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TARDIS Build 1979 KC Auto


isomswim

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I have always wanted an older vehicle as a project car and just could find the right niche. Once I found Datsuns I knew i had found the perfect project. I started my search for a 510 Goon but quickly realized that Datsuns are few and far between here in TX. I then also realized it would be better for me to get a truck that I can still use as a daly driver and utility vehicle.

What I found:

1979 620 King Cab

L20B w/automatic Trans

150k miles

 

The Good

Starts right up with a full battery

no large body damage

already has 15" wheels

Front discs

Almost totally unmolested, 90% stock

Light surface rust

 

The Bad

its still an old truck

tires are too big 

 

The Ugly

Ran into a ditch by a PO, bent the left suspension, causing it to pull to the left pretty bad

Old hack job A/C was put in, A/C not even connected to the engine

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Day 1: Tear Down

Dash is in amazing shape, only one bad small chunk taken out on passenger side

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Engine is in pretty good shape for a 35yr old truck. Carb is def one of the 1st to go.

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Interior removed in 1st afternoon, Wife helped, she is the best. The rust seen will rub right out. 

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Seats are in amazing shape. Want to get longer seat rails to give me a little better leg room. 6'3" 220lbs

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Automatic will eventually go

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Im going to start in on the interior rebuild tomorrow but not sure what others are using for insulation, carpet and sound proofing. I have some RoadKill sound mat that is going on the floor after I get it cleaned up, then probably some type of insulating barrier next, lastly only part of the old carpet is salvagable

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I'd say protect the dash cap any and every way you can. Carpet mat, sun screen in the window etc.

 

Great looking truck and good start

you got it. I was surprised the quality of the dash for the age of the vehicle. but unfortunatly I did break the gauge bezel trying to get it off today. the search is on for a 'new' one or aftermarket gauges that might work

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Painting the grill today, goign with a black and blue theme

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Random parts are piling up. AC removed today, no pics yet

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The rear panel stayed in one piece and I was able to peel off the old vinyl

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Going to be using a grey and blue theme inside and found this 'carpet' at lowes that might work for the paneling

IMG_20140119_151819_zpsbffc4059.jpg

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IMG_20140118_141728_zps909a2c68.jpg

 

The only problem with the wheels is the off set. They are way way too far out and will throw water and dirt all over the body. Naturally you won't be able to lower the ride height as is.

yeah I'm not a big fan of these wheels at all but they should sell on CL pretty quickly, and the tires are way to big and wide. They are 235 60 15, about 1" bigger than stock, i'm going down to 205 65 15, right at stock size

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I couldnt have asked for better weather to finish my floor pan today. Supposed to be pretty cold tomorrow, but not as bad as up north.

Used a nice rattle can black on the floor. Got two cans on today and going to use a large industrial can when it warms up again.

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Got some nice parts via UPS today. 24"x48" Abs plastic sheet. Got the doors undone and have a nice template for cutting new cards.

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After the floor is finished a few Roadkill products are going down

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And last but not least 90% done with the rear card

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So I got off at noon today and got home in time to get some decent work done on the truck. 

Went crazy with some paint and clips. Added another layer of paint to the floor and finished my back card with carpet. Looks awesome. 

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I used 3M High Strength Adhesive 90

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The color is almost an exact match for the 720 carpet cut I found on eBay

Painted the Rear cards a nice blue. Experimenting with this color, I might just cover them also.

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And of course a teaser pic of things to come

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Update again.

Interior is coming right along. Got all my sound dampening in and it helped that the temperature was not against me

IMG_20140126_114816_zps1ffd7464.jpg

Also got some sound dampening carpet padding installed

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Rear card installed

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720 carpet that is going in. Got it on eBay

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Still working on the door panels. 

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Using a mildew resistant padding on top of the plastic and under a marine grade vinyl.

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Oh and another good note the PO had ordered the door seal for the passenger door. 

IMG_20140126_115821_zps27befbbe.jpg

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I know this post is worthless but it was too damn cold to get any good work done today. But I also have a few questions to pose for everyone. I have never used aftermarket gauges on any of my vehicles, only cuz they have all been newer than 2003 except for one. Im flying blind trying to find a tachometer, I'm not sure what to look for. Any ideas? I like the Autogage from Autometer but not sure if it works for my truck. 

 

Like this

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetail.aspx?gid=2465&sid=1

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Most aftermarket tachs have 4-6-8cyl capabilities.

 

If you don't want to spend on a factory tach the Sunpro SuperTach II fits the hole in your dash pretty well. There are Ac oriole of write ups on here somewhere.

 

If you can find a factory tach it will probably come with the plug the mates directly to your dash harness and you'll be ready to go right away.

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