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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - NMC: restoring old datsun
Old neighbor down the street has a 69 Datsun 2000 (Fairlady) roadster in the garage, and it's been there not moving and no started since about 1974. We were finally able to roll it back and forth to free up the wheels and brakes. But that's all that has been done. The clutch and brake reservoirs are totally dry and the clutch master has grayish flakes in it. Not a pretty site. But the guy thinks (??) he wants to work on it. My limited advice would be to start by checking and rebuilding the brakes/hoses/wheelbearings. Then look into the clutch circuit. If all that can be made working, then look into the engine. Comments? Suggestions? Accusations?? chuckc |
chuckc |
I agree with starting on the hydraulics/brakes as you know this needs doing. Next I would look to the fuel system; tank, lines,carbs. The Fair Lady is a car certainly worth saving. Since it was only on the road for 3 years many components are likely to be in good shape. My midget sat for 14 years. Getting good clean fuel to the carbs required dropping and washing the tank, and blowing out the solid metal lines and replacing all the rubber lines. Lube everything you can. Phil |
Phil |
If you are restoring a car then you dismattle everything, overhaul it and rebuild. If on the otherhand he simply wants to get the car back on the road then a complete overhaul of the Braking system, wheels/bearings and cooling system would be a good start. |
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo |
Yeah Bob, I really think he's a bit old to think forward enough for a restoration. He's in his 80's (I think), and moves slowly and a bit awkwardly. I do not see him doing a major resto. With luck, his son-in-law might be interested in helping. I will lend a hand, but cannot invest a lot of time in his project. Now if it were MY Fairlady ... I'm gonna suggest he put the back end on axle stands and pull one rear wheel to go over the wheel bearing, brake, brake lines, etc, on that one quarter. Then the other rear quarter. Depending on what's found, repeat on the front quarters. Thanks for confirming my suggestion. chuck |
chuckc |
This thread was discussed on 13/09/2009
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