1971 Datsun 510

This is basically the condition I bought the car in. The gal I bought it from claimed the car belonged to her "Auntie" and was an original family car. It was a bone stocker, down to the wheels. It was a four speed car with L16. Those skinny stock wheels, combined with a spritely L16 and stick, rocked for quick take offs and burn outs! It needed a few things. Reeked of gas bad, monkey-motion was sacked out, interior was on the decline - big bargaining points for me. The car had typical cancer for a 510 - rear rockers and front fenders were rotted. Turned out later that the car had been tagged in the back and had about 1/2" of Bondo along the back panel. Well, I used this excuse to hone my bodyworking skills, while I was in AZ. I cut and replaced all rotted sheet metal, reconstructed the rear rocker and did some metal shaping while I was at it to make the rocker replacement one piece into the dogleg of the rear wheel well. It was a good learning experience.

Shortly after buying the car, there was a great write up of the 510 in Sport Compact Car and featured BRE Car #35. I knew what I wanted after that. Surprisingly, I found a set of 13x7 Libres at a local body shop and I was soon on my descent down the long, dark spiral of 510 madness.

The first real upgrade to the car was the front brake upgrade. I installed the larger discs and struts from a 82 200SX. Pretty elementary, but that's what launched my pursuit of what I refer to as "Cut and Paste" modifications to the 510.

Well our relationship had to end. The extent of the body damage in the rear resulted in broken seams along the trunk. Washington rain just couldn't resist staying out of the trunk, so I had to let it go, but I have a good feeling that is in good hands. Yes it was a sad day, but wait until you see my new toy. By the way, I did keep the Libres.

Meanwhile, you can see what it looked like.

Take a Peek Inside, You Owe it to Yourself

It all started with this steering wheel. I liked the feel of my 260Z so much, I had to have it at the wheel of my dime.

I couldn't help but notice the black and silver scheme of the dash. So, I made a set of aluminum pedals (which I hastily drilled upside down), stuck some non-stick skateboard tape on 'em and 'voila' Black and silver...

So I figured since the seats needed recovering, "why not finish it with the seats?" All in keeping with the do-it-yourself Chameleon Mace Studios' tradition.

Back to the Studio

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