1966 Datsun 520 pickup truck

Description

Listed for sale is my 1966 Datsun 520 pickup. This truck just underwent a 2 year full frame off, bare metal restoration 2yearsago. (I am selling to help fund another restoration I am doing.) 1966 was the only year that the 520 was available with the single headlight, making it pretty rare among Datsun trucks imported to the states. Further, to the best of my knowledge, sub 3000 vin trucks, which this is, have a few other rarities that even the later single headlight 520 trucks did not get originally. These include but are not limited to,

-Non syncro 1stgear 4 speed floor shift transmission from the 320 series truck

-Inspection hole in the transmission tunnel to check transmission oil level (it has a dipstick)

-Chrome turn signal stalk (later trucks have a rubber like tip)

-High beam switch on the floor which in turn makes the wiring harness unique to the early 66’ trucks

-Turn signal indicator in dash is orange. Later years are green.

-320 style steering wheel with round chrome horn button (note this is NOT included. Was too badly damaged to use)

-Different glove box pull

-No seat belt provisions

-Square wheel wells in the bed (later ones have a taper to them)

-Square gas door (later ones have an angled notch in them)

-2 element rear taillights (no backup light)

-No grill emblem

This made certain elements of this restoration challenging, others impossible. I tried where I could to keep it original, but being a hot rodder at heart, those items I could not source I tried to replace with what I felt would be period correct. Below is a breakdown of the work I personally did while restoring the truck. The truck started as a fairly straight and 99% rust free. The only work I did not personally handle was the chrome work, some of the engine machining, and the upholstery.

.Chassis:

-Frame was completely cleaned and repainted with black epoxy paint. No rust or accident damage.

-All new steering linkage. Steering gearbox oil was replaced.

-All new sway bar bushings.

-Original 4:88 center section replaced with a 4:37. Makes it better going down the freeway.

-Gas tank boiled out. Tank is solid, no sealers.

-All new brakes, including shoes, wheel cylinders, combi kits and brake hoses. Drums resurfaced.

-New brake master cylinder (aftermarket). I do have the original master cylinder, but it would need to be sleeved to work.

-Original clutch master rebuilt. New slave cylinder and hose (aftermarket)

-New OEM type KYB hydraulic shock (not gas), front and rear.

-I did not rebuild the front suspension as it’s in pretty good condition.

-Installed 15”x6” chrome wheels from a Toyota Landcruiser with new 205/60.15 Falken Ziex tires. 3 bar spinners.

.Body:

-All metal was sandblasted to bare metal and epoxy primed. The only rust repairs needed were to a couple small sections of the rockers that were patched with metal and a couple areas in the floorboards that had some very small rust holes. Since these were still otherwise solid, they were patched with fiberglass. All body work was done with professional grade products then again epoxy primed then shot with 2K primer and blocked until straight.

-All under cab, inner fender, under hood and under bed surfaces were shot with a 3M professional undercoat over the epoxy primer.

-All body panels were then sealed and painted with single stage automotive grade enamel paint. Truck was painted fully blown apart so no surface is unpainted. This includes the interior of the cab.

-Upon reassembly mostly all new hardware was used.

-All new front, rear vent, and door weatherstrip. New window channel felt and glass wiper. No rattling glass here.

-Polished front grill (original chrome!).

-Original windshield unfortunately cracked during a trip. I do have a brand new Pilkington windshield I will include. Not installed.

-Front bumper replaced with one from a 521 truck (same basic bumper except no hole for the crank starter) Bumper has been straightened and rechromed.

-NOS front turn signals.

-NOS rear taillight lenses.

-NOS fender emblems.

-Rechromed door handles

-Peek a boo style side mirror

.Interior:

-Recovered original bench seat.

-New door and kick panels. Sound deadener in the doors.

-New headliner and sun visors. Sound deadener on the roof.

-New custom fit carpet. Sound deadener and insulation underneath.

-NOS rear window slider (aftermarket).

-Rechromed door pull, door handles, window cranks, turn signal stalk, and shift lever.

-OEM AM radio that works.

-Chrome Grant steering wheel (original was in very poor condition from sun exposure)

-Steering column was shortened approx. 3”.

.Engine:

-I believe to be original to the truck. It has been refreshed with new rings and a fresh complete valve job that included new bronze guide inserts all new valves and seals (original positive type) and fully rebuilt rocker arm shaft including a new shaft and new rocker arm bushings. Upon disassembly it was noted the engine had the crankshaft rebuilt at some point as it had fairly new rod and main bearings. These were not changed as the main reason for the refresh was to replace stuck oil control rings causing it to smoke excessively. Engine runs great with no smoke or noises.

-Installed a ceramic coated header and full 2” exhaust system. Front part of the exhaust is 304SS to the resonator, but the rear part is aluminized steel. Got to crunch time to make it to a show (JCCS) and just took it to a local muffler shop to finish it up

-Running a single side draft DCOE carb. Jetting is pretty close to spot on. Carb probably needs new throttle shaft bushing as it sometimes holds a slightly high idle (1000rpm vs 800). I do have the original intake and exhaust setup, including air filter, in working condition and can include in the sale of the truck for additional cost.

-All new belt and hoses. Radiator boiled out. Engine runs cool even in 100 degree weather.

-Custom SS heater supply line from water pump.

-Resurfaced flywheel and new throw.out bearing. Clutch disc and pressure plate looked recently replaced so they were cleaned and reused.

.Electrical:

-Original wiring harness in very good shape. Fully inspected before reinstallation. All electrical in working condition. High beam switch can be temperamental. (been looking for NOS, but have not found to date)

-Still has the original alternator, voltage regulator, and starter in working condition.

-Installed low PSI electric fuel pump at tank. Could not run stock mechanical pump with the headers.

In summary, you can be the new owner of this show winning, restored rare Datsun pickup. These are rock simple, reliable trucks and most maintenance parts are readily available. If there is something that you would like to clarify that is not covered in the listing, please send me a message and I will answer it. Please don’t assume anything not listed above. Ask the question as I want the new owner to be 100% satisfied with what they will get. I have nothing to hide and have a lot of personal pride in this truck.

Please do not bid if you are not serious about owning this truck and have the means to pay for it. Winning high bidder shall provide a $300 NON REFUNDABLEdeposit via paypal within 24 hours of auction end. Balance due can be paid cash in person, or by certified bank check drawn against Wells Fargo, B of A, or Chase ONLY! Title will not be signed/sent until payment clears. Please do not bid if you have a problem with payment terms. Shipping is the responsibility of the winning bidder, or you can drive it home. I may be able to assist in a delivery, for a fee to CA, AZ, NV, or OR. Please send me a message if you may consider this option so we can discuss. Truck is also listed local so seller reserves the right to end auction early.