Welcome to my web site dedicated to my 1970 Datsun 510. On this site I will display my progress as well as show people the build up of a 510 on a some what realistic budget.

This 1970 Datsun 510 was purchased in late June 2005. I purchased the car from a man in Portland, OR who was no longer interested in 510's. This car was in a lot better condition than the some of the previous 510's I had owned. Over all it was exactly what I was planning to build. (If you would like to see some before pictures, there is a link below)

This car is a silver 2 door with a Datsun Roadster 5 speed and a L20b (Datsun Pickup engine) with dual side draft SU carbs. This was my exact planned project since before I had a 510. I couldn't just pass up a car like this for sale. So I purchased the car for $3500.

When I got it, there were some good things and some bad things. Most of the bad things would show up slowly and when I didn't want them. So, my main goal at the time was to take this car to Mt.Shasta Meet (Biggest Datsun car show each year) and to arrive at the meet with my own car. Unfortunately the car decided it wasn't ready for such a meet. Many problems reared their nasty heads and among them was radiator problems and some wheel problems to boot. These issues kept my 510 from making it to the meet. I was extremely disappointed.

During this situation, I decided that this was a potential opportunity. I would work on the car more and have it completed for the next year's car shows near the summer time. That's about where I am now. I am working on the car slowly and making it as show quality as I can with in my limited budget and mechanical skills. Most of the upgrades will be consist of brand new parts but when possible I will try and simply recoated / clean old parts to look new.

My ultimate goal is to have the interior done by the summer car shows and create a car I will enjoy for years to come. For the most part, the interior is one of the more important parts of the car for me. Mainly because it is one of the harder parts to complete. Creating a nice interior can be very difficult and it is easy to go in to a completely tasteless area very quickly. This part will cost a good amount more than other parts of my car mainly due to material costs as well as choosing upholstery from a fairly modern car (05/06 Subaru WRX). My absolute deadline to have the project completed is the month of May. This deadline is coming very quickly. I expect to be updating very frequently. Every day there is something new that I want to do to the car. Managing my current "to-do" list as well as trying not to keep adding things will be one of my bigger challenges.

Keep any eye out for updates! They will come as frequently as possible!

Thanks,

-Richard (site admin/car owner)