Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Greetings All!

I just picked up a 1969 2000/U20 Roadster. Rolled in late last night and got through my initial to-do list. With the color (hopefully) being my biggest expense, my plan is to focus on drive-ability for this season and then consider cosmetic issues in the off-season. Here's a list of the issues that I need to address. I'm used to maintaining older engines that have already been mostly sorted out, but I'm probably in deeper than is comfortable (and/or the best use of my personal time) on a few of these issues. If you have any recommendations for mechanical work / specialists in the Denver metro area I would really appreciate your input!

On-the-Road, Engine:
- Tires: need replacing, x4 - planning on Michelin all-season, but haven't done too much research
- Coolant leak (minor): coolant is, thankfully, bright green - yet undiagnosed
- Oil leak (minor): coming from front of block - yet undiagnosed
- Brakes: pretty stiff and slight fade to right on hard braking
- Carbs (SU): running rich...definitely needs general tune-up
- Compression test? - I don't have a feel for what this motor should be producing, or how out-of-sorts it is at the core
- Exhaust header gasket: in need of replacement - smoke eminating
- Air filter: needs refresh / replacement
- Temp gauge: inoperable
- Speedo backlighting: inoperable
- Front bumper: need one!
- 1st/2nd downshift/synchro: possibly an issue, or I just need to be more careful
- E-Brake: could do a lot better at actually keeping the car in place...also, brake engagement light inoperable

The rest is cosmetic that I will probably do over time by myself...door cards, kick panels, repaint, etc. Looking forward to contributing to this forum! Thanks for all of the great knowledge that already exists here!

Best,
toofless

Car looks straight and mostly complete. I don't see any signs of the soft top. 185/60 or 195/60/14 tires fit well, but if you want a performance tire instead of the all season than there are few choices. Nice looking ride, welcome to the forum and enjoy your Roadster.

There is no brake engagement light

The brake "B" light let's you know that when your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor that that is bad lol. One of those weird safety features of the High-windshields. Great looking ride! Brake pulling slightly to the right I would check to see if the rear brakes are set evenly(easiest stuff first)

Thanks y'all. I do have a service-able soft top, and a tonneau top...just removed for that photo. I plan to use this car strictly on sunny days, of which there are many here in the Denver area!

Current tires are 185/70/14 - will definitely explore alternatives in that range.

I thought the brake engagement light was the red one labeled "B" to the right of the steering wheel but I don't have a diagram for all of the controls so I'm still learning...its actual purpose is definitely a new one to me, so thanks for that! Brakes are top priority!

Thanks again!

Welcome, you might want to go to the Tech wiki and download and review the owners manual for some of the functions. There is a service manual and instructions on how to set the carbs as well. The tech wiki is a great resource for you!

toofless wrote: Sun May 20, 2018 6:40 pm Thanks y'all. I do have a service-able soft top, and a tonneau top...just removed for that photo. I plan to use this car strictly on sunny days, of which there are many here in the Denver area!

Current tires are 185/70/14 - will definitely explore alternatives in that range.

I thought the brake engagement light was the red one labeled "B" to the right of the steering wheel but I don't have a diagram for all of the controls so I'm still learning...its actual purpose is definitely a new one to me, so thanks for that! Brakes are top priority!

Thanks again!

That light doesn't come on with the parking brake like modern cars. Nissan gave you the S/Brake switch. The only thing that switch does is check the bulbs in the light.

Many thanks to everyone again. The S/Brake switch does not illuminate the brake light, so clearly I have a bulb issue and possibly a brake issue! Continuing to dig through this treasure trove of information but I did find a shop that seems qualified to do the early work to get things up to snuff, after which I hope to take over the maintenance. The next hurdle is convincing Colorado DMV that I deserve an emissions exemption...we'll see where that goes in the morning!

Looking forward to contributing here. Thanks again for all of your help already!

Best,
Toof

Welcome aboard. Looks like a nice little SRL. Trust me . Patients goes a long way when working on one of these.