Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Day one.

How bad is the floor?

First question for the Roadster scholars here. My ignition switch is located on the left of the dash, doesn't look like this was the factory location for this year/model? The wiper switch and dash gauge illumination adjustment knob is just to the left. Should be under the steering wheel, correct? Don't think I would move it though since the hole is already in the dash. Why does this pic appear upside down but when you load or click on the picture it is right side up?

spl310 wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:34 am How bad is the floor?

Fred Flintstone used to own the car.

Both floors need to be replaced as well as the trunk. But surprisingly, everything else is fairly solid, a little rust here and there but not as bad as you would think.

That looks like the ignition switch for a 66-67, appears to be in pretty close to the right place for those years. Is there any indication that the correct locking ignition was at one time on the lower right side of the steering column? Otherwise this might be an anomaly where Nissan used up the corporate parts bin in model switchover from 67 to 67.5? I haven't heard of that before. It also seems that whoever made the swap would have had to extend or reroute the ignition wires to be long enough to reach from the steering column to the dash. Any evidence of wiring hacking going on?

Regarding the ignition switch, you're right... I think that's an aftermarket switch drilled into the dash face. Probably after the original went bad. I have the same aftermarket switch, only it's located in a modified center console that houses the radio (and my air/fuel gauge, cig lighter, etc.).

I'll take a look later. In any event it is an awkward reach around the steering wheel because the switch is mounted further inboard of the other two switches.

Here's a pic of the ignition switch and wiring, and under the steering wheel. Does it look like there was ever an ignition switch under the wheel?

Here are a few pics of the engine compartment. PO had said the car was running last year or so. I don't know, it looks like the setup on the Webers is not quite complete. New electronic distributor, coil, wires, plugs, brake and clutch master cylinders.

It appears your car had the standard under-dash ignition lock, but it has been removed (see the missing bolts for the underside of the dash to the column, and the witness marks on the steering column as well.

I think that these early locks failed quite often, as I have seen the modification to move the ignition switch to the dash on quite a few 67.5s, in fact, I just got a spare dashboard from a 67.5 2000 that had the exact modification done to it as well:



It is always interesting to uncover what the previous owner had done...

Michael

OK Michael, thank you for the reply. Yes, it sure would be nice to know the full history when restoring old cars, but then I suppose that's also part of the fun!

Awesome to see this build thread!

And I think I mentioned that the half-year cars can be a blessing and a curse... lots of quirky, individual, hard to find parts, but they all come together to make a cool and unique car.

You've got a good start I think. Cool carbs.

As for the ignition switch... my understanding is that your situation is a not-unusual one. The 67.5s have an ignition switch that bolts onto the steering column and angles down at about 4:30-ish. They were the first (only?) one with a mechanical steering lock... a peg that shoots into the steering column when the key is turned to the Lock position. And this lock thing is prone to breakage, so people would put the ignition switch elsewhere. And maybe because it also is in a weird spot... but not nearly as awkward as it looks. It's cinchy to reach and use. It's also unique that it has a "Garage" position which isn't "On", but isn't Locked either.

Here are some photos of mine in my car and a spare in case mine doesn't work. You can see the peg on the spare photos.

Hope that helps.

Peter

Peter, your shift knob looks to be in the same condition as mine, the top is a little rough and ragged. The bottom portion of mine and the chrome is still in good condition. I know these are the original knobs, so I was wondering if they can be sanded down smooth and then polished? It also looks like you are missing the idle speed adjustment knob as well, so am I.

Hey Jeff...

Shift knob... yes, they can. They're a bit touchy, at least mine didn't like heat, so no buffing wheel, it's a manual job.

The knobs can be done, too.

I found an NOS throttle knob along the way.

Looking at your other car, you're going to do great.

Thanks
Peter

Florida Roadster wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:38 pm I know these are the original knobs, so I was wondering if they can be sanded down smooth and then polished?

Yes they can but it's old plastic so I recommend manual wet sanding only , progressive sanding from ~400 to 3000 grit will get it smooth and shiny enough, fisnish with Meguiar 105-205 or ultimate compound and you'll be happy
again just make sure all by hand only