Coach K Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Hello everyone, First of all I love this site! I'm a newbie to the Datsun world and I just purchased a 1971 521 and I have a pretty decent size hole on top of the radiator. I've been reading that it is darn near impossible to find a new radiator for these. However, I just saw this on ebay and was wondering if this would fit without any major modifcations? Any help is greatly appreciated! http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-ROW-for-1968-1973-Nissan-Datsun-510-521-Pickup-1-6L-Aluminum-Radiator-MT-New-/371009604449?_trksid=p2054897.l4276 Quote Link to comment
smoke Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 You don't think it's repairable? Quote Link to comment
Coach K Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Possibly.... Am I better off repairing it vs something like the one on ebay? Quote Link to comment
smoke Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 You are going to be really hard pressed finding anything close to the quality of the original (sad, but also true). If it's salvageable, I would go that route if it were me. Quote Link to comment
konig209 Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Im in modesto ca. I have one for sale it in good conditions no leaks. Also 510 rad is the same as 521 Quote Link to comment
smoke Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 And there you go. Quote Link to comment
Coach K Posted February 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Message sent. Thank you guys! Quote Link to comment
earlyvws Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 So this is bad news. I need a radiator too. Does anyone know anything about this one http://www.oscarsradiators.com/521-pickup/ is was planning on this and another brand but the link is saved on my computer at home. Quote Link to comment
smoke Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I recently saw a thread on here that had that rad in the title. I didn't read it personally, but may be some info for you in there. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 those Champion radiators have mixed reveiws on them.I have one myself but havent ran it if anything maybe get the KOYO radiators for the 510/521 as they are the same. about 70$ more or find on Amazon http://www.nolimitmotorsport.com/prod/KOY-HH022598 Rods Discount Datsun Parts might have some stock recores get a electronic igntion for that 521 and your reliability will go up or get really good at trouble shooting pointsw ignition as that where alot of proplem will start Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 cheaper one http://www.88rotors.com/koyo-hh022598.html Quote Link to comment
smoke Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I personally will avoid an aluminum rad if I can help it. But, with a little stock pickup, the reasons why I don't run aluminum would be tripping over mouse turds, so I am sure they are fine. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Look into the 510 replacement rads. I believe the 510/521 rads are very close in size, so check that out. The reason I say this is that VW Rabbit rads can be swapped into the 510 and may fit into the 521. Quote Link to comment
laotsu Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 haven't we already argued aboot whether 510 rads fit 521s? I was of the opinion they are NOT straight across swaps. Quote Link to comment
Rocket Dog Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Look into the 510 replacement rads. I believe the 510/521 rads are very close in size, so check that out. The reason I say this is that VW Rabbit rads can be swapped into the 510 and may fit into the 521. I know a read somewhere here that a guy did that in his 521. Wayno? The only issue was the mounting holes were slightly off but could be remedied without much problem. Quote Link to comment
alabama_lowlife Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I had to do some minor cutting and bending of the area around the radiator to make a 510 champion radiator fit my 70 521. I folded under the lip above the radiator. I trimmed something on each side near the bottom. This was to keep the metal from touching the tanks. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 a stock 510 rad is the same as a 521 rad.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the Champion rads are flush mounted cause the 3rd row core take up the extra space. On stock Datsun rads the flange that bolts to the core suppoert is out further from the core so one doesn not have to do as Alabama low life has done. Look at it like this. You can slip cardboard inbetween the rad on the core support in winter to let motor run hotter. On the Champion rad that space is all gone and might even push up on the lip of the hole of the core support.sometime people bend the lip back. Quote Link to comment
konig209 Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I personally took a rad off of andys *sedan20* 4 door 510 and bolted it right on to my 521 picked another 510 rad from top jimmy and it also fit. Trust me guys the 510 rad fits. No mounting issues at all idk if the 4 and 2 door are different but i know one was off a 4 door. 1 Quote Link to comment
Rocket Dog Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 1. The stock 510 radiator fits a 521 (and vice versa). 2. The Champion radiator replacement for the 510 will also fit a 521 with some cutting and bending. 2a. Anybody know if the Koyo aftermarket radiator has the same fit issues as the Champion radiator? 3. Anybody know if the 75-79 620 truck radiator is a clean fit for the 521 truck? Rock Auto lists two kinds of replacement radiators for the 75-79 620 truck but nothing for the 70-72 510 or 521. * not trying to play stump the chump here, just want to summarize the info so two years from now when someone searches "521 radiator" this thread may have all the answers. 1 Quote Link to comment
konig209 Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 No 620 will deff not fit. Bottom outlet is different. Quote Link to comment
wayno Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 I know a read somewhere here that a guy did that in his 521. Wayno? The only issue was the mounting holes were slightly off but could be remedied without much problem. Wasn't me, but I did buy a new one(still in box), I think Jrock bought a few of them, maybe he is the one your thinking about. Quote Link to comment
uberkevin Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Well shit i agree, more oics!! I'm just hardly ever on the computer. It sucks using my phone to upload them photos. how ever im on a computer now so i'll post a few. this needs to be fix pretty soon, PO work i believe. this is how I decided to mount my champion radiator. I used these rubber washers just because i'm an odd fuck. No i figure trucks/cars move bounce/jerk what not and i didn't want the aluminum scratching my shit. Some other dumb reasons too. looks sweet! :D In this oic it may look like it touching but its not. Quote Link to comment
uberkevin Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 This thing works just fine... All I needed to do was in large the holes on the radiator so my bolts could go through. Quote Link to comment
kelowg Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 620 rad well fit 521, but not all mount holes dont line up. Had one in mine till plastic fan blade broke off and killed it. Champ. One work.great,just need few spacers Quote Link to comment
earlyvws Posted February 20, 2014 Report Share Posted February 20, 2014 Just so I know what is the complaint/ problems with aluminum radiators? I'm a little new to this radiator thing. Quote Link to comment
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