Datsun Roadster 1600...To build or not to build

motoextreme · 12-25-2009, 05:52 PM

First, don't think I only run with Datsun/Nissans but my 370Z is going great and I've wanted to build a classic car for a while. Before you throw out ideas, hear me out for a sec...

Old Cobra's are great but I'm not a big kit car fan and can't afford the real thing. Really dig old Aston's but WAY too pricey. An Old SL would be fun but please dont be offended, seems to have a different following then what I'm shooting for. Camaro...done that, Cuda's are too pricey and too big. Mustangs, had 5 classics already and shock tower BS is more then I want to deal with again. 240's, 260s and 280's are all cool but I lwant something a little diffferent, so..old Roadsters....???

Here's why...I was 14.5 Years old, scrubbing floors at a nissan Dealer back in the mid 80's and helping mechanics. I was saving up to come to CA on my own (and did at 16). Anyway, two of our mechanics had old Roadsters and they were SWEET! Now I'm thinking it would be fun to build one.

There's a sweet one on Ebay right now for around 8K.

Anyway, anyone know anything about them? I'm 6'4, would I even fit in it? Ever heard of someone popping in a little bigger motor? Any major drawbacks to these cars other then the HP and size?

Need something to mess around with outside of my 370.

Any thoughts??

PapoZalsa · 12-25-2009, 08:17 PM

The Roadster is cool, I saw a rebuild on one in the SS magazine a while back. It took the owner a few year to build it.

I think in that issue the owner put a SR20DET in it.

motoextreme · 12-25-2009, 08:18 PM

I'd build mine in 2 months

Kidding. I have to look up that build.

Thx

370Zsteve · 12-25-2009, 08:30 PM

That roadster was almost mythical. It was so rare and bada$$, people were like "that's a Japanese car?"

SmoothZ · 12-25-2009, 09:03 PM

If you can do it, then go for it. I've been thinking of doing something similar for a while now. Looked into all kinds of older cars to build and/or customize and am settling on the 240 or 260Z. I like the Roadsters and 510s, but they are so hard to find and so expensive. I want something my kids and I can tinker with for years.

So yes, I think a project car is a good hobby that helps keep you busy for the down times. If you don't feel like doing anything else, it's nice to have the project to fall back on.

I can't wait to figure out what to get, find the space, and start customizing!

motoextreme · 12-26-2009, 12:01 AM

I'm going to do it, just need to find one to be sure I fit. Need to wait about 6 months and want to find a clean one to start off on unless I find a cheap one sooner.

Want to get my son off World of Warcraft, maybe he can help build it. That alone would be worth it.

Need to squeeze in a newer Z motor, that would be really cool!

Hope I fit...

vipor · 12-26-2009, 12:33 AM

pretty sweet

maybe the vq35de cuz it's not as tall?

motoextreme · 12-26-2009, 12:42 AM

Thanks for the pics, like that silver one.

vipor · 12-26-2009, 12:45 AM

np

i do like the thought of a sr20.. or maybe a RB26DETT

phelan · 12-26-2009, 02:03 AM

if i ever had enough money to completely rebuild a car, i'd try to find a lancia delta integrale

motoextreme · 12-26-2009, 02:20 AM

That's a weird choice...HAHA...

My Real Dad loved those cars, one of the few things I know about him. Funny you chose that one over so many other cool old cars. I thought about a Tiger for a while (Get Smart's car), also considered the old mini's but they are just too damn small. I like old Jags but too problematic and pricey to restore.

I can't remember ever seeing an old Roadster on the road, would be cool to put a Skyline motor in one, would be a rocket!

One_Quick_Z · 12-26-2009, 07:17 AM

They are great cars! I almost bought a 68 2000 Roadster it was in excellent condition, I should have pulled the trigger on it but I failed haha

DAN

370Zsteve · 12-26-2009, 10:16 AM

I always liked the Fiat 124 Spyder. Reminded me of a small Ferrari. But lemme tell you about rust

motoextreme · 12-26-2009, 10:36 AM

I like that one as well. Fiat's and Alfa's are a bit problematic though, at least what I've heard anyway. I'd like to get one and run with all modern gear if I could make it work. Probably cost a fortune though.

I'm going to take one more look at Sunbeam Tigers as well since they are already fast.

speedworks · 12-26-2009, 10:49 AM

I think the roadsters are awesome. I have been looking at them for years now. Unfortunately, I think you may not fit in it. I am 6'1'' and sat in one in a museum on the cape recently and really didn't fit. I told myself that I would have to completely mess with the seat/bracket to make it work. There have been many engine transplants, and most have been the SR20DET. There was one that went on ebay about a year ago, that was unbelievable - full restore with the SR20, and I wanted to make the leap, but didn't. It seems that most of the clean (non rust) ones are out on the left coast (OR and CA), so my recommendation is to just find one and try to sit in it first. Good luck.

12-25-2009, 05:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	Datsun Roadster 1600...To build or not to build First, don't think I only run with Datsun/Nissans but my 370Z is going great and I've wanted to build a classic car for a while. Before you throw out ideas, hear me out for a sec... Old Cobra's are great but I'm not a big kit car fan and can't afford the real thing. Really dig old Aston's but WAY too pricey. An Old SL would be fun but please dont be offended, seems to have a different following then what I'm shooting for. Camaro...done that, Cuda's are too pricey and too big. Mustangs, had 5 classics already and shock tower BS is more then I want to deal with again. 240's, 260s and 280's are all cool but I lwant something a little diffferent, so..old Roadsters....??? Here's why...I was 14.5 Years old, scrubbing floors at a nissan Dealer back in the mid 80's and helping mechanics. I was saving up to come to CA on my own (and did at 16). Anyway, two of our mechanics had old Roadsters and they were SWEET! Now I'm thinking it would be fun to build one. There's a sweet one on Ebay right now for around 8K. Anyway, anyone know anything about them? I'm 6'4, would I even fit in it? Ever heard of someone popping in a little bigger motor? Any major drawbacks to these cars other then the HP and size? Need something to mess around with outside of my 370. Any thoughts?? __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports

12-25-2009, 08:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
PapoZalsa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Not in Sunny Florida Posts: 6,358 Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack Rep Power: 4500	The Roadster is cool, I saw a rebuild on one in the SS magazine a while back. It took the owner a few year to build it. I think in that issue the owner put a SR20DET in it. __________________ 2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

12-25-2009, 08:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	I'd build mine in 2 months Kidding. I have to look up that build. Thx __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports

12-25-2009, 08:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	That roadster was almost mythical. It was so rare and bada$$, people were like "that's a Japanese car?" __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

12-25-2009, 09:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
SmoothZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Arrakis Posts: 7,952 Drives: giant sandworm Rep Power: 36	If you can do it, then go for it. I've been thinking of doing something similar for a while now. Looked into all kinds of older cars to build and/or customize and am settling on the 240 or 260Z. I like the Roadsters and 510s, but they are so hard to find and so expensive. I want something my kids and I can tinker with for years. So yes, I think a project car is a good hobby that helps keep you busy for the down times. If you don't feel like doing anything else, it's nice to have the project to fall back on. I can't wait to figure out what to get, find the space, and start customizing! __________________ "Once you go Asian, you never go Caucasian." "I talk to myself, and when I do that, I know I'm talking to an intelligent person."

12-26-2009, 12:01 AM	#6 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	I'm going to do it, just need to find one to be sure I fit. Need to wait about 6 months and want to find a clean one to start off on unless I find a cheap one sooner. Want to get my son off World of Warcraft, maybe he can help build it. That alone would be worth it. Need to squeeze in a newer Z motor, that would be really cool! Hope I fit... __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports Last edited by motoextreme; 12-26-2009 at 12:02 AM. Reason: error

12-26-2009, 12:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 42 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	pretty sweet maybe the vq35de cuz it's not as tall? __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

12-26-2009, 12:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	Thanks for the pics, like that silver one. __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports

12-26-2009, 12:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 42 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	np i do like the thought of a sr20.. or maybe a RB26DETT __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY) \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

12-26-2009, 02:03 AM	#10 (permalink)
phelan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Age: 38 Posts: 9,513 Drives: Scoobaroo Rep Power: 3406	if i ever had enough money to completely rebuild a car, i'd try to find a lancia delta integrale __________________ 凛 ('Rin') - 2009 Nissan 370Z With silence comes peace. With peace comes freedom. With freedom comes silence.

12-26-2009, 02:20 AM	#11 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	That's a weird choice...HAHA... My Real Dad loved those cars, one of the few things I know about him. Funny you chose that one over so many other cool old cars. I thought about a Tiger for a while (Get Smart's car), also considered the old mini's but they are just too damn small. I like old Jags but too problematic and pricey to restore. I can't remember ever seeing an old Roadster on the road, would be cool to put a Skyline motor in one, would be a rocket! __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports

12-26-2009, 07:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
One_Quick_Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Seneca Il Posts: 1,374 Drives: 10 Civic EX Sedan Rep Power: 219	They are great cars! I almost bought a 68 2000 Roadster it was in excellent condition, I should have pulled the trigger on it but I failed haha DAN __________________ -My BRZ with exhaust will decimate all if we overnight parts from Japan- 10 Civic EX Sedan- Current Daily

12-26-2009, 10:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	I always liked the Fiat 124 Spyder. Reminded me of a small Ferrari. But lemme tell you about rust __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

12-26-2009, 10:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
motoextreme Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 971 Drives: Nismo NO MODS! Rep Power: 369	I like that one as well. Fiat's and Alfa's are a bit problematic though, at least what I've heard anyway. I'd like to get one and run with all modern gear if I could make it work. Probably cost a fortune though. I'm going to take one more look at Sunbeam Tigers as well since they are already fast. __________________ Fast Intensions / NST / Mishimoto / Alpine / JDM / Volk / Brembo / Rotora / Seibon / Stillen / Password: JDM / KW / MR Works / RAW / Sun Auto / B&M / Amplified Motorsports

12-26-2009, 10:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
speedworks Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 550 Drives: PW purchased 01/09 Rep Power: 17	I think the roadsters are awesome. I have been looking at them for years now. Unfortunately, I think you may not fit in it. I am 6'1'' and sat in one in a museum on the cape recently and really didn't fit. I told myself that I would have to completely mess with the seat/bracket to make it work. There have been many engine transplants, and most have been the SR20DET. There was one that went on ebay about a year ago, that was unbelievable - full restore with the SR20, and I wanted to make the leap, but didn't. It seems that most of the clean (non rust) ones are out on the left coast (OR and CA), so my recommendation is to just find one and try to sit in it first. Good luck.

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