'68 2000 Project
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- datsunfreak
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'68 2000 Project
Since I seem to be asking so many questions, I thought I'd introduce myself and start a build thread...
I've been into Datsuns of all sorts for around 25 years (my first car was a '79 210). I've owned twenty-six 510s, seven 210s, three 1200s, two B210s, two 280Zs, a 240Z, two 610 coupes, a 710 coupe, three 620 trucks, and now... One Roadster.
Been flirting with building a Roadster for many years as I have so many friends who own and love these little topless beauties. After way too much research, and realizing what I want doesn't exist in one single year model, I decided to start with a '68 since it would save me the most amount of hassle.
You see, I am 6'3". So after driving a few short windshield cars I realized that was a no go. I wanted the bumper mounted license light and no side markers, along with the "better" fenders of a late car, so a '68 was the only logical choice. Then it's just down to the dash. Don't really dig the '68-70 dash, but if that's the only big thing I need to change to get what I want, all the better.
I've been into Datsuns of all sorts for around 25 years (my first car was a '79 210). I've owned twenty-six 510s, seven 210s, three 1200s, two B210s, two 280Zs, a 240Z, two 610 coupes, a 710 coupe, three 620 trucks, and now... One Roadster.
Been flirting with building a Roadster for many years as I have so many friends who own and love these little topless beauties. After way too much research, and realizing what I want doesn't exist in one single year model, I decided to start with a '68 since it would save me the most amount of hassle.
You see, I am 6'3". So after driving a few short windshield cars I realized that was a no go. I wanted the bumper mounted license light and no side markers, along with the "better" fenders of a late car, so a '68 was the only logical choice. Then it's just down to the dash. Don't really dig the '68-70 dash, but if that's the only big thing I need to change to get what I want, all the better.
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Since I've had it for awhile now, I'll try to just hit the highlights up to this point, then get into more detail as I go...
Purchased in October 2014 from a friend in West Texas.
Picked up an L18 and a 5 speed for it. Then bought a KA24E and a 5 speed for it. Still not sure which it will get...
Tires wouldn't hold air so I got some donuts from the junkyard for it...
The missing trims pieces were thankfully in the trunk, with the exception of the DATSUN letters for the hood (will need to find some)...
Starting pulling all the trim last week so I could get it into paint next month...
And thanks to Spriso, I now have a 1500 dash for it...
Purchased in October 2014 from a friend in West Texas.
Picked up an L18 and a 5 speed for it. Then bought a KA24E and a 5 speed for it. Still not sure which it will get...
Tires wouldn't hold air so I got some donuts from the junkyard for it...
The missing trims pieces were thankfully in the trunk, with the exception of the DATSUN letters for the hood (will need to find some)...
Starting pulling all the trim last week so I could get it into paint next month...
And thanks to Spriso, I now have a 1500 dash for it...
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Found two pairs of Watanabe RS-8s on YJA for the car. Two were pristine (left), two were a little rough (right).
Centers out and sent off for blasting and powdercoating...
Rims ready to be cleaned up, polished, and recleared...
Centers out and sent off for blasting and powdercoating...
Rims ready to be cleaned up, polished, and recleared...
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- AidanDawn2000
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Nice project!
Oil a little low? Time to get a longer dipstick:)
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1968 2000 SRL311-05110 (first car! Rust Bucket. Sold )
1969 2000 SRL311-10440 (matching numbers, Solex!)
Instagram!!!
1968 2000 SRL311-05110 (first car! Rust Bucket. Sold )
1969 2000 SRL311-10440 (matching numbers, Solex!)
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Really suggest you not put that dash in it, will just de-value the car. The more original you keep the '68 the better off you'll be in the long run!
LT/JT
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- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Resale value doesn't really matter to me. If it comes out the way I want it to, it'll never be for sale.JT68 wrote:Really suggest you not put that dash in it, will just de-value the car. The more original you keep the '68 the better off you'll be in the long run!
And my plan is to modify the 1500 dash to make it a bolt in, not a weld in. And save the 2000 dash in a box to give to the next guy, if there is one.
Honestly, I'd never like the car with a 2000 dash in it. Just not my taste.
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
So far it's been a lot of fun. That means no broken bolts yet.AidanDawn2000 wrote:Nice project!
I am quickly realizing my tool box full of metric tools is a problem though...
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Also, I've been hesitating to even start a thread here because I am honestly not a purist when it comes to ANY car. I admire fellas who restore these cars, but I could never do that. If you prefer things to be all original, might be best to ignore this thread.
Friends don't let friends drive stock.
Friends don't let friends drive stock.
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- pebbles
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Lucky.datsunfreak wrote:So far it's been a lot of fun. That means no broken bolts yet.AidanDawn2000 wrote:Nice project!
I am quickly realizing my tool box full of metric tools is a problem though...
Sae may not fit any better than metric. These are absolutely for sure NOT 510s.
Subscribed.
David
"When we were standing next to the motor while on the dyno, and the motor hit VVL, eyes went watery.."
"When we were standing next to the motor while on the dyno, and the motor hit VVL, eyes went watery.."
- Gregs672000
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Re: '68 2000 Project
It's YOUR car, do it the way YOU want. My 67 2000 is not stock... I didn't find it that way. Frankly, there is no other car I would want. It's MINE and, while certainly far from perfect, it's ME. That's what matters. Enjoy your build!
Greg Burrows
'67 2000 #588
Tacoma, WA
'67 2000 #588
Tacoma, WA
- Alvin
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Re: '68 2000 Project
John,
Finally! You've shot many roadsters I was wondering when you would start on your own
Can't say that I've ever seen a 1500 dash in high windshield...its looks really fit well with the rest of the 1500 only...imho.
I'm glad you didn't go with some cheap Chinese Rota wheels
What color centers will the Watts have and have you picked a body color?
Finally! You've shot many roadsters I was wondering when you would start on your own
Can't say that I've ever seen a 1500 dash in high windshield...its looks really fit well with the rest of the 1500 only...imho.
I'm glad you didn't go with some cheap Chinese Rota wheels
What color centers will the Watts have and have you picked a body color?
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
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My SR20 Build Thread
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
That is exactly my plan. Thanks.Gregs672000 wrote:It's YOUR car, do it the way YOU want. My 67 2000 is not stock... I didn't find it that way. Frankly, there is no other car I would want. It's MINE and, while certainly far from perfect, it's ME. That's what matters. Enjoy your build!
Me too!Alvin wrote:John,
Finally! You've shot many roadsters I was wondering when you would start on your own
I guess we shall see. As for the other 1500 bits (door handles, exposed hinges, etc.), I'm not personally a huge fan. I like the trim of the later cars. But that's just me.Alvin wrote:Can't say that I've ever seen a 1500 dash in high windshield...its looks really fit well with the rest of the 1500 only...imho.
No faking the funk for me sir.Alvin wrote:I'm glad you didn't go with some cheap Chinese Rota wheels
Wheel centers will be gold. Aiming for a color close to the Work VS-XX. Also changing the bolts from stainless to black like the VS-XX.Alvin wrote:What color centers will the Watts have and have you picked a body color?
Body color is a little more complicated. My original plan was to use an OG Nissan "Ivory" color, sort of like this car.
The problem is, after staring at your car for way too long, I am also considering a very dark color. I would do black, but don't want to "copy" you, so I was thinking a very dark maroon. Acura has a nice dark maroon right now I would love to use...
1968 SRL311 project under way...
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Bolt-in is a really good idea. A 1500 dash in a 68 will scare off most high-dollar buyers. I realize you say resale doesn't matter, but most people don't like losing lots of money after months/years of custom work if you do ever decide to/have to sell it.datsunfreak wrote:JT68 wrote:Really suggest you not put that dash in it, will just de-value the car. The more original you keep the '68 the better off you'll be in the long run!
Resale value doesn't really matter to me. If it comes out the way I want it to, it'll never be for sale.
And my plan is to modify the 1500 dash to make it a bolt in, not a weld in. And save the 2000 dash in a box to give to the next guy, if there is one.
I'm definitely not a purist, was just trying to give you some good advice. Lots of people get into these projects, drop 15-25k into it, make all kinds of funky mods and then end up losing a lot of money.
It certainly is your car, do what ever you like, and have fun with your project!
The value of properly restored cars is really going up, so it is just something to consider.. enjoy the ride! jt
LT/JT
https://www.datsunrestorationproducts.com/
Only the very BEST parts for your Datsun- 10000's of items in stock
New, Used and Reproduction!
https://www.datsunrestorationproducts.com/
Only the very BEST parts for your Datsun- 10000's of items in stock
New, Used and Reproduction!
- datsunfreak
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Re: '68 2000 Project
Well I sure seem to love it...JT68 wrote:you say resale doesn't matter, but most people don't like losing lots of money after months/years of custom work if you do ever decide to/have to sell it.
Seen plenty of that as well.Lots of people get into these projects, drop 15-25k into it, make all kinds of funky mods and then end up losing a lot of money.
Understood.The value of properly restored cars is really going up, so it is just something to consider...
1968 SRL311 project under way...
- Linda
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- Model: 1500/1600
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Re: '68 2000 Project
There is always a buyer somewhere.
Today a guy, mid 30s driving a big black new Mercedes, asked if I wanted to sell, as we were both driving. I said No, he just nodded and smiled, drove off.
Linda
Today a guy, mid 30s driving a big black new Mercedes, asked if I wanted to sell, as we were both driving. I said No, he just nodded and smiled, drove off.
Linda
Sadly-Linda has passed away 2022. She was the 311's den mother and drove the first Rare-Parts ball joint project. RIP.