Moparman
Moparman HalfDork
4/15/12 11:51 a.m.

I have been looking through old magazines and photographs and I am beginning to fall in love aaian with the Datsun 510. I am going on 45 years old and I live in NE PA. Is there something wrong with me?

JFX001
JFX001 UltraDork
4/15/12 11:59 a.m.

Close to the same age...great little cars, fun, good mpg. Check out the Ratsun Board. Unfortunately, most have returned to the earth in our part of the world.

BoxheadTim
BoxheadTim GRM+ Memberand UberDork
4/15/12 12:01 p.m.

Even the CA/OR/NV ones are getting pretty rusty, and a good one is going to cost some serious money.

carzan
carzan HalfDork
4/15/12 12:02 p.m.

Yeah, selling my 2dr 4spd '69 510 years ago was not one of my smarter moves...

oldeskewltoy
oldeskewltoy HalfDork
4/15/12 12:04 p.m.
Moparman wrote: I have been looking through old magazines and photographs and I am beginning to fall in love aaian with the Datsun 510. I am going on 45 years old and I live in NE PA. Is there something wrong with me?

NOT AT ALL!

Find an understanding body guy who can work with you. When I was in the Poconos I "found" Tom Augustine (Pocono Automotive Detailing 2005 and earlier) I would give him my Corolla and $400-$500 each year. He would dig into the car and repair the areas before they got bad! I'd do this every year... I viewed it as maintenance that was beyond me, and well worthwhile.

510 - pre 70 uses unique W/W system... parts are VERY hard to find. My desire was to run 3/4" box/bubble flairs, an SR20 DE with the S15 6 speed. The 280ZX brake upgrade, and the aftermarket rear suspension alignment correction kit.

Good luck... and once again... there is NOTHING wrong with you

carguy123
carguy123 PowerDork
4/15/12 2:02 p.m.

Keep in mind unless you add them on you'll lose a lot of creature comforts we take for granted nowadays.

You'll need more power since the first wasn't all that powerful (as today's cars). You'll also want a better air conditioner.

AND LET'S NOT FORGET, YOU'LL NEED ELEVENTEEN CUP HOLDERS!

Moparman
Moparman HalfDork
4/15/12 2:03 p.m.

In reply to JFX001:

That most of them have bio-degraded in our area is why I am thinkimg it is a foolish dream. I would need to get rid of my 84 Charger 2.2 (with much welded floors) and an 89 (red) Shelby Dakota (currently being painted) before I get another car. My wife is pushing me to go two-wheel and build a cafe racer. What a girl!!!

Teh E36 M3
Teh E36 M3 Dork
4/15/12 2:11 p.m.

You should check out the '82 Virago cafe from the latest Motorcycle Classics. So cool.

But yeah, I like 510's

4g63t
4g63t HalfDork
4/15/12 2:47 p.m.

I wrenched Yamahas in 1982. It's why I have an ELR 99same shop) wretched carbs and starters.

Moparman
Moparman HalfDork
4/15/12 2:54 p.m.

In reply to carguy123:

Lets see, with the exception of my 07 Dakota tow vehicle, I drive an 84 Charger 2.2 (no a/c, manual windows, 5-speed, etc.) two 89 Shelby Dakota's (they have A/C, but that's about it). and a DOHC 99 Neon coupe with crank up windows. I am not a creature comfort kind of guy. The most luxurios car in my household is my wife's 2011 Impreza Outback Sport. It has many features, but at least she drives a 5-speed.

Moparman
Moparman HalfDork
4/15/12 2:56 p.m.

In reply to Teh E36 M3:

Not trying to turn this into a post which belongs on Sprockets, but I would rather do a Yamaha XS. I know of an XS360 near Philly. I just hate bringing cash when answering Craigslist ads to places far away from my home.

HappyAndy
HappyAndy Dork
4/15/12 5:02 p.m.
Teh E36 M3 wrote: You should check out the '82 Virago cafe from the latest Motorcycle Classics. So cool. But yeah, I like 510's

I'm astounded! I had no idea that something cool could be made from a Virago.

qdseeker
qdseeker Reader
4/18/12 12:26 p.m.
Moparman wrote: Is there something wrong with me?

Nope!

I'm 42 and still buying parts to finish up my first generation Honda Civic.

And I certainly don't worry about creature comforts. I have heat for the winter. That's good enough for me.

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