Post by
Datsun411 »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/datsun411-u3999.html
Wed Mar 12, 2003 5:51 pm
:bsflag Actually, wanted an 'announcing' flag, but B.S. will do;)
Thought I'd let you all know I've started the restoration on 'Lucille' ('67.5 RL411 SSS sedan with stick, red of course). This all started with an off-list conversation about the waaaaay high prices being asked for some early Datsun stuff on eBay lately. I'll catch you up mid-conversation... [this is from another list]
... Although, if the economy were better and we were a few years down the 'early Datsun promotional' bit, THEN maybe that'd be a fair price. Tell you this much... those of us in this early new-wave of getting the old cars back on the road will certainly be pioneers... and will have bled heaps of both money, and physical and mental sweat to do so. I just started stripping 'Lucille' today. Got 'Vikie' (my '73 Volvo 1800ES) out of the garage, under a tarp and car cover to keep her shiny - S.F. bay area weather you know) and cleaned it up last weekend so I'll have some storage and working room for a change. Got all the peripherals off the front and rear, and the trunk cleared out, including gas tank (tank was dry, but MAN the sludge that oozed out!! talk about the primordial ooze!!). Bumpers, lights, grille, some of the badges.
You know!!?? This damn car has all the original stickers still in place in the engine compartment... INCLUDING the gold foil 'Nihon Radiator Company' sticker on the top of the radiator!!! All in excellent condition!! Plus the original Toshiba headlights and radio antenna (just like Grace has with the locking pop-up feature with key). Also dug two of the original round-hole hubcaps out of the trunk. Good find!!
Next?? The hood and trunk lid come off, then I'll attack the engine and trans. Then the engine compartment peripherals. Then the interior comes out. Gotta find someone to check/overhaul/rebuild the engine, plus someone to check and repair-as-necessary the tranny while they're out. And detail of details, someone to do the bodywork. I may tackle most of it (maybe all given the 'budget' for this project), but I'd REALLY like to have someone who knows what they're doing make an assessment of the project and give advice on how to handle it. I'd pay for that advice if anyone can make a good referral in the S.F. bay area.
I'm taking tons of pics as I go so I can see the 'before and after' of it. Also to jog memory where necessary. Usually don't need that though. When I stripped my Fiat 850 spider down to the tub to prep it for autocrossing I had every piece off that car except the dash, and the only cataloging system I used were those plastic box parts holders (like for tackle) and old cupcake tins (very useful items for repair projects). This time I'm plastic-bagging the small stuff, and 'bankers-boxing' the rest that will fit.
I'm also noticing the quality craftsmanship and design that went into these cars... from the really neat locking antenna (which is in excellent working condition, along with the original radio), to the way they provided trunk lighting at night (a little clear lense on the inside of the brake light housings... just leave your parking lights on and you have a lit trunk).
Enough of Episode I. But be forwarned, I'll be updatine you as the project proceeds.
In the meantime (as always)...
Take Care & Enjoy,Carl 'Rockett' HockettAlbany, California