Results 1 to 30 of 30

Thread: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u "Dot" New bumper lights 8-16-13

  1. #1
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u "Dot" New bumper lights 8-16-13

    Yes, I know. I have a ton of cars.

    The story of this little Datsun is a colorful one for sure! My dad got it bran new in 1980, the year before I was born, so I dont know life without this little truck! His brother (my uncle) also got the same truck but in Yellow at the same time. This truck got beat, wrecked, abused, and stolen and left for dead...

    The down hill turn was when my sister rear ended someone when I was about 7, she was 16. The truck got really messed up and has never been the same. This is the reason I have so many miss-matched body panels right now. The only original one is the cab. A few years ago it got stolen from the driveway (yes, with all the miss-matched parts) and they took out the stereo I put in and dads wheels and tires. it was gone for 2 months for after month one, I told my dad the chance of it coming back was low so I found his his 1990 Toyota 4x4 and just as we got it fixed and driving (blown clutch) we got a call from Seattle Police saying they found our truck. This was in about 2006...

    They took the wheels and tires, the whole system I put in (it was pretty nice for what it was), and used a pry bar on the tool box. Dad didnt want to give it up, so we just packed it. Since about 06, it has been sitting rotting away. I had it stored over at Red85celicas house for a little over a year, but it needed to come home so she came home...

    I drive this truck in high school, did lots of runs to the cabin as a kid, did my first clutch in this truck, and started to like imports because of this little King Cab. I have had a love for Mini Trucks since I was about 7 or 8 and always wanted to build one liken this, but knew dad would never give up the truck. Well, we had got to the point that we almost gave it to a pastor friend that wanted a truck to go to Home Depot, but it just needed too much work under the hood. I knew how to drive it, but no one else did... So, what did I do?! Told me dad it was mine and I was going to do with it what I saw fit!

    The truck...
    1980 Datsun 720 King Cab 2wd, L20B. 5 speed.

    Body:
    -cab is original
    -84/85 4x4 grill, markers, front apron
    -84 box
    -84 4x4 tail lights
    -83 Tail gate
    -85 hood
    -solid rear window
    -fender mirrors (coming soon)

    The plans?
    Well, this is an interesting one...
    -Airbags
    -Body drop (3-4in)
    -new paint
    -5 lug conversion
    -Electric motor conversion... yes you red that right...

    This will take a long time and a lot of work, but this is the first car I ever remember. Also, this is my 4th truck, so I have no need for it to pull truck duty anymore!

    When it came home from being jacked!


    After being at Red85's house for a year... LOL... shes a little green!








    More to come...

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Now to get low! The Ghetto way! haha!!!

    Front
    Before:


    After:


    Rear
    Before:


    After:










    Sitting next to my Toyota...


    Time to do some body work! Core support and wheel well replacement...


    85-84 4x4 grill and lower valence dose not line up with the 80-82 head lights.




    30 minutes later...


    Rust!


    New parts!




    Cutting it off...




    front side


    back side









  3. #3
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Ready to weld new stuff in!



    Small over lap...






    Top welded...


    Bottom welded...


    Grinded...


    Undercoated... On the bottom...


    Core support welded...








    Primer to keep it from rusting too bad.... I'll get paint done someday this winter... hopefully.


    This is as on Monday night! Most of it is back together...

  4. #4
    SLi Supporter
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    4,530
    Points
    23,515
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,515, Level: 94
    Level completed: 17%, Points required for next Level: 835
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.Recommendation Second ClassSocial
    Awards:
    Frequent Poster

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    LOVE THIS THREAD!!!

  5. #5
    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Moco, Maryland
    Posts
    3,525
    Points
    16,957
    Level
    83
    Points: 16,957, Level: 83
    Level completed: 22%, Points required for next Level: 393
    Achievements:
    Social10000 Experience PointsOverdriveO.G.Recommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    User with most referrers

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    ^^Agreed. This truck is awesome!

  6. #6
    Subie Stalker chrish8r's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    New Freedom, PA
    Posts
    1,683
    Points
    10,091
    Level
    67
    Points: 10,091, Level: 67
    Level completed: 11%, Points required for next Level: 359
    Achievements:
    O.G.10000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Electric motor?? Cant wait to see the awesomeness it emits!! haha
    '05 Legacy GT Wagon
    Fuelly
    '99 Legacy outback limited
    Fuelly
    '92 SVX LS-L (SOLD)
    '06 Mustang V6
    check out my videos(TheDirtyDirtyDirty)- http://www.youtube.com/thedirtydirtydirty
    CKuhn Photography (<click)

  7. #7
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Quote Originally Posted by chrish8r
    Electric motor?? Cant wait to see the awesomeness it emits!! haha
    Yep! But that will be a long ways off... The conversion is spendy... Thats ok though, I have plenty to do before hand.

    Plan in to get at least 100 miles run time when it's converted. I'm hoping that I might be able to pick up a Nissan Leaf for the running gear...

  8. #8
    t3h ub3r m3mber nikolaus.conrad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Finger Lakes/ Rochester NY
    Posts
    1,622
    Points
    9,726
    Level
    66
    Points: 9,726, Level: 66
    Level completed: 19%, Points required for next Level: 324
    Achievements:
    5000 Experience PointsO.G.Social

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Datsun Leaf? I can't wait to see this completed!
    -Nick
    1991 Subaru Legacy L -221K -Killed in action
    1996 Subaru Legacy L -192K -Rust in Peace
    1996 Subaru Outback -214K -Drove into ground
    1999 Subaru Outback Limited -195K -Kiara. EJ22D. 5 speed swapped dual sunroof BG
    1990 Volvo 240 sedan -220K -B230F. M47. I Drift Bro.
    1964 Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark 1 -47K -First Love. Continuous Project. #BeingTopless 50whp of British fury!
    Quote Originally Posted by Thomistopheles
    The EJ25D likes to blow its head gaskets in a spectacular manner, leaking combustion gasses into places it's not supposed to go; giving you the world's worst tasting milkshake.

  9. #9
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Truck has new paint!
    (ok dont get too excited, it's NOT high quality at all!.... hahahahaa!)

    Pics to be posted soon!

  10. #10
    SLi O.G. anothernord's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Ft. Collins, CO
    Posts
    2,020
    Points
    16,569
    Level
    82
    Points: 16,569, Level: 82
    Level completed: 44%, Points required for next Level: 281
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Super coool!

    There's something satisfying about doing war with rust.

  11. #11
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Quote Originally Posted by nikolaus.conrad
    Datsun Leaf? I can't wait to see this completed!
    LOL! "Dat Leaf".... I should put that of the tail gate when I'm done with it!

  12. #12
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Quote Originally Posted by anothernord
    Super coool!

    There's something satisfying about doing war with rust.
    No joke! I would feel helpsless on the east coast, but over here its manageable.. My 67 chevy is pretty rusty, but it's about the same as some of the rust belts cars that are only 10 years old...

  13. #13
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    UPDATE! She's got new paint!

    She has been like this for pretty much the last 15-20 years...







  14. #14
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Yep.... you got it! 8 cans of Olive Drab rattle cans... Thinking back, I should have just got a gallon of it, but I have wanted to do this since I was a kid, so I can mark it off my bucket list! haha




















  15. #15
    SLi Supporter
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    4,530
    Points
    23,515
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,515, Level: 94
    Level completed: 17%, Points required for next Level: 835
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.Recommendation Second ClassSocial
    Awards:
    Frequent Poster

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    f-in' sweet!

  16. #16
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    The air filter cover I painted up!



    I got a can of semi-gloss black for the bed, but I dont like the look. So I'll get some flat black...


    Ratsun.net has some cool stickers! The place I got for Datsun knowledge.


    My sorry attempt to try painting a rising sun on the wheels... not gonna work.... LOL

  17. #17
    SLi Supporter
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    4,530
    Points
    23,515
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,515, Level: 94
    Level completed: 17%, Points required for next Level: 835
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.Recommendation Second ClassSocial
    Awards:
    Frequent Poster

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    :-D did you get that idea from the Legacy cover i posted on FB?

  18. #18
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    The air cleaner cover? No, it's been bouncing around in my head for the last few years. It looks better in pics, but it's still kinda cool I think.

  19. #19
    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Moco, Maryland
    Posts
    3,525
    Points
    16,957
    Level
    83
    Points: 16,957, Level: 83
    Level completed: 22%, Points required for next Level: 393
    Achievements:
    Social10000 Experience PointsOverdriveO.G.Recommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    User with most referrers

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    Looks sweet. That color really works on that truck.

  20. #20
    Subie Stalker chrish8r's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    New Freedom, PA
    Posts
    1,683
    Points
    10,091
    Level
    67
    Points: 10,091, Level: 67
    Level completed: 11%, Points required for next Level: 359
    Achievements:
    O.G.10000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    Very nice job. That air cleaner paintjob is really nice
    '05 Legacy GT Wagon
    Fuelly
    '99 Legacy outback limited
    Fuelly
    '92 SVX LS-L (SOLD)
    '06 Mustang V6
    check out my videos(TheDirtyDirtyDirty)- http://www.youtube.com/thedirtydirtydirty
    CKuhn Photography (<click)

  21. #21
    t3h ub3r m3mber nikolaus.conrad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Finger Lakes/ Rochester NY
    Posts
    1,622
    Points
    9,726
    Level
    66
    Points: 9,726, Level: 66
    Level completed: 19%, Points required for next Level: 324
    Achievements:
    5000 Experience PointsO.G.Social

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    That truck was destined to wear that color, it fits so perfectly.
    -Nick
    1991 Subaru Legacy L -221K -Killed in action
    1996 Subaru Legacy L -192K -Rust in Peace
    1996 Subaru Outback -214K -Drove into ground
    1999 Subaru Outback Limited -195K -Kiara. EJ22D. 5 speed swapped dual sunroof BG
    1990 Volvo 240 sedan -220K -B230F. M47. I Drift Bro.
    1964 Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark 1 -47K -First Love. Continuous Project. #BeingTopless 50whp of British fury!
    Quote Originally Posted by Thomistopheles
    The EJ25D likes to blow its head gaskets in a spectacular manner, leaking combustion gasses into places it's not supposed to go; giving you the world's worst tasting milkshake.

  22. #22
    "FNG" derrick_'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    92
    Points
    5,486
    Level
    47
    Points: 5,486, Level: 47
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 64
    Achievements:
    O.G.5000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    dude that paint is sexy as hell

    Sent from my Nexus 7

  23. #23
    SLi nOOb
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    NWK,CA(home) + SJSU
    Posts
    152
    Points
    6,911
    Level
    54
    Points: 6,911, Level: 54
    Level completed: 81%, Points required for next Level: 39
    Achievements:
    5000 Experience PointsO.G.

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    EV Conversion huh? You should look into DIY Electric car: http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/....great resource for EV knowledge + ideas.

    For that truck, I wouldn't really hunt for a wrecked Leaf, too dangerous. Cells inside the Leaf are packet cells and could be compromised in an accident. Plus the rotor inside the motor might go out of balance due to an impact which may cause NVH issues... Look into elevator motors/forklift motors..usually with conversions most go with Marine Batteries, though there heavy.

  24. #24
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    I havent gotten too far into the EV research for the little Datsun yet. I'm sure I'll have it figured out someday soon.

    AS soon as I finish the Pulsar and get the Volvo painted, I'm planing to start the 4 link in the rear and swap in a Toyota axle. Then the front will get done. Then a body drop... we will see how fast this happens... LOL

  25. #25
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    So when doing some reading on Ratsun, someone was talking about doing a 5 lug conversion and this came out... "300ZX (Z32) rear end)... Hmmm... I thinking this might just be the ticket! Easy to install and easy to airbag!

  26. #26
    t3h ub3r m3mber r3v_v3ng3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    209 NorCal
    Posts
    1,684
    Points
    13,292
    Level
    75
    Points: 13,292, Level: 75
    Level completed: 11%, Points required for next Level: 358
    Achievements:
    O.G.10000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 pick up!

    Quote Originally Posted by Dead91silvia
    Yep.... you got it! 8 cans of Olive Drab rattle cans... Thinking back, I should have just got a gallon of it, but I have wanted to do this since I was a kid, so I can mark it off my bucket list! haha



    Love it
    My only question is why rattle can it when you could of used a spray gun and finished faster and less material?

  27. #27
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u New rattle can paint! 8-28-12

    I have wanted to do this since I was like 14, so it was just one of those things that was like "hell why not?"... haha

    The paint is kinda crappy to my standards, but this is the first time in about 20 years that it's all one color. It will get a nice coat of paint someday.

  28. #28
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u "Dot" New bumper lights 8-16-

    Small update on "Dot"....

    Got some amber/clears for the bumper... Still need t change the plugs on the lights, but they are at least installed.

    Before


    After

  29. #29
    SLi Lurker Sub-Goon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Oakland, CA
    Posts
    431
    Points
    2,599
    Level
    30
    Points: 2,599, Level: 30
    Level completed: 99%, Points required for next Level: 1
    Achievements:
    1 year registered1000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u "Dot" New bumper lights 8-16-

    If you decide to scrap the EV conversion, you should think about getting one of the Nissan diesel motors and do a cooking oil conversion!

    Glad to see this thing around! I regret not keeping my old Datsun truck, similar story to yours, but mine was a '72.5 620 and my Grandfather bought it new at the dealer my Dad worked at. Just about everyone in the family owned it at some point, I traded it for a '70 Chevelle in '96. At that point it was on its 3rd motor, 2nd trans and 2nd set of brakes, with 783,000 miles on it! The setup it had on it when I traded it was a L16SSS from FAR Performance with dual sidedraft Webbers and a Dogleg 5spd!

  30. #30
    SLi O.G. Muse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Willimantic, CT
    Posts
    2,360
    Points
    10,774
    Level
    68
    Points: 10,774, Level: 68
    Level completed: 81%, Points required for next Level: 76
    Achievements:
    VeteranOverdrive10000 Experience Points

    Re: Dead's 1980 Datsun 720 p/u "Dot" New bumper lights 8-16-

    I wanna suggest an sr20 swap... But really, that's not terribly unique.

    What about an L24 I6 engine from a 240Z though? ever see that done?
    2002 Outback H6 VDC "Blitzen 6"

    Quote Originally Posted by Lancaster6
    A sherpa could rip ass somewhere high up in the Himalayas and my Prius will be blown almost off of the road.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •