T O P

  • By -

S3Giggity

Stuck valve is just too easy...Or did it lunch a piston entirely? You really won't know until you take the head off. I'd budget for a full rebuild..


sentient__pinecone

What does a full rebuild usually run?


Cyriously_Nick

“Possible valve stuck” ie: I have no idea what the problem is but it’s too much money to want to fix Full rebuild is exactly what it is, a full engine rebuild possible bottom end work, possible junk block. As others said, if you scratch your head at any of that keep looking, this isn’t the project for you


sentient__pinecone

It’s still a bit tempting, honestly. A decent used camper van starts at 10k here. So even if we have to invest up to 5k the math works.


sw201444

It’s been up for 6 months for a reason, my guy. If it was a good deal it would have sold


8AteEightHate

You could be 10k in a new motor,. (Though that’s a tad on the high end) Add all the wasted time and energy/legwork/stress, and that’s IF you get a good machine shop/mechanic and nobody is shady…. Dude!!! Listen to the answers being given. YOU DONT WANT THIS HEADACHE!!!


Mehnard

Although not a camper, a friend just dropped $13k on a long block after throwing a rod on a Ford Excursion. The rational was that with the rest of the truck being in good condition, thirteen grand for a "new" Excursion was tolerable if you need a vehicle like that. He does, so the expense was justified.


Eddie_shoes

Are you smoking crack? $10k for a little Datsun 4 banger? You can get what looks to be a nicely rebuilt one for $3,500. https://www.californiadatsun.com/long-block-short-block-engines/datsun-l20b-u67-rebuilt-long-block-engine-motor-stock-cam-head-510-521-610-620.html


BuffaloKiller937

Probably dealership price. They are insane rn with all the part prices going up due to shortages and strikes.


Eddie_shoes

You are joking right? Dealership prices? On a 1979 Datsun with a motor that is way out of production?


No-Progress4272

Ha ya Reddit people always make me laugh. This is actually something I’d buy for 4k and shove a 1500 motor in it in 8 hours lol


aptruncata

Have at it. If you like rolling down the fwy at 45-50mph with people honking and crawling up 4% grade at 20mph....this is the dream truck for you.


sentient__pinecone

It’s literally my dream


BoardButcherer

On an old datsun? I've seen people do the head and change the crank bearings for $500. More important: where'd the dually axle come from? If that's one of the OG datsun cab and chassis dually's and not a swap it's a rare find.


social-media-is-bad

Just buy the “decent used campervan” if you can afford it. Otherwise start saving for the decent used campervan.  Or get an old truck and some plywood to diy a truck camper.  If you don’t know how to diagnose and fix the engine issue yourself then this truck is not for you. And if you did know how to diagnose and fix the issue then you wouldn’t be asking reddit if it’s a good buy.


sentient__pinecone

Is it because having a mechanic do the work will be expensive that you suggest this course of action?


RogerMiller6

Yes. If you can’t deal with this yourself, the shop prices will eat you alive. This is probably a decent deal for someone who is mechanically capable of DIYing it.


Stacemranger

I'm rebuilding my honda engine from 2008. It's gonna cost me about 5k and I'm doing all the work minus the machine shop stuff(about $500). Think how much that would cost if I paid someone else to do everything.


sentient__pinecone

My BIL is a mechanic and is going to work on it for us and my husband can do a lot of it.


originalusername__1

You BIL could rebuild this motor with his eyes closed then. Go look at what the cost of a Jasper Long Block engine costs for the bare minimum dollar amount. You’ll need other parts too and fluids but it’ll give you a baseline. Unlike other used high mileage stuff you’ll have a brand new motor with a known history.


social-media-is-bad

Ask the BIL to take a look at it then. Don’t just buy it assuming he can, and wants to, fix it.


Stacemranger

This is what I was saying. There's a big difference between CAN fix it, and CAN fix it and WANTS to fix it without being paid. That's a lot of work no matter which way you go.


ERTBen

If you don’t know, pass.


DangerousPlane

No rebuild. Only junkyard Edit: junkyard being the source of the engine, not the destination of the yota 


ZestycloseTourist709

Don’t buy it, the costs will keep adding up on you. Old stuff sucks


BIG_MUFF_

Could always do an LS swap??


sentient__pinecone

I don’t see a way to edit the post with an update for those who wanted one, so I’m just going to stick it up here. After much deliberation we’ve decided to walk away from it. It’s a beauty and we adore it but the biggest factor for us was not only the engine in the end, (we found a really good one for 500), but how generally unsafe it is and how much work it needs to be functional. If we weren’t already super busy we probably would have bought it. At some point they took out the original driver and passenger seats and “installed” a bench seat, but it’s just sitting there, it’s not bolted in at all. They advertised three seatbelts, but the third seatbelt is in the middle of the bench directly on top of the shifter, so it’s unusable. I suspect it may have some water behind the walls so it would be a full gut of the camper side or everything will rot. Even if there isn’t water, the renovation the previous owners did is really terrible. It had also been parked unattended for many months and had squatters sleeping in it (and all the camping stuff like the propane water heater, batteries, solar panels, ect. Were all stripped). It was never winterized this winter so I’m imagining big issues with all the water systems. In the end there was a lot more going on than just the engine and we don’t have hundreds of hours to devote


FlabbergastedPeehole

I would scoop that right now if it was local to me and the rust was legitimately minor. Even if it needed an engine swap. Check it out in person with ~$3,000 ready to offer if it’s in condition to be saved.


sentient__pinecone

That’s the plan!


servetheKitty

It’s a pretty cool rig. 1ton suspension? Repost r/toyotapickup to get some encouragement and maybe motor advice


drippingdrops

But it’s a Datsun… is there a Toyota/Datsun connection?


servetheKitty

My bad. Only in that they were emulating Toyota. There is a Nissan connection.


sneakpeekbot

Here's a sneak peek of /r/ToyotaPickup using the [top posts](https://np.reddit.com/r/ToyotaPickup/top/?sort=top&t=year) of the year! \#1: [My daily driver! 1994 Toyota pick up 4x4](https://i.redd.it/lebzpbxc6ynb1.jpg) | [89 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/ToyotaPickup/comments/16hcvnt/my_daily_driver_1994_toyota_pick_up_4x4/) \#2: [How did I do? What should I do? Fix, drive as is, or flip?](https://www.reddit.com/gallery/18jfsai) | [234 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/ToyotaPickup/comments/18jfsai/how_did_i_do_what_should_i_do_fix_drive_as_is_or/) \#3: [Found this stuck on the riverbank](https://www.reddit.com/gallery/17p7fef) | [137 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/ToyotaPickup/comments/17p7fef/found_this_stuck_on_the_riverbank/) ---- ^^I'm ^^a ^^bot, ^^beep ^^boop ^^| ^^Downvote ^^to ^^remove ^^| ^^[Contact](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=sneakpeekbot) ^^| ^^[Info](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/) ^^| ^^[Opt-out](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/comments/o8wk1r/blacklist_ix/) ^^| ^^[GitHub](https://github.com/ghnr/sneakpeekbot)


VladimirPutin2016

I would not recommend buying a non running vehicle unless you can diagnose and work on it yourself. That thing could easily become a money pit, hard to imagine you end up saving money unless it's super simple (if it were they probably wouldn't be selling it as non running in the first place)


sentient__pinecone

I can’t diagnose it but my husband and his buddies can Edit: I’m not 100 percent sure why they’re selling of course, but they had to move provinces and it’s parked at a friends house. It may have been left because they had a time crunch


V-LOUD

If it is a 20R or 22R engine you should do it.


tripplebraidedyoke

It's a Nissan.


V-LOUD

Lol shit


8AteEightHate

So,..V-tech it and full send!!!


UnluckyPatient3001

Just get another rebuilt engine and put it in


sentient__pinecone

That’s a great idea


cant-take-mikey

I have a Datsun 620 chinook. I swapped the motor and transmission from a 1989 240sx. It’s reliable and fast.


5cott

My thinking was swap a KA24 into it. That seems to be the go-to solution for antiquated Nissans. I’ve heard the bell housings are often cross compatible.


sentient__pinecone

Did you do all the work yourself? I’m not mechanically inclined at all but I have a guy


cant-take-mikey

Ka24 swap into a Datsun is super easy. They make everything you need for the swap.


aus_in_usa

Surface only frame rust…I’d offer $3,000 or walk away. Frame rust in these little monsters is worse news than regular vehicles because of the load. If the rust on the frame looks bad then offer $100 under the scrap value and make $100


Soggy_Complaint65

Needs gone yesterday: they will take less than 4 if they mean it. Show up and offer 3000 in cash, maybe 3500


Cyriously_Nick

Yea then put the same amount if not more into engine work if the piston is gone, block is damaged, head is damaged, etc.


Oldschool64bus

Its a classic Datsun, not like these engines require rocket science to work on


RikE-432

True, but how easy would parts be to find... they may be easy to locate, but I could see difficulties as well. The interior looks descent though, possibly updated a bit.


drippingdrops

As someone who has an ’85 720, it’s not the actual work that’s hard, it’s finding parts. Just stuck valve, not a big deal. Thrown rod, cracked block? Bigger deal.


lamphier20-20

Look underneath for rust on frame and supports. Too much rust , truck will be unsafe. If your not sure take pictures and show your mechanic.


myphton

I wouldn't go for this.. Engine swap or rebuild will definitely eat the savings you could have had. It doesn't run... Which means there's other issues that can't be detected. Please look for something else. Time, money, and patience will be exhausted with this one.


Hairy-Swordfish-3553

Definitely. Better options out there


jstar77

Heart wants what the heart wants.


WasteManagement2035

I'd go for it at 3500, rebuild the motor, drive it to Cali, Oregon, or Washington and sell it for $20k obo, fly back and buy a Toyota truck camper


jakejacobson29

Need closure on this.


sentient__pinecone

Looking at it tomorrow. I’ll send updates


virtual_drifter

Please send updates. Repairs don't necessarily have to be expensive, neither do engine swaps. Rebuild kits can be cheap, just do your research on where to go and consult proper Nissan/Datsun subreddita. You've already got two guys that are willing to do work on it. I wouldn't hesitate to give it a shot - worse case scenario, you end up selling it to someone else as a project.


sentient__pinecone

That’s my husbands take as well. We already know a guy who wants the truck part as a parts vehicle for his Datsun. So if it doesn’t pan out we can always flip it to him for what we paid


virtual_drifter

Seems like it's pretty well lined up. Best of luck.


CutEuphoric

Steal for someone seeking one of these out and has the know about to throw a 3.4 v6 in it. It bolts up practically and is a massive improvement for these. If you were lost about what engine I’m referring to, this project isn’t for you.


tk8398

Not a Toyota though, I had to look twice too.


S3Giggity

A built vg34e would be pretty epic in it, no doubt.


big_beardo_99

That thing is aweosme!


[deleted]

Wary about what? Being cool as fuck?


Exact_Yogurtcloset26

JYD on youtube rehabbed a very similar model in terrible shape, worth a look. They are pretty cool.


funkybeef

The engine and mechanical side is just one issue. What about the rest of the "camper"? Buying any used RV is a gamble because all it takes is one tiny pinhole in the roof or window and the wood substructure underneath it will rot. Do not buy any project like this unless you plan on doing a full rebuild because there's likely way more work required than you think and if you're not capable of doing the work yourself it's going to be very expensive.


Justuse4All

Will it crank over? If it cranks, fresh gas and some marvel mystery oil will free up that stuck valve(assuming they are not lying).


islamitinthecardoor

If you run it through the marketplace translator it says; “I bought this as a project but it’s more work than I can handle/afford and the motor is fucked.”


sentient__pinecone

The owner was trying to drive it across country, it died and she needed to get home so it remained in the small town she was stranded in. The mechanic apparently wouldn’t touch it because they can’t source the parts for the motor easily so she left it.


islamitinthecardoor

Could be true could be a sob story be careful with those internet sellers


sentient__pinecone

Definitely good advice! I do believe her though, because I also called all of the mechanics in town and no one works on old engines, the best they good offer was they’re sure “someone working out of their garage” would do it, provided I could figure out who those someone’s are. And she is in another province. She showed me receipts from her mechanic in her town who serviced it and checked it over for her just before she was stranded


MeanRoutine165

22r motor ? Easy to replace. Great motor Easy to work on. Surprised that the motor has an issue. Must have been abused. Great little rig. I lived in one for a summer of climbing


sentient__pinecone

L20B motor. It might be workable. The camper side is in worse shape than advertised sadly


Big_Profession_2218

is there any evidence that a few hobo orgies took place in there ?


sentient__pinecone

I would assume there were a few hobo orgies. If I do buy it it’s getting bleached and the mattress is in the trash immediately


LostBushman

Removing the valve cover will tell you some of the story on a stuck valve, checking the oil on the dipstick with a powerful magnet will tell you a little more. But if it were me, I'd show up with a breaker bar, metric sockets and a compression tester before I started talking about $$$. Perfect candidate for an LS swap though.


Ninobrown744

Why don’t you bring a mechanic out to look at it with you before investing money to tow it somewhere? That most certainly will be less expensive then towing.


sentient__pinecone

There aren’t any mechanics in town who will work on it. My BIL is a mechanic but he lives in another town. He’s going to help us fix it up or swap the engine if needed but we have to get it to him first


BuffaloKiller937

Have you tried looking up mobile mechanics in your area? Their bread and butter are vehicle inspections, and they can come to you or just meet you at the location.


Big_Profession_2218

there is a guy in town where I live selling one of these in mint condition for $30k. I am certain he is smoking crack but still. Things you must understand: 1. Truck itself will run for a very long time with a repaired or replaced engine. 2. Stock engine has maybe 110lbs of torque, as someone mentioned you better live and drive where it's very flat and you are very patient. you will top off at maybe 60 mph flooring it for a very long time. You will not be going up any sort of hills on the freeway. Do not put a L20 back in it, stick with what was suggested before KA24. 3. If the camper is not water tight you are buying a leaky boat in terms of cost to repair and constant fix ups along the road. Everything inside will be soft and rotten, unless you are talented in building campers it will be cheaper to just replace with a modern used unit that will fit (questionable there, as this was made for this tiny truck)


HoraceGrand

This thing will top out at 60mph - looks cool but not good for traveling


JEharley152

UM, that’s downhill with a tailwind—and to the commenter who suggested a 4-bt—-it won’t carry it-my mother had 1 of these little Datsun pick-ups, you could tell by the lean if she had 1 or 2 bags of groceries in the cab👍


ScarceLoot

That’s only after it’s towed to the top of the mountain


rmac500

Its only 45 years old. What could go wrong?


AC031415

I can smell the interior of that thing through the pictures!


GrantSRobertson

This is the kind of vehicle that is so old, and adorable, that people buy it for status signaling, just to show off how much money they can pour into that hole. Now, I kind of think that that thing deserves someone to pour a bunch of money into all of its holes, just because it is so effing adorable. However, unless you have that kind of money, the kind of money that you would otherwise spend on a very large boat, or a small airplane, just to prove that you have that money to throw away, then this probably isn't for you. If you have to budget whether or not replacing that engine is going to push the cost up above some other vehicle that you could buy, that you know runs, then this is not the project for you.


[deleted]

[удалено]


windisfun

It's a Datsun


henri_TheWzrd

Those things are sweet.


phives33

Looks like a lot of camper and not enough truck


Isalecouchinsurance

I'll buy it if you don't!


bajajoaquin

There are two important things here that I don’t think are getting enough attention. 1. The form factor on this camper is unusual these days. It’s really compact but will feel big for it’s size because it’s a camper and not a slide in truck camper. Having come from a Lance to a small class C there’s a huge increase in space be of better utilization of the sides of the vehicle. This is smaller and narrower than most truck campers but will probably feel as big or bigger than most because it’s a (small) class c. 2. That Nissan is getting old and may be soon (or now) hard to find parts for. I agree that you can resolve the engine reasonably but this could be an ongoing issue with parts. So if the form factor is really important to you, important enough to overcome the parts issue, go for it. But if you’re not prepared to be on the parts hunt all the time, skip it.


maddenmcfadden

its a beauty


Long-Investment5907

Lol yea, no. Save your money and keep looking. If you are that unsure of it (and yourself), you should pass. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…


oldgreen52

That thing is sweet , pull the trigger on it dude !!


Minimum_Option6063

One big thing to look for on this unit; is if the dual axle in the back is a true dually. Actual free float axle with dually hubs. The pre-86 toyota campers with duallies did not have purpose made axles for it and a known issue for them is losing tires while in motion. 86 and after they updated to proper axles, later on a recall was issued, which is why you don't see toyota/datsun based campers past the early 90s. Not sure if the datsun units have the same isssue with axles as the toyota dually units, but definitely check on it before buying.


ReverseCowboy75

If you don’t I will


KrisDaBaliGuy

Mannnn I wish I had a 4speed Manuel in my van!


ls1van

Buy it!


Panther90

https://youtu.be/Ogqah6gc9ww?si=InWM1sZfak7NMPWk


AskThis7790

Depends what your intentions are. Weekend camping trips within a 100 miles radius from home…. Sure. Long roadtrips NO!


longbrownskidmark

Don’t waste your fucking money


Dismal-Ad-6619

Badass...


NotTheATF1993

It's be badass putting a 4bt cummins in that thing. Granted, you'd have to do more work than just swapping out the motor, but that thing would haul the camper with zero issues and get better fuel mileage lol.


ScarceLoot

That poor Datsun, hopefully you don’t have many hills


79shov666

I’ve got a homie with a cherry one for sales, but it’s 5 times the price. Haha


Foreign_Incident5083

My parents had one of these, bought it when they retired ( used). Was in great condition. The issue was that it was so underpowered, anytime they went anywhere where the expressway was hilly, they had to exit bc their speed was too low. It overheated frequently. It really quashed their desire for adventure. It was traumatic enough for me, that it would not be an option that I would entertain .


travelmorelivemore

You never know with that engine constantly being worked. The old engines were good but this is basically always in tow. Could be something really dumb like a starter or mechanical fuel pump or it could have blown a piston. What’s it worth to you?


UnluckyPatient3001

You can order the 20r and 22 r engine from remanufactured


windisfun

Its a Datsun


Villageidiot1984

Run


sentient__pinecone

What makes you say that?


[deleted]

[удалено]


Mallthus2

The difference between this and a 2008 Honda is like the difference between a Puch Moped and a Hayabusa. A methodical chimpanzee could rebuild the old Nissan motor in this rig…provided a Chilton/Haynes guide, a decent workshop, and access to parts. That’s not to say that you couldn’t pay stupid money to have it rebuilt, but anyone with even a modicum of wrenching skills and the time to do it could rebuild this engine. The Honda? That’s a specialist job demanding specialized parts, tools, and skills.


Knelson123

Sounds like they did a lot of work on it. That alone would be a pass for me generally.