The Adventure Begins- My 620 build thread

[dat521]

looking good

[Randalla]

Yes, Stephen, I now have the cowl re-installed.

Today I finished bolting on the front shocks and new stabilizer bar end links. In the process, I evaluated the front disc brakes. I'm constantly amazed at the crazy stuff people do, jerry rigging things (potentially dangerously), rather than just replacing with the correct parts. Today I found one of the slider pins on the driver's side brake caliper substituted with what looks to be some type of construction fastener and piece of wire wrapped around it to hold it in place, Arghhhhh! Also noticed the inside pad on both driver and passenger sides was nearly gone, while the outside pad still had over 50% life left. Picked up new pads and hardware kit at O'Reilly this afternoon. Both rotors look like they'll need replacing as well. Since this 1977 truck did not come from the factory with front disc brakes, I was unsure if they were Datsun 620 or something else. After matching the pads up, it appears at some point the brakes were upgraded with 1978 or 79 620 parts.

[Randalla]

Got new front brake pads and hardware installed today as well as my Lokar accelerator cable. Despite looking pretty nasty, I was able to get all the front brake lines loose without rounding the corners of the fittings. Still need to order and replace both front rotors. I know I did this backwards, but all the cleaning is now behind me and it will be really quick to swap out the rotors when they arrive. Been keeping track of all my expenses and at this point I'm still under $5,000, all in. Definitely a budget build.

[Randalla]

Last Saturday I got bit bad by my grinder, and today ended up at a hand surgeon to assess the damage. Fortunately I was lucky, no surgery and everything is intact, though still pretty painful. Slowed me down for a few days, but hard back at it today after hearing my doctor's assessment. I'm waiting on a pair of front brake discs, which I expect to arrive tomorrow, so I've been working on a few cosmetic issues. The tailgate is pretty rough and had multiple layers of paint on it over the butterscotch. I've been slowly working on removing the white and gray paint to get to the original paint, while still preserving the " 5-Speed" and "Have a Nice Day" vinyl appliques. Keep in mind this is a budget build. My intent is to make this a "work truck tribute", so the flaws just add to the truck's and the original owner's history. I'm really starting to embrace and have fun with this concept, and even tried reaching the original owners son this evening to get some history, hear his recollections, and share what I'm doing.

[Duffman]

Ouch, Randy, looks painful! Tailgate looking good!

[L320-Dale]

OUCH! That looks like it hurt a bit. Be careful buddy, don't want to see anymore missing skin. The 620 is coming along nicely.

Dale

[Randalla]

Today was a banner day, of sorts. Got things back together enough to be able to fire the the motor with the new carb on starting fluid. The real test will be getting it to idle off tank gas, which I plan to do this weekend. My front brake rotors arrived and they will go on tomorrow, completing the front brake re-build. I was also able to test a few electrical accessories, finding the headlights, dash lights, and under hood light all work. However, I did remove the fuse block for some much needed cleaning with a brass gun barrel brush in my drill motor. It worked really well to remove the oxidation on the contacts. I'll be able to further test the electrical system tomorrow after re-installing the fuse block. Ron Q helped weld a much needed bracket back together, which had broken while removing it (thanks Ron!). I also refinished the taillight housings in preparation for the new lights I ordered and reinstalled the re-finished tailgate latch handles. Tonight I was able to remove the steering wheel with a puller to assess if it's salvageable.

[Randalla]

Finished replacing the front rotors this morning and one wheel stud that had been broken at some time in the past. Thanks to Carl and Peter for the tool loan, as I never would have been able to get the floating brake calipers off otherwise. That completes the front brake system. Now on to the rear brakes and rebuilding the emergency brake. The clock is ticking and I'm beginning to wonder if I'll have it done to drive to the Williams show October1st.

[Randalla]

During the course of working on this truck I've been contemplating a vision for it. My guiding principals so far have been to:

1. Preserve or refresh everything I possibly can.
2. Do everything myself, learning new skills in the process
3. Make it safe and dependable
4. Make decisions with budget as a main priority
5. Remain true to its heritage as a working truck
6. Be creative and have fun

I'm hoping the paragraph below articulates my vision and what I'd ultimately hope to to achieve. I'd be interested in input from others. Thanks!


“Working Trucks”

In past times pickup trucks were primarily purchased to accomplish a job, not cherish, like much-loved automobiles. It would be fitting if there were a collector class for “working trucks”… restored mechanically, but testifying cosmetically to their heritage. There's beauty and strength of character in the scars these trucks acquired and carry today. They share characteristics similar to weathered, porcelain signs displayed on old barns and abandoned filling stations. Both share rich histories, retaining their preserved experiences, weathering, and wounds. Like vintage porcelain signs, working trucks were often artfully painted with the business owner's logo, name and contact information. I submit that “working trucks” be viewed as part of our transportation history, and curated accordingly. I'd place this class of trucks squarely between “Rat Rods” and “Survivors.”

Thoughts???

Just found this 620 for sale. Looks like its owner may have had a similar vision for his truck (check out the company name on the doors).

[theAngryMarmot]

As much as I love "showroom fresh" and perfectly finished vehicles - there is always something to be said about real wear and tear on a vehicle.

"Personalty" is a product of something's history and that is only created with real patina, wear & tear and sometimes abuse can create as it adds a backstory and life to the automobile.