Datsun 720 Reviews

I work on engines, cars, etc. I never really considered working on this, until I took a closer look at it, because it had an automatic transmission, which had a lot of problems.

But when I took a closer look at it, I saw it is very easy to convert to a manual transmission; it had the mountings for the clutch pedal and the master clutch cylinder. In fact I already have put those on, and the floor plate is switchable, so I don't have to do one fabrication to covert it from automatic to manual.

These can be rust buckets, because I have two other junk Datsun 720's, and both are rusted quite bad, but only one has frame rot.

It's not the greatest looking truck, but it is simple, and from what I hear, as tough as nails.

However, the seats are uncomfortable and the cabin is pretty plain.

But these have been known to get 30+ MPG, which for a truck is nothing short of amazing.

If it's a 2wd, it has to be slammed.

Clutch started to slip before I owned it, therefore I got it for cheap.

Both radiator hoses started to split at about 191,000km.

Started to leak Brake Fluid at about 190,000km.

This Datsun is as reliable as a brand new car, and great on road and off road.

This car has an old L-18 engine, but is very clean and very well looked after, therefore it's running almost new.

But on the other hand, it has a few rattles, dents and scratches, but no rust at all.

Clutch master and slave cylinder needed to be bled; once done it was great. Lots of rust.

I recently bought a 1980 Datsun 720 4x4 Pick-up for AUD$100! It runs and has a solid steel flat bed tray. I had a minor problem with the clutch, but after a simple bleeding of the master and slave cylinders, it works fine.

It has been sitting in a paddock rusting away, but runs very smoothly. I bought it for a farm car and it's perfect for it. The interior is pretty small, and I struggle to fit in the cab as I am 6'2", but once I'm in it's fine.

I'm thinking about filling in the rust and painting it for fun. Any suggestions or questions welcome. Cheers.

Replaced starter & solenoid 2 months ago. Not unusual for a vehicle of this age. It was easy; lots of room in the engine box to get my fat hands into the mix.

Replaced shocks with NAPA gas shocks last week. Wow, what a difference in the way it drives & handles. I was toying with the idea of a total front end rebuild, because it drove so poorly prior to new shocks. I think my approach will be to replace the bushings only now; nice & cheap.

The new shocks have given the truck a nicer stance and look as well.

Next, pull the leaf springs & have them re-arched, new rubber & clips, and add a couple of leafs to allow for an old canopy.

Did not care for the truck much after buying it. Buyer's remorse possibly. It drove & handled so poorly I almost did not make the purchase. The motor & power the old rag had pushed me into the purchase 2 years ago for my dog.

Yes, rust is an issue... what do you want for a 28 year old ride??? Found a new way to patch an 8" hole in the fender well caused originally from battery acid, then went into rust. Just used heavy tar paper, 1 layer on the inside of the fender and another in the engine box. Then sprayed heavily with under coat. It's really cool, you can't tell the hole was ever there. The undercoat dried to a nice hard cover.

My dog & I now love this old truck, and the more work done to bring it back to original, strengthens that love. This was a cool truck when it was new, I am sure. I stepped down from a 2001 Tundra to this old rag.

At first I was bummed out, now that has all changed.