the new guy in ratsun

[tomagatchi559]

hi ratsun community allow me to introduce myself my name is tommy san im 19 years old turn 20 in november 1st 2010 born and raised fresno california im still young but i love oldschool datsun the reason why i join ratsun is because i love datsun (obviously) my dad had 1 and most of my uncles also, i also want to learn more about datsun mainly 510 i dont own 1 now but im saving up for 1 in fresno its rare to see datsun and if we do see 1 its beat up, sitting on the curb to rust, or in the junk yard just being useless junk, i want to be the guy with the clean ass datsun in my city and hopefully with the support and help by ratsun i will reach my dream goal thanks for reading

[Guest DatsuNoob]

Cherry pop! welcome!

[Guest DatsuNoob]

Lots of good info here man. Here's a few helpful tips that will ensure a new member's success here at Ratsun. Always use the search bar (or google search, much easier) to get FAQ info (sometimes helpful when starting threads too), post lots of oics, be willing to help and be helped, have a good attitude. Looking forward to seeing some oics of that ol truck of yours.

[jefe de jefes]

Welcome Tommy San.

[tomagatchi559]

thanks for the welcome n the tips appreciated

[ggzilla]

in fresno its rare to see datsun and if we do see 1 its beat up, sitting on the curb to rust

 

We should bring our shiny Datsuns to fresno and trade them for Ratsun gold.

[datzenmike]

hi ratsun community allow me to introduce myself my name is tommy san im 19 years old turn 20 in november 1st 2010 born and raised fresno california im still young but i love oldschool datsun the reason why i join ratsun is because i love datsun (obviously) my dad had 1 and most of my uncles also, i also want to learn more about datsun mainly 510 i dont own 1 now but im saving up for 1 in fresno its rare to see datsun and if we do see 1 its beat up, sitting on the curb to rust, or in the junk yard just being useless junk, i want to be the guy with the clean ass datsun in my city and hopefully with the support and help by ratsun i will reach my dream goal thanks for reading

 

The following is written by Julian (okayfine on The 510 Realm) in the Dime Quarterly

 

 

Suggestions for New 510 Owners!

 

 

You’ve just bought your first 510. You’re very excited, in fact you’re geeked. You can’t wait to get home and start stripping the car for paint, to start turning wrenches and yank that ol’ L-series out of the way. What’s the next step after parking that 510 in your driveway for the first time? This article is meant as a guide to the new 510 owner, exploring the common wisdom of how to and how not to tackle and tame the excitement finally buying a 510 brings. Many of the suggestions that follow also apply to the 510 owner who has stepped up to the purchase of a swapped 510. The learning curve begins anew with the introduction of EFI, ECUs, and the other assorted bits common in a modern, swapped 510.

 

Service Manuals

The first thing a 510 owner should purchase after their 510 is a service manual. Many of the basic questions are answered in the various service manuals and having that information readily available gets the new owner to begin learning, researching, and developing mechanical skills on their own. For new owners of swapped 510s, purchasing the Nissan factory service manual covering the specific year of the engine swap is vital.

 

I very much recommend the "How To Keep Your Datsun Alive" book written by Colim Messer and published by John Muir Publications. For stock mechanicals nothing surpasses it. It isn't common these days, being out of print, however they can still be found for reasonable amounts of money to this day and, even at $40, it is easily worth double that to a new 510 owner. Sadly, this book doesn't tackle the electrical side of things, so another reference book with electrical troubleshooting and a wiring diagram will be necessary.

 

How to Keep Your Datsun L-Series-Z-Series Nissan Alive

ISBN: 031764890X

 

Other recommended 510 books are listed on the DQ web site:

http://tinyurl.com/510books

 

Service manuals are available for viewing at http://www.datsun510.com.

 

Wiring Diagrams

A wiring diagram for your year and transmission type is also a vital purchase, one which should accompany or quickly follow the purchase of a service manual. Some service manuals such as the factory service manual and the Haynes book include a black-and-white diagram that is laid out across the page spread. This will work in a pinch, but is difficult to read in the best of conditions. Currently Paolo Musante offers up a mammoth 22” x 34” laminated wiring diagram, or a “standard” 11” x 17” version.

 

http://tinyurl.com/Paolowiring

 

Contact Paolo at paolo@cedarcomm.com or 360-657-2700.

 

The Dime, Quarterly Newsletter

DQ is the only technical 510 newsletter going. Over the 12 years of its publication it has covered many pertinent topics to a depth not commonly seen in other club newsletters. DQ articles are well-written and clearly photographed/illustrated. DQ continues to publish at a high level and has evolved as 510s have evolved. DQ publishes four times a year in January, April, July, and October. The January issue includes an 11” x 17” color calendar. DQ subscribers also have access to recent digital versions of the newsletter via the website. At $15 per year it is a bargain.

 

The DQ backissues collection is also strongly recommended. As noted above, much has already been covered by DQ and that information is often referenced on the Bluebirds maillist.

 

http://www.dimequarterly.com

 

The Internet: Maillists and Forums

The internet changed 510 ownership as no other technology has. The Bluebirds maillist has been running since the early ‘90s. Anything a new 510 owner is likely to encounter or consider has been discussed ten different ways on the Bluebirds list. The Bluebirds archive is a valuable searching tool to help new owners research their questions. The list members of the Bluebirds span lifetime 510 owners, infamous personalities, and lurkers galore, but with a focus on 510 knowledge and high signal-to-noise ratios, it is a very valuable reference for recent and long-standing 510 owners alike.

 

There are many, many 510-related forums on the internet. Some are focused more on a specific region, some on a specific style of modification, and some are sub-forums of Nissan forums or industry magazines. With the abundance of choice, a suitable match of content and style can easily be found. Recommended as an established and well-rounded 510 forum is The 510 Realm. The 510 Realm also features a usable search engine.

 

A suggestion after registering for the Bluebird list or any forum is to lurk for a while. Spend a few months reading current posts to see how registered members interact and share. Each group has a different style. Once you’ve acquainted yourself with the Bluebird’s list or one of the 510-centric forums, introduce yourself and post a couple pictures of your car. Everyone subscribed to the Bluebirds list or the forum you’re on are car geeks and want to see your car whether it’s a basket case or a previously-restored SR20DET monster.

 

When you do post a problem or question to the internet, ensure you’re providing as much information as possible. Whether you have a problem or question, the more information you provide the better and more directed the response you’ll receive. If you’ve got a problem keeping your L16 idling and you provide a comprehensive summary of what, when, where, and how and also detail the steps you’ve taken to diagnose and/or troubleshoot the issue, the responses you receive won’t be filled with questions regarding what, when, where, and how and won’t contain the basic diagnostic steps common to your problem. If you’re posting about an issue you can’t figure out, that’s what the internet is for; asking spark plug gap measurement or the torque measurement for the front hub is what a service manual is for.

 

Bluebirds Maillist instructions:

http://tinyurl.com/ytoulu

 

The 510 Realm website:

http://www.the510realm.com

 

Don’t Get In Over Your Head

It is easy to get excited about buying a 510. Don’t let that excitement blind you to the true condition of the car you are considering. Research what you should know when you go to look at a car. The 510, like all cars, has particular trouble spots. In addition to that, assess your own skills and consider them when looking at a 510. You won’t satisfy your urge to have a 510 if you can’t fix the car you buy. Don’t rely on the internet to fix your car for you.

 

If the car is not running (or has issues running reliably), do you have the knowledge and tools to set about diagnosing the problem and rectifying it? Buying a non-running car is always a gamble and for the first-time 510 owner may not be worth the “savings” versus what a running car will cost. That savings could quickly be eaten up by downtime, parts cost, and intervention by a mechanic if it is discovered that the car has problems beyond your ability to repair. If the car isn’t running it isn’t possible to check many of the systems of the car and you’ll have to take the word of the seller as to the condition.

 

A running 510 is the best option, obviously. A new 510 owner can come to terms with the car on their terms, and can gain familiarity with the car’s mechanical and electrical systems over time via small improvement projects. As knowledge is gained and diagnosing skills are refined, bigger issues/problems/modifications will be easier to tackle.

 

Now, with the research and information angles taken care of, what should be the next step along the path of 510 ownership? Overflowing enthusiasm notwithstanding, a big project should be the last thing on your mind.

 

Keep It Alive

A new 510 owner will inevitably find himself dreaming of glorious SR20DET power, four-wheel coilovers, big brakes, and a custom interior. Sadly, these grand dreams most often end in a parted-out project. This isn’t always due to a lack of time or money, but is almost always due to a lack of planning and a lack of ability.

 

Every 510 will need some work. Some cars will need more work than others. A new 510 shouldn’t be immediately thrust into a project, especially if the owner is new to 510s himself. Take time to take stock of the car. What does the car need to be a reliable driver? Does it need work just to turn over the engine? Does it have rust? Will it drive at all? While keeping engine swap plans in the background, focus on making the car reliable. An engine swap is a large project in itself, it will be made much more difficult if there are issues with the base 510 prior to the swap.

 

While learning about the stock 510 mechanicals (and helped by the “How To Keep Your Datsun Alive” book), new 510 owners will begin to develop their mechanical skills. Troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of parts is what makes a mechanic; simply whipping out a credit card and throwing parts at the problem does not. Ownership of a 510 without mechanical abilities is not an issue as they will be developed over the course of 510 ownership. Attempting to own a 510 without a desire to develop mechanical abilities is a mistake.

 

Retain “Old” Parts

There will come a time when a new 510 owner will look to upgrade parts of his 510. This is not only expected, it is practically a requirement. The wisdom here is to not throw out functional “old” parts that are being changed for upgrades. Datsun parts are becoming harder and harder to come by and 510 ownership takes so many twists and turns one can never say, “I will never need these bumper overriders, I’m removing them and tossing them in the trash.”

 

Someone will always need the parts being thrown away. Maybe not today, maybe not next year, but the parts situation is dire enough to guarantee someone will have a need for “old” parts. Whether that turns into a money-making opportunity or a barter situation depends on the part and the condition, but “old” parts will always have some value to someone.

 

And that someone may be the owner offering up the parts. Taking a stock 510 and turning it into a resto-mod, swapped 510 may result in a pile of stock parts that are “worthless.” However, it may come to pass that the resto-mod 510 gets sold and possession is taken of another 510 closer to stock that needs those “worthless” parts. Paying again for parts thrown away in haste will have a bitter taste.

 

Plan Major Projects

All major restorations and modifications of 510s are finished in part because the owner had a solid plan. DQ has begun showing subscribers some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes in to a successful 510 project with the “Reader’s Project” series of articles. It takes a lot of research to determine the desired modifications and even the best type of car to start from. From there, acquiring all the necessary parts is a project in itself, whether shelling out the cash gets them delivered or welding steel creates them in the garage. If the owner cannot perform all the modifications himself, a serious questioning of the plan should be undertaken. It is a helpless feeling to stare at a 510 project in the garage, immobile because of someone else’s timetable.

 

The more prepared the owner is, the greater the chance of ultimate success. Even if the owner finds himself waiting for parts to be delivered or fabricated, following the mantra of “Just Do Something” will keep the project rolling, if somewhat slower than originally anticipated. Budgets will be exceeded, timelines will be pushed out, concepts will change over time. Being prepared for these things will help reduce their impact on a project.

 

However, if the basics aren’t taken care of, a fun project will become a pain, and only masochists like pain. Any major project will need the research done and parts purchased or fabricated, but it will also need a place to work on the car long-term, the understanding of all involved (be they parents, girlfriends, wives), the time to work on the car, and owner motivation to see the project completed successfully.

[paradoxx]

welcome, and definitely you'll make your dream come true here! step by step.

[tomagatchi559]

<br />We should bring our shiny Datsuns to fresno and trade them for Ratsun gold.<br />

<br /><br /><br /> yea u should n make them honda n acura guys say "man i want 1 of those" LOL

[tomagatchi559]

thank 4 the tip datzenmike n thanks paradoxx im really lovin the vibe

[Skib]

Ratsun's a good place to be, prob 90% of us all know each other and hang out or have at least met at shows.

 

I personally try to meet and hang out with as many Ratsuners as I can when Im on the road.

 

its a nice tight community :cool:

[tomagatchi559]

<br />Ratsun's a good place to be, prob 90% of us all know each other and hang out or have at least met at shows. <br /><br />I personally try to meet and hang out with as many Ratsuners as I can when Im on the road.<br /><br />its a nice tight community  <img src='http://community.ratsun.net/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':cool:' /><br />

i can tell n i love it other website like this people are usually stuck up do no t give good information or hate RATSUN.NET #1!!!!!!

[paradoxx]

Ratsun's a good place to be, prob 90% of us all know each other and hang out or have at least met at shows.

 

I personally try to meet and hang out with as many Ratsuners as I can when Im on the road.

 

its a nice tight community :cool:

 

I only personally know one ratsun member :( someday I'll fly to CA, maybe next year or who know at the end of this one!

[tomagatchi559]

<br />I only personally know one ratsun member <img src='http://community.ratsun.net/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' /> someday I'll fly to CA, maybe next year or who know at the end of this one!<br />

we should have a thread for the new people maybe we could find people who are close by n help each other out... just an idea lol

[datzenmike]

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/1666-ratsun-members-map/

 

Totally voluntary if worried about zombies or stalkers..

[paradoxx]

we should have a thread for the new people maybe we could find people who are close by n help each other out... just an idea lol

 

Im in the map that Mike posted, but I like some thousand miles away, almost in the middle of the continent :P

[tomagatchi559]

<br />Im in the map that Mike posted, but I like some thousand miles away, almost in the middle of the continent <img src='http://community.ratsun.net/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /><br />

oo yea whats the map for i didnt know what it is

[Migi]

Im in the map that Mike posted, but I like some thousand miles away, almost in the middle of the continent :P

 

So u saw the map, did u find a little country called finland :rolleyes:

 

ps: we dont have polarbears or eskimos here :D

[Skib]

So u saw the map, did u find a little country called finland :rolleyes:

 

ps: we dont have polarbears or eskimos here :D

 

 

but you do have HIM and Suomenlinna :lol:

[metalmonkey47]

Welcome to Ratsun

 

Were here to support you bud, so feel free to ask away and hopefully, you'll be sitting in your new (ish) 510 soon :)

[tomagatchi559]

thanks metalmonkey n 240 appreciate it

[tomagatchi559]

i ment 280 oops sorry

[tomagatchi559]

hey everybody give me about 3 to 6 weeks i will get a datsun i promise just need to save up

[74datsun620]

Welcome to Ratsun!!!!!!!:cool:

[Thehieb]

FRESNO!!