I just got a datsun passed down to me, I need help keeping it run. It was already a previously restored Datsun for pure track racing purposes, it's *supposedly* had a new engine put into it and is extremely fast, so I want to make this a DIY project car. The dash has been completely redone up, witih all these switches on the dash with no labels.. theres like 20 ? And a few cut wires in the engine bay, and its been converted to a push start ignition.

So I proceed to start the car, realizing I dont have a key, but then it hits me, its a push start ignition.. so I push "start", no response.. I then think about the power supply, I look around, and in the trunk, there is a switch, i turn it.. power is on, faintly.. I push start it then, all the lights dim, and i hear little clicking... engine fails to turn, but almost does??? i play around with all the switches (feels like cockpit of an airplanene literally), i then push start, nothing.. I Replace the battery with a spare one, I push start, and it finally turns and the car is running.. after like 5-10 minutes of running, I turn it off, I then proceed to start it again, and Nothing.. it doesnt wanna start, the lights dimm while attempting to turn the engine but it doesnt..

I dont know what the problem is, the car previously hasnt been started for a few years.. The rear driveshaft had *supposedly* broke, so it was removed.. but that shouldn't be a problem, as I didnt put the car in any gear or attempt to.. I am thinking its the alternator, I dont know whether the alternator itself is broken, or if it's wired all funny... I dont know where to start, if somebody can help me diagnose the alternator, and help me make certain its wired up properly that would be great.

Where do I start to find the issue, and fix it?

If you need any more information on the model, let me know.

Buy yourself a race license a helmet, some overalls, and get to the races. then buy a nother datto to drive on the street.
and get an auto electrician to look at it

well it would help to know what motor you are running in there and what sounds do you here when you try to get it to turn over?
but i have heard of similar problems and my guess is that it is the starter any thats my 2 cents good luck with restoring it

Good one Woody. As always, your'e a big help.

Parad0x
Do you know who built the car to begin with? If that person is still available to you, then that would be a good start as all the wiring seems to be very specialised. At least you may be able to find out what all the switches were for.

How is the condition of the battery? If you can charge it up, then re-install it, start the car & check that there is charge flowing into the battery. A simple method is to use a volt meter & test the battery just before starting, then check the voltage again while the engine is running at a fast idle.
Give it a few minutes. It should show a higher voltage if the altenator is charging. If it is not gharging, then it might be best to let someone who knows their way around auto electrics have a look at it.

Thanks Dodgema,
Always is not spelt allways. But i'll let it slide, every one makes mistakes.

Dodgeman is onto it there ,try and find someone who knows something about the cars history, the mechanic who used to work on it or the electrician who set it up.
Any competent auto electrician with a bit of patience will be able to help if they are friendly.
Sounds like a great car good luck with it.