Datsun 320 VIN Registry - Enter Yours!

[jungerfrosch]

Just got a 1965
engine # E1-648875
Car # L320 013585

[charliej13]

[/imgquote="charliej13"]I just bought a 1965 NL320 vin 4-L320-60042D and am getting started restoring it.[/quote]
here's a pic of my nl320

[charliej13]

4L320-03848
E1-485061

[Li'l Truckie]

Love those wheels.



I'm thinking to go with the red background on Whitey. Could you post a close up?

Thanks

Li'l Truckie

[dbasdan]

[img][IMG]http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af2 ... 66d648.jpg[/img][/img]So I bought an NL320. I posted pics on another thread "Newbie help". I am a bit puzzled in that appears to be a '63 but the data plate says '64 model year, and the title lists it as a '65??? Vin # NL320360449C

[Li'l Truckie]

dbasdan,

Who knows. My theory is it probably a legitimate '64 model, that was sold in '65 and titled as a '65 and not a '64 model. As far as "looking" like a '63 I would surmise that Nissan, Yokohama, used up its remaining stock of '63 parts and rolled it off the assembly line. And you never know what parts were replaced by previous owners in the late '60 and mid '70s.

I know my '63 has a later MK IV E1 engine that I'm guessing was replace by a Datsun Dealer, but only a guess.

Don't worry though, the English did the same thing. My brother had a totally factory end of the line illegitimate MGAs with a twin cam chassis, all wheel disc brakes, and a 1800cc 3 main bearing MGB motor over the stock 1600cc. We were scratching our heads when we went a looked at it for the first time and bought just in case it was something special....it was very special.

I'm finding the same issues with my '65s, lots of previous year parts. On the opposite side of the coin I do have one '65 320 with the later 520 model spare tire chain instead of the regular 320 A-arm.

Here's a link to Early Datsun, if you would like to do some more reading -

http://www.earlydatsun.com/index.html

Just scroll down until you find the Year and Model you are looking for.

v/r
Andy

[NormanSufficool]

My Truck is a 1965 4L320- 03461D. It is green. The Grill supports a rounded corner rectangular turn signal lamp. I blacked the grill and bumper out many years ago due to bad rust. As for the engine, I bought a new 1965 410 engine back in 1975 and have since bored and balanced it. It came with the PL410 positive ground alternator which I kept and installed the single wire and regulator to accompany it. The engine has the spin on filter bracket and 1300 distributor. I fitted a 1980 Datsun Truck differential into it years ago which turned out nicely since now I have 3.9 ratio as opposed to the 5.11 it used to have. With the balanced engine it runs smoothly down the freeway at 65 to 70 mph without tacking out the engine. I was a Nissan Master Tech and since then have maintained my ASE master technician status and am a Smog repair and test mechanic in Calif. I have rebuilt almost everything on this truck and use it for sporting around and just hauling stuff. Not fancy but very reliable and useful.

[Li'l Truckie]

NormanSufficool,

Welcome Aboard! Sounds like a terrific build with some modern and more practical updates. I'm sure some 320 fans would love to know more about the distributor and the differential from the '80s Datsun.

Would love to see some pic.

Li'l Truckie

[Parking Space]

1964 320
VIN: 4-L320-02258

It arrives this coming Saturday July 5th.

[Li'l Truckie]

Parking Space,

Welcome aboard and to the NiCo Datsun 320 page. Sorry for the delayed salutations, busy with two classes...ugh.

5 July, birthday of my M45.

Careful unloading the little 320 from the car hauler as the 320 has a very narrow track. A couple of 2x10 might come in handing.

We have a great bunch of 320 Fans that can help with parts and technical information to make your 320 an enjoyable daily driver or project. Parts are out there, they just may not be Nissan, but they work.

Post some pics when you can. I have a '64, Shroom, and would like to compare grill, engine compartment, and interior.

Let us know if you need anything.

Li'l Truckie

[Parking Space]

Thanks. Had it towed to the Garage that takes care of my 62 Mercury Comet. Also gave John the mechanic the link to the Manual online. I'll be taking some snapshots in the next couple of days. There are a few spare parts, like the spedo/temp plate, and an extra glove box so I may have a few things to trade, once we see what's spare and what was purchased to replace items that were not working. I do know I'll need the lenses for the brake and front turn lights at some time soon. Don't think they can be buffed and re-dyed, too far gone. Engine seems to turn, (by hand) did not want to try and start it up until fluids, and engine was given a good look see. And I am too old to crawl around in the desert sand where I got it, so I'll have to see once it's up on the lift if the transmission in the bed is an extra or not. The bed BTW looks like it only hauled groceries, only two minor dents, and the re-spray is not chipped or scratched. One day I will swap out the step up for on original bumper in the back. The grill seems to have simply been painted over when they did the respray. I'm guessing it was an Earl Shibe o$99.00 job or other such job because the few places that the grill is peeling reveals what looks like good chrome.

[AZhitman]

What's even better news is that the grilles were typically stainless steel - So, you may be able to strip off that paint and polish it back up to perfection!

[Parking Space]

Thanks, what little is peeking out where the paint is peeling sure is shiny.

[Li'l Truckie]

Parking Space,

Sounds great! Can't wait to see some pics. For the front lens, sorry, these are very hard to come by, but I 'm working to see if one small company can make just the lens. So you will still need to use the chrome circular housing. And no, the Fairlady front lens are too small, though I'm tempted to use the set I have on one of my 320's.

For the rear lens, these occasional come up on eBay. They are the Pacific Rim countries Red and Amber.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-320-truc ... 98&vxp=mtr

These are from Thailand, but I have yet to have any issue with over 20 orders, and yes, I have a set of these same lens from this vendor.

As for the motor, I would not be to concerned. My '64 sat from 1978 until last June without starting or moving. My son and I turned the engine by hand about twenty rotations and then turned the ignition. A few attempts and it was running. 10 months later the mechanical restoration is complete and we are now driving it all over town. One 320 enthusiast website says the E1 is pretty indestructible with oil and anti-freeze being optional...and I believe it.

v/r
Andy

[Parking Space]

Guess I have to re-read the how to post an image section.

[deerio]

I suppose this would be appropriate as my first post. I picked up a '63 L320 a few months ago from Ephrata, WA and used a tow dolly (barely fit) to bring it over to Seattle.

It's actually a '62 that is titled as a '63. It even had a '62 grille on it, but I have since traded it for a '63 grille since I like it better.

Eventually I'll create a build thread, but right now I'm basically working on getting it back on the road.

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard, deerio! Great score...

[Li'l Truckie]

Welcome Aboard deerio,

Great pics of the 320. Lots of good support here on the NiCo 320 Forum page. Let us know if you need any mechanical parts information as contrary to some they are available and a few of us have more than one 320 for hard to find chassis and body parts.

Li'l Truckie


Datsun Service, Repair, and Parts manuals can be found here-

http://www.datsunservicemanual.com

If you don't see what you are looking for let me know and we'll get you what you are looking for at absolutely ZERO cost.

[deerio]

Thanks for the welcome! I finished replacing the front brakes with all new parts only to find out during the bleeding process that the rears need replacement as well. So as soon as I find the time/stop being a bum, that's what I'll be working on.

Anybody know if a J13 fuel pump is a direct bolt-on to the E1? I currently have an electric one and might have access to a mechanical pump but would like to know if it'll fit.

Also, I know they're NLA but does anyone have access to a Nikki 2D-30C rebuild kit? It's a long shot, I know, but I'd rather do it myself than sending it out to be done if possible.

Lastly, are J13 Hitachi carbs a direct bolt-on to the E1?

Thanks again!

[Li'l Truckie]

deerio,

okay, let's answer some questions-

Anybody know if a J13 fuel pump is a direct bolt-on to the E1?

Yip, no problem. Same actuating arm and an exact fit to the block. Still need the spacer in which you can trace new gaskets from. I'd go with new brass bolts and washer as they do no corrode.

Sorry, down hill from here -

NLA but does anyone have access to a Nikki 2D-30C rebuild kit

Nope, sorry. No longer made and at least not in stock with Classic Garage in Brewster, NY (just north of Syracuse) Somewhere I have the reject email from them telling me that Royz no longer makes them. So you will need to make your own main body gaskets and source the O-rings from another kit. Occasionally one comes up on eBay, usually from Australia. PM me if you need the leather boot for the accelerator pump.

Lastly, are J13 Hitachi carbs a direct bolt-on to the E1?

No they are NOT an exact fit. The J13 the preheat on the J13 carb to exhaust manifold is ~1/2 longer to the will not match up.

Ohh, forgot. if your 320 is still POSITIVE Ground be careful with a electric fuel pump as most are wired for NEGATIVE Ground autos. It might work at first, but it will eventually fail at the most dangerous or embarrassing place on the road. Also, electric fuel pumps are meant to push, not pull. So read the direction for where the manufacturer says to place the electric fuel pump. Probably something along the lines of - "within 12-18 inches of the fuel tank and below the center line of the fuel tank"

Might check the Running on a budget thread for more information and pics.

v/r
Andy

[cellis805]

Reistering 1963 Datsun Pickup
L320-302503B

C.Ellis
Marietta GA

[Li'l Truckie]

C. Ellis,

Welcome Aboard and thanks for the chassis number off the data plate.

Let us know if you need any assistance - technical or parts.

Li'l Truckie

[difrangia]

Has this data been assembeled into a database yet?

Steve

[Li'l Truckie]

Yes it has. Just do not know who has it. Will work on this one.

[daddyoethan]

1963 L320 Base Model L320301787 Driver, flatbed cab on a 720 narrowed frame Z20 engine and 5 speed. Waiting for my 7 year old to drive.

1964 L320 Delux Model (gotta get the VIN) Clean floor shift model, wide side trim. Very stock, non-runner, waiting for my 5 year old to drive.

[Li'l Truckie]

daddyoethan,

Welcome aboard and thanks for the vehicle information. I know someone somewhere in the Seattle, Washington area does have a data base with this information.

A '64 with floor shift, that is unusual.

Would love to see some pics your fleet.

I might be interested in your '59. I have a '60 222 that I hope to bring out of storage this spring and get running again.

v/r
Li'l Truckie

[CoolCoupe42]

Hi all - I've got a red '64 NL320. Vin # 4-L320-60386. I bought this truck I think in 1984 in Colton CA. It was restored in the seventies by the owner of Visalia Datsun. Don't remember much else about it's background. I drove it around Ventura County CA until late in '87. I killed the motor, did a swap (E1) then parked it. I've been moving it with me ever since. I also had a donor truck, '64 NL320, Vin # 4-L320-60313C. The donor was stripped then junked. It was bought in the Reseda CA area. I'll get it running one of these days! I have pics, just can't figure out how to post them. I'll get them up soon

[Li'l Truckie]

CoolCoupe42

Welcome Aboard and thank-you for the serial number information on the two 320s. Sorry to hear that '64 NL320, Vin # 4-L320-60313C is no more.

Post a few pic when you can and let us know if you need any tech help getting your NL back on the road. Parts are out there, you just have to know where to look and what all works - this is where we can help cut your time way down and maybe even save you a few Benjamins.

Li'l Truckie

[AZhitman]

Yes it has. Just do not know who has it. Will work on this one.

Andy - Let's chat via email or in Mod. These guys have waited long enough, let's make it rock.

Welcome aboard to all our recent 320 owners! We've got some great stuff in store for you.

[Li'l Truckie]

Mod is good for me.

Andy