first time roadster owner after 35 year wait

coyotegary · Post by **coyotegary** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:00 pm

hi everyone,
i just bought a 66 roadster last week. i worked at a nissan dealership back in 72(MudriMotors ohio). the owners son restored 2 roasdters while i was working there and i always swore i would own one someday.
i called on one on craigslist 10 minures from my house last week and went to look at it at 10pm that night. the owners were moving and could not take it with them. the 30 year old oriental woman was in tears as she remembered riding in this car when she was 4 with her father. he passed it down to her,she stored it for 10 years till now. starts runs and drives great. very solid arizona car. all the gauges and accessories work as well. perfect condition hard top and tonnue. rag top needs new material but is all there and working. it is serial number 00112. i am excited to get started refreshing this car. it does need the dash pad replaced so that might be my second task after i install a set of polished Libra 4 spokes i have been saving for more than 10 years.

if you want to check out most of my other datsun current cars....

www.photobucket.com type in "coyotegary" in the search box

datsunrides · Post by **datsunrides** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:13 pm

Welcome to the fray! What size are your wheels? Check the vendor list on the main page. A few of them have reproduction dash pads available. Dash pad is not too bad to replace. Removing the windshield makes it much easier. (replace the lower rubber if you remove the windshield). Post some pics when you get a chance!

Mark

Post by **dbrick** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:26 pm

coyotegary wrote:i will need a few hints as to how best tackle the dash pad replacement.

Welcome to the asylum! For the dash pad, I reccomend a nice amber ale, pilsner if it's hot outside. Seriously, I've seen people say it's easier in an early car. How many miles on the car?
As for tires, I am using Falken 185/60-14, 195's are also supposed to fit. Wheel offset can affect this. The 66 has slightly smaller flares than my 69.
I did my soft top myself, wasn't easy, but not too bad. There are many sources, from cheap to expensive, depends on how often you would use it. Also, you can get a zip out window which is supposed to provide a STRONG breeze.

Good luck and please post some pictures

coyotegary · Post by **coyotegary** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:16 am

the odometer says 85K and i have a stack of reciepts that have matching mileage from when her father owned it and nothing after that. i am assuming it is actual. especially since the car is so complete and everything works. either way, i am pleased with the solid condition of the car .
i will measure the Librawheels frday at the shop.

the car has stock wheels now running 195's so i am concerned that they will rub with the wider Libras. i may play it safe and go with the 185/60/14 as you suggested
i will need a bit of help to post pics here

i have heard of two bolts under the dash to be removed for winshield removeal . i took a look today and had no luck locating them. i will need to pull the windshield for paint so that will b ethe time for the new dashpad.

datsunrides · Post by **datsunrides** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:11 am

Should be OK with 195's on the Libre's if they have the proper offset. Make sure they are 14" as 13" won't fit in the front. The 2 bolts (nuts actually) you are looking for are located behind the wiper motor somewhat, on either side and angled toward the firewall.

Mark

Post by **S Allen** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:25 am

Welcome! From the sounds of it you found a very nice car tucked away in a garage. Good luck with the project. You already have been given some good advice. Enjoy!!!!

Steve

coyotegary · Post by **coyotegary** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 10:05 am

the libras are 14's for sure. they were on a 240Z oroginally so i will check offset fittment before i commit .

i will take a real close look in there today for the 2 nutsb and hopefully get it removed today and ready for the dash pad install

i assume that the pad unscrews and comes off with the dash still inplace with the windshield off

thanks guys. you make a new guy feel welcome

gary

datsun1500 · Post by **datsun1500** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 12:23 pm

Nevermind.... Ask someone else

avidtest · Post by **avidtest** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 1:02 pm

We need pictures!

wgb1 · Post by **wgb1** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 3:50 pm

coyotegary wrote:......i will need a bit of help to post pics here

Welcome to the best resource for D roadsters on the web.

To post pics, you will need to use a web based pic hosting site. I use www.photobucket.com It is free and easy to register. Pretty straightforward to do once you have uploaded your pics to the hosting site. I am pretty dumb when it comes to computerin' and I was able to do it with little difficulty.

Post by **dbrick** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:06 am

When I was test fitting the wheels, I dropped a plumb line from the lip of the fender at 12:00 with the car jacked under the suspension. Measured from the string to the wheel lip, switched wheels, measured again. Quick and easy, then just figure in the sidewall of the tires. I did 185's because the front clearance is tight, and big reason, they were on sale The Z wheels I had were zero offset, stuck out too far. I went with a set of Westerns. If you plan on comp springs, check clearance carefully.

coyotegary · Post by **coyotegary** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 1:01 am

i installed the libra wheels and tires today along with some black hot rod paint.

i posted pics on a new thread. thanks for all the advise and i went with 195/60/14 tires on the libra wheels....PERFECT!!! thanks guys

i also posted a pic of my custom 260 cobra Z on the site in the other than a roadster section...it is worth a look

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first time roadster owner after 35 year wait

first time roadster owner after 35 year wait

Re: first time roadster owner after 35 year wait

RE:first time roadster owner after 35 year wait