620 KC project

View and post your Nissan/Datsun project(s)
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Finally got to pick up my '76 620 project truck and have begun the process of stripping it down. I have also bought a '86 720 that will donate it's chassis for upgraded front suspension including disc brakes. Still tossing about ideas for the engine, the 620 has L20 + 4 speed, the 720 has naps-z2.4 + 5 speed. Will get both trucks stripped down before needing to make decision on what to do for the engine. I need to keep on a fairly tight budget at least for the initial build.

Definitely have some rust repair to do, rust around some of the cab mounts but still fairly solid. Sunroof will either need to be replaced or filled in, I'm leaning to keeping a sunroof but a larger size.
Attachments
CIMG6622.JPG
CIMG6622.JPG (234.94 KiB) Viewed 8765 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Almost ready to pull the body off the frame, have been working on the truck pretty steady. Unfortunately the engine had been swapped out at some time as I discovered an L18 residing within. That motor and 4 speed has been sold now leaving the decision as to what to propel the truck with open for the time being. How can you tell the truck was stored in a field? By the mouse nest in the heater box! I found quite the mess in there complete with the former tenant.
house of mouse
house of mouse
IMG_3871 (3).jpg (142.04 KiB) Viewed 8673 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Finally have the body removed from the chassis and stuffed into my cargo trailer. Whew. While to cab mount bolts came apart fairly easily, 3 of the box mount bolts proved to be very stubborn. The tab affixed to the heads were relatively useless in preventing the bolt from turning and nearly impossible to hold in place due to the offset C channels. Had to get a small diameter cut off wheel and even then could only get in partway but persistence prevailed. Next step is to bring the 720 in to get stripped down.
Attachments
IMG_3927b.jpg
IMG_3927b.jpg (171.8 KiB) Viewed 8540 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
datzenmike
Supporter
Posts: 6080
Joined: 24 May 2006 12:40
Location: Van. Isle.

Re: 620 KC project

Post by datzenmike »

Yeah just swap the 620 body onto the 720 frame assuming the 720 is also a long wheelbase truck, and keep the Z24. If the 720 is a short wheelbase you'll have to make a flat bed for it. Keep the 620 wiring and you'll have to convert to internally regulated alternator (on the 720) easily done. The upper rad hose on the Z24 will have to be rerouted to the left side. The heater hose on the Z24 comes out of the block, not the head. Mount the dual coils and done.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Lots of work done since I last posted. I stripped down the 720 (reg cab long box) and had the 2 frames to compare - the forward box mounts will need to be relocated and the rear most mounts re-drilled 5cm forward. The 720 frame is slightly longer so will shorten it accordingly. Gas tank presents an obstacle for the moment.
The attachment IMG_4129b small.jpg is no longer available
The remnants I took to the scrap yard - got $79 for it! (kept the aluminum wheels). Note the 620 frame underneath shows how much shorter the frame is as the bumper is under the box
The attachment IMG_4148 small.jpg is no longer available
I sorted through the 720 wiring harness and intend on putting the complete 720 electrical into the 620.
IMG_4129b small.jpg
IMG_4129b small.jpg (56.03 KiB) Viewed 8218 times
More power desired and while I have it apart I'm going to investigate possibilities. From what I've read the "old school" approach of header & carb doesn't work on the NAP-Z motor, so a Turbo may be in order. Anyone have experience with that?
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

other pictures got severed
Attachments
IMG_4148 small.jpg
IMG_4148 small.jpg (45.31 KiB) Viewed 8218 times
IMG_4081 small.jpg
IMG_4081 small.jpg (51.63 KiB) Viewed 8218 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Fame mods are done, now to get it blasted and usher in the build-up phase
Forward box mounts relocated
Forward box mounts relocated
IMG_4172 small.jpg (41.35 KiB) Viewed 8170 times
The attachment IMG_4172 small.jpg is no longer available
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

I have been very busy with work lately and not much time to work on the project. That being said, there continues to be progress. The frame has been bead blasted, brake/fuel lines removed, and brakes disassembled. I have sourced many of my replacement parts in preparation for reassembly. I have wheels from a 2010 Armada - the 18" diameter (+4" over stock) makes the stock rotor almost invisible! Building from back ($) to Front ($$$) to manage budget.
Attachments
blasting in progress
blasting in progress
IMG_4237 small.jpg (150.79 KiB) Viewed 7677 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Rims pic dropped
Attachments
Where's the brakes?
Where's the brakes?
IMG_4276 small.jpg (135.5 KiB) Viewed 7677 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project - Update

Post by Edm620 »

Well with working out of province I haven't head as much time to twist wrenches as I'd had, but I have been getting lots done.
The attachment IMG_4242 medium.jpg is no longer available
The attachment IMG_4415 medium.jpg is no longer available
Frame was stripped of everything, wire wheeled clean and fully painted. Assembly has begun and I continue to source the odd bit as needed.
IMG_4242 medium.jpg
IMG_4242 medium.jpg (233.72 KiB) Viewed 7180 times
Front suspension is nearly completed and the pumpkin was pulled and checked over with the gears looking good. Intend to have the rear suspension completed within the next week or so, then I can get to work building all new brake & fuel lines.
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

IMG_4865 small.jpg
IMG_4865 small.jpg (53.11 KiB) Viewed 7181 times
IMG_4415 medium.jpg
IMG_4415 medium.jpg (241.05 KiB) Viewed 7181 times
No idea why this drops pics between preview and submit
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
RMS
Supporter
Posts: 1920
Joined: 12 Oct 2009 01:03
Location: Richmond BC Canada

Re: 620 KC project

Post by RMS »

great progress!

best not to preview, lay the attached in the order you want , cross your fingers and hit submit.
two_68_510s wrote:I guess our donkeys are quicker then your sled dogs!
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

Front suspension is pretty much complete, waiting on a few remaining bits to arrive.

Rear differential stripped apart and examined, wear pattern on crown and pinion is excellent with only a trace of metal on the magnet. I will simply replace the bearings and seals and fresh fluids. Oh dummy me forgot to get those parts ordered awhile ago so another delay is upon me!

Next step is to fabricate the all-new fuel and brake lines plus mounting hardware onto the frame.
Attachments
Left front suspension small.jpg
Left front suspension small.jpg (77.12 KiB) Viewed 7042 times
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
User avatar
Edm620
Posts: 137
Joined: 06 Dec 2017 20:44
Location: Edmonton

Re: 620 KC project

Post by Edm620 »

At long last I have been able to get back out in my garage and get back to work on the project, yesterday I spent a few hours cleaning my space up and then completed the installation of the new tension rod bushings which had arrived back in June. My triple hip replacement had really beat the stuffing out of me so I can finally smile and get my hands dirty again :D .

Today I plan to get the axle shafts reassembled in preparation to stuff into the housing along with the freshened-up pumpkin. It's been so long since I took it all apart I may actually have to read instructions! Next to-do is figure out the rear sway bar mount-up as I expect the fuel tank will be somewhat in the way. I'll post pics once I have that figured out.
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there"
Ugandan Proverb

76 620 Full custom/resto-mod
greenthumb
Posts: 261
Joined: 19 May 2013 20:57
Location: Langley, BC

Re: 620 KC project

Post by greenthumb »

Nice work. Stick with it!
Triple hip replacement??!!
Sounds crazy
Post Reply