Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I've owned my 2000 since 1983, but it hasn't run in more than 20 years. I'm working toward getting it running again, and I started with gas tank removal and recoating and radiator recoring. The fundamental parts were OK, and I ended up putting a little more than $600 into getting that work done, which didn't surprise me greatly.

Then I moved on to the brakes. I've searched the web for prices. Seems like "full brake system replacements" run something like $2000, and even just a set of steel braided hoses is on the order of $160. And the standard hoses (without the braided steel) are even more!

Am I just finding out how much more expensive parts are or am I missing some magic location to find parts that are, shall we say, a bit more affordable?

Ivan D Bagski wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 2:29 pm I've owned my 2000 since 1983, but it hasn't run in more than 20 years. I'm working toward getting it running again, and I started with gas tank removal and recoating and radiator recoring. The fundamental parts were OK, and I ended up putting a little more than $600 into getting that work done, which didn't surprise me greatly.

Then I moved on to the brakes. I've searched the web for prices. Seems like "full brake system replacements" run something like $2000, and even just a set of steel braided hoses is on the order of $160. And the standard hoses (without the braided steel) are even more!

Am I just finding out how much more expensive parts are or am I missing some magic location to find parts that are, shall we say, a bit more affordable?

I think you did real well for a Gas Tank rehab and Radiator re-core for $600. You need to look at the Parts Interchange section of the tech Wiki for alternate hoses and other parts versus expensive OEM parts. PM me, I can tell you what I have bought and where I bought them in preparation of my restore. You don't need to spend anywhere near 2k for Brakes.

Example you can get your front and rear Brake Cylinders sleeved and rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics on the East Coast for $650, Want to save another $50? Buy brand new inner Sumitomo Brake cylinders from Parts Geeks for $90 each. How? just buy the 1964 jaguar XKE front Brake Cylinders. You will receive new in box Nissan Cylinders with the correct part number for a Roadster. Outer cylinders have gone "No longer available" from Nissan and the parts have jumped $180-200 each on the after market. Best to just get your existing ones rebuilt for $115 ea.


Apple Hydraulics prices

Rear wheel Brake Cylinders $95 each x 2
Sumitomo Front Brake Cylinders $115 each x 4

In general parts have increased during your roadster's 20 year sleep but if you do your research you can find more reasonable options especially if you are comfortable DIY. Checkout http://www.311s.org/pmwiki-311/pmwiki.php for parts # and equivalents. Don't be afraid to ask the forum for help on any issue. Somebody here has a best solution!

Good luck!

Brake & clutch in stainless can be had for 100.

Local hydraulic hose shops can custom make flexible brake lines for a very reasonable price.

3 x Brake Hoses, 2 front, 1 rear, confirmed by Roadster Owner worked in all three Brake hose Positions. $40.47 + tax all in. Disregard Autozone fitment saying they don't work on a Roadster.

https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-tra ... 711879_0_0

Or 3 x Stainless Brake Hoses $65 + Shipping. also Brake Master Cylinder rebuild kits and Aftermarket Units depending on year of your car

https://sincitydatsuns.com/store/c3/Bra ... Parts.html

The true sticker shock kicks in when you consider what you paid for your Datsun way back then, and what you would pay for the same car in the same condition today. Of course, there is inflation to factor in but you also must consider that the Datsun Roadster has been "discovered" and is finally being appreciated. The days of buying a decent roadster for a thousand bucks are long gone and rightly so, but alot of us old timers could relate stories of doing exactly that.
Dont hesitate to continue to ask about tips and tricks for making your project more affordable and realistic. Also take comfort in knowing when you occasionally have to bite the bullet and spend the big bucks on that difficult to find item, that your car has gone from a cult following to a recognized classic. Well worth the time and effort to bring it back to life.
Best of luck with your project. Keep us up to date.

Ivan D Bagski wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 2:29 pm I've owned my 2000 since 1983, but it hasn't run in more than 20 years. I'm working toward getting it running again, and I started with gas tank removal and recoating and radiator recoring. The fundamental parts were OK, and I ended up putting a little more than $600 into getting that work done, which didn't surprise me greatly.

Then I moved on to the brakes. I've searched the web for prices. Seems like "full brake system replacements" run something like $2000, and even just a set of steel braided hoses is on the order of $160. And the standard hoses (without the braided steel) are even more!

Am I just finding out how much more expensive parts are or am I missing some magic location to find parts that are, shall we say, a bit more affordable?

I sell the braided stainless brake hoses for $65 here: https://sincitydatsuns.com/store/p146/S ... hoses.html
I also have a direct bolt in dual master replacement for $185 here:https://sincitydatsuns.com/store/p193/D ... ARKET.html
Take a look around my site for anything else you might need/want.

Brian

That master (if we're allowed to use that term any more) seems very reasonable. I've seen them for as much as $1,000.00.
I second the notion of rebuilding the calipers and wheel cylinders with stainless when you can. The vendors may take some time to get them done but they are significantly cheaper and longer lasting.