Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I think I was 15 and noticed this little convertible a few blocks from the house. Thought it was an MGB at first and then saw the Datsun Fairlady badging on it and fell in love. Went in the Navy for 20 years, all up and down the East coast and never saw another one. Searching CL just a few weeks ago in Western Colo and one came up. Went and looked at it and said I'd get back to the gentleman. Talked to the wife and kind of talked myself out of buying it but couldn't get the car out of my mind. 2 weeks later I went back and purchased it and trailered it back home. 1969 SRL311 hardtop with a froze engine. Searching these forums for ideas on what to do to get it running. oh by the way- wife thinks it's "cute" so I won on that front and saved myself from a Miata.

Welcome and a great story, these little cars get under your skin!
Short term I would see if you can pick up a 1600 engine while you determine what to do with the frozen U20. This way you could get up and driving relatively cheaply and reliable while building the motor you really want.

As to the U20 since we do not know what frozen means just yet-I would recommend pulling the engine and tearing it down to see what might be broken. It could be a number of things such as slack timing chain may have slipped a tooth and bent a valve or two. Could be a broken jack shaft. Broken piston ring. Again, it is best to pull the motor and begin a methodical tear down to see why it is frozen. Hopefully it nothing too serious. U20 rebuilds can get expensive. Tom, has a good idea picking up a 1600 to throw in there while you work on the 2 liter. Either way good luck.

Steve

pictures!!!!

Oh heck, they are not THAT expensive to rebuild. Pretty much any engine from this time frame and rarity is comparable to the U20, so long as basic components are in rebuildable order. Thanks to our wonderful vendors we can get high quality, correct or improved parts for our cars at what I think are reasonable prices considering again, the rarity of the engine. The U20 was unique to the Roadster and was an important milestone in Nissan history. The cylinder head certainly blows away most production heads out of the box of similar cars. The timing components used to be a problem but not any more, again with thanks to our vendors. The U20 does not get the respect it deserves because it does have the double chain weakness (is it really that much of one though?). The much desired S20 2liter twin cam 4 valve 6 in the GTR is much desired for good reason, but it still only made 10 more hp in similar trim with a higher rpm.
So, don't be afraid of the U20, build it!

I wasn't pointing out a 1600 swap for the cost, but for the timing. The cost of a 1600 is low as well, but my main thing was until he knows the reason for a frozen block he could be up and running quickly and cost effectively while exploring what to do with the U20.

Cstory., I’m a newb also. I too, have a 69 SRL311. I too., searched this roadster out after falling in love with her good looks. I too., drove out 700 miles just to court her and bring her home...
I too., am going thru a complete overhaul of the U20 engine. Steve is correct, repairing U20 power plants gets pricey. There are other routes to go BUT those U20’s are the last of their kind. Becoming extinct I say. This is a classic car. If your roadster has a U20 then you have a classic engine. If you have the means to repair it., you should and when it’s all done, you will be one of a few to own one. Knowing that should put a smile on your face especially in this classic car world.

I’m not taking anything away from the engine swap. There are others here on the thread that go that route because the original engine is just too tired or they just want more horses and modern reliability. Kudos to them. I would definitely do it too. Hell., I like these cars so much I’m looking to purchase another just for a swap. Lol. Actually, I’m hoping a 67.5 crosses my path after the restoration of this 69 is complete. Whichever route you decide to go., welcome aboard pal.

I was in a good position to purchase a new car at age 20 and I did. I've owned it for nearly 2 years now, no issues financially. It should be paid off around the time I graduate college and begin my career.
It's also a stupid thing to do and I wouldn't recommend it to most college kids.

HughAdam wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2019 12:41 am .....It's also a stupid thing to do and I wouldn't recommend it to most college kids.

Talk like that on this forum could get you into real trouble! Somebody just might give you a second roadster!

Adding pictures per request. Drivers side front fender is the only rusty area (so far).

I have never seen, or heard of a Datsun Roadster. I get a call from my father saying....."the guy across the street is selling a 1970 2 seater Datsun. I am thinking it is a 240Z. So I have him go over and look at it. He calls me back and says it says 1000 on the side, I said it doesnt say 240?? Then he says no, it doesnt have a top , its a convertible. So i started to google Datsun 1000, and a 1600 pops up. So, the wife and I go look at it, which has been sitting in a garage covered for the last 25+ years. The cover comes off and there sits a 1970 SPL311. The wife looks at me and shakes her head YES immediately. I questioned the price my dad had told me because I couldnt believe it. The guy said parts are hard to get so....how about $500. I couldnt get my wallet out fast enough.

What! You paid $500 for THAT car?! Stolen! Congrats and welcome to the family. We have parts sources, no problem...

If you can get some of that chrome off the painted black trim it will instantly look like a $5000 car, not a $500. Already looks like a great deal. What are your plans for it?

Lets ride 75, Before trying to start it, if you haven't yet, prelube the motor.

I plan to get it on the road this summer. The side moulding is rubber, and is already off the car. The headlight scoops have been rechromed already. I also have a newly chromed 1600 grill that I traded another roadster enthusiest for mine. I have got it running, but decided to pull the motor this Saturday to replace gaskets, and clean/paint the engine bay, and motor. Then on Sunday the wife and I are gonna make a 13hr round trip to get a windshield for it.