so i was told i have a 1979 datsun 310 automatic 16k miles, but im not sure after getting a 310 / n10 service manual that its the same car. if some one can also help looking up the VIN i'd appreciate it.

Hey, fun stuff. Trivia! The first part of the vin tells you HLB310 and the last six are the serial number. See:
http://nissanhelp.com/diy/common/nissan_vin.php
Furtherore, the B310 is the Datsun 210 according to that website and this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Sunny
Then, there is info on the Pulsar 310 B10, but that seems to be front wheel drive and only manual transmissions, so you may not have a B10.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Pulsar

Sorry to regurgitate wiki stuff, but I had to learn some about these cars. Does any of that help you confirm your car?

I bet someone else will see this that knows.

We have FSMs and you can look, I did, but did not see your car
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/use-ni ... abase.html

Welcome to the site!