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??

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.

I'd build mine in 2 months :tup: Kidding. I have to look up that build.

Thx

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

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!

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...

http://www.risingsunracing.com/images/banner1.jpg

http://image.superstreetonline.com/f...+side_view.jpg

http://www.risensonracing.com/checker.jpg

pretty sweet :xmastup:

maybe the vq35de cuz it's not as tall?

Thanks for the pics, like that silver one.

np

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

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

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!

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

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

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-19...t-Angle-st.jpg

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.

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.

lol @ WOW. My kids aren't that old yet, so it might be easier for me.

See, it's pics like those that make me want a project car even more.

I know 510 owners like the VG30 because it's lighter weight than the VQ. At least I think that's what the guy told me this past summer at an autox event.

I found the link to the full story on the car I was going to buy - this car is fantastic.

1968 Datsun 2000 Sports Fairlady - Classic & Tuner Car - Super Street

I had an '84 GTV-6

This Z is the first car since then that gave me such thrills.

However, as far as upkeep on that Alfa goes:

http://www.horror-wood.com/van_sl19.jpg

That Roadster is BEAUTIFUL!

I would buy this car in a minute if it was somewhat reasonable. Now you have me all amped up. Silver with Red is the way to go to.

Damn, wish I would of seen this particular car for sale, must of went for a fortune though. Thanks for sharing.

The roadster is a classic. Good Luck! I always wanted one.

After reading that write up that one looks exceptionally pricey but I'd have to tune my build down a bit. I have to think that's 40-50K car, out of my range.

I'll just get a basketcase and take my time (yeah right, me take my time :)

If I recall right, that car went for under 20k on ebay last year.

Well instead of the roadster, try building the Nissan 240Z (S30)

maybe put in a RB26DETT or something of the same level. :)

Damn...20K, I would of jumped on that!

thinking about rebuilding projects mkes me sad that i had to sell my s13 for the z lol

That would be a hard one to part with.

This is my roadster.

go here

311s.org-Datsun Sport Roadsters

for lots of info

haha, Motoextreme is doomed :stirthepot:

Thanks Bob, I'm going to check it out more when I get home (in the mountains again)

I have a Roadster to check out already. Guy is in LA so I'm going to try and run over and see it tomorrow. I'm going to build the first Carbon Fiber Roadster..HAHAHA

Looks like I found a car!

Picking it up tomorrow, I'll post pics as soon as I get it home. Pretty damn good shape by the looks of the pictures and NO rust. Going to strip this thing to the bone and build it like new! No carbon fiber on this one :)

Now the big challenge, getting my son off the computer and teaching him how to turn a wrench. Wish me luck :tup:

Any locals want to help me on this one (never hurts to ask):tup:

Sounds fun man, in for pics!

My Dad and I talked about restoring a car but never did it. His health won't allow it now. Here's wishing you luck getting your son off the computer. :)

Im local... keep me updated on this build... I'd like to help/observe...

Congrats on picking up the car, would really appreciated if you keep us posted on what your plans are for the car. >8D

ooo nice send us some pics. hope it's in great shape!

I'll put some pics up as soon as I get it picked up (hopefully later today)

Guy basically gave it to me!! Looks super clean, hope the pictures are legit.

I'm going to need some help though, need to find out what motor will fit and where I can get motormounts. Hoping to do this one myself but we'll see.

As far as help! Heck yeah, I'll definitely need a hand from time to time getting the motor pulled etc. I'm hoping to knock this one out in a couple of months if travel isn't too much for 2010...time will tell.

Thanks for the support. If nothing else...it stops me from ruining my Nismo for a while :)

So the new project arrived today. Had to have one of my guys go and pick it up for me as the day was a bit busy.

Anyway, here's the "CANVAS". I know she looks a tad rough but minimal bodywork and no rust! Seats are in the trash tonight!!!!!

As you can see, the boys from RAW came down to assess the car and give me their take. NOT going crazy on this one, going for a little Retro modern and definitely not rushing it.

Let me know what you think of her.

PS. I'm the tall guy with the black shirt and YES my head is over the windshield so I need to find some super low seats, lowbacks ideally.

This should be a cool little project, I'll do the dismantling but I'll let the experts stuff in a new drivetrain and paint.

Yeah Baby!! :happydance::happydance::happydance::happydance:

Looks great- I'll be following this one for sure.

Thanks Division, as you can tell I'm pretty stoked.

So here's a few things to get started:
1. Quite sure I'm going silver on this one with the black side stripes
2. Same rims as the Red Street and Track car (I think)
3. Guys at RAW recommend the SR20 motor...sounds good to me.
4. Roll bar but no soft top needed
5. they gave me the hardtop but don't want it.
6. Picked this beauty up for $4200 and yes she runs! Think its a pretty good buy but who knows...

I'm spending this weekend tearing her apart. Watch for build update and as always...I love suggestions, keep them coming!

good luck with the build, looks fun... i hope u enjoy :)