Thinking of selling our '78 620 Datsun.

[KristyPS]

We are thinking of selling our refurbished 1978 Datsun 620 pickup.  We're trying to decide which would be cheaper; rebuilding the original engine (if possible) or trying to find a replacement engine.  The original engine had a piston ring break and the piston is stuck in the valve.  I don't know what other type of engines would fit this truck other than Datsun and Nissan engines.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  This truck has only had one owner, my husband.  We fixed it up for our son to drive.  He's over six feet two now and can't really fit into it any more.  I have no idea what to ask for it.  We've spent quite a bit fixing it up.  Body work, new paint, new tires, new carpet and upholstery, new stereo system, new dash cap, new radiator and heater core, new ignition, new tires, new windshield and new gaskets on the front and rear windows.  Still needs a little interior work (the glove box door is missing), but everything functions on it (turn signals, blinkers, etc.)  We live in Bakersfield, CA.  I'm wondering if there are any nearby Datsun clubs I can contact to see if there is anyone interested in buying it.  We're hoping to get around $4000 for it as we've spent twice that fixing it up.  If someone has the tools, the time, money and know-how to replace the engine, this truck is ready to go.  We have brand new tags for it that haven't been put on it yet.  Plus right before the engine failure we had it smog tested and it passed.

 

Since I can't figure out how to post more pictures on this website, I've included the URL for another forum I've posted in called CarGurus.  See below, copy and past into browser window.  It works, I checked it myself.

 

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/garage/viewGarage.action?profileOwner=2361090

 

Also here is my Craig's list link:

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/3597227755.html

[Dat Lurka]

  I'm wondering if there are any nearby Datsun clubs I can contact to see if there is anyone interested in buying it.

 

You found it.

 

 

Sounds like a nice truck and with a new engine you should ask 2500-3000$

You should make an ad in the Datsun for Sale section when you're ready and be sure to include a Price and lots of good pics.

[KristyPS]

Well we decided we just can't afford to replace the engine as it is going to cost us $3000.  So now we're forced to try and sell it with a busted engine.  Any ideas as to the price we should ask?  It has had only one owner, my husband.  We replaced the radiator, ignition, tires, belts and hoses, windshield and gaskets, had it upholstered and carpeted and put in a new stereo, plus all the body work and paint job.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Dat Lurka]

Post a thread in the For Sale section with lots of pics. Ask 2000$ or best offer. 

 

I'd pay 1500$ for similar in as good of shape as it sounds. But I can't drive a regular cab either.

[datzenmike]

Go to the Datsuns For Sale section and include as much info as you can. Can't stress how important good quality pictures are. It's cheap nowadays and you can post all you like. Under hood, interior... dash, floor under carpet, seats. Exterior.. bed, rims and tires.

 

Is it a 5 speed of 4 or is it automatic?

Mileage?

Anything that does not work on it?

[JoeCool]

I don't know if the 620 is that much smaller than my 80 720, but I am 6'2" and 250lbs and while the interior is small, I am comfortable. Bit then again, I have never taken a long trip in it or anything. Longest trip was a little over an hour.

[Ricky116]

whoever quoted you 3000 for engine is talking crazy. i think 750-1000 would be more realistic

[KristyPS]

I am probably dreaming in thinking we can get anything more than $2000.  We had one guy come and look at it and offered $1100 as is but we declined to sell it.  Right now it's covered up and parked on the side of our house in the backyard.  Not sure what we're going to do.  Still researching local mechanics and talking to others in the neighborhood that have fixed up classic cars.  To King Rat, as to the mileage, my husband said the odometer turned over after 60,000 miles.  I'll have to see what it says now and post later.  It's a four speed manual shift.  And to Senior Member, the quote of $3000 was for the engine and the labor to put it in.  This was for a full engine not a short block.  I haven't tried to research that option yet.  I'm pretty sure the head is fine.  A piston ring broke and the piston is stuck in the valve.  Technically it still runs, but on three out of four cylinders; pretty rough!  If you know of any websites or dealers I can contact to get a cheaper engine than for $1500, let me know.  I might have a neighborhood mechanic who could put it in for me.  I know I will need a new/refurbished cam and lifters too.  Just hoping the clutch and transmission can handle a different engine.  We want one to just drop in so the engine bay doesn't have to be modified.

 

I updated my original posting with links to my Craisglist and CarGurus posting that have a lot of pictures of this great mini truck, including shots of the engine.    

[420n620]

here's a CL ad close to you selling a L20. Might be worth checking into. 

http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/pts/3481381795.html

[KristyPS]

So an L20 engine would work in my 620 pickup?

[Ricky116]

So an L20 engine would work in my 620 pickup?

yep l16 l18 0r l20 though yours came with the l20 I have never sold one for more than 500 dollars in good working cond .My mech. here   that i have used is 40 an hour and would have no prob. swapping a motor in a day.good luck.