"Gifted" a 69' 2000

[Todd from Kansas]

Hi, my name is Todd. I have a history of cars of various sorts and am excited to become part of the roadster cult.
Over the weekend a guy I know "gifted" me a '69 2000. I put "gifted" in quotes because even though the price was right it is going to be a daunting project. From the top it looks pretty good, all the lights and trim seem to be intact, the transmission is MIA, the motor is out of the car but sitting in the garage with what looks like an intact exhaust manifold. Underneath is another story... I will post pictures when I get in on the trailer this weekend and can get a better view, there is some significant rust in the footwells and I still need to really do a good inspection on the frame.
I hope to bring this to a driver quality resto with the original motor tweaked a bit (mild cam and compression?) and perhaps Webers, some aftermarket wheels of some sort ( I do have a fondness for the era slotted mags), Miata seats, a change of color to maybe a dark silver metallic with flat black BRE stripes(?).
Any thoughts on the transmission? Are there alternates that can mate to the U20? I thought that I had read a Mazda would bolt up?

[notoptoy]

Welcome! Congratulations on your gift and good luck with the project!!
Transmission, you have two choices, a 4-speed 1600 or an OEM 5 speed. There is some talk about a Diesel 5-speed out of the same era truck. Otherwise there are no bolt-in alternatives that I am aware of.
Not that you are asking, but I would approach this in a manner similar to:
1) Assess the rust - this is the toughest and likely most expensive repair in my opinion. You need to determine if it is worth restoring before you put money into anything else.
2) Secure a transmission
3) Get it running and driving: Start, go, stop. This will likely involve a large investment in hydraulics, (Brakes, clutch)
4) Get it reliable as a daily driver
5) Modify, improve restore to your cosmetic, power, dream car state.

I can't stress enough the "get it to a driver state" - then you can bond with the car and complete the project. Many, many former Roadster owners have started with too much too fast, and end up walking away from their projects or selling at a loss too far into the process. Now is the time to remove the rose colored glasses. Once it's running and driving, put them back on!
Enjoy the ride!!!

[Linda]

Cars in boxes can sometimes wind up in the hands of scrappers. So although we all need spare parts, a car that could have been a runner that is scrapped is a tragedy in my book. So I agree, get it running then if you want the full resto, go from there. It takes more than you think just to get a runner, even when you know what you are doing, which I didn't.
Linda

[Todd from Kansas]

I really need to get it up in the air a bit and do a good assessment of the condition underneath. I am getting a trailer this weekend and once on there I can get it lifted and braced up so I can climb underneath and start poking around with an ice pick. I do have some serious concerns about it being a candidate for restoration. I have seen where people restore a car based on like a steering wheel and a taillight but I don't have those sorts of resources.

Having been through a couple of restorations before, I am going into this eyes wide open. With its current state it would take quite a bit of work to get it to "runner" stage and so if I think it justified I am just going to dig into it and go from the ground up so I know exactly what the condition of the car is.
I don't want to rush the rust repair just to have to undo it to do it right the second time (been there/done that). With the footwell issues I could stop the car like Fred Flintstone.

Other than the motor/tranny being out of it and the top mech off, everything else has not been disassembled (fortunately).
I am also fortunate to have connections for design and fab of parts.

[sports imports]

Todd:

I do make a four piece floor pan kit that would solve any floor board rust.

Ross
sports imports

[JT68]

Ross' kit is nice. A original 69 2000 is a fairly desirable car. Suggest you avoid the temptation to do lots of budget mods- that will only devalue it:

"1) Assess the rust - this is the toughest and likely most expensive repair in my opinion. You need to determine if it is worth restoring before you put money into anything else.
2) Secure a transmission
3) Get it running and driving: Start, go, stop. This will likely involve a large investment in hydraulics, (Brakes, clutch)
4) Get it reliable as a daily driver"

great advice. j

[Todd from Kansas]

I am old enough to have learned from my mistakes (hopefully) and any work done will be on a schedule to allow for the budget to do it right.
I will definitely look into Ross' kit. I bookmarked his website along with yours. Where I work we have a guy who does fantastic bodywork. I talked to him yesterday about helping me. I am a bit afraid of what lurks under the paint, there are some spots that look suspicious, hints of body filler. I am contemplating building a rotisserie and getting the body soda blasted. That would make sure I don't miss something. Fortunately it is a small enough car that it is manageable in size and weight.
I really don't anticipate any modifications except for some upgrades to the suspension and wheels/tires, Miata seats. JT, I understand that you have a Bilstein shock set-up for the roadsters? I had an '82 320i that was transformed when I added some bigger sway bars and Bilsteins.
I am glad that this forum exists and seems to be very active.

[notoptoy]

Todd:
There are even some great "plans" for building a rotisserie very cost effectively here on the forum.

[68DSU]

Remember that any problem you find on your car has been found and fixed by at least a dozen people here. this is by far the best resource you will find for finding a remedy to "that little problem over there."
gifting an unrestored Roadster is like giving your friend's daughter a naked Barbie. It will cost them plenty to see it right.

[Todd from Kansas]

Updated..
So, I borrowed a car hauler and, with some help, got the car to the house. I got it up on some blocks and pulled the drivers side wheels to try and get it to roll. I am now afraid, very afraid...
It was raining so I did not spend much time on it but I did try to get the front caliper loose, no dice. I did look at the underside and I am very concerned about the frame.

[Todd from Kansas]

Motor number 06568
Chassis number 05231

[Linda]

Looks like it was in a flood. I think it is beyond reasonable repair. You could take the body off to check the frame, maybe get it dipped, and if there is anything left, then proceed. Or just put the word out for a frame they do pop up.
Alot to work on...

Linda

[Todd from Kansas]

The son of the owner had it in Florida and I am wondering if he drove it on the beach? The flood theory is also valid.

[notoptoy]

That looks gnarly my friend, I'd take a hammer and whack the frame in a few suspect spots. If it dents easily or the hammer goes through, I'd run away from a restoration and start assessing a parts sale. Use the proceeds for a better starting point.