1982 Datsun 720 DIESEL from North America - Comments

Replaced rear and front bumpers.

This truck is super reliable and gets excellent fuel economy, about 30 MPG. These Diesel motors last a long time, I've seen datsun diesel pickups with 295,000 miles without having the motor touched except for general maintenance. It is a bit low geared, and the body's rust very easily on these trucks, but all in all they were built to last. The Diesel motor has great power for a diesel, and will pull most things a full size truck will. Parts are easily obtained, even for the diesel motor. Great little truck.

I bought my 720 diesel King Cab pickup new in 1982.

BODY: Before the first year was out, the red paint began to chalk up badly. The service rep said tough! Five years later the red had achieved a coat of many colors, and the bottom of the bed began to develop rust spots. Within 10 years the rocker panels were almost shot, the hood on the right side began to shed paint from the underlying rust as did the right side of the cab top. Currently the truck has 135,000 miles and has always lived in Georgia, USA, away from grit, grime and direct sun.

ENGINE: I have replaced the starter twice and the glow plugs. The muffler went by 20,000. The propeller shaft mid-bearing has been replaced twice as have the wheel bearings. Other than that the engine runs just fine at 32 mpg and oil change every 3 grand.

Where can I find oil, fuel, and air filters? Local dealer has none and claims none are available. Also need rubber hose from air filter container to engine.

Thanks, Jim S.

I have an 1982 KingCab Diesel Pickup and it is the greatest truck I have ever owned. 36 mpg on the road. You have to look around for oil filters and air filters, but they can be had from parts stores and bought off the Internet.

Hi, I just brought a 720 ute 81 model, it has 41 thousand original kms on it. It still smells brand new. Rick from South Australia.

What I forgot to mention is that it's a diesel, with the long tray. I have replaced all the heater and radiator hoses as the original ones had deteriorated over the 28 years from sitting idle. This was a great find, get comments all the time on how new it looks and get asked if it had been restored.

Cheers, Rick from South Australia.