View Full Version : Micro-touring? Bluebird build...
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 01:45 PM
Don't really have a catchy name for this project, but I do have a sweet Illustrator rendering... :yum:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
When I got the car it was basically stock. Don't have any pics of it then, but this will give you an idea...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
As soon as it got home I dropped the rear 2" and the front 3" and put on some better wheels. Very light 3pc Epsilons 16x7 and 16x7.5...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I have many big plans for it, and it should come together fairly quickly. Step one was ordering some 17x8 wheels for a more stylish look. And since I wanted something to show off the brakes better, I went with these...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I think they are a good combination of old school flavor in a new school size. Sort of akin to 18" Torq-Thrusts. :yum:
But anyone who knows me knows what a wheel-whore I am so if you hate those, just wait six months... :razz:
BIG brakes will be a must. I've already swapped from the tiny stock 9" solid rotors and wimpy calipers for some 10" vented rotors and beefier calipers from a 280ZX Turbo. Eventually I'll be running 11" rear rotors with 2-piston Wilwood calipers and 12" front rotors with Wilwood 4-pistons. A good friend of mine is using monster 13" rotors from a Corvette (over 1" thick!) so I may confer with him about how his was done and do mine the same. Again, it's a 2000 pound car, so going too big is really more just for show.
Current engine choice will be a CA18DET. For those not familiar with Nissan engine nomenclature this is a DOHC 1.8L turbocharged engine. Stock it makes 175hp. Mine should make 200+ whp right out of the box, with the potential for 250-275 with some tweaks (bigger turbo, injectors, MAF, etc.). In a 2000 pound car it should have a very good power-to-weight ratio. Even though I have a 4.11 LSD diff for the car, at 225+whp traction will be a bit "limited". :smoke:
This engine has the benefit of being roughly the same size and weight of the stock engine so handling dynamics shouldn't be greatly effected. Here's what it looks like in a Datsun...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/2edmao3-1.jpg
Outside mods will be fairly limited as I like the stock lines and trim. I will add a front chin spoiler with built-in brake-cooling ducts...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/bre510spookprototype_pv-1.jpg
This is kind of the look I'm going for but in a more understated color. Will definitely run the smoked Hella headlights like he did, and the same grill (more room for an intercooler)...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I will add some more pics as I go along... :smoke:
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 01:55 PM
Still can't decide on outside color yet. Inside is black now and will probably stay black. Outside with either be silver/charcoal with black or gunmetal center wheels, or it will be cream white with gold or black center wheels.
Example of combo 1...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Combo 2...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
And yes, the "Hammer" is what made me fall in love with pro-touring cars in the first place... :)
Mr.VENGEANCE
03-29-2009, 01:56 PM
Nice!
its crazy.. i go to Japan 2 times a year and i meet up with these old datsun club guys out there.. some BAD ASS cars ive seen.. one of them is this shop car called Common Snapper and its a white 73 Z flared and bad to the bone.. just from messing around with those guys for so long i almost picked up a 78 Celica with the smiley bumpers.. but it looked so much like my 2 67 camaros so i decided not to..
if i could i would build an old skyline..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
or a celica like this..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/130_0902_14_zjapanese_classic_car_showce-1.jpg
you should check out these mags i get out there too..
Lightning Vintage Auto.
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 02:11 PM
if i could i would build an old skyline..
Me too, but the Bluebird was a little easier to find. Price is damn near the same though... :razz:
you should check out these mags i get out there too.. Lightning Vintage Auto.
Got every issue. :woot:
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 03:52 PM
And after looking at another thread, I REALLY want to do something like this...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Restomod
03-29-2009, 04:41 PM
I wanna know where you even found a Blue forsale??????????????????????????????????????? I looked all over hell and couldnt hardly even find a normal 510 2dr!!!!!
TonyL
03-29-2009, 05:10 PM
i had one of these bad boys when i was active duty. It was a JDM import, even had wheels like this one. GOD i loved that car. My ex wife killed it. Rearended a pickup truck. =(
1973 SR5 Corolla.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/130_0709_01_z1974_toyota_corolla_sr5fron-1.jpg
So I feel ya! Sweet project and cant wait to see it come together!
srh3trinity
03-29-2009, 06:01 PM
Datsun produced some cars with nice lines. This thread has some very cool cars in it. This is my favorite Datsun. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2978513
I love these old Japanese cars. Very cool cars to me.
protour_chevelle
03-29-2009, 06:11 PM
I want to do a twin turbo LS in one of those SOOO BAD.
Can never find one of those in canuck land!!
showa
03-29-2009, 07:45 PM
My first new car was a 1973 Corolla w/1600cc Hemi....You guys are killing me with these cars.....
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 07:57 PM
I want to do a twin turbo LS in one of those SOOO BAD.
Man, you wanna talk about 10 pounds of crap in a 5 pound bag... :razz:
A small block Ford with a T5 is a much better fit. You have to cut the hell out of the car to fit an LS in it. I love those engines, but not a fan of cutting into cars.
Especially when a well-built SR20DET can make nearly the same power. :naughty:
Or better yet, start with a 240Z... :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 08:03 PM
I wanna know where you even found a Blue forsale???
Funny story that... :razz:
I shot this car for Super Street Magazine about 18 months ago and offhandedly told the owner "hey if you ever want to sell this give me a call". And then about a year later, he called. :woot:
If you're interested, you can see the Super Street feature here:
http://superstreet.automotive.com/100200/130-0902-1971-datsun-bluebird-coupe-sss/index.html
TonyL
03-29-2009, 08:16 PM
I couldn't resist.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 08:22 PM
Yeah, it totally wasn't low enough... :)
andrewb70
03-29-2009, 08:29 PM
Hotness!
Andrew
protour_chevelle
03-29-2009, 08:32 PM
Man, you wanna talk about 10 pounds of crap in a 5 pound bag... :razz:
A small block Ford with a T5 is a much better fit. You have to cut the hell out of the car to fit an LS in it. I love those engines, but not a fan of cutting into cars.
Especially when a well-built SR20DET can make nearly the same power. :naughty:
Or better yet, start with a 240Z... :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Thats half the fun! I enjoy the Japanese engines, but I have a deadly picture in my head of how I would lay it all out hahah
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 08:36 PM
Thats half the fun! I enjoy the japanese engines, but I have a deadly picture in my head of how I would lay it all out hahah
Why not a turbo Ecotec? That would be really fun...
Or even a 4.3L V6. That's a decent fit. :smoke:
Twentyover
03-29-2009, 08:38 PM
OK, I've been kicking around doing the Capri again.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/01/26825230921-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=230921)
After seeing this,I went out and pulled the engine and wiring harness this evening, and will have the engine compartment stripped for refinishing tomorrow night. Probably put a ford 4.0 V6 or a 331 sbf in the place of the frightening factory 2.8L V6. Need to dress the wiring harness first...
Sorry, no more thread hijack
Those wheels Rota B's, Datsunfreak?
datsunfreak
03-29-2009, 08:47 PM
Those wheels Rota B's, Datsunfreak?
Rota RB's, yes. :)
Only company that makes them in a 17"... :doh:
Well, at least the only one that makes a 17" that isn't $3K a set...
Twentyover
03-29-2009, 09:22 PM
Rota RB's, yes. :)
Only company that makes them in a 17"... :doh:
Well, at least the only one that makes a 17" that isn't $3K a set...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/22618178717-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=178717)
PS Engineering out of Torrance- Minilite replicas- these are 17 x 8- now 17 x 9 in the back
One PS claim to fame is the most faithful reproduction of true minilite centers
About $900 an axle.....
TonyL
03-30-2009, 09:51 AM
17s are going to look HUGE on that thing!
datsunfreak
03-30-2009, 04:49 PM
PS Engineering out of Torrance- Minilite replicas- these are 17 x 8- now 17 x 9 in the back
At least now I know where to get wheels when I finally get around to building that Parnelli Jones Trans-Am Mustang clone...
About $900 an axle.....
Ouch. Too close to the price of 3pc Panasports to me. But they are dead sexy...
Perfect for a big Trans-Am car, not for a Datsun...
datsunfreak
03-30-2009, 04:51 PM
17s are going to look HUGE on that thing!
What size are the wheels on the Provair? Should look about the same... :razz:
TonyL
03-30-2009, 05:18 PM
Mine are 17s. And look like 20s in the tiny little fender wells that originally had 13s in them.
TonyL
03-30-2009, 05:31 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC_0427JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC_0149JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/03/DSC_0148JPG-1.jpg
Bigger images here (http://motoringjstyle.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html)
datsunfreak
03-30-2009, 05:38 PM
That car is gorgeous. Every square inch of it. That is the first race car I've ever seen up close that is cleaner than most street/show cars.
Can't believe Jim has the balls to wheel-to-wheel race such a rare car...
terryr
03-30-2009, 08:33 PM
So the Bluebird is a 'sport' version of the 510? Never saw one before.
In High school the guy with the locker beside mine had a 510 that he slowly turned full race. Gutted inside with a cage, really lowered, and a screaming engine. Drove it to school every day.
A guy who married my friends mom brought back a 510 SSS from japan while in the army.[except it was left hand drive somehow] He threw me the keys and I had a blast driving around killing mid level muscle cars.
Then the girl across the lane bought one. I wanted to buy it as a winter car but she sold it before I had the money. $500.
datsunfreak
03-31-2009, 03:43 PM
So the Bluebird is a 'sport' version of the 510?
The SSS package is the "sport version" (offered in Coupes and Sedans in Japan), the Bluebird Coupe is just a different body style that was never exported. All 510s in Japan are called Bluebirds.
Never saw one before.
Unless you hang out at the JCCS, (http://www.japaneseclassiccarshow.com/) you probably never would. :)
There are only 20 or so known to exist in the US and all of them but mine are on the west coast.
The really neat thing about this one is that it was the first one ever imported. It's been in SoCal since 1977. All of the rest came in early-90s and later.
TonyL
03-31-2009, 04:06 PM
Just found me another TE27.... Must.. Resist...Urge...
Guy only wants 1000 bucks for it... It's a SR5... *gulp*...
datsunfreak
03-31-2009, 06:33 PM
Just found me another TE27.... Must.. Resist...Urge...
Guy only wants 1000 bucks for it... It's a SR5... *gulp*...
Do it. Do it.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
datsunfreak
04-07-2009, 05:19 PM
New wheels on, but the front needs to come down at least another inch or so. :smoke:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Now it's time to start working on getting some bigger brakes to fill those big wheels... :)
Nice, its about time someone brought in some imports. You really dont see these little whips around that often if ever. Big fan of the 510s. Keep up the good work.
srh3trinity
04-07-2009, 08:03 PM
It looks great with the new wheels. The lip looks awesome.
Mr.VENGEANCE
04-08-2009, 05:56 AM
niiiiiiice..
6'9"Witha69
04-08-2009, 07:15 AM
Very cool.
PleaseNoSteve
04-08-2009, 05:28 PM
Sweeeeet - love that look
datsunfreak
04-08-2009, 09:01 PM
One more...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Restomod
04-09-2009, 03:33 AM
That looks perfect!! Dont touch a thing!!!
datsunfreak
04-09-2009, 02:14 PM
The stance is growing on me, it might stay... :smoke:
The 17s fill the wheelwells better than the 16s ever did, and this is a very "crappy street friendly" ride height... :twothumbs
Seriously, that looks sick. That is one bad ass ride:yum:
Have you been on NICO club. They have some pretty sweet rides over there.
LMDGUY
04-09-2009, 04:39 PM
Very nicee!!!!
too this day a one of the coolest cars I even rode in was a datsun 510 from Mesa,Az. The guy was a local nissan tech that worked out of a small shop. I remeber the car was turbo'd 5, manual trans, roll bar 4 wheel disc. Car was white with green scallops (it was the early 90's)
andrewb70
04-09-2009, 06:02 PM
Keep up the good work. This is by far my favorite project on this board at the moment!
Andrew
datsunfreak
04-09-2009, 06:11 PM
This is by far my favorite project on this board at the moment!
Wow, never saw that coming... :razz:
datsunfreak
04-09-2009, 06:13 PM
Have you been on NICO club. They have some pretty sweet rides over there.
Yeah, but I like the cars here better... :smoke:
andrewb70
04-09-2009, 06:17 PM
Wow, never saw that coming... :razz:
My daily driver is a 95 Miata. I really love small cars and I think that there are some really neat body styles that made by Japanese car makers in the 70s. Add a modern, turbo engine and you have a very fun little car.
Andrew
datsunfreak
04-10-2009, 04:30 PM
I think that there are some really neat body styles that made by Japanese car makers in the 70s.
Me too. And most of the late 60s/early 70s Datsuns look like smaller versions of Detroit muscle cars...
Add a modern, turbo engine and you have a very fun little car.
That's the plan. :)
Yeah, but I like the cars here better... :smoke:
I agree :enguard:
But, you dont see many 04 Infinity M45s on here.
datsunfreak
04-10-2009, 06:06 PM
But, you dont see many 04 Infinity M45s on here.
No, those are on all the VIP forums... :smoke:
acegto
04-11-2009, 05:03 AM
Love the license plates!
triplecap
04-11-2009, 12:07 PM
Cool project! I'd never even seen or heard of these cars before this thread. I used to have a 70? 510 with a Buick 3.8L turbo V6 & a Muncie M21. That thing was fun... 13 lb's of boost getting rubber going into 4th gear.
datsunfreak
04-12-2009, 04:02 PM
Love the license plates!
Thanks. I'm a little surprised at how often I have to explain them... :razz:
I used to have a 70? 510 with a Buick 3.8L turbo V6 & a Muncie M21.
Pics? :)
justdrive
04-13-2009, 01:32 AM
beautiful car man, i cant wait to see it all come together.
datsunfreak
04-17-2009, 03:19 PM
Picked up a neat piece for it this week...
Got a '73 Bluebird grill from Japan. These have more clearance behind them so there's more room for a front-mounted intercooler. It was poorly painted all black and had the wrong oversized SSS emblem on it. Photo the seller sent me:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
After a quickie respray in the proper color scheme, and swapping on the correct "Supersonic" badge...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
If I put it on tomorrow I'll post another pic...
Since this grill was only made for 4-5 months (the '73 model year was ended in February '73) they are fairly rare. You don't want to know what they cost... :razz:
After I respray the car this summer I'll probably take it apart and have the center section blasted then respray the whole thing with good automotive paint.
ADaughen
04-17-2009, 03:32 PM
It looks much better with your refinish. A clean 510 would be one of the few cars I'd trade the '78 Crusin' Wagon for.
Firehawkslp
04-19-2009, 10:32 AM
Back in the late 80's. There were a couple of guys doing battle at the local auto-X. I think it was c or d street preppared 1 in BMW 2002 w2.0l 5spd, the other in 510 also 2.0l 5spd. Damm they fought hard everyone else was racing for 3rd. Prior to that time Japanese imports got no respect from your truely.
datsunfreak
04-19-2009, 05:45 PM
Popped the grill on today. Not sure how I feel just yet, will need a few days to get used to it...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Yes, I do still need to "adjust" it a bit... :)
andrewb70
04-19-2009, 06:44 PM
The new grill looks good.
Andrew
TonyL
04-19-2009, 09:38 PM
I like the new grill too.
I was in a photoshoppin mood today, so.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
andrewb70
04-20-2009, 08:54 AM
I like the new grill too.
I was in a photoshoppin mood today, so.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I like the lowered stance, but in my opinion, the mirrors need to stay.
Andrew
Damn True
04-20-2009, 09:11 AM
Lower looks better. x2 on the mirrors. Gotta keep 'em.
datsunfreak
04-20-2009, 11:17 AM
Very interesting...
It will definitely be that low when finished. I've gone back and forth on the mirrors a time or two. They are the OEM mirrors in the factory spot, so I should probably keep them, but it looks good without them too.
They tend to make the front a little top heavy, though. Once I get the front chin spoiler on it will hopefully balance it out a bit.
I like the new grill too.
I was in a photoshoppin mood today, so.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
datsunfreak
04-20-2009, 11:28 AM
Here's one with door mirrors (notice he also moved the fender badges for reasons unknown)...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
And this is the sort of chin spoiler I'm planning to run (except mine has brake cooling ducts in it)...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/r0t47p-1.jpg
Damn True
04-20-2009, 12:24 PM
So the BRE chin spoiler then?
Fender mount mirrors are the way to go IMO.
datsunfreak
04-20-2009, 12:43 PM
So the BRE chin spoiler then?
Yes sir. Just figured if I said that no one here would know what I meant... :razz:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/04/bre2_photo0510_image015_lgt-1.jpg
terryr
04-22-2009, 02:06 PM
I just bought one today. And it has a BRE spoiler. It's a Hot Wheels though.
I was walking in the mall and saw a display with a Datsun Bluebird 510, No. 37 in the HWPremiere series. Proportions are a bit off. Accurate chassis.
datsunfreak
04-23-2009, 03:47 PM
I was walking in the mall and saw a display with a Datsun Bluebird 510, No. 37 in the HWPremiere series. Proportions are a bit off. Accurate chassis.
I thought for a 510 sedan, the proportions were decent. There's never been a really good die-cast done of one, at least outside Japan.
Hasegawa made a good plastic 1/24 model of the 4dr, though. Doyusha made a 1/24 Coupe model back in the late 80s but it is garbage. I have six of the Hasegawa 4drs on the shelf waiting to be built. Already converted one to a 2dr sedan, but converting one to a Coupe will be a BIG job... :)
Some day soon I'm going to break out the graph paper, tape measure, and scale ruler so I can chop one and make it perfect. :smoke:
Paul_J
04-24-2009, 07:39 AM
I like your Micro-Touring Concept.
deafbob
06-07-2009, 09:52 PM
I have never seen a 510 coupe before, Look sweet :cool: I hope one of these days, i would find me a two door sedan.
ADaughen
06-08-2009, 03:27 AM
Hasegawa made a good plastic 1/24 model of the 4dr, though. Doyusha made a 1/24 Coupe model back in the late 80s but it is garbage. I have six of the Hasegawa 4drs on the shelf waiting to be built. Already converted one to a 2dr sedan, but converting one to a Coupe will be a BIG job... :)
I found a Revell 1/24th plastic 510 coupe model quite a while back.
datsunfreak
06-08-2009, 12:42 PM
I found a Revell 1/24th plastic 510 coupe model quite a while back.
FYI, it's not a Coupe, it's a 2dr sedan. :naughty:
Pretty good model, though, considering the tooling for it is nearly 40 years old.
ADaughen
06-08-2009, 04:11 PM
FYI, it's not a Coupe, it's a 2dr sedan. :naughty:
Pretty good model, though, considering the tooling for it is nearly 40 years old.
I just checked the box, it says nothing of the sort. :enguard:
Model # 85-2377 if anyone is interested in finding their own. The (C) on the back shows 2002.
I have to finish my Subi, Mustang, and Prelude and then I'll either start the 510 or 240Z...
datsunfreak
06-08-2009, 04:14 PM
I just checked the box, it says nothing of the sort. :enguard:
This post is useless without pics. :)
Model # 85-2377 if anyone is interested in finding their own. The (C) on the back shows 2002.If it's the kit I am thinking of, it was re-issued in 1996, 1999 and 2002. But first released in 1971. :smoke:
The '96 and '99 re-issues are the BRE race car version, the 2002 re-issue was the "Screaming Yellow Zonker" version with new decals and "Tuner Edition" box art, with the example car painted dark blue. :enguard:
datsunfreak
06-08-2009, 04:23 PM
Here's the box art of the original, wich was re-issued in '96 and '99...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/dat510-1.jpg
And the box art for the '02 SYZ re-issue,,,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/5d9e_1JPG-1.jpg
FYI, the Revell 240Z kit is also a re-issue of a kit from 1972. Good kit that builds into a good replica, but mind the suspension carefully. First one I built would not sit on all 4 tires at once. :)
ADaughen
06-08-2009, 04:37 PM
You sir, ARE a Datsun freak. ;) I have the 2002 repros of both.
datsunfreak
06-08-2009, 04:38 PM
I certainly came by the name honestly... :razz::razz:
I built one of the original '73 issue 240Z a few years back (dumb idea, should have kept it sealed), and the re-issue has one major thing going for it. The original was molded in bright orange, the new one is white. :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/06/21BTvDirg21Wk7E28KGrHgoOKioEjlLme88sBKK2-1.jpg
ADaughen
06-08-2009, 05:43 PM
Here's some shots of what I have out currently. I have more in the other room. Most still in boxes.
For the longest time I did metal models and then just painted the interiors/engines/chassis. I started getting good with spray cans after I painted my engine cover ~3 times.
Office is in disarray and covered in dust because we had a ceiling fall in in the hallway and I had to replace, spakle and it down.
Puregroove_Org
09-18-2009, 10:51 AM
--didn't know you were on here Datsun Freak... subscribed!
datsunfreak
09-18-2009, 05:47 PM
--didn't know you were on here Datsun Freak
I've been a big PT fan for many years, so... :smoke:
you guys are driving me crazy. i absolutely love the old japanese coupes/2_doors. i always have to hold myself back from putting a 13B into a 510 one of these days.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
datsunfreak
09-24-2009, 05:36 PM
i always have to hold myself back from putting a 13B into a 510 one of these days.
If you need some help, I'll be glad to help hold you back... :)
Seen a few nice rotary 510s, but the world doesn't need any more... :rotfl:
I like Nissan engines in Nissans. :1st:
At least make it a 13BT. :)
I like Nissan engines in Nissans. :1st: At least make it a 13BT. :)
How about a VQ35? (see link)
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ebay-find-of-the-day-vq35de-powered-datsun-510-may-be-the-perfe/
If you need some help, I'll be glad to help hold you back... :)
Seen a few nice rotary 510s, but the world doesn't need any more... :rotfl:
I like Nissan engines in Nissans. :1st:
At least make it a 13BT. :)
haha, I don't worry. I ended up with a LS1 Chevelle which keeps me plenty busy! for now... :)
datsunfreak
11-03-2009, 08:09 PM
How about a VQ35? (see link)
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ebay-find-of-the-day-vq35de-powered-datsun-510-may-be-the-perfe/
Those are nice, but for something like a 510 it would tend to make the car a bit too nose-heavy for me. Especially if you could acheive similar power levels with something lighter weight (SR20DET?).
Might make an interesting engine for a 1st-gen Nova though... :idea:
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