Hi John,
I like the idea of having an originally restored vehicle. I'll be facing
that dilemma whenever I start to work on my 69 1600 and my 60 1200. I have
spent a lot of time thinking about both projects. I've come to the
conclusion that I'll be able to keep my 69 1600 very close to original due
to parts availability. The 60 1200 won't be as close to original due to
lack of original parts.
The 1600 will drive fine in its stock condition and keep up with most of the
other Roadsters on the fun runs. The 1200 is another story. It just does
not have enough power to tag along everybody else. I am going to compromise
by investing in either a 1600 Roadster powerline (engine, tranny, rear end)
or a more popular powerline like the A14 or A15. Everything else would
remain stock and I would definitely keep the original powerline in case if I
ever have to put it back.
I had at one time considered using the powerline from my 69 1600 in the 60
1200 and modify the 1600 to accept one of the currently favored poweline
swaps like the FJ20, KA24DE(???) or even the VG30. I won't do it since my
car's VIN and Engine numbers MATCH (I am the second owner).
Edgar Gonzalez
San Diego, CA
http://www.spl212.com
69 SPL311
60 SPL212
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Peak" <johnepeak@hotmail.com>
To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2001 8:34 PM
Subject: Originality (kind of long)
> Roadster list,
>
> Does anybody here care about originality? As a long time roadster owner,
I
> joined this list in the hopes of connecting with likeminded enthusiasts.
> What I have found is people who see the roadster as primarily a platform
for
> customization. Engine swaps, body mods, wheel and suspension changes seem
> to dominate what few technical threads I have seen. Please do not view
this
> as being critical of what you are doing. I know that many of these cars
> have been spared from the crusher by your work. I just feel that
something
> valuable may have been lost in the process.
>
> I bought my roadster when it was a relatively new car. I wanted a car
that
> was built from the factory to perform well. I also needed a reliable car
> that was economical to drive on a daily basis. The roadster filled the
bill
> perfectly. Over the years many cars have come and gone but the roadster
> remains (Actually I did sell it once and bought it back, but that is a
> different story). I love the car for what it is, not for what I can turn
it
> into.
>
> When I was in high school back in the early 1970's, I owned a '56 Bel Air.
> I replaced the original engine and transmission with a built 327 and 4
> speed. I eliminated the side chrome and painted the car a solid color. I
> put on mag wheels and installed a custom interior. If the car is still
> around, I am sure that someone went to considerable expense to undo all my
> hard work and return the car to its original configuration. Sometime in
the
> future someone may want to do the same with one of your cars. Will there
be
> any reference that will guide them back to originality?
>
> I am currently restoring an Austin-Healey. Despite a considerable amount
of
> documentation, there is still an amazing amount of dispute about what was
> original on any specific car. Given that the roadster has existed all
these
> years in relative obscurity, I am afraid that any notion of what was
> original in these cars may be gone forever.
>
> I would like to preserve the originality of my car if for no other reason
> than because it is such an important part of my life. It has been the
only
> constant for nearly a quarter of a century. If anyone out there shares my
> desire, please let me know.
>
> Thank you for your patience,
>
> John Peak
> '70 2000
>
>
>
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