My 1967 Datsun 521

[vinayak]

Well I have been searching for a truck for some time. I put my 70 Volksrod up for trade and really did not like the offers I received. So I decided to buy one since all I received were project trucks. At first i was looking for primarily pre1980 Fords, Chevy next up. Well I came across a 1967 Datsun 521 for $400 and could not resist temptation. So I went out to Athens to pick it up Friday and drove it home to Duluth, That is an hour drive. I have to admit this is the first time I have ever worried aboot breaking down With nothing around for miles.

My buddy came from Athens picked me up and took me to the truck. I have to admit it was a little more tattered than I would have liked but the dive home it ran like a champ. It even pulled hard up hills. It hiccuped a couple times but nothing real bad. It also has been sitting for at least before the bad pollen.

Enough babble on with the pictures,

















It has a little rust probably less than any thing that was offered for my Beetle. The rockers and cab corners are solid.







This is some kind of custom brake light that is hooked to a house light switch to manually turn it on/off.


I do not know what direction I am going to go with it yet. Right now getting a floor in the drivers side is the most important.

I pulled the driver fender and door off today and started welding. It got dark and I did not get pictures of the work today. It basically was some patch work on the fender well. I have to get that work so I have something to weld the new floor board on. I am a cheap bastard so I am using some metal shelving I got from work. Luckily there is only one 90% bend and the floor is straight with no reinforcement.

[Scotsman]

awesome "pickup" cant wait to see more

[D3UC3S]

very cool....i think a 280z straight six would be killer in that truck!

[Glides]

Wow. You better be glad I didn't see that thing around here. I live outside of Athens and I would have owned that in a heartbeat. Great find man.

[vinayak]

Thanks for the good words. I Just need a trash/parts hauler. I am not planning any motor swap but if it craps out It will. I welded most of the new floor pan in today. I ran out of wire so that ended my work for the day.

[Saung]

Nice find.

[tiksman]

I like the rounded look of the front end. You dont see many of those these days. I hope to see it around on the road soon.

[Puddin4489]

Thats awesome...can't wait to see the outcome...hey that beetle in the background looks pretty awesome

[Brian*]

Sweet project!!

[thegreatfnr]

Nice lookin new project. Cant wait to see it on the road

[vinayak]

Nice lookin new project. Cant wait to see it on the road

Come by and see it in progress Lee. I will text you my address.

[vinayak]

Thats awesome...can't wait to see the outcome...hey that beetle in the background looks pretty awesome

Here is a couple more of the Beetle.

[Total_Blender]

very cool....i think a 280z straight six would be killer in that truck!

Theres not nearly enough room lengthwise in the engine bay for a straight six. A 4 banger like an L20B, CA18 or SR20 would fit though...

This truck does run like a champ though, really the shifter is the only mechanical thing that needs much attention. Its missing the shifter bushings or something because when you move the shifter there doesn't seem to be a "shift pattern," and you have to hunt for the gear engagement.

521's are beautiful trucks...

[vinayak]

I found out it is a 520. I missed read something while searching.

[AltimaCharlie]

great find man, i was just about to say it's a 520. even rarer than a 521. i love all styles of Datsun trucks. they are what got me into the old school thing in the first place.

[Total_Blender]

I found out it is a 520. I missed read something while searching.

Yep.... all these Datsun truck numbers... 520/521/620/621/720 etc they baffle the mind.

Anyway you can use the transmission from a 510, a b-210, Z car, etc. Not sure if you'll need to shorten the driveshaft but the bellhousing, the clutch, and transmission mount will work. The Z transmission might be too high of a gearset though.

I thought your motor was an A-series but its really a J-series. They look the same visually except you can see the head bolts on the passenger side of the J-series. The manifolds from an MG/Triumph motor will fit your motor so you should be able to add webers and a header easily if you are so inclined.

[josh price]

man . i called him friday and he said someone was comeing to look at it from atl .im looking for a old datsun 521 or 620 to do a old school ratrod. so if you sale it hit me up.

[Total_Blender]

We need to get you a spool of wire like this:



Probably too big to fit in the mig though.

[vinayak]

Ahh I do not need that much. I am on my 2nd spool. So I started with a half roll and bought 1 used it up and had to go back for another one.

[vinayak]

Here is a little progress report. I Would be faster but I work days and the wife works nights. With a 3 year old using welders, grinders, and other loud power tools it makes it hard.

Drivers side all done






Half way done with the passenger side.






Still have the floor pan to do. It is not real bad. I hope a couple patches will be good.




Took a couple things to work and sandblasted them.




I by no means am a pro body man. I am not looking for perfection. I would like it to be easy on the eyes though.

[Catnip]

Looks great man!

I need to start doing the same with my datsun