pope_face Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Alright folks, as the title says, I'm back... I think it's been about three years since I've been on here, and nothing's been done to the truck in that time, but I figured it was time to get back to it. It's still sitting in my garage, but most of the body and drivetrain is complete, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. I've got a Wankel that was originally going to go in it, but I'm starting to reconsider that... Instead, I'm actually considering keeping the stock J13 and four-speed transmission. I'd originally posted a question about using a solenoid to control the clutch, but realized I should move it to the drivetrain forum instead. However, I did want to ask something else: I've got two 521 bodies, but only one windshield... I'd like to complete both eventually, but I doubt I'll be able to find a second windshield, at least not anywhere around here. I could get a custom one made up, but it seems pretty expensive (especially if anything happens to it). I'm considering welding in the entire windshield section from an older Volkswagen split-window van instead... I think it'll look kinda funky (hopefully in a good way), and finding replacement windshields should be a whole lot easier. Another possibility would be to weld in the windshield frame from a newer car, but I think that'd cause more issues than a split window... Only benefit would be ease of finding new glass and seals. Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Do you ever go to any of the big datsun shows/meets such as canby, or any in the seattle area? A used windshield is a way easier way to go. Quote Link to comment
pope_face Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Wayno: Thanks for that suggestion... I'd really rather get an OEM windshield, but I didn't think they'd be so easy to find. I'll have to check out the next meet and see what's available. Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Wayno: Thanks for that suggestion... I'd really rather get an OEM windshield, but I didn't think they'd be so easy to find. I'll have to check out the next meet and see what's available. How soon you needing the windshield? What are they charging for a custom cut one up there? Quote Link to comment
Str8_69 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 You have a '70 521 with a J13?? :blink: Quote Link to comment
pope_face Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 No idea what the cost of a custom one is... I found a place up here to do it (just searching online), but they're made from Plexiglass. Apparently there's a place in Vancouver, Washington that makes proper windshields for classic and difficult cars, but I haven't contacted them yet. I don't think it'd be cheap though. I can email them tomorrow though, and see what they say. Str8: Yep... IIRC, it's a July '69 build, but a 1970 model year, and it's got the stock J13 and four-speed manual (sorry, I said auto, but I was distracted). It's a transition year, so it's got the '70 body and the '69 drivetrain. Quote Link to comment
elmerfudpucker Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I was thinking one of the guys on here was already doing that... or was that for a 320? :huh: Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 No idea what the cost of a custom one is... I found a place up here to do it (just searching online), but they're made from Plexiglass. Apparently there's a place in Vancouver, Washington that makes proper windshields for classic and difficult cars, but I haven't contacted them yet. I don't think it'd be cheap though. I can email them tomorrow though, and see what they say. I live in vancouver, washington, what glass shop is doing the custom cutting? I have some used windshields they could use as a pattern, if they are reasonable. We just had 19 winshields total, custom cut for the 320 pickups/trucks down in california for $350 each. It would be nice to find a closer place to do business with if they are reasonable. Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I was thinking one of the guys on here was already doing that... or was that for a 320? :huh: It was the 320, I just got back from picking them up. I had him cut me a 1966 datsun 520 windshield while I was down there also. Quote Link to comment
pope_face Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Wayno: It's Sanders Repro Glass... Here's the link: Sander's Repro Glass If you're willing to get it checked out, let me know and put me down for a windshield... I actually have a spare 521 windshield I could donate to the cause, if it helps. It's got a huge crack in the middle, so it's useless as an actual windshield, but it might work as a template. Quote Link to comment
Str8_69 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 No idea what the cost of a custom one is... I found a place up here to do it (just searching online), but they're made from Plexiglass. Apparently there's a place in Vancouver, Washington that makes proper windshields for classic and difficult cars, but I haven't contacted them yet. I don't think it'd be cheap though. I can email them tomorrow though, and see what they say. Str8: Yep... IIRC, it's a July '69 build, but a 1970 model year, and it's got the stock J13 and four-speed automatic. It's a transition year, so it's got the '70 body and the '69 drivetrain. Does it have the round reflectors or square ones? If round it's a 69 body for sure... but a 4 speed auto? I gotta see that! Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Wayno: It's Sanders Repro Glass... Here's the link: Sander's Repro Glass If you're willing to get it checked out, let me know and put me down for a windshield... I actually have a spare 521 windshield I could donate to the cause, if it helps. It's got a huge crack in the middle, so it's useless as an actual windshield, but it might work as a template. I actually have a few used 521 windshields in the back room closet, so that is not an issue, but reasonable prices are important, there are places in portland that also custom cut windshields, but I heard they are very expensive, like $700+ dollars. And I am in the process of figuring out how to ship a windshield safely, as I need to ship at least 4 of them across the country, I'll let everyone know how that one works out over the next month. Quote Link to comment
pope_face Posted December 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Bah, I apologize, I meant four speed manual... I wish it was an auto. My bad... I can get a few pictures up soon though, and you can see what it looks like yourself. It wasn't stock when I bought it though, but the paperwork says '70. Wayno: Sounds good... Let me know what you find out. If they're under $500, I'd be interested. If they're $350, like your previous ones, I'm definitely interested. On the other hand, if you ever decide to sell off a couple of your used ones, I wouldn't mind grabbing one from you... I've got a spare seal, so I'm going to try to get someone to swap the windshield from the '70 cab to the '72, once I get it cleaned up. Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 I will see if I can check them out over the next few days, that is in orchards, I printed the page, so I have the address and phone number, i'll go talk to them. That $350. windshield was a large order, and I cannot afford to do it often, I put out almost $6000.00 for that order. Quote Link to comment
albyneau Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Wayno: It's Sanders Repro Glass... Here's the link: Sander's Repro Glass If you're willing to get it checked out, let me know and put me down for a windshield... I actually have a spare 521 windshield I could donate to the cause, if it helps. It's got a huge crack in the middle, so it's useless as an actual windshield, but it might work as a template. Got mine brand new from the midwest just a few months back~ still had 16 in stock. If you do a search for Pilkington Glass you'll find their contact info posted here, somewhere in the 521's~ I just don't remember which thread it was in.... Peace~ Scott Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Got mine brand new from the midwest just a few months back~ still had 16 in stock. If you do a search for Pilkington Glass you'll find their contact info posted here, somewhere in the 521's~ I just don't remember which thread it was in.... Peace~ Scott This would probably be the best route to go if they have them in stock, unless they are extremely expensive. wayno Quote Link to comment
Z chopper Posted December 12, 2011 Report Share Posted December 12, 2011 hey pope I have seen a few 521 trucks for sale over there on the mainland, maybe one of them has an extra windshield with no cracks or chips Quote Link to comment
Rocket Dog Posted December 12, 2011 Report Share Posted December 12, 2011 I've talked with them a few times, he has new 521 windshields now I think. Under $400 a pop. Pilkington Classics Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted December 13, 2011 Report Share Posted December 13, 2011 Wayno: It's Sanders Repro Glass... Here's the link: Sander's Repro Glass If you're willing to get it checked out, let me know and put me down for a windshield... I actually have a spare 521 windshield I could donate to the cause, if it helps. It's got a huge crack in the middle, so it's useless as an actual windshield, but it might work as a template. I went there this afternoon, they don't cut curved glass at all, they send it out to someone else, they do flat glass, I told them what I was paying for the 320 windshields, and one of them said it was high, while another said it was a good deal as he didn't hear what the other guy said. I also asked about shipping, beleave me, nobody on ratsun wants to hear what they charge to ship glass, I will figure something out to ship the four 320 windshields I have to ship, but I don't plan on getting good at it. wayno Quote Link to comment
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