BKCowGod
Automotive ADHD is fun!
(This will probably be pretty boring - I am using ExPo bandwidth as a place to keep track of everything I am/want to/will/need to/do/did to my new daily driver/ski/small camp truck)
The Vehicle: 1983 Datsun 720 4x4 King Cab. 2.4l Nissan Z engine, 5 speed manual, 2 speed transfer case. Crank windows, no a/c, no traction control, no airbags, drum brakes.
NOTE: 1983 was the last year for vehicles to be titled as Datsuns, so my truck has badges for both Nissan and Datsun. Legacy from WW2, Nissan was worried that Americans wouldn't buy a car made by a company that killed their soldiers, so they created "Datsun." which became "Nissan, by Datsun" which became "Datsun, by Nissan" which became "Nissan."
The Purpose: I have so many project vehicles that sometimes it is nice to just get in a car and drive it and know that you will be comfortable and make it where you need to go. While this truck will undergo some basic modifications, for the most part it will remain a reliable and comfortable daily truck. That said, for short local trips where the Beast is unnecessary and for snow trips and for gravel road duty, I expect this truck to be able to perform.
The Budget: $1500
Expenses as of 1/6/11: $1233
Purchase - $600
Smog test - $50
Spraypaint - $15
Stereo - $50
Speakers - $40
Fog Lights - $15
Carburetor - $280
Camper Shell - $50
Superwinch Hubs - $37
MSD Ignition Box - $95
I traded a motorcycle straight across. The motorcycle could have sold easily for $500, or if I got the right person I could have gotten $600. So we assign a value of $600 to the truck, leaving $900 for upgrades and repairs.
Driveline: Stock, with the original Hitachi carb swapped out for a Weber 32/26 progressive. This is not only a huge performance and reliability upgrade, but is also cheaper than a rebuilt stock carb.
Wheels, Tires, Suspension: Stock again. The steel wheels have been painted "Cast Iron" at a total cost of $6. The tires were replaced with Yokohama Geolandars in 30x9.5-15. Shocks will be Rancho RS5000.
Bed: Primered it already ($12) and prepped it for Herculiner ($45). $50 Shell and watching Craigs for a better one.
Interior: Seats are incredibly comfortable. Driver even has adjustable lumbar support. Spraypainted the vinyl on the center console and it looks like new(ish). Radio is an iPod capable Sony connected to MB Quart speakers. I may install one of those cheapo 12v fridge units behind the seat - in the summer, my insulin can get mighty hot and mighty useless, mighty fast.
Other: The front end got a pair of yellow beam fogs ($15). The main lights will be upgraded to H4 units ($50).
Current Photo:
The Vehicle: 1983 Datsun 720 4x4 King Cab. 2.4l Nissan Z engine, 5 speed manual, 2 speed transfer case. Crank windows, no a/c, no traction control, no airbags, drum brakes.
NOTE: 1983 was the last year for vehicles to be titled as Datsuns, so my truck has badges for both Nissan and Datsun. Legacy from WW2, Nissan was worried that Americans wouldn't buy a car made by a company that killed their soldiers, so they created "Datsun." which became "Nissan, by Datsun" which became "Datsun, by Nissan" which became "Nissan."
The Purpose: I have so many project vehicles that sometimes it is nice to just get in a car and drive it and know that you will be comfortable and make it where you need to go. While this truck will undergo some basic modifications, for the most part it will remain a reliable and comfortable daily truck. That said, for short local trips where the Beast is unnecessary and for snow trips and for gravel road duty, I expect this truck to be able to perform.
The Budget: $1500
Expenses as of 1/6/11: $1233
Purchase - $600
Smog test - $50
Spraypaint - $15
Stereo - $50
Speakers - $40
Fog Lights - $15
Carburetor - $280
Camper Shell - $50
Superwinch Hubs - $37
MSD Ignition Box - $95
I traded a motorcycle straight across. The motorcycle could have sold easily for $500, or if I got the right person I could have gotten $600. So we assign a value of $600 to the truck, leaving $900 for upgrades and repairs.
Driveline: Stock, with the original Hitachi carb swapped out for a Weber 32/26 progressive. This is not only a huge performance and reliability upgrade, but is also cheaper than a rebuilt stock carb.
Wheels, Tires, Suspension: Stock again. The steel wheels have been painted "Cast Iron" at a total cost of $6. The tires were replaced with Yokohama Geolandars in 30x9.5-15. Shocks will be Rancho RS5000.
Bed: Primered it already ($12) and prepped it for Herculiner ($45). $50 Shell and watching Craigs for a better one.
Interior: Seats are incredibly comfortable. Driver even has adjustable lumbar support. Spraypainted the vinyl on the center console and it looks like new(ish). Radio is an iPod capable Sony connected to MB Quart speakers. I may install one of those cheapo 12v fridge units behind the seat - in the summer, my insulin can get mighty hot and mighty useless, mighty fast.
Other: The front end got a pair of yellow beam fogs ($15). The main lights will be upgraded to H4 units ($50).
Current Photo:
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