1971 Datsun 521 Pickup -- NO RESERVE!

1971 Datsun Other

1971 Datsun 521 -- No Reserve!

I love mini trucks; I've owned four of them. Out of those four ('80 Toyota, '76 Toyota, '74 Courier, and '71 Datsun), this 521 has definitely been my favorite.

But, it's time for me to say goodbye to this little reliable beast -- not because I've grown tired of driving it, but rather that I'm closing out the mini car/truck phase of my life and going full-on nuts for American cars from the '50s. Below I've described the truck thoroughly, but feel free to text/call if you have additional questions: 512.653.0773

Mechanical

The engine (L16), transmission (F4W63), and rear end are in excellent shape and all maintenance is up to date. The steering is tight (no discernible slack), it tracks straight down the road, and the suspension is quiet and stable. The truck has been lowered three inches front and rear via re-indexed torsion bars in front and blocks in the rear. Driveline angle is correct and there is no vibration at any speed. There are also zero issues with bottoming out even with a load in the bed (I recently took a full load to the city dump). The L16 engine is smooth and relatively quiet through the RPM range, and it starts quick whether it's cold or hot (but you do have to know how to use a manual choke). Even when decelerating for long periods of time at high rpms while in gear (i.e., getting off the highway), there is no smoke from the little 1.6 (also no smoke on startup). The F4W63 transmission shifts very easily, and doesn't make any strange noises, but does have the typical long throws associated with the gearbox. Brakes are firm (disc conversion up front) and stop straight.

Here's a list of what's been services/replaced in the last 5,000 miles:

Tires
195/75/14 Hankook Optimo (Discount Tire).

Exhaust system
From the manifold all the way back is 100% new (Muffin Muffler).

Front disc brake conversion
Stock drums were not doing it for me, so I did the popular conversion.

Brake master cylinder
Dual circuit unit added plus Wilwood proportioning valve.

Fuel Pump + Filter
Sending unit was also checked (access panel in the bed from the factory).

U-joints + center support bearing
Front, center, and rear u-joints were replaced -- driveshaft was also balanced at the same time.

Weber carburetor
Added a Weber to it (the stock unit + air filter have been sold).

Idler Arm
Factory piece had a bit of play, so I opted to change it when servicing the steering components.

Exterior

This is an original paint truck, and though it looks great both in pictures and in person, it is not perfect by any means (so don't bid if you don't like a bit of 'patina'). The paint is thin in spots (top edge of the fender, small section of the roof, and small area below the window on the driver's side door), but there is almost no surface rust (the exception being scratches inside the bed, the top bed rails, and the top/inside of tailgate from hauling stuff). The truck has zero rust through anywhere on the body (including the floorboards). Again, It still looks great and shines up nicely, but is definitely NOT perfect by any means. There are a couple small dents the size of a quarter behind the rear wheel on the passenger side, but that's about it (the photos show all). The windshield has two small rock chips, but they aren't spreading.

Interior

The interior is 100% intact right down to the AM radio. The seat has a vinyl seat cover, but the original seat material is underneath it (not sure of the condition). Headliner is in decent shape as are the visors. Dashboard is metal and is nearly perfect. All ventilation controls work as they should, and the heater is hot. Everything else works (wipers, turn signals, dimmer switch, interior light, seatbelts, windows). Rubber floormat is in nice shape, but is very brittle and would likely break apart if it were removed.

The truck also comes with the original factory service manuals, all receipts for work I've done, and the factory owner's manual.:

Well, on to the pictures:

• Condition: Used
• Make: Datsun
• Model: Other
• Type: PICKUP
• Trim: PICKUP
• Year: 1971
• Mileage: 92,000
• VIN: PL521559008
• Color: Green
• Engine size: L16
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Black
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!