I like the stock look

[73super]

I'm finding as I'm getting to be a ripe ol' man (I mean a man of a ripe ol' age), that my tastes are-a-changin'. It's not that I don't appreciate the amount of work that goes into a custom, but I'm finding more and more than I really appreciate the "stock look". I like the mental possibilities that emerge when one sees a bone-stock ride. Especially now that it's getting harder and harder to find one that hasn't been futz'ed with in one way or another. Perhaps the "stock" look will be the more rare and sought after look in the future? I dunno. When I got my 620, it had miles of extra wire from stereos, amps, ect. Some kid hooked up a car alarm (bogus alarm), installed power locks (more wire, etc.), and really did a hack job when it came to eliminating the smog equipment. They also lowered the truck in front, slapped white chrome spokes on the thing and had a funky bumper setup in front. I think this is the first time that I looked at a future project and projected a "stock" mental image on the thing.

 

Anyway to make a long story longer... I ripped out the miles of unwanted wiring, did away with those door locks, setup the suspension to "stock" height. Did a number of ebaying for bumpers, panels, etc. Also went to the junk yard and did some digging around for stock wheels and caps. I changed the color from drab dark green to bright yellow, painted the stock wheels a nice beige and applied the stock hub caps. The only real modifications now to the thing are '55 chev steering wheel, altered the tailgate a bit, and found a chrome rhino brush guard for it. Oh I also put a chrome (plastic) grill on it to accent the yellow paint job better.

 

I tell ya I get the looks in that thing. Offers from multiple teenagers that want to know if I'm interested in selling it. Also when I stop to fill up the tank, I'll occasionally get the guy ('bout my age) telling me about the one he had in high school.

 

I'm glad there's enough room in this hobby for both sides of this wheel. Those that want to modify and those that prefer more of a stock approach. Either way these are very cool rides and for a couple nickles we can have some special rides out there that outshine those $30K jobbers. Ain't life grand?.. Grand? That's about what I spent on my entire project!... Ha!

 

Have a good one!

 

Butch. :cool:

[73super]

...just one more thing..

 

Nothing cuts my gut more than seeing somebody who has hacked off all the hooks off the bed.. I know I'm steppin' on toes here, but to me it's what really makes this pickup unique and stand out.. and there just soooo handy! Just my thoughts.

 

Butch.:D

[]2eDeYe]

Pic's! :D

[datzenmike]

 

I tell ya I get the looks in that thing. Offers from multiple teenagers that want to know if I'm interested in selling it. Also when I stop to fill up the tank, I'll occasionally get the guy ('bout my age) telling me about the one he had in high school.

 

 

Do not sell it to them........ they'll just change it back.

 

I also appreciate the stock look. (even if mine isn't) In a lot of cases it takes a lot to get it in that condition and keep it there. Cutting the cargo hooks is OK I guess, but I know I would use mine, so little chance of that. I hate seeing louvers cut into a perfectly good hood or tailgate, it's as unforgivable as a hood scoop, they just don't 'belong' somehow. I feel a rant comin' so I'll stop here. Post some pix.

[808DA6]

I don't know if i'm in the same boat or that the boat i'm in kinda runs parallel. Trim is awesome and yes, the Datsun trim and body lines give these things MAJOR character. BUT!!! Although i'll never shave a line or a door handle OR a bed hook, I am a major wheel whore. Not to mention I like to update what my stock trim body rides on. :)

 

Props for keepin it real. If you don't like trim or that sexy body curve, go buy a Prius or something! (no offense to Prius owners)

 

~Brian

[datsunaholic]

I prefer the bed hooks... my 4X4, they're missing and I do miss them. But they were gone when I got it (along with the tailgate and all remnants of the latching system). I did lower the front of my '76 KC because I was bored, and had small tires up front. Easy to put back. Not that it's worth it- thr truck is a total rustbucket, albiet a strong running, 35MPG rustbucket. With a functional stock AM radio.

 

I did put buckets in place of the bench in my 4X4, but I used stock 620 bucket seats.

[spiffinspudater]

I can respect the views of the "stock lovers" but there is also something to say about standing back and looking at something that you put your own personality into. I see most customizing as putting ones flare into an already beautiful design. I have seen 620s that are horrid once modified but it is the driver that must be happy with it. I personally hate door handles and hooks. On the door handle note, look at a 350z, the door handle looks like an afterthought.

[]2eDeYe]

My hooks and handles will no longer exist...stupid hooks have killed like 3 sweatshirts and a pair of jeans. :(

 

I will be making inner bedsides and installing recessed tie downs inside the bed. :cool:

 

That said, I hate when someone just hacks the hooks off and leaves the weld and part of the hook. :rolleyes:

Finish what you started dammit.

[Bleach]

I don't like the look of the bed hooks but they sure are useful. If the truck is a toy and for looks only then I certainly shave them.

The 620 bed trailer I have has the bed hooks on because its for utility purposes. So very handy. :D

On the door handle note, look at a 350z, the door handle looks like an afterthought.

the Nissan techs wanted an easy way for someone to break into the 350Z. They do have their purpose! :(

[73super]

I know you guys that like to modify things like the totally shaved look is cool, BUT you just don't see that kind of a hook/bed setup on any other trucks (oh sure, now somebody is going to prove me wrong). I just think it really gives the truck a unique look. But to each his own I suppose. Then again, I'm not really fond of the lower look so there ya go. I like coming up to a rail road crossing and hitting it full speed while something lowered next to me is trying to crawl across it diagonally. I think it's kind of like the kids that run around with their jeans hanging low.. think it looks sooo cool, but when they get older their going to be thinking ... "oh what was I thinking"..

 

OK, now that I've ticked enough of you off I'm sure I'll hear it.. ha! :D

[hang_510]

nothing wrong at all with a well done custom job, there are just not enough of em :rolleyes:

 

i too prefer the stock look, w/upgrades that dont ruin/detract from it, but give it real performance improvements. the type that are only notice by the fanatics ;)

 

:eek: sleepers :cool:

[73super]

Agreed.. Love sleepers.

[datzenmike]

nothing wrong at all with a well done custom job, there are just not enough of em :rolleyes:

 

i too prefer the stock look, w/upgrades that dont ruin/detract from it, but give it real performance improvements. the type that are only notice by the fanatics ;)

 

:eek: sleepers :cool:

 

I agree with you also, Brian. understated improvements, "noticed only by a fanatic" (I like that) ANY improvement has to be low key, so as to not throw the balance of the car off. Less is more.

 

When I see over chromed rims I stop looking. It's the truck I want to see, I don't want a migraine from the knock out rims! Too much flash and little substance. All changes should add up to a harmonious whole, everything compliments everything else. Someone once said "I can't define pornography.... but I know it when I see it!" Well it's hard to describe the perfect car, more so the formula for making it so, but you will know it when you see it. More elegant than flashy.

[73super]

I agree with you also, Brian. understated improvements, "noticed only by a fanatic" (I like that) ANY improvement has to be low key, so as to not throw the balance of the car off. Less is more.

 

When I see over chromed rims I stop looking. It's the truck I want to see, I don't want a migraine from the knock out rims! Too much flash and little substance. All changes should add up to a harmonious whole, everything compliments everything else. Someone once said "I can't define pornography.... but I know it when I see it!" Well it's hard to describe the perfect car, more so the formula for making it so, but you will know it when you see it. More elegant than flashy.

 

So are you saying a well done car is like pornography? Ha! Just kiddin'. Agree with what was stated. Oh if these kids could only learn this before they hack up a ride.

[73super]

OK.. Here are pic's of my truck.

 

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?journalid=33804&action=view

 

:D

[hang_510]

So are you saying a well done car is like pornography?

YES!

 

some silicone is an improvement, too much distracts. and if not done correctly, kills it!

its all in the lighting anyways :P

[]2eDeYe]

OK.. Here are pic's of my truck.

 

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?journalid=33804&action=view

 

:D

 

Saw your ad on CL, glad to see you keeping it :D

[73super]

I'm not only keeping it, but I'm most likely going to try and find myself either a 1 ton long bed or at least an extended cab 620. Oh for the love-ah. It is addictive and they are easy to work on. Can get over the responses when I drive it for crying out loud.. it's just a Datsun.. Well, I guess that didn't sound very nice.:eek:

[banzai510(hainz)]

I seen this before for sale

Glad you didnt sell it. people do love these trucks

If you ever need help PM me these are ez to keep running

But I have to say the Brush guard has got to go.

 

My opinion, is get a electronic ignition if still running points. Asingle point distributor

maybe lower it if you want the cool kid look but its looks fine to me(w/o the Bling guard)

[73super]

It's funny that you mention the brush guard. I like it because I've never seen another rhino built for a 620. I've been asked (by other fellow 620 owners) if I'd be willing to part with it.. so I'm obviously not the only one that likes the look.

 

Appreciate the offer for help. This isn't my first 620, and I've also had a couple 280z's in my past so I'm relatively familiar with them. :rolleyes:

[banzai510(hainz)]

I assume they want the Brush guard for the 620 PreRunners where they off road these things.

 

Crank up the torsion bars to raise the front end and raise the back where it look like a 4x4 but really isnt.

 

Ryan had a 620 that was that way and it was cool. I think they make skids guards or something for it if I look in my old nissan motorsport book

 

just gives it a grandpa look with the brush guard

[Rusty]

 

It depends on the truck i guess...

[banzai510(hainz)]

I like the red one also!!!!!!

its still very clean. Not overly PIMPed Out

[73super]

Yeah, this was originally going to have a "parts runner/shop truck" look to it. After I painted the signs on the side and did some other things I decided to clean it up. I LOVE my little brush guard. Not trying to give it a 4x4 look at all.. it's all personal taste.

 

Speaking of 620 4x4's.. I used to have a neighbor that had one and it sat for a number of years next to his house. After he saw how nice I restored one of my other cars he offered it to me... I'm sorry to say that at the time I refused. Kick myself now. You just don't see them anymore. Don't know if that was a factory or dealer option? Back in the 70's it wasn't uncommon to see them running around and these weren't 620's that were just jacked up. Dunno.. maybe dealer option?:confused:

[mklotz70]

Thanks for the link on the wide whites on your hotrodder page!! I'll try that on the NL :)