I thought the title was funny because of the reference to Bluebird. But then I realized, I dont think the 510 is a Bluebird, or maybe only in Japan, but who cares. So… this is my Datsun 510 Project Car. First thing everyone wants to know is why? What engine are you going to put in it? Why did you buy a sedan instead of a coupe? Here is the deal… Basically this is the first time I am buying a car not for business, not to make parts for it, and not to be different. This is my “throw back” car to build on a budget for fun. Recently at a local car show here in Scottsdale, Arizona, I saw a widebody gray coupe that made my jaw drop. I have seen these before and always thought they would be super fun to have. I had NO idea about the cult following of these cars. So perusing the Craigslist App on my iPhone, I came across this bute for $1800. How could you go wrong with $1800?
The car had virtually no rust with only a small portion in the trunk. The bushings were shot and the interior needed some love. But what could I expect for a car from 1972! So here is the plan… I have put a budget of $2000 on this thing to make it look good, drive well, and grab some eyes without dropping serious coin. We have so far been sturdy on the budget. We upgraded the front suspension and brakes to the 280zx from a parts car ($150). Ksport hooked us up with some 280z front coilovers that were used and we modified them with custom hats to fit. This also included the rear spring and adjuster perch ($500). I ordered all new driveline bushings and suspension bushings ($100ish). I had to have some look to it so I also ordered a BRE style front lip spoiler and fender flares ($220). The car is going to get some bodywork an exterior repaint in flat orange. This way we will not have to do door jams, trunk, under of hood, etc. All chrome trim will be flat black. Got the hook up at $500. Along with some other random things, we are at about $1700 spent in parts. We still got to redo the interior, drop in a radio, and touch up some other features on the car. So I think we will be closer to $3000. So here is where we are at now…
Stay tuned to our Project Datsun 510 Blog and view all our photos on the 510 Gallery Here.
I know it would be going over budget buttt….. put an ls6 in it, you can get them from GM with everything inc wiring harness for like 8k delivered, we just put one in a 944 and it dynoed in at 440rwhp with no motor mods, its probably the funnest car I have ever driven, prob not the fastest/coolest/etc but definitely the funnest
but even if you don’t, that’s an awesome project, nice to see someone doing something that isn’t the newest “fast” car
Dude that is awesome!! Glad to see you going old school. I got my 73 Rx3 sitting in my garage and haven’t touched it. No money lol… But its always awesome to have a older car, every one will always complement them.
engine wise, just get an upgrade carb, new clutch/light weight fly and you should have a blast in that car. Hope to see more on it.
I’ve been looking all over for a 510. Where’d you get it? I can only seem to find them out in the West.
Craigslist. There is one local to me for cheap if interested – https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/2002188020.html