Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi Gang,

I've been debating whether to post this or not but what the hell. I bought the 67 2L that Mike Kerr had for sale recently and have started a frame off restoration.

The car came with a bunch of the rare bits, including the open element air cleaner, Al oil pan, correct valve cover, original fuel tee, etc.

My progress so far is that I've gotten the dash completely disassembled and the gauges sent off to Jon Frampton (his work is WOW!) and the carbs are out for rebuild as well. It came w/ OEM Solex - but the newer style which is fine with me.

Anyway, I thought I'd start a restoration thread and post some occasional updates as this is going to be a long slow process.



Cheers
James

Thanks for sharing, James.

Happy to see another roadster being brought back to life. Let me know when its time to pull the body off the frame. Would be happy to lend a hand (or two)!

James,

What's the body and interior look like?

I started a "refresh" on mine last year and it's coming along, but the cost and time invested is much more than I ever anticipated because of the dreaded "while I'm here" syndrome.

Good luck and don't get discouraged !

Mike

The body is in pretty good shape. The interior is getting a complete re-do.

Cheers
James

Great James, I look forward to more pics and following this thread. I'd say you have got the Roadster bug pretty bad - and that's good!!

Oh yay! Yet another frame-off. I'm excited to see what's in store. Thanks for the post and keep it coming

Thanks everyone - I'm going to need lots of moral support

Cheers
James

Glad to hear another '67 has begun the process... now, about retorquing that head...

Now you're REALLY gonna know every inch of that car. Still can see the blood on the inside rear fender where I cut myself 25 yrs ago... I leave it there as a reminder of the (literal) blood, sweat and occasional tears, and why I will never sell mine! Yes, a frame off is a HUGE undertaking, and few people complete them (check Craigslist for all the abandoned car projects). If you love the car, I encourage you to do as much of the project as you can. Otherwise, send what you can off to the experts if you can afford it. I would also recommend a WRITTEN plan or project schedule. I put mine on poster board, listing out the different areas of the car (engine, body, suspension, etc.) and all the anticipated steps to complete them, as well as the timing of the completion (ie. engine first, then body? When should I do the interior? etc. Be asking what do I need, by when, what are the steps and in what sequence?). What this will do is give you a nice overview and VISION of the entire project and how the pieces interrelate. It will also help you to keep the project moving forward as there are delays in different places of the project for a variety of reasons (no money, waiting for return of parts, wrong timing, etc.)... in this way, if you find yourself at a stand still for one area, you can address another and know how this effects the rest of the project. I know this sounds like a lot of up front work, but it will absolutely save you time, money and frustration and help ensure that you complete what you started. Again, review craigslist and realize how many people DON'T GET THEM DONE. I learned more about problem solving and planning doing my Roadster restoration than I learned in all my graduate education, and as a therapist/social worker I still use that experience to help people address their own challenges in their lives (car restoration is a great metaphor for life restoration!)

That open airfilter is indeed rare. They work even better if you zip tie together two filter elements... a noticeable difference when I drove Ross's '67 years ago. Unlike the later version they have the nice built in velocity stacks too.

Have fun and keep us posted! Drop me a line if you get stuck or need some encouragement!

Oh just one quick thing. Have you got the body off yet? If not, a how-to is located in the Tech Wiki. You can also use this write-up I made step by step to guide you. It also helps in putting it back together. And as Greg mentioned, having a long term plan is vital to not losing motivation. I had a broad plan going into it, but any plan is better than no plan. I didn't make it too specific, because it's not possible to follow it to the T always.
Personally, when I got mine home:
1. I cleaned it so it was easier to see what I had to work with.
2. Gutted it completely to allow the interior to dry should it get wet, etc.
3. Got all the little things working so I knew how much I'd have to do when I got to it. Guages, lights, radio, etc.
4. Then I got mine running for peace of mind. I wanted to know my work wasn't in vain (backwards/weird I know).
5. Then I started going at it full steam - body off and redoing chassis, suspension, engine, etc. (one at a time).
6. Dash was next and then bodywork.
Painting last and then the fun is putting it back together. Document EVERY step you make and it makes it easy when you put it together. Just my personal list of steps I took - maybe a rough guide to go by.
Okay so it was more than just one thing, but maybe a few worthwhile things.
All the very best, and keep us posted with lots and lots and lots of photos.

Pictures, pictures, pictures. Three for your reference to every one for us!!

Thanks guys. Remember I'm a professional construction manager (albeit offshore/subsea) so I know that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Sorry I haven't gotten to use that cliche in a while

I already have a budget put together, quotes for engine, carb, gauge etc rebuilding. Body shop quote for the body, etc. It's not going to be cheap!

Cheers
James

Here's a shot of the car at arrival btw - it was fun getting it off the truck - I got to help operate the hydraulics while the drive drove it down.

I love the juxtaposition of the Acura, Lexus, two Mercedes and the classic Mustang!

in for pics!
I love watching restos, especially when they are done on 67.5 SRLs!
What color body/interior?

Thanks! The body original color is silver - it's amazing how nice it looks under the dash pad! I'm going with a red interior.

Cheers
James