[Roadsters] Datsun Roadster Vin Decoder

[Lars Tungen]

Hi all,

I have created a Roadster Vin# decoder. The idea is that you can enter a
vin# and get some useful information about the car. Consider it an untested
beta. Currently it will recognize the 311 1600 & 2000, 310 1500 and the
CSP311. If you have suggestions on how to improve the output or see any
errors, please let me know. I plan to add an estimated engine# output by
using the vin & engine numbers I collected earlier. 

I also have some questions regarding the implementation of the decoder that
I hope someone can answer:

When was the later style gear box (Warner) introduced? The current
implementation of the decoder assumes that all 1970's have the Warner, while
all early 1969 and earlier have the Porsche style. Late 1969's may have the
Warner or the Porsche style. Is this correct?

Is it possible to distinguish between 1965, 1966 and early 1967 model years
by looking at the vin#? 

Phill Brook's Fair Lady book suggests that 17 Silvia's were made in 1964
before the "official" production start in may 1965. Are these prototypes,
and what engines did they have?


The vin decoder is available here:

http://datsun311.partsmanual.net/ModelYearsVin/tabid/304/Default.aspx

And here's a tiny url if the link above get's broken by the mail system:
http://tinyurl.com/6gjgej


Regards,
Lars Tungen
Norway