Hello,
I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. About a year back, I purchased this 1983 Datsun pickup /RV Camper from a friend. I was doing it more as a favor for him as he was strapped for cash. At the time I envisioned restoring the RV,but have since been side-tracked with my CPA exams.
Since then, my exams have gotten tougher and most of my time has been taken up with either working or studying.I am looking into selling this vehicle, but wanted to get some feedback on a couple of questions that i had.I appreciate any responses or feedback.
Description of the vehicle: Its a 1983 Datsun/Nissan truck with a Camper RV shell. The vehicle is in overall good condition (inside the appliances and some of the amenities require work), but the engine starts and runs. The truck needs a new clutch (my mechanic quoted me $750 for a new clutch and labor) but I have a feeling he was over-charging. The vehicle is manual and has a 4 cylinder engine(will attach more pictures) with dually rear tires. The RV unit on the truck is from a manufacturer named 'Rader".
Basically, i am looking into selling this vehicle as I do not have time to restore it. Can anyone give me an estimate for value/worth for this truck/RV unit? I am not sure if I should sell the vehicle as is or whether I should invest in getting the clutch fixed before selling it. Also, I am unsure if I should sell the camper unit and truck separately or whether it is better to just sell as is together (without getting the clutch fixed).
I would really appreciate any information on this truck/RV Camper. Also look forward to hearing any suggestions or advice.
thx
http://s1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii625/a1rao/
A few questions about my 1983 Datsun 720 RV Camper
Re: A few questions about my 1983 Datsun 720 RV Camper
Around me - if everything worked perfectly and it was mint for the vintage it'd maybe get $4k or so. Not a huge market for old/underpowered RVs.
$750 to do the clutch isn't unreasonable (to me). The amount of labour involved isn't light and the parts to do the whole job even if you get the cheapest is around $150+, so $600 of labour for what will take 1-2 people a good 4-6+ hours isn't too strange.
Without the clutch fixed, and in current condition, I'd expect maybe $750-1500 since you can't really get a good feeling for the maintenance/performance of something on a test drive if the clutch is bad. With the clutch fixed (and pending actual shape up/close and inside) I'd say maybe $2500 tops - and that's finding a buyer who wants this bad.
$750 to do the clutch isn't unreasonable (to me). The amount of labour involved isn't light and the parts to do the whole job even if you get the cheapest is around $150+, so $600 of labour for what will take 1-2 people a good 4-6+ hours isn't too strange.
Without the clutch fixed, and in current condition, I'd expect maybe $750-1500 since you can't really get a good feeling for the maintenance/performance of something on a test drive if the clutch is bad. With the clutch fixed (and pending actual shape up/close and inside) I'd say maybe $2500 tops - and that's finding a buyer who wants this bad.
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84 720 4x4KC - Location: Va Bch
Re: A few questions about my 1983 Datsun 720 RV Camper
Where are you located out of curiosity?
I have always thought these and the 4door 720's were really neat.
Clutch slave is super easy to change, the master is a little more work but also not hard to get to and work with.
The clutch is definitely a chore but around here its not a $750 chore, maybe because there are an insane amount of trucks in my area and there is alot of competition, awesome specials and coupons that save some change. Turning a flywheel is usually about $40 and a half a day depending on how busy they are for turn around. New clutch is about $100 or so. On a 2wd 720 taking the trans out is very close to an S13 240sx(lots of writeups for that) once out, you just throw on the new clutch and flywheel and put it all back. Also I would change out the vacuum lines which can be a pain, cuz the system is rather extensive.
Break in clutch as recommended and then go camping at a 5day music festival or something fun like that.
Also do not sell them separate, sell it as a whole camper.
I have always thought these and the 4door 720's were really neat.
Clutch slave is super easy to change, the master is a little more work but also not hard to get to and work with.
The clutch is definitely a chore but around here its not a $750 chore, maybe because there are an insane amount of trucks in my area and there is alot of competition, awesome specials and coupons that save some change. Turning a flywheel is usually about $40 and a half a day depending on how busy they are for turn around. New clutch is about $100 or so. On a 2wd 720 taking the trans out is very close to an S13 240sx(lots of writeups for that) once out, you just throw on the new clutch and flywheel and put it all back. Also I would change out the vacuum lines which can be a pain, cuz the system is rather extensive.
Break in clutch as recommended and then go camping at a 5day music festival or something fun like that.
Also do not sell them separate, sell it as a whole camper.
Re: A few questions about my 1983 Datsun 720 RV Camper
Hello,
My dad and I saw your post by accident, he says $750 is too much for a clutch repair. He is a mechanic himself.
We are curious to know if you decided to sell the truck RV? If so would you please contact us.
Good luck with everything.
Thanks.
-V
My dad and I saw your post by accident, he says $750 is too much for a clutch repair. He is a mechanic himself.
We are curious to know if you decided to sell the truck RV? If so would you please contact us.
Good luck with everything.
Thanks.
-V