I went to a friends, cousins farm a few month back. While on a drunken tractor ride of the large property, I saw a '72 521 in the back region of the property. Here is the truck:



After months of bugging them, I was finally able to convince them to sell it to me. I have wanted one of these for years, and was amazed that was sitting there like any other pile of crap.

I have a few ?'s...

Is there a drop in electronic ignition conversion (Pertronix or similar)? Found it for a 520 single point system, but mine is a dual point 521, and no luck.

I am looking for heatercore hoses with no luck, the truck has been sitting since '94, and they are dry-cracked and leaking.

Is the a good online source for parts for these trucks? I am having a hard time finding stuff.

I can't wait to have my truck daily driver friendly, thanks in advance!

By pass the heater for now. core and the valve problably leak.

Get a matchbox distributor & coil from an L20B car or truck and drop in. Very easy, used ones sell for $65to $100. This is a great up grade.

Charlie69 wrote:By pass the heater for now. core and the valve problably leak.

Get a matchbox distributor & coil from an L20B car or truck and drop in. Very easy, used ones sell for $65to $100. This is a great up grade.

Thank you! What would be good candidates to look for year/vehicle wise? I did bypass the core for now. Trying to figure out what is similar in size to the factory "6.00-14-6PRLT" tires. I like the size, but these are in bad shape, and the rears are snow tires, lol!

Edit: I assume that it is an electronic ignition distributor?

I also have access to this parts truck...



I believe it is an '80 or '81. It has the factory electronic distributor in it. I was told the motor is an L20F. What are the chances it would work for my application?

If that is a 1980 it will have a L20B motor with a electronic matchbox distributor. That is what I use. Take the distributor, pedestal, coil, & wiring from the coil to the distributor. If it is a Z20 motor I do not think the distributor will fit the L20, L18, or L16 motors.

Thanks for the reply! What identifying marks should I look for to identify the engine in the 4x4 datsun? Unfortunately, I have to explain them to my friend who lives there, but he can bring me the parts if they will work, as he travels my way often.

Edit: Does anyone make replacement tailgate skins for these trucks?

Disregard all of my electronic ignition ?'s. I can't seem to find a fast moving Datsun forum, and can't seem to find the definitive info that I need, so I chose to go with a method that I know, and know works well. I decided to mount a trigger wheel and a crank position sensor and went with a standalone computer. I will also be running the fuel injection off of this ECU as well. Small turbo system with 6-8 PSI of boost to come as well...

Pic of the crank position system I made, and video link of it running at the bottom...



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcDQzEh8YTs[/youtube]

That's a nice clean setup - I know this is an old thread, but if you're still around, I'd love to hear more about it.

I thought there would be more interest in this project initially, and am doing this on a commercial level, so due to lack of interest, this project was abandoned, and was sold for scrap. The only projects that have brought decent interest and have made in house projects financially viable have been older american car projects. I would love to revisit one of these projects personally in the future, but as a business venture it simply does not pan out. We have seen similar failure in the custom VW scene. Thanks for what little interest there was.

A lot has changed since 2010... Despite the downturn in the economy, classic Japanese cars are steadily climbing in value.

There are always peaks and valleys in the market, that apply to any vehicles - The last 3 times I've attended Barrett-Jackson, no more million-dollar Hemi Cudas. They'll be back.

I can assure you, there's a lot more interest now than there was in 2010.

Then again, my restorations and collection aren't a business venture, so I completely see what you mean there. Most Datsun folks are DIY people.

First of all I answered your post and you did not want to research the information I provided.

Second you did not mention anything about commercial venture.

Third you scrapped a perfectly good truck.

I can only surmise that you wasted my time.

Probably best to just wipe up your tears and move on then... And these trucks are a dime a dozen in the PNW. It was virtually impossible to give away.

Probably because you were dealing with cheap losers in the PNW.

Adios.