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OgreBattle

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Hey yall, I recently bought myself a 1979 620. Its my first pickup and my first project. I will be posting pictures ASAP, but I wanted to start off with some info and some questions. 

 

I paid $1200 for this truck because it has a rebuilt L20B motor in it with about 3,000 miles, and a carb rebuilt about 2 years ago. But cosmetically, the truck is in deplorable shape (which is the exact reason why I fell in love with it). 

 

Basically:

The windshield is siliconed in (crappily, I might add. If you're going to install a windshield wrong, you should at least try and do it wrong well.); the driver-side window regulator is shot; driver door is missing the door panel, but both of the doors are kind of shot because of cracks in sheet metal where the mirrors hang, also, the passenger side mirror is missing and judging by the condition of the door, I probably couldn't hang a mirror on it anyway; the wipers worked the day I bought it, but since have stopped, and the wiper fluid does not spray; the floors are rusted through on both sides, though someone hap-hazardly welded a new piece of metal on the driver's side; the rear axel has a slight leak, no drip, but a build up of fluid on the axle; could use 4 new tires; steering grease leaks out of the bottom of the column; the valve cover gasket seems to be leaking as well (which is suspicious to me considering the recent rebuild); the bench seat is basically garbage and has only the front two bolts holding it to the car; in order to beep the horn, I have to ground a wire against the bare metal of the steering column. The parking brake seems like it is coated in rust and needs to be adjusted if not just replaced. The list goes on.

 

This truck is the most beautiful vehicle I have ever called my own.

I stumbled upon this forum and have been browsing around all the discussions learning new things.

I'm really looking forward to restoring this Datsun, and I'm grateful for all knowledge shared!

 

To start off, I want to ask about interchangeability between Nissan and Datsun pickups throughout the 70s and 80s. I'm looking to salvage two doors and a bench seat, and I'm wondering what trucks to look for. Also, are there any trucks from the 80s that have power steering systems that would fit in the 79 Datsun? What about the rear axle?

 

A few other questions:

 

What does it mean when the gear shifter has a lot of wobble to it, and how can I adjust this?

Are there any good sites for Datsun parts?

How big can I go with new tires?

 

 

 

 

 

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Body.... only '73-'79 620 body arts will fit. Front fenders, interiors, windshields and the doors are all the same. King cab and reg cab boxes are the same.  

 

None of the 720 power steering fits the 620. You shouldn't need PS on a 620 as they are light enough. If not get a gym membership.

 

What, what about the rear axle? The '79 had a 4.11 ratio differential so does the '80 720 2wd. The 720 over all axle width is slightly larger than the 620 but the differential can be swapped. Other years had 3.90 and lower ratios.

 

The gear shifter needs the bushings replaced to get rid of the sloppiness. They are still available and cheap.

 

Bigger tires? Like wider? Because taller will ruin the performance and throw the speedometer off. You want a tire around 23.5" diameter.... go as wide as you like, it's a truck. For example 240/590R14 is 23.45" and 9.5" wide

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Welcome!

 

Yeah, I agree. 620's don't need power steering, but if you were up for a challenge, you could swap in a 720 unit. There would be a fair bit of work though as the 720 box mounts on the outside of the frame and some or all of the steering links may need work to correct the difference in geometry.

 

You could use a 60's Corvette style ram assist, but those were crap.

 

You could also use an electronic steering assist, which mounts in the steering shaft. They are becoming more and more common these days on modified vehicles. https://www.google.com/search?q=datsun+720+steering+box&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiM2oKqmtjUAhVI5YMKHScLAhgQ_AUIBygC&biw=1680&bih=910#tbm=isch&q=electric+power+steering&imgrc=WGVZ2CiQDGQkSM:

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That electric steering assist is a trip, its seriously expensive though. 

I don't need power steering on the truck, but I'd like to make it easier to drive for my girlfriend. I also think it would up the value quite a bit

 

I appreciate the welcome! 

 

Where can I find information on the Williams show in october?

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That electric steering assist is a trip, its seriously expensive though. 

I don't need power steering on the truck, but I'd like to make it easier to drive for my girlfriend. I also think it would up the value quite a bit

 

It ain't cheap. You could probably use the systems designed for SXS ATV's, since the 620 is a very light vehicle, but it would cost you about $1000 to find out.

 

There's something special about a girl that wants to drive vintage cars and trucks. And these trucks are pretty light and small, so it won't be like putting her into a 1970 F250 with manual steering.

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Why have doors shipped all the way from Oregon and pay all that shipping to get them??  You can contact Seeker>620 and you wouldn't have to hope you get them through some "parts train" .. Seeker is in San Diego and can help you get whatever you need  

 

klickity klickity

http://community.ratsun.net/user/11438-seeker-620-kc/

 

Or contact almost any of the inland Empire guys they aren't that far from you,,,  and i have personally argued with a few of them and they seem like a bunch of pretty straight shooters..

 

Or any of the MAIN guys in this thread.. way closer to you

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/71833-swdp-10th-annual-barbecue/

 

 

.

Anyway...

 

Welcome to the freakshow ya bastard

 

 

..

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Welcome!

 

Yeah, I agree. 620's don't need power steering, but if you were up for a challenge, you could swap in a 720 unit. There would be a fair bit of work though as the 720 box mounts on the outside of the frame and some or all of the steering links may need work to correct the difference in geometry.

 

You could use a 60's Corvette style ram assist, but those were crap.

 

You could also use an electronic steering assist, which mounts in the steering shaft. They are becoming more and more common these days on modified vehicles. https://www.google.com/search?q=datsun+720+steering+box&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiM2oKqmtjUAhVI5YMKHScLAhgQ_AUIBygC&biw=1680&bih=910#tbm=isch&q=electric+power+steering&imgrc=WGVZ2CiQDGQkSM:

 

I used a '79 280zx PS unit. Earlier and later cars had rack and pinion. Another option might be the S110 (200sx) which had the same PS box. It fits on the correct (inside the frame) location. The 280zx steers from behind the wheels while the 620 is out in front so by removing the pitman arm and facing it to the rear this isn't a problem... actually I left the 620 arm in place and just slipped it on the sector shaft. Same spline, perfect fit.

 

I had to make up a mounting bracket for under the distributor for the hydraulic pump where the air pump or air con pump would have been and an idler pulley for tensioning the belt. Then the 620 one piece steering column was no use at all so I installed a PS unit from a 720 that was already shorter, was collapsible, has a small U joint and had a rag joint so alignment and bends were not a problem.

 

Once installed and working I never touched it or ever had a problem with it.

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Wow! So '79 280zx or 200sx  PS box works? That's cool.

 

Cheap TC style pumps are available from many sources, with AN fittings, with OEM style fittings, with or without reservoirs attached. Since they are so small, I would try one of these first.  Use a reservoir from a Toyota or a 60's GM truck for that unmolested look.

 

Do you know what PSI the Datsun PS box runs at?

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7th Annual Multi State Datsun Classic information can be found at www.nostalgicdatsun.com.

 

The show is held on route 66 at the west end of town.

 

You can also check the Events section on here.

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