Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hello, All!
I’m picking up a 1968 hardtop 1600 spl311 today
11,000 miles with a locked motor.
I look forward to talking with y’all involving everything 311 as things come up. I think the interactive map is awesome, I didn’t even think they’re would be a community around these, and it’s awesome to see!

Welcome. You have a lot of folks your way. Good luck with the project and keep us updated on the progress.

Steve

For years I owned and loved an 88Zx, the community was amazing. I owned a 77 celica for awhile and that was the worst community ever… I’ve read quite a few posts before making my account and have to say everybody here seems like an awesome car person and I’m definitely looking forward to sharing the progress and meeting/chatting with other 311’s

Welcome to the group Bamuz. Post some pics when you get a chance. Would love to see your project.

Welcome!

Hey fellas! Nice to make y’all’s acquaintance as well!
I will definitely post some pictures and thinking of YouTubing the adventure getting back to glory

I’ve picked it up, I guess I must wait to post pictures once approved.

The under frame is in good condition, motor whether it’s 10,405 or 110,405 is locked up. Will be going the upgrade and replace route but stick true to Datsun/Nissan in the power train department.

Coming down i95 this morning, about 18 degrees outside,
The top has a latch break (not sure how) and the hardtop went a flyin’ big sad face

It wasn’t terribly destroyed did knock a corner off and warped the aluminum trim

Once approved for pic posts I’ll drop a bunch here!

Definitely needs some TLC. Could be way worse though’

Problem areas

Cool hardtop. Looks like a good project

Hi and welcome! Looks like you've got yourself a nice project there! You are so right - it could be WAY worse!!

Your car looks to be a 1970 model, regardless of what the registration might say. The square side markers, large round rear reflectors to the side of the taillights, and all-orange "school bus" front turn signals are all 1970-only items. Also, the dual side license plate lamps were '69 and '70 only. A '68 would have no side markers, small rear reflectors above the taillights, chrome-trimmed front signals, and would have a small license plate light shining up from an indented rear bumper.

No matter - I have a '70, so welcome to the club!

Welcome aboard, Although it’s a big project I’ve seen much worse brought back to life. As for model year, funkaholic is right, though body swaps are not uncommon. This, from the tech wiki should help…


311s VINs by Year and Model

Have you ever wondered what year your car was really made in? Below is a list of VINs as they were put out by Datsun. Is your car really a 69 or could it be a 68? Back in the good old days some dealers sold last years model as a current year model. This usually occurred with the high windshield later model roadsters. There were no laws against misleading consumers back then. My how things have changed! The differences between the '65 through 67 1600's were small and year break down is a bit harder to pinpoint.
1962 1500---SPL310-?????-?????
1963 1500---SPL310-00087-00400
1964 1500---SPL310-00501-03816 +00001-00086
1965 1500---SPL310-10000-11124
1965/66/67 1600--SPL311-00001-11000**to engine No. R-40000
1967.5 1600-SPL311-11001-17000**From engine No. R-40001--Sept. 1967
1967 2000-SRL311-00001-01000**to Sept 1967
1968 1600 --SPL311-17001-24000**Oct. 1967--Sept 1968
1968 2000 --SRL311-01001-07000**Oct. 1967--Sept 1968
1969 1600 --SPL311-24001-27000**Oct. 1968--June 1969
1969 2000 --SRL311-07001-13000**Oct. 1968--June 1969
1970 1600 --SPL311-27001-31350**July 1969--??? 1970
1970 2000 --SRL311-13001-14450**July 1969--??? 1970
Vin numbers are located in two places-one on the cowl passenger side of the engine bay. The other is on the frame front left as depicted in the picture below.

Welcome aboard. It is nice to see another East Coaster on the forum. Nice project you have. You will get a lot of help from these folks just as I have.
Steve M.

VA here! Good luck with the project, excited to watch the progress!

Absolutely a great bunch of people here. Was sorry to read that the Celica group was poor... such a neat car... was it a GT or an ST? You'll get nothing but support and encouragement with us. You have a significant amount of rust in her, but mine had holes everywhere as well. Today there are replacement panels available from the vendors as well as many experienced owners who can help guide repairs or offer suggestions to your process. Looks like this is your first convertible... you'll love it!