Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi All,

I do not own a roadster yet but I plan to own one in the future! I figured 311s.org would be a good place to find information on the roadsters. I am in no rush to buy one and I want to make sure that when I do I know what it will take to own one.

My overall goal is to swap in a sr20de in a roadster. I am not sure as to which year or model I want yet. That will require me to do some more research. So far I am leaning towards the high windshield versions with hardtop! The roadster will probably be a weekend car with an emphasize on comfort. It would be nice turn it into an autocross beast but I am too lazy to drive to marina,ca to attend the NorcalUFO autox days It was there that I fell in love with the datsun roadster. I was working the first shift and there was a black roadster that was tearing up the course.

Hmm on to a little bit of myself, I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I am 25 years old and work in the medical device field. Graduated from San Jose State University. I currently drive a 2006 MT 350z. I wanted to stay within the Nissan/Datsun family so I was looking for a 240z but its just something about the roadsters that made me want to get it over the 240z's. Anywwho I look forward to meeting/talking to everyone. See you guys around!

heres a picture of my 350z since i read that you guys like pictures!

Very nice Z car and you came to the right place to learn about Datsun Roadsters. Good luck with your search.

Steve

Welcome and feel free to ask lots of questions.

Great looking car. How did you get the tree to grow on the roof?

68DSU wrote:Great looking car. How did you get the tree to grow on the roof?

Look close at the picture. You can see the tree trunk through the window. He is growing it out of the armrest console...

these are the new little tree air fresheners. more organic!

Welcome KNDP24. There are a few of us in the South Bay. Keep an eye out for postings on the next fun run and come out to meet us and our cars.

Good luck w/ your search. Once you locate a candidate car, feel free to post and ask questions. Also, the search feature in the forum is a great tool of tap into past discussions.

Some reading:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ilit=buyer
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

Thanks for the links! I've already read most of those when I found a couple roadsters before listed on craigslist but i think they were fake postings :[

KNDP24 wrote:Hi All,

My overall goal is to swap in a sr20de in a roadster. I am not sure as to which year or model I want yet. That will require me to do some more research. So far I am leaning towards the high windshield versions with hardtop!

If you get a chance, go on some of the drives and see if you can "test" drive both a low and high windshield.

If you are over 6', I strongly suggest a high windshield model.......

BTW, I have both.........LOL.........

If you want a high windshield model, look for a 68 or 69 in very good condition. I would not be indifferent to the U20 motor, even though you intend to swap it, as how well it has been maintained is a good indicator on the rest of the car.

I would be mindful of the number of owners, records available, how she drives and feels, rust, and cosmetics, knowing that rust and cosmetics do not always reveal themselves at first look. I would ask to contact the last two garages that did any work, and I would talk to them. I would have the car lifted to see what is underneath. I would let it sit for two days to see if there are leaks. If you are not mechanically inclined, I would spend the $200 or so to have it carefully looked over by someone who is, preferably someone who knows Datsun roadsters. Good hartops are available, so if the car does not come with one, I wouldn't worry about that.

I would apprise the 311s.org community of any car you are considering and its owner. Chances are someone will know one or both.

Good hunting, and keep us informed.

Welcome!
I am in San Jose too!
I am/was a fellow Z33 owner too!

Like bikermike says we are very active and do frequent fun runs in our roadsters. Watch the Car show/Fun Run section and join us for a spin!

Also check the Engine Swap section there is a complete How-To for SR20 swaps by Spriso and others.
I also own one so feel free to check it out yourself in person:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=15837" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck!

I would recommend a 1600, as it will be a LOT less expensive, and you are not keeping the motor anyway.

Buy the best car you can afford to start. It will save you money in the long run. Try to buy a runner, and drive it for a while before you start the swap.. the bonding experience is worth it, and the smile on your face when the swap is done is amazing..

And feel free to check out my thread since I built the car you are talking about and ask any questions you have. I will try to answer..

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17004

Bob wrote:If you want a high windshield model, look for a 68 or 69 in very good condition. I would not be indifferent to the U20 motor, even though you intend to swap it, as how well it has been maintained is a good indicator on the rest of the car.

I would be mindful of the number of owners, records available, how she drives and feels, rust, and cosmetics, knowing that rust and cosmetics do not always reveal themselves at first look. I would ask to contact the last two garages that did any work, and I would talk to them. I would have the car lifted to see what is underneath. I would let it sit for two days to see if there are leaks. If you are not mechanically inclined, I would spend the $200 or so to have it carefully looked over by someone who is, preferably someone who knows Datsun roadsters. Good hartops are available, so if the car does not come with one, I wouldn't worry about that.

I would apprise the 311s.org community of any car you are considering and its owner. Chances are someone will know one or both.

Good hunting, and keep us informed.

Ok will do thank you for the info! Yeah I would probably ask someone who knew more about roadsters to come with me when I do find a good candidate.

Alvin wrote:Welcome!
I am in San Jose too!
I am/was a fellow Z33 owner too!

Like bikermike says we are very active and do frequent fun runs in our roadsters. Watch the Car show/Fun Run section and join us for a spin!

Also check the Engine Swap section there is a complete How-To for SR20 swaps by Spriso and others.
I also own one so feel free to check it out yourself in person:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=15837" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck!

Awesome nice to meet you fellow z33 buddy haha Yeah I think I may join you guys on the cruise in october!

RCMike wrote:I would recommend a 1600, as it will be a LOT less expensive, and you are not keeping the motor anyway.

Buy the best car you can afford to start. It will save you money in the long run. Try to buy a runner, and drive it for a while before you start the swap.. the bonding experience is worth it, and the smile on your face when the swap is done is amazing..

And feel free to check out my thread since I built the car you are talking about and ask any questions you have. I will try to answer..

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=17004

yeah I am looking mainly for a car that is drivable. Unfortunately roadsters do not pop up often, at least on craigslist. but i am in no rush. the longer i wait the more money i can save aside for the project :]

Is this your Z? If so, sorry I didn't get to meet you! Did you see the roadsters?
http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uplo ... 35-HDR.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Welcome to the forum! Wish you luck finding a nice restorable Datsun, it probably be easy for you since you live in CA.

By the way, i'm also looking to join the 350z forum as soon as i get out of high school.