Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Seems this thread is pretty much dead. I do still get occasional requests for this kit. I have a bunch. Most likely, this version will be done once they run out....at least for me. I've designed a new bracket and I might make some prototypes for the fun of it, but it's looking like I'll be shutting down sometime early next year. I'm talking to a shop about continuing my parts, but I don't think there's enough interest in this setup anymore to warrant them making it. The new setup will still use the spindle spacer and Altima rotor, but there will be a new bracket to replace the stock steel bracket. I did a couple of prototypes like the one that T3 is now producing, but my steel bracket is tweaked and that made me wonder if other's are too. I opted to design a new bracket so I can control the dimensions better. The new bracket will use a Wilwood caliper and it fits behind the stock rims. I've been working with a local 311 owner here. He found the caliper. The new bracket will actually allow a 6 piston caliper behind bigger rims. I can't imagine the biasing would be even close, but it would be possible. I've been working on this for some time and it's nearly done. I haven't posted it since I don't want it copied before I even get a chance to make it. If there's no interest, I'll make a couple of prototypes....the local guy will get a set for his help. I posted the info here since it will still be an "Altima" mod. Anyway.......

The move to Wilwood was prompted by the lack of Volvo calipers. I just had a buyer send me a link to this site. They have the calipers...at least for now. No clue how many they have and they're not exactly cheap, but they have both.

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/22923/N ... 754-140999

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/22924/N ... 755-141000

Since I had the lathe setup to cut a set of plain rotors for the last guy, I figured I'd cut the drilled and slotted set I had here. They're all boxed up with a kit and ready for a shipping label(USA ONLY!). Contact me via my site or msg me here if you have an interest. https://www.instagram.com/p/CWqLaIsFYtW/

I would like to thank everyone that's been involved with this over the years. I sold way more than I ever thought I would. If they don't get continued, I'll try to make a point to come back here and share the details for it....like the CAD files.

Your hard work and innovation is appreciated. It takes some dedication (and talent) to make turn key solutions for the auto niche that is Datsun Roadsters.

Thanks!

Agreed. You have provided a valuable service to the roadster community and I am sure many have benefited from ingenuity. There just aren't many roadsters to mass produce anything. Thanks for taking your innovations on and for sharing here with the 311s community.

Steve

I can't imagine how many Roadster owners you have helped out! Thanks for being willing to make parts for such a small group of cars!!!

Thanks guys! I appreciate it. Doing this part time out of my house has been a great way to learn a lot about machining and manufacturing parts. As many know, it's the design and creation side of things I enjoy the most. The production side is a lot more tedious, but that's where the money is. I can't keep doing it at the house and taking on $30k+/yr of overhead to get a shop to use part time, just doesn't make any sense. It would physically be extremely hard and the only people actually making money from it would be the landlord, insurance and utility companies. Maybe if I can go full time in a couple of years, I'll start back up. For now, it looks like closing is the only....or at least, best option. I've still got a bunch of stuff I want to design and work on. Last time I shutdown, it lasted 6mo and I didn't make or design anything during that time. I'm hoping to keep a bit more motivation going this time. lol

Anyone still following this thread?? lol

I've been playing with a couple of ideas lately. I'm not sure they'll make production since I'm still planning on shutting down...but this is the type of thing I'd like to continue doing...I just want to get away from the production stuff. Anyway.....

My question is....how attached is everyone to the dust shield? I know with this Altima/Volvo setup the dust shield just has to be bent back a bit to clear. The design I'm playing with would eliminate the option of keeping the dust shield. It will be a smaller rotor and it should easily clear stock rims. Oh....that reminds me....I need to post a video of what I found out about stock rims. It may be common knowledge, but I'm betting it's why a few guys have had trouble with stock rims on the Altima rotor.

I appreciate any feedback on this. If anyone has found a source for both of the Volvo calipers, I still have both spacer sets for this upgrade. I had just ordered more of the caliper spacers and machined more of the spindle spacers about the time the caliper sources dried up. lol Oh well.
Thanks!!

The vid is super short and not monetized. Figured if I didn't do it right now, it could be months down the road before I posted it. Sorry, I don't know the years of the rims off hand. I know Ben told me, so maybe I'll edit this post if he tells me again. lol

I'm following. Can you tell us the width of the wheels? There were 4" and 4.5" wide wheels originally.

I did a quick measurement while Ben was here and the both looked to be 4.5" even though he told me the rusty one was 4". Since you asked, I went and measured them more closely. The rusty one is in fact 4" and the silver rim is 4.5. If the new design works (without the dust shield), it should clear either rim.

Might just be the last post to this thread. lol I'm, basically, shutdown and won't be making any more of these kits or machining any rotors. I have 4 of these kits left(no rotors). They were $110 shipped, I'm thinking $60 shipped. I still have a bunch more of the spindle spacers and caliper spacers. There's not enough demand to make it worth buying more hardware to turn those parts into kits.

The new bracket design to use WW calipers has been turned over to Ben. He's looking into getting the brackets made and finding a place to machine the rotors.

I really appreciate all the help and acceptance over the years! Thank you!! I'll encourage Ben to make a new thread with the new design when it comes to that point. Take care.

Thanks again! Mine still work great!!

You're more than welcome! I'm happy to hear that.