Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey everyone,

Just picked up a faded red/orange '67 1600 yesterday, and hauled it back home (near Muncie, IN).

I'm a Japanese car enthusiast, but this is my first Datsun. I've been mainly a Toyota guy (mostly Celica) since getting my license 18 years ago. I was actually looking to buy a 1st generation Celica ('71-'77) or 240/260/280z when I stumbled upon the Roadster.

It's going to be a project, and will likely be a huge learning experience for me. There's some electrical work to be done to be running again, and plenty of cosmetic work still to do, but the previous owner already did a lot of work & sourced a lot of parts. Came with some nice Panasport wheels with new Yokohama rubber, and I'm told the engine is in good order.

Sorry if I wind up asking a bunch of stupid questions - I'll try to use the search feature first, promise!

Here's a picture from the classified listing. Hopefully I'll get more in the near future. It came with the windshield, bumpers, headlight scoop, grill & top, they just are not currently installed. Not sure about the parking lights/blinkers, I've got a bunch of boxes to look through!

Welcome!

Thanks!

I can say already that the car certainly gets attention. Within about 2 minutes of having the title notarized I had 3 sets of people asking questions just in the bank parking lot. While it was in the driveway before pushing into my garage, I had some more interest/questions from many of the guys at church (which is close to my house). I can see I'm in for a lot of "is that an MG/Triumph/Austin Healey/it's a Datsun?/etc. when it's out and about!

From one Toyota guy to another, welcome! These Datsuns are addictive little beasts. Have fun!

Welcome to the family! And you will learn it really is family here (good family! ) so don't be worried about asking questions... We may refer you to the wiki (which I suggest you look through) but nobody here will flame you for asking a question that has been asked a million times... We're not like other car sites full of A-holes. And yes, expect to get stopped at nearly every gas station, stop light, restaurant, etc... There's something about a Roadster that just appeals to people and makes the owner approachable.
Regarding electrical issues, there are some things to be well aware of, particularly the ol amp guage melt down. Curtis on this site is making new specific year harnesses that one may want to consider depending on what you find... Great guy who knows his stuff (he wired my car).
Look forward to reading about your Roadster restoration adventure. I too love the old '70s Celicas but man have they gotten hard to find! I had an '83 GTS coupe and put over 320k miles on the 22RE and it still didnt burn a drop of oil, and EVERYTHING worked when I sold it. My current 2000 GTS has 219k and while I need to add oil between changes, it's still a solid car and running on the original clutch, alternator, water pump etc... I've changed the starter, thats it!
Welcome!

Welcome aboard, great score, particularly with all those parts! This is likely an example of someone going too far too quickly with a full restoration and loosing steam/interest/funding prior to completion. Best advice, get it running and driving, and bond with it, then decide where to go or what to do next! More pictures are welcomed along with your questions!!

Nice Greg - I also have a 2000 Celica GTS (my daily driver). 6-speed with 175k. Bought it at 89k and it gave me a good 84k before it started leaking a bit more than I'd like. No other issues to speak of. It's a great car. I feel kinda bad, it got kicked out of the garage for the Datsun. Didn't feel right kicking the wife's car out and hogging the garage completely, when she didn't put up an argument about buying the Roadster!

But I just had the urge to play with something vintage! As far as the electric stuff goes, it's had everything torn out, and has most of an EZ Wiring Harness installed. Just needs to be completed.

Previous owner actually had the car for around 15 years (at least according to the title). I think he had some good driving years for awhile, started and did quite a bit of restoration, but he is moving and I think just didn't have room for it on the other end.

Started another thread here: http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=25865 with some more pics & info.