So I picked up my first 720 about a month ago. Back in the old school mini truckin' days I had a standard cab '89 Mazda B2200 and my brother had an '85 Nissan 720 standard cab. I always liked his truck. This one is an '85 King Cab white with blue interior (which happens to be the same color scheme my brother had). Of course back then we rolled lowered with tilt beds on 14" & 15" rims - good times.
This truck has 90,000 miles and is in pretty solid shape. The interior is in good condition and the body is solid. The only rust anywhere is a couple small bubbles at the bottom of the drivers door - and I mean small. It has its share of 32 years of dings and dents. I've already picked up a couple parts for it, including a set of 17" Titan rims.
Plan for the truck is a slow build as time and money permits. I plan to get any bugs taken care of first and then get the truck sitting as I want it to (static dropped on spindles). I have a vision but its going to be a plan as we go type of build. Once I get it the way I want it, I will probably tear it all down and make it show ready...or maybe not...not real sure yet.
Some problems I already resolved:
When I first bought it I could barely drive it for any length of time - it had a terrible smell and fumes in the cab. I thought from the beginning it might be a clogged cat. I took it to an old school muffler guy here in town and he listened with a stethoscope for an exhaust leak, but could't find one. He wasn't sure my cat was clogged but I had him cut it off put in a straight pipe and YES the problem is gone!!
The washer pump wasn't working. I picked another one up from a guy who was parting another 720 and problem is resolved.
The issues I want to take care of shortly:
1. The blinkers work sporadically. One day they work perfect, the next maybe not at all. It seems like if I play with the wheel and the switch they will come back on. Maybe a ground issue inside the steering column?
2. It runs real good - except it seems at times that the idle is a little high. Because of this sometimes it diesels when shutting it off. I'm thinking I need to check the linkage first?
3. I'm not sure whats going on with the clutch. At first I thought the clutch was bad. It felt real soft. But the more I drive it, the more I think it's getting better (if thats possible). It still will not spin the tires when dropping the clutch, so maybe it is bad, or maybe its just not fully engaging?
4. I've got a bit of a shake in the steering wheel - most items under the front look good - except the ball joint have grease leaking out of them. I'm thinking thats my issue. I will probably wait to address this when I lower the truck.
Once these things are buttoned up then I'll start making it MY truck. Here are some pictures: