Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hello All,

My daughter (mid 20s) and I have just placed on offer on a '68 1600. It was last purchased in the SF Bay area in 1993. At some point the car was rebadged and repowered as a 2000, with correct U20 motor and 5 speed transmission (speedometer is original 1600 spec). The motor still maintains its original California Smog Pump.

The known to-do list:
It last ran 10 years ago: brakes, clutch, tune up
Cracked Windshield
Ignition Spring is broken - stays in START position unless you move it back by hand
Fifth Gear does not engage - research says maybe a pressed gear?

This will be my daughters first car preservation and my second. Three years ago I got my grandfather's 1937 Chevy 1/2 ton on the road after being parked in '69.

I look forward to learning from you all and will update and provide pictures as soon as the deal is done.
Justin

Welcome! Great that you will be bringing a neglected Roadster back to life! Your 5th gear issue does indeed sound like the dreaded 5th gear neutral condition seen with a pressed gear gone bad.

1) welcome to our community - you have found the best site for almost ANY vehicle. Full of knowledgeable, helpful, informative people.
2) Update your avatar (presuming you have acquired the car) to include your location and vehicle details.
3) Add to registry
4) IMHO, understanding that the 5th gear isn't working (well known issue), get to know the car for a couple of months. Fixing the 5th gear requires pulling the engine/transmission, so you might make sure that there are no other issues before you do it, like seals, throwout bearing etc. Then find someone who knows what to do with LOCKING the 5th gear properly. And then new clutch, compression plate and perhaps some minimal flywheel lightening.
5) get rid of the smog pump and all related equipment ,, get a distributor that has the correct weights and check what advance is appropriate. There are appropriate plugs that replace the smog input areas in the manifold.
6) Electronic ignition
7) and keep us updated with progress and pix!!
To repeat, drive the car, fall in love, then decide what improvements you want to make.
9) AND, if you are CLOSE to Solvang California, put 4/28/18 on your calendar. Over 90 roadsters and even more enthusiasts to meet and check out their cars.
10) Take the time to check into the TechWiki - you will find answers to questions you didn't even know to ask!!

Again, welcome.

You will have fun!!!!!!!

Welcome and good luck on the offer.

Welcome! Post your location. You might be surprised to find out how many other similarly afflicted Roadster owners are near enough to you to come help turn a wrench, offer advice, (hopefully not--->) commiserate, give advise and share stories over food and beverages.

Thank you all. I believe I have my location listed now.

Until we purchase the car, the avatar is Clyde - our ‘37 Chevy

Kenosha....hmmmm....yea...you have a few "locals" around you:
Janesville, Madison, MKE, Sheboygan, Franklin and other southern WI locations near you.
Libertyville, Lake in the Hills, Cary and Palantine IL to name a few northern flat land locations.

Welcome.
And you just might be the one to have a Northern BBQ to gather the Roadster faithful , because no one else is doing it
Linda

mraitch wrote: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:32 pm
To repeat, drive the car, fall in love, then decide what improvements you want to make.

mraitch, that was the same advice I got on the ol' truck. I am so glad that I followed it! Thank you for the suggestions.

Linda wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2018 12:02 am Welcome.
And you just might be the one to have a Northern BBQ to gather the Roadster faithful , because no one else is doing it
Linda

We may be onto to something here. My specialty is Smoked Tri-tip.

The offer has been ACCEPTED!

Everything is done except the paperwork.

I spent part of the day today finding a place to store Clyde so I have room to work on the Datsun. We should have it home before Easter.

Congratulations - we'll need many, many more pictures, or it didn't happen!

Congrats, and the Datsun will take up a lot less space than Clyde

Congrats. You are both going to love that little car.
Dan

Stovebolt Captain wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2018 4:51 pm The offer has been ACCEPTED!

Everything is done except the paperwork.

I spent part of the day today finding a place to store Clyde so I have room to work on the Datsun. We should have it home before Easter.

That's great news! Congrats