Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 69 Datsun 2000 a few months back. Always wanted one (a Hakosuka actually, but I'm realistic), but for one reason or another, opportunity and feasibility never lined up until now. This is project #3 in queue of 4 total, so it'll be roughly a year before I start working on it. In the meantime, I plan on using this upcoming year to learn as much as I can from the 311s archives. I've been on other car forums (Evo, GTRs, etc.), but this is a really impressive community you guys have here. The combination of knowledge, helpfulness, and maturity is a pleasant exception to the norm. Enough about me, I'm pretty sure you guys just care about the Roadster.

• 2 Owner, California Car, Numbers Matching

• Second owner was brother-in-law of original owner

• Claimed odometer hasn't rolled over, not sure if I can confirm

• Car has been sitting since late 90s (Engine needed rebuild)

• Drive train was removed in mid 00s

• Lots of misc. parts removed, but was included in sale (trim, grill, soft top, lights, etc.)

• No visible damage/repair or structural rust (Spot rust where paint is nicked or chipped)

• Car was originally red, but repainted maroon/burgundy (concerns me a bit). Panels and hinges all line up well. No issues with magnet/tapping on panels for patchwork.

• I attached a few pictures when I got it to storage. Any input or observations would be greatly appreciated.

The previous owner bought it from his brother in law with the intentions of rebuilding, but soon after he acquired the car, he endured unpreventable hardships which stopped progress. I told him I'd keep him updated when I start the project and promised to pay him a visit as soon as it's finished for a cruise. I hope, with the help and guidance of 311s, I can make good on my promise.

Anyways, happy to be here and look forward to learning about a new to me platform. I have lots of questions, but I'll try to answer them through the existing threads before asking/making new threads.

Welcome, you have started in the right place, as you note, there is a wealth of knowledge here. Looking forward to your restoration progress!

I could be wrong, but I wonder if your car is a 1968 registered new in 1969? That or possibly some front end damage at some point as I believe the cut outs on that front valance are from the 1968 and earlier cars.

notoptoy wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 5:29 pm Welcome, you have started in the right place, as you note, there is a wealth of knowledge here. Looking forward to your restoration progress!

Thanks, I'll do my best to document the process.

DAC21 wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 6:37 pm I could be wrong, but I wonder if your car is a 1968 registered new in 1969? That or possibly some front end damage at some point as I believe the cut outs on that front valance are from the 1968 and earlier cars.

I've heard about 68s being registered as 69s. Not sure how to tell if mine is that or if it was repaired. Would the chassis number help clear that up? Car is stored off site, so it might be a while before I can get more pictures.

BNR32nSRL311 wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 7:11 pm

notoptoy wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 5:29 pm Welcome, you have started in the right place, as you note, there is a wealth of knowledge here. Looking forward to your restoration progress!

Thanks, I'll do my best to document the process.

DAC21 wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 6:37 pm I could be wrong, but I wonder if your car is a 1968 registered new in 1969? That or possibly some front end damage at some point as I believe the cut outs on that front valance are from the 1968 and earlier cars.

I've heard about 68s being registered as 69s. Not sure how to tell if mine is that or if it was repaired. Would the chassis number help clear that up? Car is stored off site, so it might be a while before I can get more pictures.

Yes a chassis number would zero in the year.

Front fenders appear to be for a 70. Hood latch pre 69. Looks like it’s mostly there, should be a fairly easy project.

theunz wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 8:08 pm Front fenders appear to be for a 70. Hood latch pre 69. Looks like it’s mostly there, should be a fairly easy project.

If so a bit of a frankenstein car. May well point to a front end damaged car put back together with available parts.

Hm... Sounds like the repaint and mismatched parts is likely hiding what I was suspecting. Thanks for the info.

I paid a little under 3k for it, so I expected some oddities. I bought this roller mainly because of the lack of rust and completeness of parts. I was leaning towards a restomod project, and this just further reinforces that decision.

notoptoy wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 5:29 pm Welcome, you have started in the right place, as you note, there is a wealth of knowledge here. Looking forward to your restoration progress!

Not a big deal, the valance is pretty much hidden by the bumper and having side marker lights certainly adds a safety factor. Or if you want to keep it original the holes can be welded up.

DAC21 wrote: Sun Apr 25, 2021 11:48 am

notoptoy wrote: Sat Apr 24, 2021 5:29 pm Welcome, you have started in the right place, as you note, there is a wealth of knowledge here. Looking forward to your restoration progress!

Not a big deal, the valance is pretty much hidden by the bumper and having side marker lights certainly adds a safety factor. Or if you want to keep it original the holes can be welded up.

Thanks, for the info. Good to know. I only plan on driving this car on sunny days during daytime like my other leisure car, so not too big a deal either way it sounds. I'll look at pictures of roadsters with and without markers to see which I prefer. Since the decision is restomod, appearance will supersede authenticity for details like this.

I just looked at my VIN on the registration. SRL3110512X, so a 68 model year. Another mystery solved. Thankfully, the orphaned S14 SR20DET sitting next to it isn't judgmental on the model year lol.

Welcome to the Datsun roadster community. This forum is super informative and helpful. I'm also in the SoCal area, where might your area be?

TriniGriffin wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 4:51 am Welcome to the Datsun roadster community. This forum is super informative and helpful. I'm also in the SoCal area, where might your area be?

I live in the South Bay/West LA area like you. I usually cruise around PV on the weekends when I get a chance, hopefully in a Roadster eventually!

Welcome to 311s.org! Let us know if we can help with SR20DET conversion parts or big brake kits!

www.spriso.com

Judging by your user name, an R32 is also in the mix?

Michael

The fenders look to be in good shape. I'd just weld up the side holes and call them '68's. Does the wiring harness have leads to supply the side lights?
I'm up in the Valley, so if you need any help just let me know. Now that my car is back on the road, I'm always looking for a reason to drive it. At least until it gets too hot here.

spriso wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 8:39 am Welcome to 311s.org! Let us know if we can help with SR20DET conversion parts or big brake kits!

www.spriso.com

Judging by your user name, an R32 is also in the mix?

Michael

The plan is likely a SR20DET swap, but I have 2 STI drivetrain swaps to finish before getting to the Datsun. I'm eagerly watching the Slackine's K24A2 swap thread as well. If I do go SR20, I'm 100% using your mounts and rental jig for the project. I've actually been watching content about your work and Eric Straw's for quite a few years now. I'll definitely be asking you questions down the road if I opt for the SR20.

The R32 is my modern classic. Sunday morning therapy drives preps me for the Mondays. It actually feels very similar to my old Z32 TT. No radio, so I make the RB sing for me . As a previous Evo owner, the ATTESA system is quite impressive for it's era.

todd lorber wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 12:10 pm The fenders look to be in good shape. I'd just weld up the side holes and call them '68's. Does the wiring harness have leads to supply the side lights?
I'm up in the Valley, so if you need any help just let me know. Now that my car is back on the road, I'm always looking for a reason to drive it. At least until it gets too hot here.

Yeah, I'm going to look over fender pictures of each model year and decide what to do based on which look I prefer. Thinking no markers currently. I'm not sure about the wiring harness configuration, I haven't really dug into the car at all and it's in off-site storage.

Thanks for the offer. If I ever need a physical parts diagram to look over, I know who to call!