Hello, I figured I would introduce myself as I expect to spend a good deal of time on here in the near future. I am not currently the owner a Nissan/Datsun but just locked in a great deal and will have my "new" pickup March 13.

For the last 6 1/2 years I have been driving a 1987 Honda Accord Lxi, I have loved it but when I found out earlier this week that my grandfather was selling his 1979 Datsun I knew I couldn't let it go to a stranger. He's old, 88 I think, and really shouldn't be driving anymore so I was glad he is giving up the vehicle but I wanted it to stay in the family and when I found out he only wanted $250 for it I couldn't justify not buying it.

He is the original owner and as a perfectionist and man with a lot of pride in ownership has kept his rig in great shape, it's always been garaged and for the last 10 years not driven much. I haven't seen it much in the last 5 years as I've been away at school much of that time but I know it has about 106,000 miles on it. Everything is original, no rust, chrome bumpers. I believe it is a 5 speed MT, light blue with white striping and has an original canopy. I am told by my father that it is in good running condition, no oil leaks and runs strong on the highway. Sorry about all the information. Maybe you can tell, I am bit excited!

Today I talked to my grandfather on the phone and he told me he wouldn't allow me to pay him for it, I protested half heatedly but how can I turn down a free classic.

One thing I haven't been able to figure out is whether it is a 620 or 720, although I'm leaning toward 720. From the gross amount of research I have done in the last couple of days I discovered that both of those models were produced in 79. What would be the easiest way to tell the difference without me making him dig up the paperwork that is likely buried in his garage somewhere?

I look forward to being a part of this great community.

- Jimmy

Welcome aboard

Post pictures when you get it. I'm sure the truck guys will drop in soon to explain model differences.

audtatious wrote:Welcome aboard

Post pictures when you get it. I'm sure the truck guys will drop in soon to explain model differences.

Slumin down here are ya?? lol

Welcome to the forum bluejl2!! We like pics This would help us figure out what ya got.

You likely have a 620. Yes, there were 1979 1/2 720s but they generally got titled as 1980. Easiest way to tell is if you have round headlights you have a 620 and it would look something like phlebmaster's truck as opposed to the more squared off look of a 720.

I wish I had pictures but at the moment the truck is about 360 miles away, or else I'd dig all the paperwork out myself. I'm pretty sure the title says 1979 so maybe it's a 620, or at least that's what I'm hoping for. I should be able to have my grandpa look at headlight shape to determine it, if not I'll have to wait for a couple of weeks

Thanks for the info. I'll post pictures soon I hope.

Cool! I can't wait to see it too. It sounds like a 620 though.

I talked to my dad today who is also in Olympia and I think he is going to try and snap some photos and or find the papers soon. I was thinking about it a lot today and from my recollection (again I haven't taken a good look at it in a few years) I remember it being more boxy which seems like it would indicate a 720. Either way I am excited about it.

I've never really worked on cars or trucks much (done a little with my motorcycle) but I want to learn and I feel something this simple mechanically is a good place to start.

I'm becoming addicted to this forum and researching old Datsuns online.

If it is a late 79 720 then is still has the L20b engine and those are very easy to work on.

The NapsZ engines aren't any tougher to work on either in my opinion.

106k Can't wait for pics of the daring rescue.

Do you guys have any suggestions as far as shop/repair manuals? I plan on doing most of the work on this truck by myself or with my roommate, he is pretty good at this stuff but my knowledge is limited.

I just have chilton manuals and NICO/ODPL. Doing fine so far.

I've been pretty busy lately so it's taken a while to get this post up. Anyway, I picked up the truck last week after my grandparents insisted on having the front brakes totally redone as well as some minor things.

The truck was a little more (or less) than I bargained for depending on how you look at it. It has slightly fewer miles than I thought but it's not in as great of condition as I remember and needs some work, primarily new ball joints and to find out where all the coolant is leaking out. There are also some other minor things that should be fixed (no emergency flashers, windshield wiper fluid doesn't work, small dents and some minor surface rust). The first thing I did was pull off the front bumber and knock it straight as the middle was slightly pushed in making it fit a little wierd.

I'm going to try and fix most of this stuff myself but I'm not sure how much I want to put into it. the King cab is nice but if I am going to be making any mods I would rather have a smaller truck and what I really want is a 620, we'll see.

Anyway here are some pics.

It doesn't look like those photos worked, I'll figure it out tomorrow, here is a link to my photobucket in the meantime

http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c44/bluejl2/

Be sure to use the [IMG] code only.

I fixed your pics by using it...it is the last option on the list of code to use.

Thanks.

That's one clean 720. I like. Any plans for it or is it going to be a daily driver?

Not sure. It's sitting in my parents' driveway until May 10 when I graduate from WSU. It needs a little work before I drive it much more, mainly new ball joints. Once I get that done I'll probably drive it for a bit and may sell it. It's a nice truck but I really want a 620, we'll see.