Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

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.

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...

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...

Nice 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!

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.

Honestly, I'd never like the car with a 2000 dash in it. Just not my taste.

AidanDawn2000 wrote:Nice project!

So far it's been a lot of fun. That means no broken bolts yet.

I am quickly realizing my tool box full of metric tools is a problem though...

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.

datsunfreak wrote:

AidanDawn2000 wrote:Nice project!

So far it's been a lot of fun. That means no broken bolts yet.

I am quickly realizing my tool box full of metric tools is a problem though...

Lucky.

Sae may not fit any better than metric. These are absolutely for sure NOT 510s.

Subscribed.

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!

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?

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!

That is exactly my plan. Thanks.

Alvin wrote:John,
Finally! You've shot many roadsters I was wondering when you would start on your own

Me too!

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.

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:I'm glad you didn't go with some cheap Chinese Rota wheels

No faking the funk for me sir.

Alvin wrote:What color centers will the Watts have and have you picked a body color?

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.



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...

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.

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.

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

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.

Well I sure seem to love it...

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.

Seen plenty of that as well.

The value of properly restored cars is really going up, so it is just something to consider...

Understood.

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