Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

My name is Eric and I just scored my first roadster. I'm not new to Datsuns as I own a 68 510, 83 Fairlady z and now an undetermined year roadster. Is there a reliable link to decode my roadster's vin? Judging by past experience, it seems I have a very low production number roadster. Thanks in advance for any help.

Welcome! Lots of resources here. Pictures are invaluable. Plus we love pictures! Since over the years many cars have had mix and match parts, we can help determine what's what with photos. Clues include high or low windshield, dash layout, fusebox configuration, marker lights, bumper details etc.,
Rallye has a great "Decoder Site", http://www.datsunroadster.com/INFO_PAGE ... ur_car.htm and also refer to this: http://www.datsunroadster.com/INFO_PAGES/what_year.htm

Not a lot of decoding to be done... SPL is a 1600, SRL is a 2000. Numbers pretty much start from there! If you have a lower than 1000 SRL, well then you got something even more special (67.5 2000, rare 1/2 yr car). There are many changes that occurred to the interior and exterior over the years, most notably the change in '68 to the tall windshield and different dash. Each car has its pros and cons. Welcome to our madness! You'll love this group!

Sorry for not posting pictures first. The vin plate says the model year is 1964 but I've read that it could be a 63. Here are some pictures.

Looks good.
What part of Nevada?
Keith Williams, Brian Zana and about 5 more roadster owners live here in Vegas.

Thanks! I'm up north, about an hour from Reno.

Congrats, on your first roadster, probably not your last. Looks like you've got a 1500. Geesh, that VIN looks lower than anything listed on Rallye's site unless I'm reading it wrong, and maybe the engine number too. And not sure what the C at the end is for, but there are experts here that should know. The Rallye site has some great info on VIN's and such. Welcome

Thanks. It's a 1500, numbers on the engine match the vin plate and it's a single carb which I've read only 300 had the single carb and the rest had duals. I'm still researching so any information anyone could give would be greatly appreciated. I've been a Ratsun member for quite some time and have posts on there as well. Thanks everyone.

I would assume the frame is stamped in the usual place for Roadsters... Drivers side frame rail on top, in the engine compartment, just before it gets covered by the body if you're looking down. Wire brush helps reveal the number. Looks like a VERY early car, how cool!

As mentioned previously, Dann at Rallye Enterprises, Ltd. has great information on the different model years. Go to the main index and look for the "year your car really is" tab.

Some interesting contradictions; the 64 should be a dual carb engine (rated at 85 hp like the nameplate says); the single carb version was rated at 77 hp. IIRC.

But whatever the case, very cool find!

So according to Rallye Enterprises, LTD. The vin tells you what year the car truly is and not the licensing year. So according to my vin, I have a 1963 not 1964 as titled which was common back then. So, I own a 1963 #5 off the production line, single carb Roadster. Frame rail matches the vin plate and engine matches the vin plate. Woo hoo! Thank you everyone for the guidance, it is greatly appreciated.

Thats a really good find! I wont tell my wife, she has wanted one for 3 years now.
Hows the body, Did you get a title?

Awesome man! 30yrs ago, after I sent A TYPED LETTER (remember those?) to Dan at Rallye that I was confused about my car being a 2000 (when I thought they started making the 2000 in 1969), I was rather excited to learn I had purchased a rare car without even knowing it (fate I guess, the car changed my life!). Very happy you got a great find! Congrats!

WOW what a find !!!!!!! Congrats what a great car. Hope everything is there and rebuild able parts can be a nightmare to find.

Oh, most parts are not so bad to come by. Some are spendy, but most are out there.