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My Low Mfg Inc 327 powered 1971 Datsun 521 4WD


EightyOne521

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This past weekend was a good one... I drove to so cal on saturday morning, bought a new 521, and made it to Long Beach just in time to check out the JCCS show and meet several guys here on Ratsun!

 

Here's the quick story:

I first posted on Ratsun about a year ago looking for a 521 4x4.... back in 1981, my first truck after high school graduation was a red '72 521, which I traded for a '72 Chevy Luv with a sbc 283 about a year later.  After narrowly avoiding being jailed for exhibition of speed on several occasions in the foothill town of Auburn, CA... I sold the Luv and bought a new first gen Toyota 4WD.

 

So... this truck pictured below is a combination of all 3 of the early pickups I owned and loved as a teenager... growing up in the 70's, I always wanted a V8 powered mini truck.

 

This new project is a very early and somewhat rare Low Mfg Inc conversion... I have some documentation on the truck as well, including a perfect condition Low Mfg Inc brochure.  Its a little rough, but still has orig paint and zero rust.  The 300hp factory hi performance 327 is in pieces, and needless to say I'll be busy for awhile doing the repair and resto to get this little monster back on the road!

 

Oddly enough, two weeks ago, I finally tracked down The Birdman, who I learned from posts on Ratsun that he luckily found a 1971 521 4x4 a few years earlier. I called him last week to see if he'd sell it to me... the answer was "No Way", and about 5 days later, I found my own 1971 521 4x4 on CL!

 

The Birdman and I met up on sunday following the JCCS show and did a little comparo of our rare little beasts.... very cool to meet you Birdman!

 

Here's my truck...

 

 

IMG_6653_zps1246890c.jpg

 

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IMG_6659_zpsf67ad371.jpg

 

IMG_6584_zps3e8ab954.jpg

 

IMG_6678_zps7270a5c3.jpg

 

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I suspect this was originally a 620 and a 521 body has been swapped on. As long as the engine is out... wire brush the top of the Pass side frame. The frame number for the 620 is forward of the original engine mount location. (closer to the rad) If a 521 it's to the rear. (closer to the firewall)

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I suspect this was originally a 620 and a 521 body has been swapped on. As long as the engine is out... wire brush the top of the Pass side frame. The frame number for the 620 is forward of the original engine mount location. (closer to the rad) If a 521 it's to the rear. (closer to the firewall)

 

PL521.... I have a clear CA title with 521 VIN, 1971 as the model year, same VIN on cab plate, and orig CA license plate with letter/number combo matching that of late 60's/early 70's for typical license plates... I'll take a look at the frame.  I'm still trying to find out exactly when it was converted to 4WD.... I know for sure it was sometime in the 70's...

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Bro, it was my pleasure to have you here! Again, you scored a great lil truck, and hope you get it up and running with as little trouble as possible! Getting to meet my trucks other "Brother" is very cool! Here is the proud new owner and his prize!

markamphistruck_zps8cc94f9b.jpg

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Thanks Birdman! It was very cool to meet you sunday and I hope we'll get these rare trucks on the road again soon!... Its still amazing that I talked to you on the phone wanting to buy YOUR truck... just days before finding my own 521 4x4.... in the same general so cal area too...

 

It was indeed very cool! Two early Low conversions still around, we will have to coordinate them sometime in the future, parked next to each other at an event or Ratsun meet, call them "Twin sons of different mothers", lol!

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I remember having a book on Datsuns in the mid '70s. One of the projects was a 521 with 327 and I never forgot how absolutely cool it looked. I had a '71 around that time also.

 

Well... not to hijack my own thread, but this truck was a cover truck (likely on Truckin' magazine) in '81 or '82 if I remember correctly, and it was running a 327.... I drooled over this thing for years.... lol

 

I found this pic on Ratsun.... who owns this beauty?  Steroid... any comments?

ownedbyMikeSteroidonRatsun_zps86eb9776.j

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10.75 is hauling ass!! Chances are, he was holding a bit, so it was probably faster than that. Hopefully it doesn't still have drum brakes on the front. I've been struggling with keeping the 4 banger in mine. 

 

Good score on the 4x4. Project thread with lots of pics please.

 

ownedbyMikeSteroidonRatsun_zps86eb9776.j

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Nice score! Just out of curiosity what transmission and t-case are in the truck?

The truck was running a 1965 327 300hp block out of an Impala, with a 350 trans.  Engine is currently disassembled.  The transfer case is a Dana model 20 / 300 dual range case, with a Dana 30 front axle and stock Datsun rear.

I have big plans for this beast.... but for starters I've found a complete and running 327 to put in for now to sort out all the wiring, cooling, fitting, etc.  Even though the truck was built in the '70's with a 327, it is pretty much gutted at the moment leaving lots of "fun" for me to sort out...

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Cool.... please let me know if you remember anymore details on that 70's Datsun book you mentioned... I would love to track it down!

Peterson Publishing? maybe. Lots of pictures. The brake master was modified. Had Jeep parts. The 327 was rebuilt and was used because it was old enough to not need smogging. The ruck was light colored. I had a '71 521 so was really interested.

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Peterson Publishing? maybe. Lots of pictures. The brake master was modified. Had Jeep parts. The 327 was rebuilt and was used because it was old enough to not need smogging. The ruck was light colored. I had a '71 521 so was really interested.

Thanks a lot for the info!  I search for awhile but didn't find it yet... I'll keep looking!

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The truck was running a 1965 327 300hp block out of an Impala, with a 350 trans.  Engine is currently disassembled.  The transfer case is a Dana model 20 / 300 dual range case, with a Dana 30 front axle and stock Datsun rear.

I have big plans for this beast.... but for starters I've found a complete and running 327 to put in for now to sort out all the wiring, cooling, fitting, etc.  Even though the truck was built in the '70's with a 327, it is pretty much gutted at the moment leaving lots of "fun" for me to sort out...

 

 

Definitely want to see pics of the Dana 20/300 combo :thumbup:

:

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