Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Subject line is kind of like a Match.com intro ha-ha. But seriously been lurking the forums and craigslist for months looking for the right car to pull the trigger. Wanted to know if you guys had any insight as to what I should be looking for. Please note this will be my first old car or project restoration. I will probably upgrade engine, trans, brakes, and suspension. Looking to build something which looks classic but drives like a modern sports car, quick, agile, and a canyon carver. I don't know what I should start with however. A complete running driving car? A roller shell? Something in between? What are concerns I should look out for? Frame/body rust? Body Damage? Missing Parts? What are some of the most common expensive things to consider when pulling the trigger?

Drive a roadster or two before you decide.

Good advice.
I'd also suggest you attempt to outline your expectations for whatever you do. These cars have power nothing, (no power brakes, air conditioning, power steeing or rack and pinion). None of those issues are easily addressed in a "typical" conversion.
You might also consider driving a Miata or an S2000 before you make up your mind.
Recently, a car such as you describe was for sale because the owner loved the vintage look but after ownng and driving the car, he realized it wasn't for him.
If you're set on a newer engine and braking system, it's almost always cheaper to buy a well sorted car than to do it yourself, expecilly if this is a first effort.
Dan

spl310 wrote:Drive a roadster or two before you decide.

Develop a love for the car first.
Im not against people modding their cars, but never owning one and having the express intent of changing it all up. Nah

Buy a miata instead. There are too few roadsters left that are clean stock examples.

Post your location in your avatar
Might be someone close to let you drive their car.

Roman wrote:

spl310 wrote:Drive a roadster or two before you decide.

Develop a love for the car first.
Im not against people modding their cars, but never owning one and having the express intent of changing it all up. Nah

Buy a miata instead. There are too few roadsters left that are clean stock examples.

What he said.

Ankur194 wrote: Please note this will be my first old car or project restoration.
I don't know what I should start with however. A complete running driving car?

yes
Go to some shows, meet and greets, fun runs. Rub elbows, buy everyone lunch.

Roman and greydog nailed it, contemplate what they wrote! There are many on this forum who will attest to the massive amount of time and money it can take to attain your goal. Some, however have done it in what seems to be an astonishingly small amount of time. The lack of power assited accessories and the simplicity of the stock Roadster is what draws me to old sports cars. Modern power trains and accessories, while more dependable will make your project much harder and costly to complete. Good luck whichever way you go, and remember we are here to help. Mike

Thanks everyone for the great advise. I have actually owned an S2000 in the past as my daily driver for 4 years. Its one of the reasons I want a roadster over say a 240z or any other classic. This car would strictly be for fun and the weekends. I'm not necessarily looking for the niceties of power steering, brakes, etc. for drivability per say. Its more about performance when I spoke about changing things up. I'm not set in stone about doing all those things necessarily, just seems like the road many have taken (SR20DET, 5 speed, Volvo discs, Competition suspension).I currently have a 135i convertible as my daily driver, but the roadster would be something more special for me to take out for a joy ride, and not commute with. I'm in Southern California if anyone's offering test drive

You got tons of folks down there. I lived there for a long time.

Here are a couple of basic guidlines.

1) buy the best car you can afford. What you don't spend now, youll be spending later (and more)

2) Just drive it for a while. (6 months to a year) before you start any mods or restorations.
Take some time to get to know the car, its strengths and weaknesses.
Just do the normal maintenance and repairs that any used car would need to be road worthy.
Besides, a stock, well sorted car may suprise you. What they lack in Hp, they make up for in raw seat of the pants excitement.

For parts, you have Dean, Stan and Les Cannaday. All are good to deal with. I've had more dealings with Dean because of being close to me. He is honest, dedicated, and knowledgeable about the cars.


3) When you start any mods, plan on two to three times what you expected, both in time and money.
Don't let life get in the way (I know, that's a tough one)
Plan it all out, and try to stick to the plan as if you were a shop doing the work for someone else.

Its super easy to have the project postponed, only to lose interest and have it end up on CL for someone else to deal with.

4) Any work, do it RIGHT. In socal Kevin Desirello is the man for SR sawps. Up North its Spriso.
A well done car is better, safer, and worth more than a half ass car.
Plenty of butcher jobs have ended up on CL, and no one wants them. (People in the know anyway)

Being in the southland, you got lots of options available compared to the rest of the country.