Just bought my first Datsun 521

[alex521]

Hi

I just bought a blue 1971 Datsun 521 pickup. I am the second owner and it has had one now faded re-spray. It is a 56K original miles, no rust, no dents, excellent truck that has only seen too much New Mexico sun, and I am trying to restore it. I am looking for some parts, and am wondering if anyone might have them, or know where I can find them? I need a dash pad, new original steering wheel, new original seat cover in blue or black and all, or any window seals. Also I would like a correct shift knob.

Thanks for any help,

[DanielC]

You are on one end of the trade off on Datsun 521 trucks. Southern dry climates bake the dash pad, steering wheel, and upholstery to death, and in Oregon, they rust.

 

Everybody wants dash pads and seats. New old ones are long gone. Find an upholstery shop in your area, and see what they can do.

 

Glass run channel for the roll up windows try mygrant glass company, AS1198 96.

For finding other parts, a source is wrecking yards.

 

Post pictures quickly, or you will get a very unfriendly welcome.

[dat521gatherer]

Welcome to RATSUN!! Lets see this 521. The parts you are loking for a very hard to find. Those who have them dont want to give them up. You may be able to get a dash pad from a certain ebay seller overseas or you can put a 520 dash cap on thats all metal. Here are some pics if your interested in keeping it stock and like factory options or upgrades from the 520 that others like such as...

 

520 Metal dash cap and steering wheel with a horn ring.

 

520 metal ashtray.

 

521 locking fuel door

 

521 locking glove box knob

 

There are a few other things like the package tray on a 520 is highly sought after and better than the cardboard one from a 521.

 

You may want to post a add in the wanted section if you want to find some of these parts or just add it in your thread but only after you show us some pics. :devil:

[wayno]

Welcome to Ratsun B)

As you have found out, some of the items are hard to find, like a NOS dash cover, I would suggest you find a 520 metal dash like dat521gatherer suggested, or go to a shop that would specialize in recovering dashes.

I have 521 windshield gaskets, they are $120.00 shipped to you in New Mexico.

I used early 510 window channel felt for my 521 door windows.

Someone here on Ratsun will likely have a decent steering wheel at some point, just keep posting you want one in the "datsun parts wanted" section.

Take your seat to an upholstery shop and have them redo it.

 

What does a stock 4 spd. knob look like guys, it's been years since I paid attention to that.

[mrbigtanker]

So lets get the first thing out of the way,were are the pictures of your truck,and second welcome aboard.Its nice to see another and yes i said it before another 521 being saved.

[alex521]

Trying to post pictures, but can't quite figure out why it won't let me. Will try later.

 

Thanks for the suggestions and information.

[wayno]

Do you have a photobucket account?