by "ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
Published 11/09/2017 at 19:41
by "ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
Published 11/09/2017 at 19:41
Tags: Datsun
; 510
; Project
STARS: 1
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
I have the opportunity to get this Datsun, with a clean title for < $1000... Just wanted to reach out to my fellow Oppos to see if I’m insane for doing it. Here’s why.
Goods:
Body is in good condition (other than the fender), the rust seen is surface only to my eyes and touch. No holes anywhere I could see.
Comes with transmission
Comes with Block
Wiring seems to be all there
Glass and trim seems very good. Doors are from a donor car (seller wanted to restore, but has too many projects), and glass is good there too.
Got a good look of the underbody and no rust that I can see at all, barely any surface spots. Didn’t get to snag pics.
Bads:
Obviously you see the front fender damage.
No Key
Missing a wheel (would have to source one)
Head was sold (L16 Engine), so no head
comes with fender, but it’s damaged (would source a replacement)
My goal for this would be to take my time with it, work out the body situation, and get a cool backroads cruiser, maybe even auto X. Definitely not a DD. Definitely, not a full restoration. I have the space, and am handy with wrench. I don’t do body work usually, so is this thing toasted? how would I go about repairing that? Basically want to ask you guys, what would you do? My expectations are set knowing that this would take a lot of work, but I that’s what I expect for less than 1k.
Owning a 510 has always been a dream of mine. This one is 4 miles away, and at the right starting price for me to build on.
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
11/09/2017 at 20:00, STARS: 2
1972 Datsun 510 Blue Bird - $1500 (Schertz)
thats a lot of work ahead of you..... it looks like it is mostly there, but you might as well find yourself and engine that is still together.
seems a bit much to pay for a basket case. but if it is something you been on after, for a long while this one at least has papers.......
"ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
11/09/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 0
$800 is what I got it to. I would definitely explore an engine swap.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
11/09/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 3
Just remember the cost of the car is relatively insignificant in these types of builds. You’ll be throwing a bunch of money and time at it, but sounds like you’re okay with that, so go for it. Will an LS engine fit in there? :)
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
11/09/2017 at 20:23, STARS: 0
its a tough call....... the proportions of the 2 door, are a little nicer. BUT i cant remember the last time i have even SEEN a 2 door. if you dont need the $800 for life stuff, its not a bad deal, PROVIDED you can do a lot of your own stunts. stunts like engine rebuild, and are able to pull the front section of the car straight again yourself.
$800 is a downright decent deal, but you WILL need to check the front suspension for squareness......
and having a lot of time, and a warm place to work on it is a big must too.......
i would probably take a chance on it......
"ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
11/09/2017 at 20:31, STARS: 0
Yeah, only had 30 minutes of daylight. Going again on Sunday to potentially wrap up the deal. strut towers and front suspension didn’t look out of the ordinary. But I’ll give it more mind next time I’m out to look
I have the extra dough, and a supportive wife.
The 2 door does have better proportions, but they’re unicorns, or already built and $$$$.
Of course it would be a long journey, I’d like it to be black with a KA24E Swap.
"ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
11/09/2017 at 20:32, STARS: 1
you’re right. At $800, my mindset is that it’s relatively low risk.. If I goof it, I can part it out (I’d hate to do that). Overall, I forsee my budget over 1.5 years being ~5k
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/09/2017 at 20:36, STARS: 2
If you don’t do body work, be prepared to learn or pay too much for someone to do it. This is a long road you’re starting down.
"ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
11/09/2017 at 20:48, STARS: 1
yeah, I haven’t had to do bodywork, but I’m willing to pick it up the best I can. Definitely not looking to do a complete restoration.
More or less, straightening it out, getting a new fender, and have a car I can blast around in.
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
11/09/2017 at 20:48, STARS: 2
that front corner that took the hit looks slightly tweaked...... youll need to pull a tape measure on it, and measure the front suspension for square. measure it from some point a ways back...... its not the end of the world. its just something that will take some time and patience to put back to square. youll more than likely not need too much more than some jacks, and come alongs, and some hammers to put it back..... but look into what you will need to do before you get started....
and that would be a very fun car when you get it moving......
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/09/2017 at 20:55, STARS: 1
My dad did the “straightening out as best you can” thing on his Trofeo. Worked well enough. But honestly, if you’re not doing a restoration and just want a funky beater, I don’t think this thing is a good value. But it’s not my opinion that counts, of course. It’s yours. Good luck!
"ShiftyMcGrifty" (ShiftyMcGrifty)
11/09/2017 at 21:08, STARS: 1
Thanks, definitely understand the perspective. For clarification, definitely not in it just for a funky beater, I’ve wanted a 510 ever since I’ve seen one. Any other car, and the value proposition wouldn’t be there for me.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/09/2017 at 21:10, STARS: 1
Ah, that’s the missing piece. Well, have at it and keep us posted.
"vicali" (vicali)
11/09/2017 at 21:31, STARS: 1
Looks like fun, don’t rush it and enjoy the fix- that’s what I would do..
"Berang" (berang)
11/09/2017 at 22:26, STARS: 1
My two cents: the 510 is one of the most ridiculously over-glorified cars these days. Now you might think it’s great too, and that’s fine. But that means parts are expensive. So even if you buy the hype, it’s going to be expensive to get parts for. What you have there, is basically a parts car.
"Wagon Guy drives a Boostang" (gimmeboost)
11/09/2017 at 23:34, STARS: 1
Your photo isn’t actually a 510 2-door. It’s a Bluebird Coupe, only sold in Japan...
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
11/10/2017 at 04:27, STARS: 0
I’ve made worse decisions ;) go for it. Might be a while before you drive it, but it’ll teach you tons of stuff that’ll be useful elsewhere.
"Tareim - V8 powered" (tareimgaml)
11/10/2017 at 04:44, STARS: 0
sounds like the perfect starting point for an RB swap
"Die-Trying" (die-trying)
11/10/2017 at 16:55, STARS: 0
okay, yes.......
i will admit i am not an authority on 510/bluebird datsuns. and i may have mistaken the japan ONLY bluebird coupe for a states imported 510 2 door version.......
my point having been though, “you really wanna spend time on a 4 door or hold out for the 2 door nea impossible to find version”......
and most importantly....... yes, you are right. good catch..... but you got to admit, its a nice looking car.......
"Wagon Guy drives a Boostang" (gimmeboost)
11/10/2017 at 17:52, STARS: 1
Oh it is. I know I guy in Fort Worth who had one for a while, though he gets easily bored with cars, so he sold it after only a year or two.