Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Follow roadster enthusiast, I have just begin my journey in the frame-off restoration of my 68 2000. I own the car since 1979. Performed a rebuild of the engine and transmission about 40 years ago. Everything is torn apart now except for the 2 lower A-arm spindles. The spindle bushing nuts are still attached. What size are they? 1 5/16 inches or 34 mm? What were they torque to, 150 pounds? I will have them off soon. Mike Young has agree to take the motor but has not given me a date of when he will take it. Steve Pettersen has agree to do the tranny so I will be driving up to Chico sometime next week to drop off the tranny. The body has been strip bare and awaiting the body shop to call so I can deliver it. The body was originally white.
Should I stay with white or go with another color? I am considering 511 Silver Grey Metallic, 531 Silver Bronze Metallic or 544 Grey Green. If your car is any of these color, upload a few photos for me as a reference. I will be grateful. That leaves the frame. I have a philosophical question; do I powder coat or just paint it? Does powder coating cheapen the long term value of the car? I have taken plenty of photos and will upload the progress as I go.

How is this project going? Did you make a decision on coating the frame? I painted mine myself after having it blasted. It's a real PITA. If I knew then what I know now I would just have had it powdercoated.

I'm close to you in Concord if you need help or parts.

I've been trying to decide whether to paint or powder coat my frame. I have the equipment to spray it myself with a compressor and paint gun, rather than rattle can. But what paint would be appropriate for painting the frame? For me to take it to a powder coater I would have to rent a trailer to drop it off and pick it up. Kind of a pain in the ass. I'm in Florida and will likely only drive on sunny days so no exposure to road salt or the elements. Not sure if I need the durability of powder coat or not. I would assume the frames were only painted at the factory and not powder coated. Was that even common in the '60's? Thoughts?

While powder coat is certainly nice, I am not sure it is necessary. I use Chassis Black from the parts store in a rattle can. If the surface is properly prepped, then the paint goes on smooth, looks good and is pretty darn durable. Plus it's easy to touch up if it does get scratched - as will happen. I think powder coat is a bit overkill particularly considering how very little our pampered cars are exposed to the elements - which is practically never. That said, if money and time were no object I would do it. Been very happy with the chassis black and on my impala I have POR-15 on the frame and chassis black on the suspension components.

You could brush it with POR-15 or the equivalent.

I used POR15 Chassis Black. Foam brushed on, leveled out nicely. Easy to touch up later. FWIW Pat