Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

First Post here and once I get a Fairlady, you'll probably see me around a lot more!

I'm looking at a 1968 Datsun Roadster 2000 that's currently for sale.

Looks like all parts are there, but it's definitely a project.

Body and interior look fair.

Engine and bay looks okay from outside.

Soft Top is newer.

Engine is running and they say it drives.

MY CONCERNS:

The body has been repainted, so it's hard to tell what type of condition it was in before it was painted

There is rust on the frame.

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/d/ ... 42280.html

Here are the pictures of my concerns and a video of the engine running. Without knowing anything else about it.... how much would you pay, or would you avoid altogether? Is the frame fixable, or should i plan on having to swap frames?















[youtube][/youtube]

Regards,

Jeff

edited to fix images... i hope

I'm at work and not on the best speakers, but that engine sounded like it had a rattle... rod bearings? Chain rattle? I cannot see the pics at work... blocked.

I hear a rattle too. Seems to be at the higher revs. Depending on your location another frame could be found for a reasonable amount. I would look at it as just a parts car with the engine in need of a rebuild. U20's are not cheap to rebuild! If what your pictures show is indicative of the rest of the car I wouldn't pay more than a grand for it.

That's my concern too... rebuild imminent. Frame required. Body who knows but how could it be ok w all the other stuff going on.

I'm more of looking for the great engine.tran but bad body or good body bad engine project.


Btw the first 5 pics are the photos sent to my request for underbody, floor plan, rocker and wheel well pics.

That engine sounds unhappy....

No, that engine does not sound happy

Aidan - makes me wish I would of purchased your previous 2000... timing just wasnt right (financially not mechanically), but it was so close!

If the frame is that bad I can’t imagine what’s been hidden under any paint etc. around the fenders. Combine that with how bad the engine sounds and I would run away. This is no more than a parts car and not much value in my opinion.

Agreed, parts car. The engine has a rattle that sounds like rod bearings. The frame cap rusting through where it sits with pads between it and the body can rust (mine had) but what I'm seeing there in the back frame pic REALLY concerns me. That is not the top cap rusting through; that's the meat of the frame. I don't think that car is safe to drive.