Why is a 510 called a Dime?

never heard it called that, im guessing cuz its got 10 in it, thats my guess, or i may be lookin too deep into it, but maybe its like a dime cuz its lightweight, but stil has some power, i duno, somebody tell me, now im curious

It has to be the 10 in it, Ill do some more searching on the net though

thatd probably be ur best choice

see here, everyone calls it a dime http://www.dimequarterly.tierranet.com/

on other websites its called a dime sometimes too

When the road racers first started modifying these cars they called them five-dimes, which evolved to dimes or a "dime". My brother had a few of these back years ago and then a 1600. I think now he has a 1968 Datsun pick up. He's (was) a freak about the late 60's early 70's Datsuns. I think he even still has an entire car at my parents house, maybe 2 and some motors/parts?

Rex (yes, I'm new)

When these cars first came out (1968-69) there was a class of department store called a Five and Dime. These were stores like Woolworths, Roses, and Kresgies.

Five and Dime was a natural moniker for the 510 which evolved to Dime.

I just made all that up.

i just happen to have a 510, and a giant neon sign from a 5&10. im gonna clean it up and hang it in my garage over the car.

Reggie,

The only thing you made up (maybe) was the connection between the 5&10's of the '40s and '50s (into the '60s). Their modern equivalent is the "99 cent" stores.

This was just cheap everyday items and novelties that the stores bought by the gross or other large quantity. These items never afforded the expense of packaging in those days so everything was just dumped loose into counter-trays for the picking.

I agree though, it is likely that the "510" naturally connoted with the "5 & Dime" label. They were inexpensive cars at the time, so I'm confident that helped.

FWIW

cool, thanks for the replies

very cool and very interesting! i hadnt heard them called dimes until today!

-Dan

Carl -- remember "nickle & dime" stores? Still remember getting a whole quarter for mowing the lawn, and heading up to the five and dime!

Irony... "nickle and dime" was a term for a POS vehicle! It would just "nickle and dime you to death". My Dad bought sis a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine (in '68) for a steal. Well, he soon learned it would "nickle and dime" you into the poor house.

Still remember I wanted a Datsun 2000 in '74. Drove up to look at it (Dad had to cosign the loan, hence with me)... he took one look and screamed "no more sports cars!!!".

Little did he know when I went looking at Datsun 510's... what I would be getting into (California Rallye Series... pro rally). Despite the "510" name... it was a super reliable vehicle (just torque head bolts, keep it cool, adjust valves). 250,000 miles later (running events up and down the west coast)... it was just a thrifty little car... that would run for ever and "stop on a dime".

Still feel the L18 was the best motor for a daily driver 510. Good torque, reasonable mileage, dead reliable. 510 parts were available longer than they should have ever been... Nissan parts bins are drying up, but still lots of stuff out there!

Tom