Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I purchased a 68 2000 roadster this past January. No title, no keys, very solid structurally, radiator full of antifreeze, engine oil looked OK, transmission shifting, and engine would turn by hand. I saw it for a couple of months sitting in a fenced in towing storage business and the old car bug hit me again.
Long story short, I did get a clear title through our very helpful County Courthouse and DMV here in South Carolina.
My goal is to refurbish it into a roadworthy driver. I have tackled the butchered wiring, broken ignition switches, etc. and now does turn over with a new battery, and also has spark at the plugs.
Next up is the fuel system and if it will run, the brakes. Looking forward to the challenging project.
I was thrilled to find this website as I have no previous experience with any foreign make cars. I grew up fixing Mustangs and AMX's but I am quickly learning to appreciate the design and history of this Datsun. It has been about 20 years since I sold my last Mustang, 3 of our 4 children the Lord has blessed me and my wife of 30 years with are married and on their own, our last son is away at Clemson University, so more time is now available for hobbies after my work hours.
I am sure I will be posting some "dumb" questions not having any previous experience with Datsuns
and looking forward to some answers from experienced Roadster fans. Thanks for your time, John-
Lugoff, SC.

Welcome to the club!

Welcome John! You have indeed found the right place for all things Roadster. I expect you will quickly fall in love with this car, and even more so when you are able to drive it! The 2000 had a very decent power to weight ratio stock, and they do respond to efforts at additional power should you desire. De-smogging the engine is critical to getting it to run as it was designed, and it is fairly easy to do, especially when you opt for the electronic ignition distributor set up that we developed here. There are a few things to watch out for on a U20, namely the dreaded "U20 death rattle" which is caused by low oil pressure to the upper timing chain tensioner, allowing the chain to slap against the chain guide and cut into it, eventually breaking off and ventilating your hood and wallet! So, before you fire it, we need to check that situation to avoid this, and help guide you on what to do. The 5 speeds also had a tendency to walk off the shaft, leaving you with a box full of neutrals. Hopefully this has been addressed, but if not, again we can make suggestions. The cars really are pretty bullet proof but like any 40+ yr old car they can suffer over time.

There is much to learn here, so spend some time on the wiki and just digging through old posts. You will find that you may have launched your kids, but now you just gained a new family of friendly folks without attitude or excessive ego. Get ready for some fun!

Sounds like a good catch!

Cheers
James

The joys of old gas! You're on track, total cleaning and checking of the fuel system is next.

Welcome aboard. We need some pictures, or it doesn't really exist!
Looking forward to more information on your ride and restoration.

Welcome from the other coast. What a great car to start with. Pictures are important here.
Questions are welcome and answers given freely.