Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

So here I go. How many extra bolts do you think I'll end up with?

It all started on a craigslist hunt for a tractor bucket for my father-in-law. I saw this datsun 1600 on this pack rats property. This guy’s property reminded me of Pickers on Discovery Channel. Talk about tonnage. It brought back memories of this 2000 that would autocross with us in the Blue Ridge region of Virginia when I was in college.

I offered to buy the pack rats 1600 but he wouldn't sell. He also admitted that he knew he'd never get it back on the road. Really? I looked around for the cameras because then I really thought I was on Pickers.

Well, I couldn’t get the car off my mind. I found a complete, non-running 69 2000 in NC, picked it up and brought it home. Shortly after, it was clear that additional parts would be needed, so then came the 67 1600.
And that’s how it all began. I'll keep you posted.

OK, the dual body dolly is a first - I like it!

Tearing down 2 at once? You're going to get yelled at......

Linda

where's the best places to find replacement wear items like rear axle bearings, ball joints, and tie rod ends? Like everybody else, I'd like to do it on the cheap.

Great picker story. There is nothing more fun for me than being in a junk yard full of old stuff, especially vintage cars....

You may find many of the items from Nissan. Here is a great guide to part numbers that I have used with great success, that is, it is very accurate.
http://www.carpartsmanual.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't know about cheap....

Ball joints are available from many autoparts stores (aftermarket) but they are $$ ($250 set for lowers). Some of the vendors listed on 311 rebuild them. Used ball joints show up on eBay every now and then...roll the dice. I have used sets that I could check out if you are interested ( have not touched them in years). Send a PM if you want me to check them out.

Tie rods are still available from Nissan I think but again, not cheap. They are not ends, but more like double ends with a rod in between I think some folks have used 510 ends and fabricated the rod. Maybe some one on list can comment, I have no direct experience with this approach.

Congrats on the the start of your project!

If you are looking to get rid of that '67 frame I'm in VA (BTW did the 67 come from Farmville?)

Just bought my 3rd roadster. Did you ever buy a car just for one part? The guy wouldn't part it out, so the car (P.O.S.) came home with me. No drive train, no title. doors looked good as well as the windshield. going to strip it down and recycle the far gone parts.

mshort07 wrote:... Did you ever buy a car just for one part?...

I did. The hood trim. I've since used several (many) other parts and set aside others for spares. Unfortunately my wife's car has been parked outside while my "part" car sits in the garage. She hasn't complained yet, so I think I'll keep her. The wife that is; the remains of the car will have to go outside at some point.

mshort07 wrote:Just bought my 3rd roadster. Did you ever buy a car just for one part?

LOL With this group, it's more like has anyone NOT bought a spare Roadster for just one part!

You can't have just one!

^ Yikes. If I buy another one, it would have to be gutted. Because I'll be SLEEPING in it.

A book shelf for Datsuns. I like it.

Separate Question - Has anyone ever cut and welded in front fender flares in the rear? Thought that it might be an interesting look.

3rd roadster is torn down and cut up. a lot of the body went to the scrap pile. Was able to save some good parts, but the main reason for the purchase was the low windshield and doors.

Planning on getting started on the hard part now - putting one back together. Looking over my frame options (now have 3 to choose from) and I need some info about 2000 vs 1600 or '67 vs '69. My goal is to build a car with the 2000 drivetrain. The frame for the 2000 is tweaked in the front pretty bad from an earlier wreck in its life. I'll be using one of the 1600 frames, but noticed that the '69 2000 frame has some extra plating welded on the bottom and sides of the down sections just past the motor mounts. Is the extra strengthening a 2000 thing or a '69 and later year thing? Should I plate the 1600 frame the same way?

The high windshield cars got that reinforcement. They also had holes drilled in the front frame for rudimentary crumple zones.

mshort07 wrote:Separate Question - Has anyone ever cut and welded in front fender flares in the rear? Thought that it might be an interesting look.

Yes.

That's what I did.


Here are flares I have. They are all metal, and they are oem. Nothing aftermarket or fiberglass about them.

I took some beat to crap 68 front fenders and cut off the flare section and grafted them to my quarter panels.

It is a subtle fare and I can still use my molding if I choose.