project '73 "no name yet" build

[Nedleyb]

First let me introduce myself. I am new to the whole datsun scene but have been eyeing it for some time, was always a honda fan having owned quite a few civics and del sols growing up. I have nothing against hondas i think they are great cars but looking for a project being in my thirties now i wanted something that was a little more classic but still an import. Thus begins this project. I picked up this orange primered jewel this past weekend. She was having an "engine overhaul" when she got backed into with a uhaul truck and she has been sitting for probably the past 2+ years not running. So we get her home only to find out the so called carb he couldnt find a gasket for was actually a carb for an auto and that he misplaced the carb nuts. we tinkered with her for a bit and after one night of wrenching we managed to somewhat get her running. I dont really have any long term goal for her yet but I will definately be keeping this build as active as i can. I look forward to joining the ratsun crowd.

 

Build plans thus far.

1 ~ get her running even if its a temporary engine.

2 ~ repair damage to body (rust / panels)

3 ~ suspension / brakes

4 ~ paint

5 ~ interior

6 ~ enjoy

 

Step 2 is where im hoping some of you guys and help me out. I live in Louisiana and i don't think these trucks really made it down here as much as they did on the west coast. I will definately be needing a fender and few other odds and ends the fender being the main one i cannot track down, so pointing me in a certain direction and any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Here are a few pictures just to give you guys an idea of what i am starting with.

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/solridr/2016-01/th_20160116_193213.mp4

[Elkie]

Love the orange trucks, good luck with your project. Make sure to redo the seam sealer under the dash, mine was all cracked and peeling away letting water in.

[southern620]

What part of Louisiana?

[Nedleyb]

Denham Springs just outside Baton Rouge

[distributorguy]

Check Rock Auto for the body parts.  You'll be surprised how "pliable" the fenders are, which should make repairs to yours pretty easy.  

[Nedleyb]

Took this past weekend to finish pulling most of the front end to get a better damage assessment. I found a few more very small rust problems. I also degreased the engine bay, and received the foundation for the front end.

[Elkie]

Is that a new piece? If so where'd it come from?

[Nedleyb]

Yes, it's new. I found it on eBay the day I realized mine was garbage. In retrospect I would have preferred to get a used one off of a truck but find them around here is impossible. Now if I can just figure out shipping so I can get the rest of the parts I need.

[datzenmike]

Looks like a '73.

[Elkie]

mines not as bad as yours, just the rail behind the bumper is a bit crushed. I hear ya about not having any local parts. Yeah his truck has the pillar vents.

[Nedleyb]

It is a 73

[mcordero8]

Looks like you have your work cut out for you, but that could be a really cool truck if you put the work into it. I also have a 73 and I love it. Good luck!

[Nedleyb]

Well I was pretty much screwed by a seller on a complete front end. Basically told me he had a front end and was supposed to be checking on shipping for me only to respond to a text saying he sold the front end so on the hunt again for that passenger fender. I did make some progress this weekend though. Cut off the old core support.

Found out rust wasn't as bad as I originally thought, and have a good template to go by from the driver side.

I also quickly clamped on the new core just to get an idea of fitment and I'm pretty happy with it considering it is a repop.

[Nedleyb]

Started this weekend off with a little late night metal fab. Still need to fab fender cab mount and welded in but I'm happy with the fitment. I am getting closer and closer to needing these front end parts that people say they have, but never report back with any kind of price. Ehh, what to do.

[Elkie]

Looks good man, much better than mine. I suppose having the core support out has a few benefits as fas as access.

[Nedleyb]

Okay guys and girls I haven't had any updates as of lately but I have been making slow progress. I just removed all glass yesterday so it got me searching for glass. Now I just found somewheres a few months ago that had the front windshield both blue and brown tint on the top well searching the web yesterday they are nowhere to be found. Any suggestions?

[Dick222]

Very cool truck! I love the color

[bilzbobaggins]

Was it rock auto?

[Elkie]

I suggest checking glass shops in your area, got lucky and a local shop had one in their inventory and got it for $100.

[distributorguy]

I got blue off Rockauto last summer.  It may have been the last one.  ???

I *believe* all truck windshields are the same through '79, KC or not, correct?  You may want to cross check different trucks to find one.