Hello everyone.

I am new here, just made a couple of posts and wanted to say hi and hopefully get some information.

I just purchased a 1962 Datsun 320, It has crappy brushed paint but is in fair condition. Day 1 Pictures here https://photos.app.goo.gl/8a6XXsmAhCbZEw4E8 before cleaning..

I got a story with this truck which I am not sure about and hoping someone can tell me if it is possible and or how I could verify...

The story goes like this..

This little truck spent many years with the Shah of Iran and was brought back to the states when they upgraded. There is a sticker on the tailgate of the Iran Emblem and you can see where there was a sticker of the outline of Iran on the passenger door.

It has a strange VIN code (223K14097) on the registration and I can not find the ID tags anywhere (I do not specifically where to look)

Anyone have any idea if the story could be true? Seems a bit off to me as I can find nothing online about these trucks, just a bunch on the Juniors..
thanks

Found this info online about the VIN.

I bought a 65 L320 with VIN number (from the VIN plate) of 4-L320-03558D. Unfortunately, the title shows L320$03558D. The '4' is in a different place. I see that the earlier trucks used the alternate scheme. My problem is, I can't transfer the title without getting this resolved. I will have to go to the Highway Patrol to get the VIN verified. I would like to see which method was used on the chassis stamp before I go there, and especially I would like to find the number on the chassis.

The owners manual says that the location is "Top surface of left forward part of frame side member" I would assume they mean the top of the frame rail on the driver's side, possible within the engine compartment?

I'll dig in on this when I have more time, but I can almost 100% assure you that truck was never in Iran, as they are a RHD country.

I'd bet the decals were simply added by a previous owner (maybe a student from overseas)?

With that said, it's a great-looking example, and definitely worth restoring.

Looking at the pics, the VIN should be on the firewall, right behind the battery - but it looks like it's been cut out. You're gonna need to have a Level 1 inspection done by your local law enforcement and apply for a bonded title. Not a big deal, just inconvenient.

That engine is an L-series (L16) from a later truck (probably a early 70's Datsun 521). LOTS of non-original stuff under the hood, including the dual M/C and brake booster.

Obviously, the seats and steering wheel aren't correct, nor is the 3rd brake light, and a few other bits. A very cool example of a rare truck!

Thanks for all the reply's, I appreciate anything I get to learn about this truck.

They had to hack the firewall to fit the newer engine. I started cleaning up the engine bay and see all kinds of wacky stuff. I have not pulled the carpet yet to see the damage from inside but I know it needs a new tunnel and the heater seems to be gone.

Great info on the vin data, I think it has been gone a while and perhaps the current vin has already been assigned as it is simply numbers. I will check all recommended locations.

Is this a stock dash? I can not find any examples online and what I do see is very different install and layout.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP ... FvTTJFdk1B

It appears an earlier gauge cluster was fitted to your dash. Here's a '59 sedan, check out the dash pics: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959-datsun-l210/

Your dash * should * look more similar to a 63 dash (I have a 63 NL320 and a 63 PL312).

AZhitman wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 25, 2020 9:29 pm

It appears an earlier gauge cluster was fitted to your dash. Here's a '59 sedan, check out the dash pics: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959-datsun-l210/

Your dash * should * look more similar to a 63 dash (I have a 63 NL320 and a 63 PL312).

Yep, this looks just like mine.

Thanks!

I just realized something. They produced the 223 in early 62. I think my truck is a 223 instead of a 320.
I say this based on a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12FEGQC0NOw with the exception of this truck being right hand drive, the Grill and Dash match perfectly. Where as the 320's I have seen have both a different dash and grill.

Thanks for all your help so far!

That is correct. You have a 223. The 320 is wider overall.