Penny: Two to make one '69 SRL-311, in Durango CO

[tig]

Hi. Been a while since I posted. i continue to lurk and learn.

I've recently completed my latest project (or at least it's on the road; it will never be "done").

Meet Minerva, the S54 powered, better than new, daily-driver E28:



























I've also re-acquired Uglina (bought her back from the guy in Texas I sold her to in 2016):



With Minerva done (a 5 year project), and just a bit of work left to do to make Uglina "right", my mind is starting to wander towards my Roadster project. It'll take a while for me to ramp up, but before long expect to see a build thread started here. Of course I need to take possession of the project cars first figuring out how to get them from the storage place in PA to Seattle or Salt Lake.

My current plan has the car looking something like this when done, with an s13sr20.




It will be finished to a level that makes a Singer 911 look sad.

Since I've never actually driven a 311, I will likely try to find a "driver" for sail cheap first. It doesn't seem like a good idea to rebuild a car from the ground up that you don't actually "know". I'd appreciate any tips on cars available in either the Seattle or Salt Lake City areas.

[Alvin]

OMG LOVE the S54-powered E28!!!!!
Incredible engine. You even incorporated the "sport" mode button!!!!

Love your taste it will be exciting to see what you can do with a roadster.

[2mAn]

That E28... wow!

[Linda]

Did you meet with the DROPS members yet? One of them, like Ted, can maybe give you a ride in A Roadster to help your motivation.
There are a few shipping companies that owners have used so check the Search out on that one.
Not sure about owners in Pennsylvania but there might be a few to connect with.
Good luck
Linda

[Linda]

Did you meet with the DROPS members yet? One of them, like Ted, can maybe give you a ride in a Roadster to help your motivation.
There are a few shipping companies that owners have used so check the Search out on that one.
Not sure about owners in Pennsylvania but there might be a few to connect with.
You are going to love the convertible experience
That is quite the garage you have there, if that is your house.
You must own Microsoft stock from back in the day...
Good luck
Linda

[theunz]

You really should hook up with someone like Ted who may let you drive a stock and a swapped roadster. Not saying that Ted let’s just anyone drive his cars, but bet he could be persuaded or put you in touch with someone who would. Looking at your stable I guessing you will want a swap, but don’t discount how much fun an original modified engine can be in these lightweight cars. Don’t expect the Datsun to be near as smooth or quiet as the BMW’s or the Porsche, but do expect it to be just as entertaining to drive and guaranteed to draw more attention.
I had several 2002’s back in the day, including a couple of Tii’s. Great cars, but my favorite was a grey market 733 with a 4 speed. Even had roll up windows and cloth seats!
Get on the ball and get those roadsters shipped to you, you’ll love em!

[Jefe_505]

Having watched your attention to detail lavished on your BMWs on Garageforum, I look forward to seeing what you can do to a roadster.

[Southplacerkid]

[notoptoy]

Check out the engine swap section, lots of info. From what I know, if you have the KA24, I would go that route. It is "easier" in that it doesn't require the frame mods that a SR will. Seems to be plenty of power, documentation and parts for the KA.

[tig]

Hi.

Been a minute, but I'm "back" and getting closer to Datsun-life.

Last week I saw my cars in person for the first time. There are two chassis and 3 titles. They are not quite just piles of rust on the floor of the Pennsylvania barn they've been sitting in since 1990. My friend purchased them in the late '80s... to make one from two. He did nothing but a bit of dismantling. They've sat there, untouched, since.

















I've decided to name the project/car after Penny Priddy, a hottie I fell in love with ages ago. She's a pivotal character in one of my favorite movies, Buckaroo Banzai. Played by the unconventionally pretty Ellen Barkin. The cars hail from Pennsylvania, which inspired me to consider Penny.



My current vision for Penny is for it to be restomod. I've always wanted an orange car, so I have a few orange hues in mind. And a Porsche plaid fabric like this:



Or, I might decide to do a 100% factory restoration. I have plenty of time to decide...

Soon, I'll start an actual build thread (once I get them moved and into my own shop?). But for now, if y'all see anything in the photos that you have comments on, I'm listening. Also seeking folks who live near Durango, CO, my new home.

[jr02518]

Would one of those hues be "papaya" ? As a point of discloser, I speak BMW also. Mine are drivers, at best.

I am working through a 1970, 1600 and I look forward to how you take on these cars. I have a car that might look better, but the condition of the mechanical systems has required that everything needed attention. I would take copious photos of the car before you continue taking them apart. Then the question of stock or modified, it really hinges on the tire package that you build the car around.

I had a 1964 Series one Elan, on the stock 13inch rims that nothing wider than 145SR 13 tires would fit under the stock fenders. I loved how that car worked the tires. What you are going to do with your cars will drive your decision.

Oh, you might want to start a new tool box. Your 13,17 and 19mm wrenches might have nothing to help with on these new cars. Your 30mm thin wall socket, nope.

David

[tig]

I speak BMW also. Mine are drivers, at best.

FWIW, for that E21: https://www.holygraillabs.com/

(I'm a co-owner of HGL).

[funkaholik]

Holy Grail Labs! Love it!

"What, behind the rabbit?"

[tig]

Who did I see with a white (or light colored) SPL311 on the back of a flatbed driving on Florida Rd in Durango last week?

My new shop is coming together. This means I have a line of site to actually getting my roadsters here from PA and starting the project for realz...

I even ensured they fit...

[tig]

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