Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I am in the process of trying to buy a 69 roadster. This one has a rotary engine. I know....not normal, and not my first choice. But I thought I could learn a bunch and still be working on one until I can get a stock one. I will post in the wanted section because I am going to need some interior parts.
Hope to post some pictures of whatever car I get soon!:)
jm

How much are you spending?? If you give a budget, someone may have some stock options for you.
Nothing inherently wrong with the Rotary, other than not many on this forum can help you with engine issues or odd mounting/body/frame mods.

Hi: Well, the guy wants about 5k for the car. Engine has 10k on a rebuild. He seems to know his stuff.I have had rotary engines before. The car is somewhat rough, needs paint and some fender patches. However, I could not find any rust on the rest of the car. Has a hard top, but no soft top. Will get some more information today. I am going to need all the interior parts from the arm rest up to where the radio goes in. I am not sure what that would cost used in ok shape. I can fix just about anything in the interior that needs help.
jm

It may be a location issue, but you should be able to find a decent "original" 1600 Roadster for that amount. You may want to look around a bit, unless you have your heart set on a Rotary.

I think that's just crazy. 5 k for a modified roadster that still needs maybe 5K work. Unless you LOVE rotary motors, I'd hold out for an original intact car.

just my opinion.

Well, a nice one came up on cl yesterday and I am going to go look at it. What do you guys think?

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/3778070151.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like I could get it running, but will not know until I see it. Is this a good price?
jm

Too bad there are no under hood or interior pics. Pricing is in the ball park, depending on true condition. Do a thorough inspection.

What does "not driven in 10 years" really mean. - Not started? Not registered?

Check with the DMV if there are any retroactive fees owed in order to get it registered. In CA the buyer inherits all the owed fees. Your state may be different.

Basic stuff - check condition of oil and coolant - the levels, color and smell. Water in oil? Oil in coolant?

Bring a battery with you. I'd pull the plugs, squirt some oil in and confirm that you can turn the engine by hand. Bring a big crescent wrench for the nut at the end of the crankshaft. If you can turn it by hand, connect the battery and see if it will at least turn over.

It looks like the fenders are from a '70 so check for front end damage underneath and on the inner fenders. Maybe they were swapped for cosmetics or rust.

Since the car has been sitting, expect that all the major hydraulic components will need to be rebuilt or replaced. If the brake fluid isn't clear it is a sign of moisture and deteriorated seals. The calipers and cylinders are likely rusted inside. If they don't leak now, they will in a few months once the seals wear over the internal corrosion.

If you can get the wheels off the ground spin them and see if the brakes will grab. Also inspect the front suspension for wear - ball joints are pricey.

Budget $1000 in parts, excluding suspension and soft top, to make it a safe runner.

Use that in your negotiations.

Some reading:
http://www.datsun.org/roadster/resource ... guide.html
http://www.311s.org/pmwiki-311/pmwiki.p ... uyersGuide
http://www.datsunroadster.com/misc_page ... _guide.htm
http://www.datsuns.com/roadster/roadsterguide.htm

Good luck. Let us know how you make out. Take some pics and post. I'm sure others will have some advice as well.

I agree with all that Mike said, but I would budget a bit more than $1000.

Thank you for the good replies: Looks like I will be the new owner of this car. It needs some work, but it has been started and the registration is not a problem. Will have to clean out the gas tank and put a new battery in the car. Will post some pictures later today, and a bunch when I pick it up Sunday.
Got the car for 3500.00:)
jm

I think you did well, congratulations! change the fluids, get new tires, clean the tank, get the brakes and clutch hydraulics fixed, keep an eye on the water pump (it will likely need to be replaced soon) and drive the stew out of it before you decide to change anything.

Here are some pictures. I could not find any rust under the car, but that does not mean much until it is up on stands. Notice anything that is cool, or needing attention. What do you think so far?

Looks good. One thing to add. Check the distributor to see if it has been recurved to non-smog specs. If it hasn't put that or an electronic distributor on the list. Also, fix that overflow on the rear carb - a fire waiting to happen - also ensure that the front one goes down below the level of the exhaust manifold.

Question: Can someone point me in the correct direction for things like choke cables, oil/air filters, and brake parts????
thanks,
john

spl310 wrote:Looks good. One thing to add. Check the distributor to see if it has been recurved to non-smog specs. If it hasn't put that or an electronic distributor on the list. Also, fix that overflow on the rear carb - a fire waiting to happen - also ensure that the front one goes down below the level of the exhaust manifold.

Wow: did not even notice the rear overflow...thanks!!
Are you saying the smog equipment is not on the car? I was thinking about the electronic distributor. Seems like it would really be an improvement.
thanks for your input,
jm

Smog equipment has been removed (see the plugs on the head). All the vendors can hook you up with the parts list you asked about - Nissan has some in stock as well.