Datsun 510 - Progress

Revell kit # 85-2377 (Tuner series)

Several members asked for pictures of my 510, so here we go....

Lemmie start off with parts/mods & description on the top of my head:
- Roll-cage
- 15" RS Watanabes
- Heavily modded front suspension
- Scratch-built rear coil-overs
- Modified exhaust system
- New, larger radiator w/cap
- Disk brakes
- etc.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d01.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d02.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d03.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d04.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d05.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d06.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d07.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d08.jpg

The car will be painted Tamiya TS-08 Italian red.. haven't decided to keep the rims the current color, or paint them silver.

Any questions, comments, opinions, etc. are welcomed. :D:)

Sounds like it's going to be an awesome build. I love the look of the car already.
If your going to paint the car red, I'd keep the wheels black. They go good together. Keep us posted.

Holy Crap, That's awesome man, Those rims looks great on it. That cage looks great to, Have fun with the front end, It's really hard to get on..


Josh:)

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d02.jpg

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Just imagine for a moment.......the simplicity.......of a fully moded....... Turbo charged.......RB26DET.......in there^

lookin good so far, nice lookin cage, but if your going to paint it red, i agree, keep the rims black, and like sk8r said, have fun with the front end, its a bit of a biotch..

Man that's getting to be a popular kit 'round these parts. I've got one going together. slk320 built a stellar one. I think SpoonmanDos has one from way back. Ratdat has his. Now you've got one.

fuggin a man. Way to go Revell.

Can't wait to see how you approach yours. It's going to be stellar to see.

looks to be a stellar start!! I like the roll cage a lot

Very creative! I just want to know how you modded your front set-up. Looking forward to more progress. And I agree with 86 SR5, an RB26 would be killer in that engine bay. I just havn't gotten one for mine yet. :grinno:

Very creative! I just want to know how you modded your front set-up. Looking forward to more progress. And I agree with 86 SR5, an RB26 would be killer in that engine bay. I just havn't gotten one for mine yet. :grinno:
damn, were both doing lite car high powered projects, your 510 with the RB, and my 86 with the 2jz.

in 1:1 i dont think rb26 swap would be possible... All I know is 13bt, vg30 and sr swaps into them.

Thanks for the comments! I progressed further today, will post pics tomorrow.

in 1:1 i dont think rb26 swap would be possible... All I know is 13bt, vg30 and sr swaps into them.
I think so too. I'm sticking with the 16L motor... funny thing though, at one of my LHS's they had a 510 with a RB26TT.. the engine is quite long for the engine bay.

RB26DETT would be nice but really front heavy.....

how would it being front heavy affect it? would the back sit 2'' off the ground, and the front down like on bags?

how would it being front heavy affect it?

Spoken like a true straight liner.

The beauty of a 510, besides its lightweight, was and is its near perfect poise on the track. It handles like a dream, or so I understand (I've never driven one). If you throw an enormous, heavy engine into the front of a tiny, lightweight car, you're bound to upset the balance.

Why do you think MG only put the V6s in the GT, with its fastback balancing the heavier engine up front (I think, Layla's Keeper help me out)? Why is a first gen RX-7 rotary put into MG Midgets instead of something bigger? Why is anything but a rotary in any RX-7 nothing but silly? Why are Hondas competitive despite their relatively low power? Power is good, but balance is better. You can make any nimble car go fast, but its hard to make a fast car go nimble. Why screw with a good thing?

Edit to not waste space with another post: Yeah, I mean V8. However, I did not know that it was lighter! Thanks for setting me straight, LK.

I think Willimo is referring to the V8 MGB GTs. And, for the record, the V8 weighed less than the four. 75lbs less! Of course, we are talking about the difference between an 1800cc iron block four and a 3500cc aluminum block V8.

However, the MGC, which was built by stuffing the Austin-Healey 3000's straight-six into the MGB roadster is a good example. The 2900cc Austin Healey six required a complete redesign of the MGB suspension (they went to torsion bars in place of the old coil spring and wishbone setup) and put a lot of weight in front of the front axle centerline.

The MGC's were horribly balanced at 58/42, the MGB roadster has good 51/49 balance, the MGB GT is 50/50, and the MGB GTV8 has 49/51 distribution.

Spoken like a true straight liner.




Yep. That's me. Although, I'm driving a 16 second car, versus my mid 12 on slicks truck, it's still a rush, not having to slow down rules!

Progress below:

Looks like the front was really a pain. Took me three times w/ testors glue, but I coated the back with superglue, so now it's good. Then I shaped it and re-primed.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d09.jpg

Here's the engine currently. Still needs some blackwash on the block & the new radiator. Also my "Fram" oil filter.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d10.jpg

I guess "heavily modified" was an over statement... just some cutting and pasting here and there.... the picture should say enough.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d11.jpg

This one is just for 'fun.' An RB26 mock-up.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d12.jpg

A little comparison, I'll stick with the L16 which still needs detailing... radiator hose, sparkplug wires, detailed carbs, etc.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d13.jpg

Haven't deceided to paint the valve cover either satin black or the same red as the body, any opinions/pics would help.

Also, I need some help with the carb detailing. If any of you have good referance pics, that would help me a lot! :) Thank you for viewing.

flat red, or body color red. malcom, you've just inspired me to do a drag 510 with a single turbo RB. Damn, now I need a 510.

Here's some quick tips for other Revell 510 builders.

How to attach dashboard

The instructions give a call out to attach the dash to the body. But if you're like me, with a roll-cage, it would be quite difficult to install the bars for the top-front half of the cage. So here I will briefly explain an easy way to attach the dash directly to the firewall.

Here I start off with 1/8" tubing cut 3/16" long.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d14.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d15.jpg

You should glue them (from the middle of tube) approx. 1 6/8" away, mine turned out to be approx. 1 25/32" Whatever you get, will change what I have written, so you this as a guide only.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d16.jpg

Now you want to install the dash w/ door panels onto the body. Make sure mark '1.' matches, and with a pen/pencil make a line accross '2.' After you completed that, you can cut the mounts off the body.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d17.jpg

A bit blurry, but by matching up with the line you made, make a line as shown in picture '2.'
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d21.jpg

Then drill a hole 1/16" wide approx. 1/16" from the ends of the firewall.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d22.jpg

Next you want to add "fitters." Mines are appox. 1/16" wide.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d181.jpg

The parts should fit. Don't glue the "fitters" until you have everything ajusted to fit the car.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d19.jpg

Yay! I finally got to trim my front-half of the roll-cage!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d20.jpg

Currently working on an Optima battery after seeing 675datsun 510! Still need help with the carbs, so post pics!

SR5, yes I mean body color, so it this case Italian red.

Damn. That is some nice detail you added there. Can't wait to see your Optima battery. :)

Looking really good so far :bigthumb: Very neat idea with the dash. I'll email you those carb pics now.

man we really have to get a best of 510 contest going ;) some of these 510 build ups are plain awesome!

Can we at least get a 510 Meet? :)

man we really have to get a best of 510 contest going ;) some of these 510 build ups are plain awesome!

Can we at least get a 510 Meet? :)

How about a Datsun meet as I'll probably have quite a few Datsun models coming and it'd include some of the old Skylines and Cedrics as well as 510's. :naughty:

I'm planning to add a section on my website for Datsun models at some point. My site is dedicated to Datsun/Nissan cars up to aroung 1982 (when the Datsun brand was dropped in export markets)

Thanks for the comments guys!

Ratdat, great thanks for the pictures. I'm going to do some engine work tomorrow. Also, I love your site.... especially the sections of the junkyards, I want to make a diorama of some American cars in a shed or yard.

Yep. That's me. Although, I'm driving a 16 second car, versus my mid 12 on slicks truck, it's still a rush, not having to slow down rules!

If your car is an SR5, try 18 second car, maybe even low 19s

How about we open up that meet thread to all vintage sports cars so that the Hakosukas, old Celicas, and other such stuff (plus the European iron) can get in on it?

Basically, all pre-AE86 stuff.

Looking very good so far. I can't wait to see the body painted.

If your car is an SR5, try 18 second car, maybe even low 19s
mid 16's, est. removed cat, P&P head, 2.5'' exhaust, fresh meats.

mid 16's, est. removed cat, P&P head, 2.5'' exhaust, fresh meats.

Take it to the strip, and we'll see whos right.

The 4AC is bog slow. But fun :)

Honoturtle-Good stuff as always. I expect a top notch model from this. Extra points if you custom make Bluebird SSS scripts/badging. I have reference pics if needed.

Dorikin, it doesn't matter if it's a 16, or 19 second car. It gets me from point A to point B, and that's all that matters. Plus, it's fun to slide around in, great if you're just learning to drift like me!

Hono, got anything special in store for the motor, a turbo perhaps?

Dorikin, it doesn't matter if it's a 16, or 19 second car. It gets me from point A to point B, and that's all that matters. Plus, it's fun to slide around in, great if you're just learning to drift like me!

Hono, got anything special in store for the motor, a turbo perhaps?

:werd: If you like drag, you shouldnt be in an AE86 anyways.

Those cars are the best to learn on, cuz theyre so damn tough to drift. All the real good drifters in Japan(ya that sounds ricey, but its true)started out on an AE86, or had one at one point

Looks like this ones gonna come out nice. It's already awesome lookin rollin on the Wats!

:werd: If you like drag, you shouldnt be in an AE86 anyways.

Those cars are the best to learn on, cuz theyre so damn tough to drift. All the real good drifters in Japan(ya that sounds ricey, but its true)started out on an AE86, or had one at one point
I like all sorts/types of racing. except ASSCAR. I can't see driving in a circle for 500 miles just to end up where I started to begin with.

Hey guys,
The car was painted Tamiya Italian red.. need some polishing.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d23.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d24.jpg

Anyone remember this project of mine? Well I'm going to start progressing soon... keep you guys posted.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d25.jpg

Comment, critisize away....

Hey guys,
The car was painted Tamiya Italian red.. need some polishing.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d23.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=500/35516d24.jpg

Comment, critisize away....

You have inspired me. I just bought one of these kits on EBAY. It will probably be my next one after the R33 is finished.

How about a Datsun meet as I'll probably have quite a few Datsun models coming and it'd include some of the old Skylines and Cedrics as well as 510's. :naughty:

I'm planning to add a section on my website for Datsun models at some point. My site is dedicated to Datsun/Nissan cars up to aroung 1982 (when the Datsun brand was dropped in export markets)

A datto/old Nissan (say pre 1988 - ie before the S13 chassis cars...) meet would be cool :evillol: since thats all I'm building or so it seems :icon16: Plenty of potential models, from the C10 and C110 skylines through the C210, DR30, R31 :iceslolan , 510s, S30-130 Z's, S12 silvia/gazelle, Y31's , Z31s, 720, 411 bluebird, 310 Auster/sunny.....

But other old jap cars of the same era would be good to have too, celica xx's, old RA/TA2x celicas, TE27 levins, AE86 :rolleyes: mitsubishi starions, 80's style FC's, SA22C RX7's, and so on.

Either meet would be cool... Give me some time to finish some more R31's, my DR30, and my 1979 Z1000 Kawasaki though :) ...

By the way Honoturtle, that looks great!