Dad’s Datsun 180B (610) SSS gets new shoes

Friday, 27 February 2009 | Comments (3) | Categories: Old School, Wheels/Tyres

Datsun 180B (610) SSS with XXR/Sportmax 513 15x8+0 wheels

It was about the middle of last year that I mentioned to Dad about the possibility of putting some new wheels on his classic 1974 Datsun 180B (610) SSS 2-door coupe. Dad's owned this car for many years and has slowly got the body work into the shape you see it here. But I always thought the rims didn't quite stack up to the quality of the body, so after some 'chops were done showing what a set of Konig Rewinds looked like it was a goer.

Datsun 180B (610) SSS with XXR/Sportmax 513 15x8+0 wheels

Now about 6mths later, I was surfing the OzDat forums and found another 180B 4-door that had a set of Sportmax 002 in the same sizing and thought that's what Dad should get. A little risky considering his age, but he was willing to trust my judgement and we made the purchase through Zi at JDMyard. Opting instead for the XXR/Sportmax 513 model in 15x8+0 offset (see previous blog post for details shots of the wheels) for that more traditional Watanabe/Panasport style. Now Dad likes a little bling (see the rocker cover in the engine bay), so it was decided to go with the Silver/Polished lip combo. Now don't they look the ducks nuts!

Datsun 180B (610) SSS with XXR/Sportmax 513 15x8+0 wheels

Fitted with Kuhmo Ecsta KU31's in 195/50R15 for that perfect amount of stretch, the car is really starting to get that nostalgic JDM look. Now while I was taking some pics, I snapped some of the engine bay and interior - the condition is great considering Dad still uses it for his daily communiting.

- Side profile - very very nice
- Down low at 3/4 front
- Head on to see offset (needs more camber)
- Close up on front wheel
- Down low at 3/4 rear
- Profile from rear
- Interior
- Engine Bay 1
- Engine Bay 2
- Engine Bay 3
- Engine Bay 4
- Engine Bay 5

Next up we'll be taking her to see a suspension specialist to see what we can do about the handling. It's been 7-8 years since it was last looked at and she's a little 'boaty' at the moment. Plans will be to have it lowered more at the front, and a little at the rear (even things up), and fit some new bushes and adjustable parts to get it all tied away nicely.

Thanks Dad for giving me the trust with your baby.

Cheers
Brendan

Your Comments

Posted by carl | 19 January 2011 at 07:35 PM

my dad and I are going to try to put together his datsun 180b sss as a first car for myself and this is now what we are aiming for… but in a nice pearl orange

Posted by Brendan | 19 January 2011 at 07:43 PM

That will be very nice. If you’re looking for parts, eBay still has quite a lot including the occasional 180B/610 Workshop Manual (found one on there for Dad - great reference material). If not eBay, then check out Yahoo Japan Auctions for both original parts and aftermarket parts such as the Nardi steering wheel and boss. Good luck with it, take your time, put a plan in place and you’ll be set for success.

Cheers
Brendan

Posted by swimmerbob | 2 October 2011 at 12:48 AM

get some real (46mm) carburetors for that thing.

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