SurgeL320 Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 Im using this as my thread keep a record on my truck . I purchased it a few weeks ago and im currently trying to make it road ready . Its a 63 L320 with a L18/ 4speed . The interior needs some work but should be an easy fun project Theres about 1/4 inch space between the firewall . The motor is FUGLY Im considering installing a better L18 with a 5 speed, if you guys know of any please let me know . this needs a rebuild as it sat for 10 yrs Ive already broken a few bolts I just want it to be a a reliable daily driver . As of now its overheating (bigger radiator?) , The wheels are (still) locked, no pressure at all in the clutch arm , top end job, passenger window, wiring is all over the place , hidious engine bay. I didnt want a project but i think this is worth it . ITS A DATSUN:lol: Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted May 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 How much bigger is the L18 than the original 1200 Wow , i didnt really pay attention but it looks like they had to cut the firewall to install the L18:confused: Also , my tranny has no pressure on the clutch arm . None, nothing. what does that mean :confused: would the original tranny bolt up to a L motor Who does good affordable rebuilds in socal Quote Link to comment
jefe de jefes Posted May 24, 2009 Report Share Posted May 24, 2009 How much bigger is the L18 than the original 1200 Wow , i didnt really pay attention but it looks like they had to cut the firewall to install the L18:confused: Also , my tranny has no pressure on the clutch arm . None, nothing. what does that mean :confused: would the original tranny bolt up to a L motor Who does good affordable rebuilds in socal No pressure at the clutch pedal? Maybe air in the system? Bleed and keep an eye on the fluid level. Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted May 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 I rebuilt the master cylinder but i removed the the clutch slave and noticed the clutch arm had no pressure. I can move it back and forth but it makes a click where its supposed to engage but doesnt. The slave cylinder only pushes it forward right, and the pressure of the clutch is supposed to push it back. Thats where im have problems. Quote Link to comment
jefe de jefes Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 (edited) did you take apart and clean the slave cylinder? Sometimes those get stuck. Just re-read your post. So your saying the fork is in there sloppy? Edited May 25, 2009 by jefe de jefes Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted May 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 Yes the fork inside is whats giving me problems. I was working on the slave cylinder when i noticed the fork . Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted May 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 So the clutch fork engages the throw-out bearing right? What do i replace . Should i just install a 5speed . Quote Link to comment
Labanon Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 (edited) Atleast you got a L engine instead of the E1 like I have. The wiring looks pretty bad. Body looks pretty solid. I would also like to know if the L series engine bolts right up to the stock tranny of the 320's. Edited May 25, 2009 by Labanon Quote Link to comment
nl320_1963 Posted May 25, 2009 Report Share Posted May 25, 2009 Atleast you got a L engine instead of the E1 like I have. The wiring looks pretty bad. Body looks pretty solid. I would also like to know if the L series engine bolts right up to the stock tranny of the 320's. No it does not. I am sure an adapter could be made, but a better choice would be to replace engine and trans together. No telling what the guy who did the swap did when he installed it. Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted June 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 Since my back brakes are seized and im installing disc brakes i wanna know if i should just swap out my entire rear end completely for something better . What would be a good diff to use and would it be bolt on ? Quote Link to comment
Pacific coast Datsun Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 PM Beebani or Mklotz. They both sell a disc brake conversion kit [brackets]. That way you keep the stock axle. Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted June 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 PM Beebani or Mklotz. They both sell a disc brake conversion kit [brackets]. That way you keep the stock axle. Im working on that already , i have all parts except brackets. but my question was since my rearend is seized why not upgrade diff too. I just dont know to what if i should . Something that will fly beter on the freeway Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted June 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2009 So I completely stripped the interior in about 20 min . This is the progress so far , whoever did the custom work did alot of good things and plenty of bad things . I think they just got anxious and threw it together at the end Seats out carpet out with the smelly hay crap , original? And BAM this is what i find . Big freaking tranny for the cab! Floor cut not reinforced, firewall cut to shit, and homemade fiberglass hump . this is where they began to "just get it going" i guess and made temporary fixes I also removed the heater box but i still gotta clean it up more Now i have space to bolt up brake/electrical lines and help clear the firewall Im working on door panels . im gonna make some wood ones , also wood kick panels and wood floor trim and tailgate. Im kinda going for the socal surf truck look. I think that style flows well with this truck Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted June 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2009 I threw on a stearing wheel from an old chevy that i hadnt used in years , i was happy with the look but it wasnt complete. Notice the bolt still showing So i made some "upgrades" I took a coke can Measured, mocked it up , cut it ..... And there it is ... My upgrade for a nickle with the syrup still in the rim:D Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted July 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 I bought a motor/tranny combo from Benjamin here on ratsun. Im in the last step of the motor rebuild. Its a L20b with .5 over pistons and 30over on rod bearings. The head is a 210 with over size valves 42mm and 35mm . Port and polished. I knew nothing about the work so its nice to figure that out. Anyway , liked how the engine turned out so i wanted to show it off :D This is how i got it . It ran good but burned oil (supposedly) Took it apart head valves This is the final mock up , just need to reclean , install rings and bearings Quote Link to comment
fisch Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Lookin SWANK man! I am liking this idea of surf vibe wood trim. Love that motor! I am hoping to tackle my l-18 next month. Quote Link to comment
dat521gatherer Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 awesome. i love 320's. i even have a pile of parts for when i find one.:) Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 (edited) Lookin SWANK man! I am liking this idea of surf vibe wood trim. Love that motor! I am hoping to tackle my l-18 next month. Thanks fish means alot coming from an *artist* :lol: . I get the parts tommorrow . should be put together and running by the weekend. Its a L20b not the L18 that it came with. I didnt think anyone was looking at this thread. Ill keep putting my work in Edited July 21, 2009 by SurgeL320 Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I gave away my L18 as i promised to whomever helped me pull it . Novita from here on ratsun drove with his buddy and in a few hours and couple cheeseburgers and mosquito bites later we manage to make it happen. This is how jacked up my engine bay is now. gotta redo all brane lines, clutch line, fuel line, electrical and strip repaint to match my motor . gotta make new center hump and fire wall too . Dammit Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Nice truck and great progress. You will like your L20 great motors. Keep up the good work and the great postings. Quote Link to comment
nukeday Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 No one else commented on the coke can horn button. That is RATSUN, I love it. Looking good, keep the progress photos coming. Quote Link to comment
herculesinwyoming Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 your truck is comeing along nice, it looks like it is going to be alot of fun when it is finished Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted July 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I usually just do whatever the hell feels right with a car but im thinking of installing a ragtop on it but im stuck between customizing or restoring it I really want to and i think it will look bitchin' but the thought of tearing up a classic makes it difficult Just wondering what your guys' thoughts are on that? Quote Link to comment
BenJammin Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 (edited) Yeah, looking real good there Sergio! Glad you are happy with the deal. Had a great time with you guys pulling the motor & tranny. I'm still dragging on my KA install, it's been so freakin' hot these days, even here in Oceanside. I must say, that coke can horn button is the cheapest yet most innovative mod I think I've ever seen ! People here and on hybridz never cease to amaze me with their ingenuity. Edited July 23, 2009 by BenJammin Quote Link to comment
SurgeL320 Posted April 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2010 Update on the 320> Installed a 2 fold ragtop. I took it off a 76 cvcc sport but it was too big and i had to cut it down . It bolted on nice . slides ok , locks perfect, even has a wind deflector . i paid $25 for it I also did a Right hand swap I was talking about. The colum is bolted to the chasis but i still need to finish welding the dash and swap pedals. This was a interesting project , not for the weak. Everything lined up on the colum end And just tonight droped the engine and tranny in . I can already see some problems i got to work out but overall it bolted on good. Im having clearance issues with the alternator and the firewall. oh , and i also installed front disc brakes with beebanis brackets. bolted right on! i still have to find rear calipers to fit but i think it will stop fine with only the front , they are 11 inch rotors/ dual pot pistons afterall . will post those pics later Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.