My new project

[OCDatsun]

Long time reader first time posting my truck other than a parts wanted post ages ago.

 

Ok so here is my 1970 Datsun 1600...

 

as you can see it is still in need of its first bath.

 

My first step was to replace the rear-end guts with parts I was able to come across with the help of this website...woot. After that I had to take a break well my checkbook said I had to. Checkbook is still saying no to working on it so I decided to work on the minor/major issue to at least get it up and running so I can at least make it to the auto parts store for basic needs.

 

So I decided to fix all the wiring mishaps from the previous owner installing a trailer lighting kit behind the massive yet to be removed bumper. I think he was drunk, blindfolded and missing thumbs when he tried to work on it. Wires were spliced together with alum foil and some epoxy surronding it. Twist ties were used as wire connectors somehow. My favorite was the kill switch used to turn off some tail lights and allow the trailer to work or to turn off the trailer, but also kill the side marker and right brake light. :blink:

 

I am still in the process of pulling out all 4 of the side marker bulbs which are kept in place with rust and corrosion, but with some new spring and wire kits from the store they are coming along just fine.

 

I had a major portion of the driver floorboard missing so for the time being I have had to clean and flatten the remaining metal and just use fiberglass resin and cloth to move out of the flintstones age.

 

With that picture you can sort of get an idea of how the doors look for now I can just retape and keep them in one piece, but if anyone has any creatively cheap do it yourself skins I would love to hear about em.

 

Previous owner took out and must of trashed the original radio as I still have the dashboard molding for it, but in its place I have a am/fm cassette radio stuck on an oldies station....I guess that fits the truck.

 

Dashboard is pretty cracked up, but for now it is going to have to work. I have gotten the original speaker, cig lighter, heater blower and wiper to all work again, but still trying to figure out the controls on the heater levers, knobs and switch.

 

This seems to be the only major body damage but I am not skilled enough to ever get this to a showroom truck mainly just getting it running good, looking decent and getting it to a respectful 40 year old truck I can work out of.

 

Last shot

 

Previous owner used this to run around in when not hauling semi's cross country so the holes above the hood emblem held a bulldog ornament.

 

 

 

So that is what I got and what I am working on. Any tips, tricks suggestions would be much appreciated, however, the budget is what I can salvage cheap or free. Not looking for showroom finish, but ideas to make or fix the problems you see I am more than willing to read up on and give em a shot.

 

Oh ya got a front wheel brake cylinder leak and recommendations on replacing the whole cylinder or just the rebuild kits and honing the cylinder??

 

Going for safety and legal things first then on to the fixups

 

 

James

 

Oregon

[Guest kamakazi620]

looks like a runner to me!!! just keep a can or two of brake fluid in the bed that will take care of brakes!!

[Jester]

If you want it "reliable", replace the wheel cylinder with a new one. Don't bother with trying to rebuild it. IF it fails, you don't get to deside when. :rolleyes:

 

Good truck to start with. Def. keep us posted on your progress. We can tell you have been watching.......You included pictures.:D:

 

Welcom.

 

EDIT: Fill in your location!