steve@cyb-eng.UUCP (Steve Upchurch) (10/22/85)
The Datsun 2000 was one of the most enjoyable cars I ever owned but I
was young and did not mind the punishment it handed out. There are two
body styles available. The 67 - early 68 cars had a low windshield and
opening vent windows while the late 68 on cars had a high windshield
and fixed vent windows. The early cars had much less wind buffeting
with the top down at high speeds but are hard to find. My car was
a 69 model bought in 72 with 40k miles and sold in 75 with ~125k. The
major problems I had were:
1. Timing chains and gears. There is also a tensioner on the upper
chain which sometimes allows the upper chain to slap when the
car is first started. This tensioner can be shimmed internally
to reduce the retraction.
2. Transmission: A 50 cent part in the shifter failed. I do not know
of any one else who has had a tranny problem.
3. Crack in the firewall: Firewall cracks where the brake master
cylinder is mounted allowing the cylinder to move causing mushy
brakes. This is a very common problem.
4. Front brake calipers: I had large pits in the caliper bores
probably caused by water in the brake system.
5. Exhaust manifold: Many cracks. Every 2000 I have ever seen has
these cracks. Buy a header.
6. Carborators: The throttle shafts wear and allow air to pass
making it almost impossible to set the carbs. Some 240 carb
bodies will fix this problem. (These were SU type, not the solexes)
Very common problem.
7. Rust: Just behind the rear wheels. Many roadsters have this
same rust. My car was driven in Texas, never on the beach or
on salted roads.
8. Top: After the vinyl tightened up the front bow bent when I
clamped the top down.
9. Air cleaner: One of the mounting bolts came loose and found its
way into number 2 cylinder. No real damage done to my great
surprise.
10.Shocks: These cars seem to eat shocks. With good quality shocks
the ride and handling are bearable though never great. Expect
to replace them every 20k miles or so.
Problems I saw in other cars:
1. Warped head: Seen on at least 4 other cars
2. Broken cam: If the cam stands are loosened or removed they must
be align bored when they are reinstalled. You have to almost fight
machine shops to leave them on if they do any valve work.
Parts can be tough to find and fairly expensive (ball joints ~$100 each)
but are available. My brother recently bought a 2000 and found a owners
association he can buy parts through. Don't expect too much help from
the dealership. I do not know how to contact the association but most
roadster owners seem to know other owners as well as where all the parts
cars are in the area. A parts car is a good idea and should not cost very
much if you keep looking. I saw a basket case 1600 recently for $400.
I have seen cars selling any where from $4500 in perfect condition with
the high output engine (150hp instead of 135) to $1000 for a running car
that needed lots of work. I recently saw one for $1300 which needed a
clutch installed and came with a new clutch and a complete parts car.
I would not recommend buying a datsun roadster unless you do not mind working
on it. My car did not break often but the cars are so much fun to drive
they get driven very hard. If you want to drive one I would suggest you
have another car for serious transportation. I wish I had mine back.
Steve Upchurch Cyb Systems, Austin, TX (512) 458-6609
{gatech,harvard,ihnp4,nbires,seismo,ucb-vax}!ut-sally!cyb-eng!steve