Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

It will go without saying that I'm new to these cars, so be gentle...

Here's where I'm starting:



My goal is (after a frame-off resto) to end up with a very nice driver--not perfect, and not exactly period-correct (a few modern creature comforts)

I've been slowly taking off bits and pieces from around the car, tagging & bagging & photo doc as I go. I'm initially trying to get the interior/trunk completely stripped in preparation for the body/frame to be separated.

I did find a few "features" so far that have me stumped... perhaps someone can help identify the purpose.

1. There was a small bent notch in the center top of the windshield frame. It looks a little to smooth to be a tool mark/bend:


2. An unknown bump on the body between the edge of the passenger compartment and trunk lid, centered:


3. So far it looks like the whole interior is put together with sheet metal screws, with a few bolts here and there. Is this correct? I'm questioning it because it's clear the previous owner raided the local home improvement store and got creative with some wood screws & oddball sheet metal screws.

4. Styrofoam (white-pellet type) behind the vinyl at top of windshield frame. I'm unsure if this to be expected; it makes sense as light padding I guess?

Have you driven the car?

Have I driven it? Nope. Bought it non-running pretty much as you see here.

Engine is not freely rotating according to previous owner (but supposedly was rebuilt shortly before parked--we'll see how truthful that is when I tear it down)
It's missing a battery, and the wiring is a mess.
Most of the rubber is dry rotted or cracked, so replacing all of that as well.
Interior is funky/moldy.
There's only a couple "bad" rust areas I've found so far, but I'm sure I'll find more as I go.
Definitely some body filler on the back on both sides, so it's going to get pretty thoroughly stripped.

I knew I was jumping into the deep end and had a year+ project on my hands.


Another random question:
5. The "twisty" posts for the soft top on the back: it looks like they're all attached via 2 rivets on each side, whereas others I've seen online look like they have a center retaining nut on the bottom. Which is correct (or both?)?

Single stud is correct. The two rivet model is typically used on boats.

1. Caused by a clod of a PO not putting the top up correctly. The locating tab of the center clamp hit and bent it.

2. Your car has acne.

3. There are a few sheet metal screws, but a lot of POs tend to go overboard. Door panels shouldn't have any, but frequently folks screw them on.

5. No Styrofoam is original. Fun is on the horizon.

The reason that I asked if you have driven it is that they come apart a lot easier than they go together. You should see if you can at least bum a ride in a roadster. You may find that its not something that you like, or you may love it. If you don't like it, better to find out before you drip a lot of coin. If you love it, it will motivate you to keep going.

If your restoration goes like mine did, you'll be spending almost as much time hawking EBay and Craigslist trying to locate parts, as you will turning wrenches. You might find it beneficial to start working up a parts list and procuring things now. I saw prices for certain parts skyrocket during my 2-3 year build, and availability for others dry-up. Not trying to be a "Debbie-downer" here, but restoring these cars is much more challenging than say a MG or Triumph. Of course at the end of the day you have a rarer, much cooler car IMHO!

I've been busier than expected over the last couple of months and haven't had a chance to update. With my other fun car temporarily off the road awaiting brake work, I had some time this weekend (as well as other weekends past) to get some work done.

So far I've gotten most of the interior removed, as well as the doors emptied & removed. Today I decided to start taking apart the front end a little--was supposed to just be a fluid drain today, but I got carried away and just kept going. If anyone is interested, when I've been tagging/bagging everything, I've made a small effort to measure/catalog all the bolts/screws--I may have downtime at some point and catalog it online (if this doesn't already exist). I still will have a bunch of questions regarding correct fasteners--I've found quite a wide variety of "improvised" hardware from one or more of the POs...including a giant wad of what looks like plumbers putty holding the rear window track to the inside of the door (due to broken bracket)

As it sits:



One question popped up for me today... what purpose does the vertical bracket between the two horizontal supports for the radiator serve?

Just there for strength? Is something supposed to bolt to it (optionally?) Are there supposed to be more than one?--I only have one on the passenger side, none on driver side.

Nice work so far!
The brace is multi purpose, it adds strength, the Radiator mounts to this, and it is a channel for wires across the front of the car.

notoptoy wrote:Nice work so far!
The brace is multi purpose, it adds strength, the Radiator mounts to this, and it is a channel for wires across the front of the car.

The vertical bracket?
I know my radiator was bolted to each of the horizontal brackets in 2 places each, and there's provisions for holding cables on the top rail of the horizontal support... it's the vertical bracket that seems extraneous to me. Perhaps it's for some equipment that my car was already missing? There's also a random circular clip/holder about 1.5" diameter on the passenger side that had nothing to hold when I got it...

Never seen the vertical bracket on my 69 or 70 SRL. Suspect it is extraneous. These cars are relatively easy to work on and restore. As said before parts can be tough to come by...do try Nissan, there are still some parts to be had!

Sorry, looked at the picture and didn't thoroughly read your question! Vertical bracket looks to be an add on.