Datsun 510 Restoration Blog

*Note: Feel free to visit the links in the header to view pictures of my projects thus far!*

So I've decided to throw together a couple of quick websites and a blog about my Datsun Projects. I've been restoring cars since High School, working on a Chevelle Super Sport and my beater Camaro. A friend of mine drove a 510 and it was a sweet little car, so I decided to pick one up and avoid Smog Checks.

The first one was Lil' Red. I didn't do too much to it, as it was in great shape to start. I got into an accident and had to rebuild the front end. Welding, hammering, bondo, paint, and some mechanical repairs (I didn't know it had electronic ignition until AFTER I fixed everything else). I sold it right before heading to Europe and my crack pot dream of becoming a bootlegger in Scandinavia.

Last summer I picked up another 510 Wagon (the White Witch) and have been restoing it ever since.

So far I've:
- replaced the head, camshaft, valves, rockers, and the gaskets/seals that go along with that.
- tuned and serviced the carburetors.
- replaced the timing gears, chain, and tensioner. Cleaned and sealed all associated parts.
- Stripped the interior completely. Neutralized all rust and undercoated the sheet metal on the floor pans and the door panels.
- Sound proofed the interior.
- Replaced the carpet in the rear hatch area (will replace the passenger area carpet soon)
- Reworked the exterior body panels, bondoed, primered and prepped where necessary.
- Replaced front and rear brakes.

I hope to:
- Finish the interior
- Put rear disc brakes and new suspension on the rear end.
- Swap the stock L16 engine with a Ka24DE fuel injected engine.
- Swap the transmission.
- Fix any electrical issues that arise.
- Add a stereo at some point as AM radio is only good during Baseball season.