Shawn Abbey

Gosh! You have the exact mirrors I’m looking for! Le t me know if you plan to replace them!

Back in 1970 my sister and I were visiting my Grandparents in Paso Robles, Ca. I remember it being a hot day, when we hear a knock at the door. When the door opened, there stood a man in a suit (bell bottoms), sunglasses and keys in his hand. Behind him was a brand new red Datsun pickup with a Perris Valley canopy sitting on its shiny new bed. After a few pleasantries, and the stroke of a pen, the salesman loaded himself in my Grandpa's trade in 1948 Dodge 5 window truck, and we were left alone to explore this curious little pickup. I fell in love with this truck when I was allowed to run the shifter. My Grandma would command the gear she wanted each time she pushed the clutch. "1", "2", wait for it...... "3" 45 mph "4". She would play with us and command, "5". She always got my sister and I with that... As the years progressed, my sister and I would take turns shifting whenever we drove the Datsun. Over the years I waited patiently for my grandparents to sell me the Datsun. You know grandparents, they never sell anything. They moved to San Luis Obispo, Ca after retirement and kept the Datsun. As is true for my grandparents, this pickup never saw car wax. ever! It only built up a safe layer of oxidation. Later, my grandpa developed Diabetes, and his health prevented him from driving. Since my father need a pickup from time to time, he would borrow the Datsun. I actually got to drive it here and there. Even by myself after I was 16. My love affair never left this great pickup. Later, my grandpa signed it over to my dad, and he used it to be a ranch/firewood/errand pickup. When my dad closed his business, and hired onto the power company and traveled to the various jobs. The Datsun eventually need a jump start to be able to drive. Eventually, she wouldn't start anymore (bad gas, corroded points, etc.) and she sat in a barn for 20 years. Finally, my dad retired, and started cleaning up the place which he now had time. Eventually, offhandedly, he told me he was going to get rid of the Datsun and said, "You don't want it do you?" After my visual heart attack, I said "YEEEES!! I've had my eye on it since it was new!" After some sarcastic banter, we arranged for me to ship it up here to Oregon for eventual restoration. Pretty much the same way you will be working on your truck. Little by little, bolt by bolt, as money provides. My first job was to simply get it running. That was the easy part. Since then, I performed a disc brake conversion up front, new seals and brakes in the rear, and then to set my sights on the interior. I completely stripped the original bench seat and had the frame powder coated, new upholstery installed, powder coated the dash, and cleaned out the entire cab. Later, I had an electronic ignition distributor and ACCEL coil installed along with a rebuilt radiator, water pump, etc. Recently, I replaced the components on the front end, as well as some of the bushings, and 15" tires and rims. I did have to tighten the torsion bars to keep the tires from rubbing. Now, its a daily driver since my Toyota T100 lost its engine, and it still is as fun to drive now as it was when I was a kid. Good luck on your build! Shawn 1970 Datsun 521

Thanks! You guys are patient!

(insert whiney voice) But its soo hard....... Ok, here's what I have so far. Next project is either the rear bumper (thanks Daniel C for the offer! - I may still take you up on it), or new bushings in the front end. Sandblasted and powder coated the dash panel. I had a local upholsterer cover the dash. It's not perfect, but it will do for now. New upholstery and foam for the seat. Doors were done at the same time. I plan on using steam to smooth out that wrinkle, but not until I install new window tracts and rubber. It's been suggested that I lower it. I think just the opposite. I want to be able to take this truck anywhere I want to go, whether it be outdoors, hauling firewood, etc. That way, I know, I'll keep my front apron, and the undercarriage will remain intact and undamaged. I'm more of a Pre-Runner/4x4 type of guy. So, hence the 15" rims and tires. For comparison purposes, here's how it looked when I got it. Long way to go.....

I'm looking for that exact bumper. If you want to part with it, I'll take it!

Do you still have the mirrors? If so, I might be interested.

Thanks Daniel! Much needed information!

Wayno: do you know where one could get the period correct mirrors?

Im in!

Thanks, Wayno! I'm torn on the mirrors. If I can find another , I suppose I'll restore them. Otherwise, replacement may be the option. When painting time comes, I'll have that decision to make.

Wow! Wanna trade?

Yes, it's recovered

I was there when the shiny red Datsun was delivered to my Grandparents door back in 1970. It was a shiny red little pickup with a Perris Valley Camper covering its bed. I was intrigued with this little truck ever since. I can't explain it. The simple design, the smooth shifting, the purring engine. I just don't know, but since then, I always had my eye on this enviable machine from Japan. Having been through the Depression, they used the truck for errands and loaned it to us whenever we needed to haul anything. They loved the gas mileage and the money they were saving. They later bought a full size overhead camper and traveled often through the Southwest to visit the various scenery and landmarks. As I got older, my Grandpa would let me drive it whenever we had a project or errand. After retirement, they started slowing down. My Grandpa got diabetic, and later was unable to drive. He then turned over the truck to my Dad. I was in college in Oregon then, and Dad used it for a ranch truck and for various errands. I never quit seeing potential in that truck, nor hoping I would be its next owner -- someday! Life started going in fast forward. I started a business, had kids, etc. etc. and the truck still stayed in California. My Dad also got busy with a new job, and the little truck developed a dead battery, and was forgotten in our barn. For 20 years, I and my family would pass the truck on visits through the years. We would peek through the dirty windows and marvel how large the packrat nest was growing on the bench seat! Finally, after my Dad retired, he now had time to do a little cleaning of the accumulated junk around the property. Hence came the discussion. He asked me, in a doubtful tone if I wanted that old truck. "Yeah, Yeah!", I replied, "When should I come pick it up?" Plans were made, and in 2010, I gathered what was left of Grandpas truck. This is after the packrat nest was removed. The urine from the rats corroded anything and everything. As money and motivation prompted, I started on its restoration. The dash, dashboard, and upholstery were the first project. Then came the front disc brake conversion. That was a few years ago. Now, tires, rims, and drivetrain is the present focus. Not to mention the licensing! Next, I think, is to see about sealing the oil leaks. It looks like some gaskets will need to be replaced. Since the engine only has 79,000 miles on it, AND was driven by my Grandpa for most of its life, I don't think its time for a complete rebuild -- yet! I thank all of you for your contribution to Ratsun forums, and the inspiration it brings! Just in case you were wondering,..... No, I'm not going to lower it! Its time to be different! B)

After looking at the brake article, the conversion looks surprisingly affordable. Since I have to replace all brake lines anyway, I think I may go for it as well.....

OK! OK! Yes I am new, and I did do alot of checking on disc brake conversions. But not on this board yet, sorry to say. Found the Brake section! I didn't know we had a kingpin front end. Good to know! Hadn't studied that since high school auto shop! Sorry for the brainless question, and thanks for the sarcastic responses! Sometimes we need a good laugh to get us unstuck and to think a little harder. Shawn "DUH" Abbey