call, the posting was no longer there. I could only find the "reply to:" craigslist portion, but no response yet. I'm keeping my eyes peeled. Hopefully I can find one soon since I have cash on hand! I'm not looking to spend more than about 3000 though, which limits me a lot.

I found this one, but since I wanted to run this by you guys first since I'm new to the game and I'm not sure what these cars go for. I know they're rare and beauties. Providing this one runs...what is your opinions on it. I know its been sitting a while. I would have to rock it and see if the crank even turns and swap out the old fuel. I need a runner since I don't have a garage or storage area. Thank you for all your input. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2901042054.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Before I forget, here's my baby. I'll also input a link from a local photo shoot someone offered me. I hope you like it. And yes I do drive it weekly! Cars are meant to be driven regardless of how much is put into it. That's my opinion! The link holds more pictures, I'll just post a teaser. http://staystetti.com/reviving-its-gene ... #more-3217" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have you looked at the Wiki site, there is a great roadster buying guide, that has a ton of information. This site is an excellent resource, and tons of people have great tips and ideas to help you out.

Hope you find your dream Roadster soon!

Welcome.

27 years of not moving, you will probably need every piece of rubber in the fuel and brake system replaced, along with fuel tank cleaning. Not the worst things, but time consuming and a can be bit expensive. I learned this from my 69 2000, about 15-20 yrs off the road before I got it. Rule of thumb is buy the best running driving car with the best body you can afford, cheaper in the long run.
In the same price range, LA craigslist etc, there are cars that are currently being driven that you can drive home.

Why not come to Solvang next month? Bound to be something for sale

Hi Rolando,

Welcome. You've come to the right place. Good luck with your search. There are a few of us close to San Jose. As part of your research you can see some more cars in person before buying.

An important question on that particular car is if it has any kind of top to go with it.
Welcome to the addiction.

I would love to join up with some Datsuns and check them out. I've seen a few partially covered while I was driving around town, but I've only seen 1 in person,a white one in San Jose. If the best thing is to get one that drives in good condition for a lot more, I'll keep an eye out and wait a little bit. In the mean time I'll learn the ins n outs.

By the way, what's Solvang? is that the thing in manteca with the swap meet?

Welcome!
Solvang is the quintessential roadster meet, held in Solvang, CA. Check out the "Shows" section of the forum index.
In fact as Jim mentioned above, check out the Tech Wiki (Link at top right of the page) and spend a little time going through the different forums - you'll learn a ton and get an idea what to look for, and what to expect as far as issues you face.

Rule of thumb is buy the best running driving car with the best body you can afford, cheaper in the long run.

This is great advice. I have followed it, and not followed it. Always been happier with car purchases when I did.

L.A. is a great place to monitor. I got my garage find for $2500 and drove it home (dangerously).

But -- if you're an ace mechanic, or have extreme patience (neither of which describes me), buying a roller can be a great project.

welcome!
sounds like both of us had a "love at first sight" experience with the roadster!
definitely go to the Solvang show for inspiration, ideas, and ask owners questions.
There are several owners in San Jose /Bay Area and we do fun runs from time to time:


I am helping a close friend find a roadster and you can you can never be too careful when checking the cars out so ask alot of questions here

Wow, I see. Solvang is on a saturday. I'll definitely request the day of! hopefully no one else has it off already though.
When I find a roadster, anyone willing to check it out with me since you guys obviously know a lot more than me for now, haha. I don't mind surface rust or replacing seals. It'll be a long project and I also have big plans for it(crazy kids right). I'm a big do it yourselfer even with things I've never tackled before.

For me one of the joys of my car was the ability to learn and do myself. Newer cars work by magic but the older cars are simple enough to work on yourself. No computer chips or complicated "things" except maybe the carbs. Once you get the basics you can trick it out all you want.
Ask questions but be ready for "it's a Datsun thing" for an answer.

Welcome. You are lucky to have great skills to fix your potential purchase. I'd say just get a good body, you know how to check for rust, and then someone may give you a stock motor for free! Yess many are swapping motors so they sell the stock setup for cheap.
You have already discovered that the good deals are gone quick. There are some flippers just like with any other cars. And many cars are just parted out.Good luck
Solvang is a nice way to see the cars. Maybe you can be a co-pilot. There is camping, see the Solvang meet flyer.

Linda

If I could find a free motor and transmission I would definitely pick up a roller. I'd have that baby swapped in over a weekend. Actually, probably in a couple hours. It wouldn't be my first motor swap anyway!! Engine hoist is ready and sitting in my back yard anywhoo. I already have a truck so all I would need is one of those car trailers to pick up a rolling shell, if I could find a rust free one that is! If anyone needs help on the weekends I'd be glad to come and help as well as learn a few things. I use to work on my dads old chevy cheyenne diesel truck, but I was a baby back then and didn't really get to do anything. And I haven't rebuilt a carburetor in about 5 years, gosh I'm rusty. All of this makes me look forward to owning one more and more. I'm excited. I'll definitely try to be at Solvang!

I understand the whole "it's a datsun thing." On our Accord forum we have our own, "you know you drive an accord when..." haha.

hmmm, still running, needs work, 2k. (no connection with seller)

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/ct ... 18756.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes, I actually bookmarked that one. I was wondering about that R/F fender and what exactly happened there. I also wanted to drive it home. I wonder if it will make it. I don't mind flying out to L.A since I know a lot of people there and transportation wouldn't be an issue. It would also be cheaper to drive it home from there in the datsun instead of trailering it with my truck. I'll send him an e-mail. Let's see if he responds.