"Little Miss Sunshine" 1972 Datsun 510

[CjZeppy]

This is a 1972 Datsun PL 510 nicknamed "Little Miss Sunshine." My plan is to repaint the car and fix the exterior issues of rust, dents, and faded color. Someday in the near future I would like to swap in a modern day engine, either a KA24 or a SR20DE to transform her into a powerhouse. But for now I would like to get her on the road. Enough talk, here's some pictures.

Thanks for reading!
Chad

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/575810_10150958601777476_534006268_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/523860_10150958076002476_1627021293_n.jpg

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http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552242_10150958603337476_307802711_n.jpg

[CjZeppy]

Only modification I made was the rear suspension. The shocks were blown, and I decided to make some custom coilovers. I bought shocks from a 91 camaro, eBay honda civic coilover sleeves, and some exhaust piping to hold everything together. Little bit of welding and paint, and it looked good!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/319358_10150997786787476_1023691_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/540440_10151000528087476_2057633212_n.jpg

[ambitiousCK]

Always wanted to restore one of these and just make it into a simple cruiser. Good luck with everything!

[rocknrace03]

love these, i always wanted one, but now that transformers dark of the moon came out people want an arm and a leg for them :( nice pick up though!! in for progress

[zmainiac]

A bunch of guys have stuck a vg30et motor in there and had good results. You can make 270 whp with the stock turbo and with an upgraded turbo make close to 500 whp without touching the internals. Let me know if you want help or advise on that setup or dynotuning either when you are done.

[CjZeppy]

A bunch of guys have stuck a vg30et motor in there and had good results. You can make 270 whp with the stock turbo and with an upgraded turbo make close to 500 whp without touching the internals. Let me know if you want help or advise on that setup or dynotuning either when you are done.

I forgot about the VG motors. I was leaning towards a SR20DET because I have a lot of friends that can help me build a motor. I'm not sure when this will all occurred, but until then I will stick with the 80hp L20B. lol

[Erik@R/TTuning]

Fully restored and tastefully modded these things can be so awesome. Good luck with the project.

[Mishimoto]

Awesome Awesome project! Looks to be in great shape for one of those. Subscribed!

[11secdsm]

Great project! Definitely on my list of cars to get in my lifetime.

[CjZeppy]

Made some huge progress this week. Attached the hardware for the rear driver drum brake, and bled the brakes. The pedal feels very firm and it stops the car which is always a plus. Also found a local radiator shop that had a OEM Radiator for my 510. $125 later and it was in my back seat of my car. Installed the new Radiator and found no leaks so far (although I did bend a few fins when I got caught on a bolt head from the crank pully). Also had an electrical issue with the headlights not working, but I think the high beams were turned on, so now they work.Hopefully this week I will get the rest of the electrical issues figured out, and then have some brave soul inspect the car without looking at the rust, and I'll be in business.