1969 Roadster 2000 Restoartion Help/Advice

[John Anthony]

Hello, I am looking to restore my father's 1969 Datsun Roadster 2000. He told me that the car used to run great and was in good shape, but the last time he drove it was when he parked it in a garage in the 80's. So, it has always been my dream to restore this car back to it's original beauty but I don't know a whole lot about classic cars.
What I know: The car hasn't been started in over 20 years. It used to run. It is all original. Obviously needs the oil drained, gas drained, new battery, new plugs, hoses, lines, brakes, rotors, and hopefully not to much electrical work.
What I DON'T know: How much will this cost me? how much of this can I do myself? Can any garage do this? Are parts to restore this car still out there?

So what I am asking you is what you think. I'm not concerned about the interior/exterior of the car yet but just getting it running again. If you have any input I will appreciate it greatly. Thanks.

[BusyBadger]

You came to the right place, I can't answer any questions for you but when AZHitman shows up you'll get ask your answers. Ask him about his Datsun retirement home.

I can answer one thing, or point you to the how to...

How to post pictures using PhotoBucket.

Welcome to NICO!

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard, JA. Sounds like you have a good idea of what needs to be done before you put power to the starter, so let's focus on the unknownss:

First, where are you located? We may have a local Datsun person who can lend a hand.

Second, the U20 engine is notoriously expensive to repair and maintain if something goes wrong (whereas the R16 is far more forgiving). I'd fill the crankcase with break-in oil for the first startup.

Third - Some parts are still available. I wouldn't even consider it if you're thinking of taking it to a shop to do the work - Most are clueless about older cars, and you may wind up with a fat bill for letting Junior figure out what a carburetor does.

We can walk you through it, but if you're on a paycheck-to-paycheck budget, it's not a wise endeavor. While it's not as expensive to get a Roadster back on the road as, say, a Z, it's not a cheap project.

[John Anthony]

@BusyBadger, thank you very much for the help on how to upload the photos.

@AZhitman, thanks for the input! I am located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. I am no rush to get this job done in a hurry. I am a college student and I plan on working on the car during my summers home. Right now I have about $3000-$4000 that I am ready to put into the project. It has always been my dream to drive this car with the top down so all of your input is very much appreciated.

[audtatious]

Before doing anything else I'd see if the motor was any good. Flush the old oil, refill with break-in oil as AZ stated. I'd also manually turn the engine over a few times via the crank before firing. If you can't do that then the pistons may be frozen and need some oiling to free them up (hopefully not the case here). If the engine checks out then I'd replace all other fluids before going any further.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

If you ever decide you want to sell it, I am officially calling Dibbs right now.

Having wrenched on the Hitman's, I can say they are super easy to work on. He was footing the bill though, so I'm not too sure how expensive it was.

[gwoods]

I agree with all the advise.

1> Change all the fluids, including the gas tank.
2> Turn the motor over by hand using a breakerbar and socket on the crank pulley with the transmission in nuetral and the batter disconnected.

3> If the motor turns free disconnect the plug wires reconnect the battery and turn the motor over with the starter.

4> If it turns with the starter pull the valve cover and check and adjust the valves.

5> Reconnect plug wires, replace valve cover and start it.

It looks like it was stored nicely and you might be able to just freshen the fluids, replace the tires, brakes, all rubber under the hood and drive it!

The 2000 timing chain can cause problems I suggest you look at it after you confirm the car runs.

For 2000's: the timing chain is the weakest link in the motor. If the upper chain gets too much slack it will cut into a support bracket. The support bracket, once notched, will vibrate and crack... dropping a "L" section into the gears below. This takes a lot of miles, and time, but has lead to some great horror stories about "self-destructing roadster engines". No maintenance, not catching problems (chain rattle can be heard at 25 feet away!), and ignorance.... Chains/Gears/Tensioners for the U20 cost about $500... and should be replaced after 100,000 miles. [If you are replacing the chains, then it makes sense to inspect the rod bearings... usually I'll replace them after 80K miles]