Pint-Sized Pickup: 1978 Datsun 620
When it comes to considering vehicles as restoration projects, ones that have spent their lives in either California or Arizona will always be looked upon quite favorably. This 1978 Datsun 620 Pickup hits the jackpot in that respect because after spending the majority of its life in Arizona, it is now located in Carlsbad, California. It is a rust-free classic that needs some cosmetic restoration work, but as none of this would be considered to be urgent, it is the sort of project that could be tackled as time and money permits. You will find the Datsun listed for sale here on eBay with a BIN of $3,495, although there is also the option to make an offer.
The Datsun is finished in a color called Eggshell, which is a pretty neutral shade. The first thing that I noticed was the bed cap that is fitted to the vehicle, and while I don’t mind it, the red sections on it are at odds with the rest of the Pickup’s paint theme. This is best reflected by the fact that the wheels have been recently refinished in Dark Blue. This matches the interior trim, so I think that the cap will either require a repaint, or it might need to go completely. The owner supplies a number of photos of the Datsun’s underside, and a life spent in drier climates means that there is no rust to be addressed anywhere on the vehicle. The panels wear a few dings and scars, with the largest of these being on the passenger-side rear quarter. However, this does appear to be repairable with a bit of time and patience. The front bumper is sitting a bit crooked, but given the fact that it is the same on both sides and that there is no sign of physical damage, I suspect that this is simply a fitment issue. The rest of the trim looks good, while the glass is free of any defects.
Ah, the legendary L20 4-cylinder engine. This is probably one of the most robust engines that Datsun ever built. With double valve springs and a dual-row roller timing chain, they can be revved pretty hard quite safely, or if treated normally, it isn’t that unusual for one to accrue 200,000 miles or more without having a spanner laid on it. In the case of this 620, the L20 is backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. As the story goes, the owner purchased the Datsun as a project truck, but then had the opportunity to buy another truck from his son. That means that with him not requiring two vehicles, this one had to go. He had started the mechanical side of the restoration of the 620, so it has recently received a new front suspension, all new shocks, new front, and rear brakes, and a new alternator. The upshot of this labor and capital outlay is the fact that the Datsun now runs and drives well, with the transmission shifting smoothly, and the brakes working perfectly.
With the mechanical components having been brought up to scratch, the owner turned his attention to the interior. The seat has been treated to a new cover, but there is still some work for the next owner to do. I think that the door trims might be okay with a good clean, while I would be inclined to have the carpet professionally cleaned before I considered replacing it. There is a cover over the dash, so we can’t see the state of the cap. New kick-panels will need to be sourced, and if the newly-fitted CD player is to be retained, the installation of the speakers may need to be improved as well. The driver’s door is fitted with a power window, and the kit to convert the passenger door is included in the sale.
The Datsun 620 Pickup is an interesting vehicle for a very simple reason. Do you remember how many you saw on our roads in the 1970s and 1980s? The answer to that question would probably be “plenty.” Have you noticed how few you see now? They have become a rare sight today due to the fact that so many have succumbed to either rust, abuse, or in some cases, both. This one has avoided that fate, and if it doesn’t have rust problems now, the chances are good that it should survive well into the future. Besides, the asking price does make it a very affordable project vehicle, and that alone has to make it an attractive proposition.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now15 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
The “Li’l Hustler”. Asians had such corny names, this truck did little, if any “Hustling”, but it and the Toyota ( and a lesser extent Mazda) changed the world for quite some time. Only recently, big pickups have taken over again, but rest assured, when this foolishness is all over, gas will spike to record amounts to make up for the loss, and you’ll see small pickups come back. These, like all Asian vehicles, didn’t last long in the salt, 5, 6 years tops, and structural rust consumed them, many running great right to the bitter end. Great find.
We have our absurd CAFE regulatory scheme, especially its “footprint” formula in particular, to blame for the disappearance of compact pickups (and most station wagons) from the US market:
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagons/
My neighbor and friend had one he used to pull his Scotty travel trailer. I watched it dissolve in the harsh Pennsylvania winters. Rust was easy to detect as you could see it forming along the bed seam. Once it started there was no way of stopping it. He tried but it was a loosing battle.
I can attest to the durability of that engine.. Boss bought a new one for me to run parts between plants (same day he bought his first Ferrari in Los Gatos) and as a wild eyed yute it was my duty to flog that poor thing mercilessly. Never heard metal make such strange noises but that thing took everything in stride and just kept running.
Wild eyed Yute!!! LMAO!
Cheers and stay safe
GPC
i to had a 620 actually had two a 72 and a 73 one with a L16 and what i did see in the picture of his one was it hada weber carb on it which increased the power signifinitly on these trucks. i loved that little truck and they did keep running . back in the 80s if it wasnt a weber they would put dual on them and dual SU Strongberg carb on them too with a aluminum flywheel from a 240z which actually fits with no problem, which brings up in mind is the 510 sss L18 motor I PUT that head and the L20 block in a datsun 510 and it was a screamer with 410 gears . The hole shot would beat camaros but top end well you know the story lol. but the fist datsun truck if i recall was the 520 with a 1200cc in them . Either way its a good truck and had the adjustable torsion bars in front so leveling or lowering was easy.
I bought a 79 620 King Cab pickup in the early 80’s, it was one of the best vehicles I ever owned. It was almost always overloaded, towed stuff it never should have towed, and other than replacing the carb with a Weber, it was completely trouble free, even the add-on AC worked perfectly. Unfortunately, the floors, bed floor and wheel wells began to rust to the point of major safety concerns. Aside from the rust it was a great truck. If I ran across another Sky Blue metallic rust free King Cab truck, it night be tough saying no!
19sixty5 has it exactly right. I had a similar 79 620 King Cab, rusted everywhere except the cab. The L-20 backfired like stink because of the EGR and I never got around to the Weber conversion. Bought it for $800 sold it for $500 10 years later.
Sweet looking Datsun. I remember trucks like this from my early childhood. Assuming parts are still available, this would make an awesome restoration project.
The only trouble I have, and I agree this is a great Restore candidate, is over $3000 just to get into it? Nice truck, that someone with time to do the work (and Handy enough) it could be worth it if the price was a little lower. Getting it restored by professionals will simply cost more than its really worth. I would pay $2000 and enjoy it as it is. Just maintain it well.
Perhaps the blue wheels are explained by the second truck the writer alludes to as perhaps they are not as good as those now on the truck the guy is keeping.
The motors run forever like a lawnmower engine , but if you live anywhere damp these little imports rust away fast. The Mazdas and Isuzus where even worse ; the frames would rust away and break right where the water would drip between the cab and bed .
Good and tough truck. And like you guys have said, you could hear them rust here in ny state.Keep this one out of the salt and you would have a great little truck. Good luck and stay safe.
cheers
GPC
I had friends in high school that had these things!!! The would run for ever if they didn’t fall apart from rust!!! Great little trucks!!!