1963 Datsun WP312 Build

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Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

Recently acquired a 1963 Datsun WP312. You may have seen it advertised over the last couple of years. Anyway, I plan on completing a restoration of it. Overall the car is in really good condition with minimal rust for a 1963. It obviously did not spend much of it life, if any, in the Midwest. One of the previous owners put in a A14 and 5spd, which needs to cleaned up as the engine mount design was not done correctly. Here's a few photos. Hope you enjoy.

13 x 7 Libre's with 205-60-13's - Just a tad bit too big for the front. I think I'm going to stay with the 13" steelies with some baby moons. We have a set of 13 x 5 Libre's that may look good also.

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okayfine
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Joined: 12 Nov 2007 23:02
Location: Newbury Park, CA

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by okayfine »

Love the Libres!
Because when you spend a silly amount of money on a silly, trivial thing that will help you not one jot, you are demonstrating that you have a soul and a heart and that you are the sort of person who has no time for Which? magazine. – Jeremy Clarkson
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James
Posts: 2135
Joined: 26 Nov 2007 19:58
Location: Laguna Beach, Ca

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by James »

That car is so cool!
Finished is better than perfect......
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

okayfine wrote:Love the Libres!
Yeah I have been going back and forth on this and just can't decide which look I want as both wheels give the car a different look.
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

James wrote:That car is so cool!
Thanks James. Appreciate it.
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Chadsinto510s
Posts: 413
Joined: 24 Jun 2009 09:47
Location: Chico, Ca

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Chadsinto510s »

Saw this on Ratsun I think. This car is SO bloody cool man!
---Yeah, I said what I said.
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

Chadsinto510s wrote:Saw this on Ratsun I think. This car is SO bloody cool man!
That's the one. Here is the what I have learned about it from a previous owner. It was bought out of CA and then brought to TX where a guy, James King a VW bus guy, bought it. He is a friend of the owners of the surf shop in TX. He did the patina paint and graphics for a 4th of July parade. He clear coated the paint. He pulled a trailer also, but I don't have a picture of that. Wish I did. It exchanged hands again. Somewhere in the mix someone put the A14 in along with a dogleg 5spd. Anyway I ended up getting it out of TX and had it shipped to us in WI. I am a part of Turn Right Racing who runs several Datsun racecars, 1200's, 510's, 240's, in various vintage classes. This will be a support vehicle for TRR. It should be a fun project as the frame and most of the body is really solid. Thanks for looking. I will keep the post up-to-date as I progress.
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S15DET
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Location: Waxhaw, NC

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by S15DET »

That's a full frame car? Cool.
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sakura60
Posts: 8
Joined: 15 Mar 2009 10:01

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by sakura60 »

<<He did the patina paint and graphics for a 4th of July parade.>>

Actually, the car was done up for the Houston Autorama. James had a special section of rat-rods in which the WPL312 was shown. The car had the A series engine prior to James' ownership.

I've also got a RHD PL312...

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derrick719
Posts: 23
Joined: 12 Jun 2010 08:59

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by derrick719 »

awsome car. i like the intake set up on that a14 would love to have that on mine
brian99eh
Posts: 56
Joined: 15 Feb 2012 22:16
Location: Ruskin Fl

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by brian99eh »

I want it. I was thinking of building a 50s bug with a diesel vw engine but this would be cool if I could squeze a maxima diesel in it
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

Well the 312 is coming along pretty well. Here is the latest pic of the current set-up. Thinking about dropping it a bit more in the front end.

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two_68_510s
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Location: Ben Lomond California

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by two_68_510s »

That is a fun car, makes you want to take it home with you!

It must sound really cool. (Is there a video anywhere?)

Are you going to do something about protecting it from the WI winter roads? The underneath is so clean!
Joel

2 '68 510 2 door sedans
'95 240SX


“We will either find a way, or make one.” – Hannibal
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

No running videos as of yet. We are still sorting out the exhaust system and getting some return springs for the carbs. Not too concerned about the road salt of WI as it will only be driven during the summer months into fall or prior to the snowfall. Once the interior is in I'll snap some additional pictures. Thanks for the compliments.
Datsun312
Posts: 10
Joined: 02 Feb 2012 05:47
Location: Wisconsin

Re: 1963 Datsun WP312 Build

Post by Datsun312 »

Great race weekend and was able to take the 312 along. Runs great so far.

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