Hello Folks,
I'm new to the forum and Datsun Roadsters. My son who is 13 saved a little money and wanted to buy a project car 'cause he is car crazy. When I saw the car he fixed on I thought he was just crazy . But...he loves Datsuns and it was his money. Also, I wanted him to have the experience-that father son thing.
It is a 67 roadster- the body is pretty roached. He has plans to put some other kind of engine in it. Im not a gearhead or anything but can handle a wrench. Our first idea was to part out the engine thats in it to fund his future roadster dreams. Before I posted anything for sale I wanted get as much info and advice as I could. I figured this was the right place to go for advice.
The engine seems to be all there in varying stages of decay.
Cheers
First, Welcome! What a great father/son bonding opportunity. there have been a few similar projects here, including father/daughter!
If the engine is a 1600 there is not much value to it, unless it's running and perfect. If it's a U20 (which it should not be if it is a 67) then the value is based on the condition and knowledge of the condition of the timing chains in particular. There is a whole section here on engine swaps, the 67 has a few things to do to fit a U20, then ther other engines of choice is a KA24 and an SR20 (and variants.) Others have put in L18's, V-8's V-6's etc. do yourself and have your son do you a favor and read through every bit of this forum before he starts anything, he'll learn to avoid a lot of mistakes. Post pictures and let us help you out!
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
Welcome to the gang!
Where are you located? The folks on this forum are a great group. Just about every one of them would be willing to come by and lend a hand, or bring beer/soda and bandage scraped knuckles or just watch.
One of the suggestions you will read over and over is to first get the car running and drive it. Even with the stock 1600 engine they are a hoot to drive, and will help you two fall in love with the car before you start a major upgrade like engine replacement. There aren't many running around the hills of Wisconsin, but the Miata guys are always amazed at how nimble my 1600 is.
If you are on the left coast and can get to Solvang or Mt Shasta, definitely go.
Great job, Dad. Have fun.
That is how I started with my car back in 1972. I was the son half. Passed it on the concept to my son years later and he still drives the Z we saved.
If you can get it going as is without any mods, I would suggest doing that. You will both learn a lot about the car as it is supposed to be and that will help you understand what any modification might do. Also, a 67 1600 is a good engine to learn basics on anyway.
Rick
Constantly working on the Datsun whenever I get around to it.
1968 SPL 311
1987 Toyota MR2 T-top (don't hate, wife's car)
2014 Ford Mustang convertible
SPF 50
I definitely echo the above, the 1600 is basically bulletproof and as simple as they come. You could do little harm tearing into it and learning from there. Plus the replacement components are very reasonable. Although your son won't be (legally) driving for a few years, I also agree with those who recommend DRIVING the car before tearing into it too much. Get it safely running, steering and stopping and then decide which way to go! This means you may get emotionally attached and bond with your son's car. Hmmmm, I think I I can see a second roadster in your future.
"When all else fails, force prevails!" Ummm, we're gonna need a bigger hammer here.
Teach him to drive a alow car fast, then swap out the R16 down the road. You can build a hot R16 and have a LOT of fun. The cars are super nimble and a well setup R16 is about the cheapest way to get her on the road... Good luck!
67.5 SRL311 #00050 - Silver - SU
67.5 SRL311 #00544 - Sora Blue SU
68 Roadster Race Car
69 SRL311
69 SRL311
72 PL510
74 260Z - Silver
Thank you everyone for welcoming us. we are located in Richmond Virginia. The car is not exactly drivable even if the engine was running. We will post some pics soon. my son says he wants to put an SR20DET in it.
Just beginning the journey.
Thanks again,
Jim
Welcome Jim. I would echo what everyone else has suggested. Get it running and driving with the R engine first. Your son can rebuild the SR20DET of his dreams as a separate project. When he is a bit older, wiser and has had some driving time, then consider the swap. He will either love the Roadster or hate it. If he loves it, he may love it for what it is - a cool vintage car, or he may want to hot rod it with an SR. Either way, he can get into PLENTY of trouble with the pushrod motor....
Welcome! Though I am also a newb to Roadster world, I go through Richmond about once a month and would be happy to lend my still limited experience if so desired. I agree with a lot of the comments here, learning the ins and outs of the car with the 1600 motor in place is a very good idea. As a veteran of the father/son project (revived a 67 LeMans with my son) be wary of the dollars spent in the beginning as he may find another vehicle he prefers. The simplicity of this car is a great teacher - fuel, air and spark and no computer worries. Good luck and as many on here will say, "Welcome to the addiction!"
Al
67.5 SPL F/Prod Race Car #23
67.5 SRL(00246) F/Prod Race car #00
69 SRL Driver
69 SRL Project
65 Ford Falcon Sedan Delivery Deluxe Project
I learned to wrench on Datsuns from my father. He passed away while I was restoring my 67 1600 and I always wished he could have seen it completed. Have fun with your son on this restoration as they will be memories he will cherish for many years. I know I remember mine fondly.
. But...he loves Datsuns and it was his money. Also, I wanted him to have the experience-that father son thing. 
