Hello New to the Datsun 510

[IrwinSpecial]

I've been thinking for awhile to purchase a Datsun 510. I am currently stationed in  Belle Chasse, LA, and have found one I might be interested in. 72 Datsun 510  and I would like to know anything I really need to check out and if this is relatively a good deal? 

[izzo]

That's a good price. Check for rust everywhere, ERRAWHERE.... Sub frame batt tray quarters trunk rockers etc.

Take a look at the wiring make sure its not cut all up. Can be replaced tho so not a deal breaker.

[DatMo]

Rust is your biggest enemy for sure.

make sure you know info on the car and aware of any frame damage.

[racerx]

ask for clean title, if seller says rebuilt engine as for receipts, pull the rug under the driver and passenger and check for rust, check for compression. check tire well area, when you test drive don't turn on radio and listen carefully, take it freeway and hills to see how it respond..good luck.

[Bradinnes]

Check for body work on that one. looks to have a beat up front valance and the front bumper is dented and maybe twisted from the picture. That spells accident or 2 in the past. If there's a lot of dents and what not that have been hidden with bondo( body filler) then the price should reflect that. I also second izzo's recommendation. Check everywhere, especially up under the fenders and rear quarters. Good luck.

[IrwinSpecial]

Okay I will and thanks I might be able to check it out this weekend depending, But I will make sure I know everything on it and check everything before I make the purchase. 

[datzenmike]

by J. Searls:

 

The latest DQ hit my mailbox this afternoon. In it is an article I wrote regarding suggestions for new 510 owners. This is a culmination of suggestions from the BB list and The Realm and, hopefully, will serve new owners well. It will eventually be linked on the DQ home page, but I felt it should also be posted here (and on the BB list) as it is that sort of information. So, herein I present to you: 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

Factory Service manuals are available for viewing at http://www.tinyurl.com/the510archives

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.

Alternatively, Kelvin Dietz has generously given permission to distribute his original color wiring diagram. Specifically for a late two-door sedan with manual trans, it's way better than any of the factory diagrams. Available from The 510 Archives here:

510 Wiring Diagram: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByCvxnH ... dit?pli=1#

Bill Fant has also been generous and allowed me to host his simplified start/charging diagrams:

https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0ByCvx ... t0M28/edit

The Dime, Quarterly Newsletter
DQ was the last 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 ended publication in mid-2012.

The DQ backissues collection is strongly recommended. Much has been covered by DQ and that information is current and not going out of date quickly. Many printed issues are still available, but DQ has made the complete backissue collection available in .PDF format at The 510 Archives.

DQ has transitioned from its old website to the DQ blog - http://www.dimequarterly.blogspot.com. There you'll find some online versions of past articles.

The Dime, Quarterly @ The 510 Archives:
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0ByCvx ... 1YjU1/edit

All issues of UFO Reports and of FiveTen Again are also available at The 510 Archives:
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0ByCvx ... RjMGU5MjUz


The Internet: Forums
The internet changed 510 ownership as no other technology has. 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 weeks 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. Every other member is also a car geek and wants 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.

Help Us Help You - A Novice Mechanic's Guide To Asking For Help: http://the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16460

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.

What To Look For When Buying A 510: http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10023

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 sold 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 showed 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.

How To Plan A Project: http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13589

What's one common major project? Engine swap. Which Engine Should You Run? viewtopic.php?f=31&t=25405

[jser12]

Datzenmike basically sums it up.... man knows his shit. 
impatience and rust are your biggest enemies.

[ArchetypeDatsun]

Best of luck on the purchase looks great not a bad price either, mike covered it up like a glove now get yourself a Datto!

[devilsbullet]

check out why the hood aint sitting right. looks to be not bolted down in the back, or just set on there. could just be a matter of a few bolts, or it could be that the hinges are gone. i'd also be a bit wary about the nickel plated rotors. if you can, check for plate flaking off, you should be able to tell pretty easily if shiny shit is flaking all over the place. this means whoever plated it got poor adhesion, and that plating is essentially worthless.  if it worked, its nice, but in my experience anything other than mild steel is a bitch to get good adhesion on with nickel plating.

[qwik510]

That car has been for sale for many months. You gotta ask yourself why?

 

At $3K obo, it should have been gone the first week. 

 

Do a serious check for rust. 

[datzenmike]

check out why the hood aint sitting right. looks to be not bolted down in the back, or just set on there. could just be a matter of a few bolts, or it could be that the hinges are gone. i'd also be a bit wary about the nickel plated rotors. if you can, check for plate flaking off, you should be able to tell pretty easily if shiny shit is flaking all over the place. this means whoever plated it got poor adhesion, and that plating is essentially worthless.  if it worked, its nice, but in my experience anything other than mild steel is a bitch to get good adhesion on with nickel plating.

Crossed drilled rotors are so 70s. This is totally not needed and even scarier, may have been done by a misguided owner with a hand drill so it 'looks cool'. Nickle plated???? I don't get that at all, the pads are gong to grind that off anyway. Air filter is no improvement and would be better drawing fresh cool air from in front of rad.

[jrock4224]

datsun mike with the copy and pasting :rofl: ....... they have covered it but most of us would buy a rusty bucket anyway .......afterall cuz datsun ....right?

[Komeuppance]

$3k... LOL... seriously, that's just ridiculous.

 

-Robert

[The Taterhead]

You could probably find one better in the pnw for that price but it would be hard to do down here. That rear qr is screwed so check the trunk as well. Good luck.

[yellowdatsun]

If it runs, the only thing I'd be concerned about is rust. It's the only thing that's not easily fixable.

[bananahamuck]

With just a quick glance you can probably expect charging system problem ,, cuz with an average wintertime temp of what,, 65-70 degrees that orange cord aint hooked to no block heater..

[CorAce]

I wouldn't nit-pick to much on a forty year old car, your going to have rust in any vintage unrestored vehicle. Just make sure its not beyond repair or more over your ability to repair or pay for repair. If that's even what you want to do, A lot of guys just drive them rusty hence the forums name. Old cars can have problems if not maintained and if this cat is selling its probably got some issues that he doesn't want to mess with. Most people will disclose what was on their to-do list if you ask. It looks for the most part to be fairly unmolested, make sure any drive train and suspension mods where done well and safe to be on the road. Other than that its a Datsun and will need some work so have some money set aside after the purchases price to fix any unforeseen problems, I recommend about $500. I would pay $2500 all day long for what you can see in the picks. The engine rebuild, ZX coilovers & stainless exhaust (3" is to big) would have set you back around 2k on its own.

 

Good luck.

[jrock4224]

With just a quick glance you can probably expect charging system problem ,, cuz with an average wintertime temp of what,, 65-70 degrees that orange cord aint hooked to no block heater..

maybe hes just got a couple 400 foot cords hooked together for around town driving....or maybe cuz hybrid?

[yellowdatsun]

I keep my cars and motorcycles on battery tenders. Doesn't mean the batteries are bad or the charging system is broke.

[Ratwagon1600]

Dafuc is that air filter ?

 

Apart from that, read the article DM has posted as it pretty much covers everything.

[datzenmike]

Yeah since the 3" exhaust is on there you're stuck with it. Any owner that would run that WOULD cross drill his rotors. From what's shown that's an ok price... after all you have to start somewhere.