NorthxNW Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Hello everyone... I'm new to Ratsun and this is my 1st post!! I'm going to look at a 1972 Datsun Pickup truck tomorrow and I was wondering if you guys can help me out... The owner said that he's 5'2 and the cab is very cramped for him..... I'm 5'11 and was wondering if it will be a problem for me? Are there any ways to add more space? Replace Steering Wheel? Shorten Column? Swap Seats? I've been doing some research and know to check for rust but is there anything else I should keep an eye out for? Please message me or reply if you are familiar with this year.... The owner said he does not know the model # but it's either a 620 or 720 Thanks! Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Strictly speaking a '72 would be a 521. Some very early 620 were made late in the '72 production year but are considered a '73. The first 720 wasn't till 1980. The build date is on the driver's door jam tag. Five eleven should be ok, the steering wheel and bench seats are thin. Guess you'll have to wait and see. Welcome to Ratsun and don't forget to post pictures later. Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 5'2 and he don't fit? I'm 5'8 and fit snug in a 521. Is he a really round guy? Resembles a basketball? Jrock, super tall, drives a 521. Tanker, big guy, drives a 521. Hobo, really tall, drives a 620 single cab. Does it have bucket seats from something different? Does he have an aftermarket steering wheel/hub creating less space? Too much left out to answer why a guy so short doesn't fit in to a Datsun. If stock Datsun truck, I ain't buying it. Pics. 1 Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Jrock is like 6' 5ish and he fits. Not sure what voodoo he does to make it happen, but he rocks that thing. Shortening the steering column has been done several times and from what I hear.. makes it feel like a completely different truck. I have a feeling a bucket seat closer to the floor will get to where you want to be. I'm 5'11.5 and I was fine driving a stock 521. You'll be fine. buy it and post pictures... or don't but it. But still post pictures! Welcome! Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 I'm willing to go with the basket call theory. Quote Link to comment
thisismatt Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 I'm 8'9" and drive a 521 Quote Link to comment
HOGIE Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 You'll fit Well, unless your a basketball If so just find a 620 or 720 kc Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Larger roomier King Cabs didn't come out until Feb '76 or half way through that model year. You'll fit. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Can you fix a old truck constantly? have money for repairs and tools? If your used to modern vehicles then a old datsun is not for you. If I had to do it again I would get a 620 kingcab. But I do like my 521 for daily short drives Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Try it first. Having room is all relative. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 The '72 521 will have a metal grill. The '73 and on 620 has a plastic grill.... it's probably a 620. Both models are well represented here. Quote Link to comment
rinigado Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 I sat in one with some buckets probably pulled from a junk yard (don't know what they were from) before I bought the 521 I have. The bucket seats were more modern, thicker, and the slight recline angle put the seat further forward than stock bench seat. It was an uncomfortable fit. I'm about 6'1". The stock bench seat, however, gives me enough room. 1 Quote Link to comment
NorthxNW Posted January 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 Thank you everyone for the replies... After talking with the owner again he got the truck in a trade and it seems like he does not know a lot about it.... He said it was either a 71 or 72...I'll have pictures in a few hours & hopefully someone will know the model. Thanks again for all the great info. Anything else I should be looking for as far as "red flags"? Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 So close, just post the image tag. Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 [img=http://link_to_image.ext] Quote Link to comment
DaBlist Posted January 23, 2017 Report Share Posted January 23, 2017 I'd recommend against buying it. You'll end up spending to much time on here 3 Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted January 24, 2017 Report Share Posted January 24, 2017 I wanna see... Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 24, 2017 Report Share Posted January 24, 2017 Datsun is spelled incorrectly in thread title and your profile. And fix your picture. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted January 24, 2017 Report Share Posted January 24, 2017 Spelling .... corrected. Quote Link to comment
NorthxNW Posted January 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2017 UPDATE. I went to go check out the truck and ended up buying it. He was asking $1,800 and I got it for $950 :thumbup: . It's a little rough but seems mechanically sound. I worked at an automotive ship for 4 years in/after high school and have some knowledge about cars so I kinda know what I'm getting into. Do you guys think this was a good price? I feel only a little risk at $950. About the truck: Modified into wood flatbed w/gas tank located in back center of bed under trap door (way cool) Missing badge on inside of door jam but I believe it's a 1971 - 521 On the title the model section is blank Odometer reads: 59,XXX (probably turned over) Newer bucket seats and center console installed LED tail lights LED dash console lights Halogen hi-beam headlights Newer mini steering wheel *Not sure but steering column looks to be from another model (pics to be posted soon) Light rust on quarter panels and bottom of doors. Sorry about my terrible spelling.... Funny thing.... I think that is the only reason I found the listing is because I spelled "Datsun" wrong. I will take some pictures over the next few days and post. I'm very excited to be part of the ratsun community and cant wait to get started with this little truck. I've been looking at repair manuals online does anyone have a recommendation? Haynes, Chilton, Etc? Quote Link to comment
DanielC Posted January 25, 2017 Report Share Posted January 25, 2017 Go to this page, http://www.davidcmurphy.com/olddat/620tech.htm and about 2/3 of the way down. download the 521 chassis service manual. go further down, download the engine manual. Quote Link to comment
flatcat19 Posted January 25, 2017 Report Share Posted January 25, 2017 In the VIN it will have body/model code. PL521 or PL620. Pics!!! Quote Link to comment
NorthxNW Posted January 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2017 Hopefully this works 2 Quote Link to comment
NorthxNW Posted January 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2017 In the VIN it will have body/model code. PL521 or PL620. Pics!!! Thanks for the tip.... I checked the vin its a PL521 Quote Link to comment
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