15th Oct 2004, 19:50
I've had a couple of problems with my Datsun. When I got my Datsun it wasn't running. I had purchased parts for it not knowing it wasn't the original engine. It was a 1975 L18 engine when I was purchasing parts for a 1971 L16 engine. I had spent over $300.00 on it. Then to find out there the wrong parts, but now that I've got the right parts it's running great. Now I'm fighting my rear axle bearing. No one seems to have the right parts for the axle. Who knows the owner before me could have switched the axles, just like the did with the engine. It sure runs great though. They are handy trucks and easy to work on when you have the right parts. If anyone has the chance to own a Datsun pickup, take up on the offer. They are great project trucks.
1st Jul 2005, 11:05
I actually own 2 1971 Datsun 521's. Sooo easy to keep reliable with proper maintenance. And it's styling is based on the 510, which is based on the 410, which was designed by Pininfarina. What more could you possibly want!?! hehe, I love 'em.
3rd Dec 2005, 00:04
I'm looking at getting 2 old 521's and trying to make a runner out of one of them. Seem like neat little trucks. Anyone else have any or parts email me at drdjh@003@yahoo.com
29th May 2006, 19:08
Back in 1976 I bough a Datsun pickup new. And drove it hard. Within a few months the alternator went out. In the second year the transmission went. In the third year the rear end went. I didn’t have the money to replace it. So the truck went. It was a good truck though. If only I had been easy on it. Now at 51 I know better.
4th Aug 2006, 00:12
All my Dad left me was his 1600 Datsun truck. I want to restore it, but it looks like I need to do a full overhaul. I need help. You can E-mail me @ Daniel320@adelphia.net
25th Oct 2006, 03:08
I really do not know if anyone can help us. Here goes... I have a 1976 Datsun 620 pick-up. It has been taken off the road because I cannot afford the restoration needed to bring it back to its former glory. I do not want to send it to a salvage yard... it is too good of a truck. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who would be willing to come and take it, at no cost, as long as it is restored and not junked or parted out. Know of anyone???
I can be reached at jkootnik@yahoo.ca.
10th Apr 2007, 00:16
I just bought a 1970 Datsun PL521 truck. I love it. I can't wait to get into it everyday after work. It looks like it was a lime green color. Some parts of body is rusted, but no accidents and no damage to the body. Engine is in good condition. It runs great! I am restoring every little detail on the truck. I don't know how to deal with the rust, though. Especially the bottom of the truck and the truck bed. The owner kept the cab and hood covered, but left the truck out in the elements, dah. He is the second owner! So that makes me the third owner of this 1970 truck. If you can give me tips on rust, I'd sure appreciate it, pardner.
Perry in Riverside, CA.
3rd Jun 2007, 16:22
I've just got a 1971 pl 521 Datsun truck and I want to restore it.
Got some rust on the bed floor, the side of the bed, and the driver floor pan. Runs very good; I drove it home. Would like to know if anyone knows where to get some parts for it? I looked on eBay, but they did not have everything that I need for it.
Thanks for any help
toddjuliehenline@bellsouth.net
29th Aug 2007, 19:53
I have a 1971 Datsun 1600 pick up. I bought it for 90 dollars from my school auto shop. It cost me about 1000 to get it running, mainly on the brakes and clutch, new spark plugs and wires new battery, but since then it has been running great I, but some bigger tires on it, but now the front wheels hit the wheel well.
So I'm looking into lifting it and and turning it into an off road truck, but the engine won't be powerful enough after the lift and bigger tires, so my plan is to swap the engine with a Pathfinder engine.
If anyone has information on what is the biggest size engine I could get in there, or where a good place to figure all that out is..
If you think you can help me out, please e-mail me at jbs919897@aol.com
Thanks, J.
14th Sep 2007, 07:35
Hi, does anyone know if their lift spindles for datsun trucks or any other type of lift accept body lifts?
19th Sep 2007, 22:27
Does anyone know about the frames? My 71 body is great, but the motor is shot and so is the clutch. Can I buy a later model truck to have disk brakes up front with a 5-speed?
10th Oct 2007, 23:24
I've had my 72 PL521 since 1978. It's got about 284000 on it. About a dozen years on an imported used engine. Some rust on the undercarriage. It's color is Dragon Green. Several years ago I put an aftermarket electronic ignition on it while replacing the distributor with a new one. Its got tons of pep and fires right up. Since I've had the truck, I've had to replace a number of head gaskets as they tend to go sour between numbers 3 and 4 cylinders. When replacing the head gasket, BE CAREFUL not to drop the timing chain into the pan, other wise you've got really big problems. Torque the head down good. I do my own maintenance on it and have replaced the clutch a couple of times. I find it easier to take the engine out in order to do this. I treat it real nice, and it just goes and goes.
26th Oct 2007, 23:55
Someone please tell me where I can find parts for my 71. 521 Datsun. It's driving me crazy.
Thanks richb.
5th Apr 2008, 18:23
I am looking for my 72 1600 (PL620). If anyone knows a reliable source for any (especially plastic or rubber, they are crumbling from age), please let me know.
Rahler@hotmail.com.
29th May 2008, 20:55
Hi. I have a 1976 620 that I'm in the process of restoring. If anybody has a parts truck '75-'79 (with a 5 speed is better), contact me at FockImBill@yahoo.com
Southern IL.
14th Jun 2008, 14:00
I just got my 1975 Nissan (Datsun) 620. It is Kelly Green.
The engine runs good, but I need to replace the carburetor.
I am going to restore it if possible. There is only light rust and some major rust on the front panels, but only at the bottom, and I have already ordered the replacement part. There is rust on the under side also, but since the owner had a camper in the truck bed, there is very little to no rust on or in the bed.
The front valance and bumper need replacing, but the rearend is great.
The inside is all original, but needs to be replaced, and the floor pans have to be replaced as they are rusty.
I live in Spokane Washington, and wanted to know if there is a place I can get the truck taken apart, and the frame sand blasted and coated?
8th Dec 2002, 13:56
I miss my old 1976 Datsun Pick-up. This was my first vehicle, my family never took care of it, yet it ran great until 1991 when I ran it without oil or water. (I was 18 & clueless..) Knowing what I know now, I would have taken better care of it. It was towed away for $300. Keep your Datsun as long as possible, a little TLC goes along way for this truck. Now I am looking for a Nissan Frontier, hoping it will last as long as the old Datsun.