ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 This is basically an introduction thread about my truck, and some of the charming quirks that go along with a 45 year old pickup. I recently bought a 1971 datsun 521. Its rusty, it's a bumpy ride, it's loud in the cab, it doesn't like the cold, suspension is a mess, and there aren't many parts left if the original truck. It's pretty much not a 521 any longer. It needs a lot of work. However, I can't get over how much fun it is to drive. Engine and transmission are perfect, runs like new. It has an L18, front end out of completely different truck, two bucket seats, and you literally watch the road pass beneath your feet. It leaks a little oil, leaks a little brake fluid, it isn't perfect. At all. Still I've never had a vehicle make me smile so much. I've wanted a datsun pickup since I was ten. Twelve years later I found this one on craigslist. So I may be on here asking a whole bunch of questions that may or may not be stupid. I'm 21, this is the second car I've ever owned, and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. I only ever drove a standard transmission twice in my life before I got this truck, 30 minutes later it all became second nature. I plan on fixing a ton of the little issues slowly to spread out the investment a little, and I'm really going to rely on advice from you guys. Thank you all. 2 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Hi Shane and welcome to Ratsun, Boy you sound pumped about this truck. I also had a '71 for 8 years that was about 5 or 6 years old... it was my first truck but second or third Datsun. Yes today's cars really remove you from the driving experience, they are mostly boring, comfortable transportation. Old Datsuns actually need to be driven and are enjoyable to drive. Ask any questions and we'll help you where we can to improve the little beast. Oh, be sure to post some pictures of your 521 in your following posts. 4 Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 ck the transmision oil fill it up put new anti freeze in radiator Please grease the kingpins in front since 521 dont have ball joints!!!!!!!!!!!!! also the drive line has a grease fitting also for the splines 3 Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Welcome! This is one of my 521 trucks. http://community.ratsun.net/topic/30606-my-ratsun-datsun-521/ I have had Datsun 520, or 521 trucks since I was a senior in high school. I graduated from there in 1973. We need pictures of your truck. That is the price of getting advise here. 3 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Where's the pics? 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 2 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 2 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 3 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Thank you everyone for your responses, sorry I couldn't figure out the pictures yesterday and how to upload. Here she is. 2 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Those fenders and bed are not 71. Or they have been shaved. 71s had rectangular lights at each corner. 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I have 0 photos of the interior out engine bay yet unfortunately. But I'll tell you, it's a true ratsun haha 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Those fenders and bed are not 71. Or they have been shaved. 71s had rectangular lights at each corner. Like I said, it started it's life as a 71 521, it's not extremely original. I have the title, it's 71. It's just a frankenstien pickup 1 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 No problems with that. 2 Quote Link to comment
Loren O Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Congratulations on your 521 ! you will find they get a lot of love here! 2 Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 All my 521 trucks have a straight front cross member. Shane, there should be a aluminium tag on the drivers side door frame, with a build date. What is it? Does your truck have a manual choke, or an electric one? Does your truck have shoulder belts? 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I guess I did have an interior pic from the guy I bought it from. Definitely less than perfect. 2 Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 You have pretty good floors. You are very lucky there. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 Those fenders and bed are not 71. Or they have been shaved. 71s had rectangular lights at each corner. Have to see the tail lights to be sure if a 520 or 521. All 520s had the rear box reflector. Only the one year L521 had the rear box reflector in '69 changing to the rectangular ones (front amber and back red) for the '70 PL521and on. The 520 and the L521 had electric 'arrow' style amber front fender markers. Similar to the 510. If the fronts were not shaved the fenders may be from Taiwan. 1 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 That interior looks great. Seal them floors quick. 1 Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted January 13, 2016 Report Share Posted January 13, 2016 I am not familiar with that frame, at first glance I thought it was a 720 4X4 frame, but it's not a 521 frame, that is for sure. The tension rods look like 720, but the bumper mounts are the twist, they look like 521. Do you know what frame or front frame/clip you have? 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 720 4x4 front end yes! I'll get taillight pictures soon I promise. 1 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 ck the transmision oil fill it up put new anti freeze in radiator Please grease the kingpins in front since 521 dont have ball joints!!!!!!!!!!!!! also the drive line has a grease fitting also for the splines Having trouble finding where to even check my tranny oil at.... Never felt so stupid in my life... Lol 2 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 Having trouble finding where to even check my tranny oil at.... Never felt so stupid in my life... Lol Square plug halfway up the side of the transmission. 2 Quote Link to comment
ShaneLovesDatsuns Posted January 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 Square plug halfway up the side of the transmission. Much appreciated! I am going to need to fix the suspension desperately. It sits a little bit at a slant so the tires rub. How big of a pain in the butt will that be? 1 Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 Depends. Do you want to fix the front or fix the rear? Tjose big wheels and tires are doing you no favors, no matter what mrbigtanker says. Any plans to lower it? 1 Quote Link to comment
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