Restoring a DATSUN 260C (Read 365 times)

[thelaggyfox]

        Hello everyone!

    I'm not just new here in the forum, but new in general in the car side as I've never bought a car before (only have family cars) and I ought to make a Project car that is 50% complete! (possible engine still working, all the panels, dash, badges intact), to give a background I'm half Irish half Thai, currently living in Thailand and getting any kind of vintage car whether its seen as common elsewhere, its considered a "luxury vehicle" here and import tax is crazy 300% so I didnt have much options but the DATSUN 260C got my attention towards getting my very first manual car, it aint much but its going to be honest work.



    Firstly I'm curious on what you guys think of the 260C in terms of basic reliability, comfort, driving, handling and of course, the Style. any tips and advice as it has the L26 engine from stock, on what to keep an eye out for and etc. the condition its in, bargained down to roughly 400 pounds, invested by my friend and myself. The owner claims it ran 2 years ago and ever since, he parked it, rats chewed on what seems like the fuse box wiring and the battery is dead, but he reassures me if the wires are fixed and new battery, the car would run (long shot dreams here but I hope its true). What are your thoughts on estimated repairs and cautions, not just the 260C itself but restoring cars in general. Cant upload proper pics but from links :














    My girlfriend is quite demotivating, we found Holden Premiers from the 70's that caught our eye for years but sold quicker than we could have responded and I WONT let this chance pass, she claims it doesnt look American enough (we love large cars) but for the 70's this car is quite larger compared to most Japanese cars at the time. I would love to have those wide American cars but even in broken condition, 1JZ swapped engines, they are around 10k Pounds because you know, import tax.







        Thank you so much for any effort any of your put into this thread, I really appreciate it <3





Edit 1: manage to upload the pictures instead of pure links



Edit 2: the car has been reserved, going in Sunday morning to take it away, hopefully connect wires and shove in new battery with gas and drive away in its condition, I know how dangerous this is but I worked on choppers and dirt bikes in barely standing conditions and this is more of an experience for myself


Edit 3: posted in wrong thread, now its in what i think is proper thread

[gainsb1]

Hi. Thanks for posting. I still can't see any pictures.
I think that most of our members here will agree that you have chosen a great model to restore. Engine and service parts will be fairly easily obtainable....but that dreaded tax is worrying.
Once you have sorted out the wires and battery, and assuming that the last owner is telling the truth about its pre-layup condition, you will find that it will fire up....Datsuns just keep on going. Don't forget to change the fuel or at least put lots of fresh fuel in.
The 260C is a desirable car for those in the know and they look GREAT!
Good luck with the restoration. Keep us posted.

Leigh (Area rep)