New member

[Emelia]

Hello All,
 
I'm brand-new to car ownership, brand-new to the Datsun community, brand-new to making my way through all the excellent (and entertaining!) information you've all posted.
 
I recently purchased a 1976 Datsun B210 from one of my pals who moved out of the country and had to sell.  Photo included.
 
I know very little about cars and was hoping to learn with this one.  Thusfar, with the advice of mechanically inclined pals, I've replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the cap and rotor, and have done some minor cosmetic interior fixes.  Starting with the basics and it's been great fun and very gratifying, even with those simple repairs.
 
I'm in the Portland area and plan on attending upcoming meet-ups (though dang, I just missed the most recent...)  In the meantime, if anyone has any words of wisdom to pass along, fire away!  I would like to learn as much as I can.
 
Thanks and looking forward to being around.
 
Emelia

[datzenmike]

Nice! I know the '76, I bought one brand new. Great on gas, nimble and fun to drive once I put some radials on it. Welcome to Ratsun. Great first post too.

[Lockleaf]

Welcome to ratsun. You definately live in the right area for finding a datsun guru to show you the way of the rat(sun). Cool car.

[Draker]

Don't fret.. lots of meets to choose from.

 

Welcome to ratsun. Nice first post. Car looks pretty good too.

[KELMO]

What they said.  Would love to find me a "B" like that.

[B2Fresh]

Welcome to "Ratsun" community and look forward to seeing what your plans are with your new purchase.

Looks like you have a nice solid car and plenty of things to do to make it your style and make fun to enjoy..

[dat521gatherer]

I like it. Maybe a little wax job. Can't wait to see more pics. Welcome aboard. I think the B210 owners on here are the most giving bunch in my experience.  Bring that car to the Canby meet.

[Emelia]

King Rat - My dad's roommate bought one brand-new in '77 - he said the same as you, great gas, fun to drive....but not in Ohio wintertime!  Lucky to be out here where I don't have to worry (so much, anyway) about snow.

 

dat512gatherer - that photo is just after a wax job!  I was so excited, thought it looked great afterward, but in the next few days, I saw what a terrible job I had done in wiping it down - white streaks everywhere.  Pride before the fall....

 

A friend offered to me an air dam to put on, that might be my first attempt at style, but I'm not convinced I want one on there.

 

Thanks, All, for the welcome!

[dat521gatherer]

Oh my bad hehe. Nice looking regardless.

[OmahaJames]

Looks great, I like that faded blue color.

[Sierra]

Welcome to the B210 family.

We need more pictures please!!! B)

[Cosmonaut]

Nice "B". If looking to make it a daily, you might consider cleaning the fuel tank, replace all of the applicable fuel lines and with a compressor blow out the hard fuel line. So many of the "B"'s have low miles for the year they were made, leaving fuel to gel up through out the system.

 

For safety's sake, flush out the brake fluid, check for leaks and put in new shoes and pads.

[datzenmike]

Replace the fuel filter first and cut the old one open and examine the contents. Lord knows when it was replaced last. If brown with rust then maybe flush the tank. I would just replace it, drive it and check it again in a month. The B has a fuel return line. Any gas not used by the carb is returned to the tank. This constantly recirculates the fuel in the tank through the filter cleaning it over and over as you drive.  The tank tends to remain clean and any introduced 'crap' quickly ends up in the filter.

 

Yes on the brake fluid . It absorbs water and should be replaced every 3-5 years. Same for the hydraulic clutch if equipped.

 

I assume this is an automatic so inspect the auto fluid. It only need changing if it discolors from over heating or abuse, otherwise good for 100K. As long as ruby red and see through clear you're ok.

[Angela]

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-F-U-L!

 

Welcome!

[jboulukos]

Welcome! Love the blue!

[B2Fresh]

Any updates on your B210.?

[Emelia]

Wow, thanks for all the advice!

 

I'll get some more pics up soon!  Need to spruce him up a bit :)

 

Updates so far is that it failed the DEQ 3 times!  Following a friend's advice, as mentioned, I replaced the cap & rotor, and that helped.  But it still needed work beyond what I could do, so I ended up taking it to a mechanic who adjusted the timing belt, tuned the carburetor, and replaced the starter motor (wow what a difference that made in getting it going!) .  He also checked the brakes, which are in good shape, so phew!  And it passed with only 2 weeks to spare before the registration expired!

 

Up next I'll check the fuel filter as you suggested, datzenmike, I think I can do that myself (oh yeah and it's a manual, 4-speed).  Really hafta learn about the carburetor, though, I think I really should be able to clean/tune it myself.

 

(If anyone in the Portland area is looking for a mechanic - Bob at Gene's Carburetor & Electric in Hillsboro was top notch.  Good prices, and what a gentleman, he was so patient with all my questions.  A prince.)

[Cosmonaut]

Ummm, no timing belt in that ther B.

[datsunfreak]

Ummm, no timing belt in that ther B.

 

I'm sure she meant adjust the timing.   ;)

 

You can't adjust a timing belt anyway...  

[0r0B210]

I have a lot of extra parts.  If you need anything let me, or post a wanted ad, and I'll see what I can do to help you out.  Just cover the shipping.  Have fun on the build!!!  I also, HIGHLY recommend RockAuto.com.