Kirden

Haha, guess I am getting scared for nothing. Maybe it is my throttle cable then because even with the pedal to the floor going down hill I can't get past 70mph. We start the brake tear down tomorrow so I should be able to take a closer look at the truck. Thanks again for all the info. I have already sourced a possible 79zx tranny for a swap just for the upgrade.

wow, my slow response times ftw. I will get under the truck later today and take some pics of the tranny. Maybe I can find a model number. As far as how high, I'm not sure, it just sounded way too loud. If I can find a cheap tach I can geet a better reading on it but seeing as I just bought the truck about 16 hours ago I haven't put much into it yet. I just want to cover my bases since it will be my DD starting next Monday.

Alright, thanks for that, can you go ahead and list the "shorty" ones as well? My local shop can most likely fab a mount, I just don't trust them with their custom fab driveshafts and I have heard horror stories about some shafts coming loose while driving, poll vaulting trucks because people around here don't know how to secure them correctly. Also, will a rear end change make the 4-speed viable or is that pretty much out the window as far as 65+ highway speeds are concerned?

Hey guys, I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction for a donor car to grab a 5-speed tranny from for my 74 620. I had originally wanted to stick with the 4-speed but since I have to drive 60 miles on the highway every day I feel the 5-speed may help my little 620 live a longer life. I'm mainly looking for a list of vehicles that will have a 5-speed tranny that will bolt up and not require me to replace my drive shaft. Also, are there any changes I can make to the 4-speed or rhe rear end until I can get a 5-speed that will make highway driving less problematic? Having the truck at such high rpms the entire way to work makes me feel like I'm just asking for trouble. Thanks for any tips and have a great day.

Any idea if this will bolt up to a 74 620 without replacing the drive shaft? If so, what part of the contry are you in? I really need a 5 speed it seems since I have to drive 60 miles on the hwy every day. Edit: Haha, I'm blind... I see the local now. Can you see what shipping would be to 31211? I know its gonna be high but atleast it would give me a price to look at.

I know, but its the style I want :P

Is it wrong that I want to copy someone for my build? This is basicly the exact truck I want without the stretched tires and with a leather snap on tonneu cover. Also, I am thinking orange or a bright blue for the body.

Alright, thank you for the info. I guess I will have to choose push start or sweet bezel if it fits the 620.

Progress! Ok, so kinda progress... I have a list of what I need/want to do to this truck, hopefully all in the near future but it all depends on if I can get this truck to DD so that I can fix my civic and put this one on the top of my project list. Sadly the eclipse in the pictures above has to go. $350 a month + people that don't want to fix anything makes me a very angry customer. Anyway, here is the list in some sort of approximate order, subject to changes/additions ofc :P 1. Brakes Spin Drums New parts and shoes replace bearings if needed (might do it just cause since I will be down there) Check lines and other components under the hood. Repair/replace parking brake 2. Engine Change all fluids (even crankcase, not sure when it was done last) Replace all filters (breather is blown through so sure the others haven't been replaced) Check plugs/wires Rebuild the original carb in case the aftermarket one starts giving me trouble 3. Gauges Try to clean to see if they start working correctly Replace if needed 4. Transmission Try to find upgrades based on highway driving Possible upgrade to 5 speed 5. Electrical Look into possible higher output altenator (awesome write up in DIY section) Look up wiring upgrades (relays and such for brighter lights ect) 6. Stereo Replace with media player from the civic new speakers new wiring possible custom installation 7. Suspension 2 inch drop all around shorter shocks or possible top cap modification alignment new bushings 8. Body Replace hood Replace grille (thanks Adam) Repair bed (remove bondo, fully restore with sheet) Replace rear bumber with two piece bumber Find original emblems Paint entire truck And I think that is everything. To clear up the gauge situation, my speedo only goes up to 38, gas gauge goes to 3/4s, and my temp never went above the second line from C to H. While I hope the temp gauge isn't lying (means the thermo is out and I don't have to replace that gauge) I know the others are messed up. They go down fine, but they only get to that point. Is it possible that since the previous owner only drove in town the speedo has gunked up and will not go above in town speeds? Pretty long list but it should be a blast.

Any idea if these will work in a 74 620? I love the machined face but I would want either black or red sides instead of blue. Another interesting questions is does anyone know if these will work with the push button start system (I don't want to butcher Dave's product name by not naming it correctly :P ) Just saw that I'm not the only one asking about the 620. Please disregard that question unless anyone knows how to modify the 620 for the right fitment.

I figured out the issue with my hood latch before I drove to work. The bracket that the latch locks on to is bent, so when I forced the hood release I had to press down on the hood to relieve the pressure on the latch then pull the latch up to raise the hood. Also, I took a look at the release cable and the bracket it was attched to was plastic. It has broken and now the release cable is just sitting there not attached to anything. I have a feeling that the cable was not installed correctly after the frame was painted so once I have more time I'm going to see if I can hook the cable up any other way. I will post pictures of the engine bay and the latch/release system tomorrow or, if it is light out, after work. Thanks for all the help so far, I'm sure I will have tons of questions during the overhaul.

Oh no, I know what is wrong with the release, its just that the bracket under the hood broke. The problem with opening the hood is that the latch itself seems stuck. The handle/level you pull/push/slide under the hood to lift it will not move. I have a feeling that something is blocking it or maybe the spring is broken.

I honestly don't know, I just can't get it to open. When we got there he already had the hood popped. There is no tension or play in the lever at all, its like it is caught on something. As far as the release cable from the lever, I can tell the bracket is broken but the cable is still there just by feeling around.

Alright, thanks a lot, I'll be sure to look over the build thread at work. I plan on looking over as many of the builds as I can over the next few weeks to get my head around what I want to do.

I got it for $700 :)

Oh also, anyone have any spare hood latches laying around? The latch seems to be stuck. I know I am going to have to rig some kind of hood release bracket for the release cable because the original bracket is broken and I hate having to reach through the grill to get to the hood release. Lastly, anyone know where I can find an original grill? I'm not sure if I am going to go clean original or ratsun with this truck but I want to look at my options.

Hey guys, I'm new here. You can either call me Kirden or Jacob, both work fine. I'm 24 and live in Georgia. I just figured I would log in real quick before work to show off my 74 Datsun 620. Its the oldest vehicle I have ever owned, second oldest being my last truck, an 89 Mazda B2200. After seeing Redeyes build thread I knew I had to go pick this truck up. I just bought it today and drove from Atlanta back home, which was about 60 miles. The truck runs great, shifts fine, and the radio works! I even have that old school 280 A/C. Anyway, I have to leave for work soon but I have three pictures to post. I was trying to get a pic of the engine but I can't get the hood to pop now... All is good in love and Datsun though right? I plan on overhauling this truck completely, and even preparring for an engine swap (something Nissan/Datsun) incase this little L18 fails on me. First list on the build project, anyone know of a decent and simple upgrade for the brakes? I wanted to look into discs on the front but this truck will have to be daily drivavle by Sunday and I work till Thursday, so I have 2 days to finish up the brakes. Right now they are so shot that I think only one tire is grabbing and the parking brake is useless. Oh, and that paper in the window is a Tag APP for sign, not a busted window :P