SOLID 70s Datsun pickup truck anyone?

[datman]

Toe in water...

I've been wanting to import a Datsun 620 for ages as I just love the shape, there really aren't any over here and theres some solid ones in other parts of the world, such as .. Australia. Japan prices are really going crazy for classic stuff it seems, and many other countries have either language barriers or other logistic /shipping problems so Australia seems the most likely for RH drive. Problem is the cost of getting containers over is incredibly expensive what with road transport, loading , insurance, port fees and import duty and VAT to deal with . USA works out cheaper and the trucks tend to have nicer engines over there but left hand drive of course (more of interest to our Europeans readers) . I am investigating bringing several trucks over in one container by partial dismantling and piggybacking them , which in itself would be quite a logistical challenge and I would have to pay someone to do of course but it may be the only way.



So who else would be up for a truck? Theres the 68-72 ish 521 series (see top pic) and the later 73-79 ish 620 series. Total costs to buy one of the trucks once on this side of the pond are likely to be in the region of £3750 to £4250 for a RH drive truck or nearer £2500-£3000 for a LH drive.

Also the Australian ones tend to have tray backs, its just what Aussies seem to like. In addition to being RH drive the Australian ones have the smaller engine (1500) so get in the cheaper tax bracket here.

Trucks would be pretty solid but likely to need some mechanical tinkering and interior work and paint.
Which would you go for? Cheaper but LH drive, or dearer but RH drive? Your opinion is valued. And email me if you are interested in being one of the first to get a fantastic truck project in this way.

I am also looking at importing some new and used parts for various cars , I will post a post in the pony thread.

COMMENTS?

[datman]

Had some interest but not via this site which has surprised me a bit.. I have just bought one truck in Aus so I'm committed to buying some more out there now

[mylittletony]

following our honeymoon to Crete, my missus took a fairly serious shine to the b120 trucks. Bit of investigation shows that exporting from Greece is tricky to say the least...

Any idea on sourcing a good one, cost etc? Doubt a trayback would float her boat tbh.

I saw your thread on the ponyexpress too, something else that sprung to mind are the postie bikes - could be worth filling the space with?

Was planning on having a chat with another renowned importer of tat at the sussex meet in a couple of weeks, any thoughts on popping down?

[nigelbickle]

If thats me -Will & I are' talking'....

[HARDCORE]

Who else?

[HoTWire]

I'm having enough fun trying to get some wheels from Japan,.. let along trying to buy a car from some far flung place!

[mylittletony]

Jun 20, 2012 7:36:14 GMT nigelbickle said:

If thats me -Will & I are' talking'....

Jun 20, 2012 9:05:45 GMT HARDCORE said:

Who else?

HC has it spot on, of course... was hoping to have a conversation about importing a 1200, figured you might know a good source, method and suggest some idea of the costs involved. Or whether you'd bought anything from Greece... you must have, right?

beer for your thoughts??

[nigelbickle]

Only ever bought an old 50's m/bike in Greece( - sent it home on the train!) about 20 years back.
They#re in the EU=ferry to Brindisi/Bari & a fun drive home.

[datman]

well the 1200 pickups seem to be much more in demand in Aus , popular with the tuners, but 620s are excellent value so I've bought two of those so far, and also theres one coming in from the States. I'm thinking pre 1960s yank pickups will sell ok over here due to the new MOT exemption, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for good ones of those too.

[nas80]

I've got a mate in oz who could help he's no stranger to all this having imported cars from Japan. dattosare expensive in oz. Try looking in south Africa. They drive the same side as us.

[datman]

Indeed but most of their stuff seems locally built and the quality is pretty terrible. Had one myself.

[datman]

My first truck has arrived in UK. Here it is in the docks warehouse amongst the mazaratis, porches, mustangs, volkswagen busses and E types.



Amazingly solid sun beaten King Cab 70s 620 truck from West Coast USA. Original paint!. No welding required or ever been done. The engine bay is unbelieveable , love it! Wasn't cheap but a solid project base is worth its weight in gold.
Lots of tinkering required to brakes, lights etc then I will get it on the road and cruise it about.. for now !

[twincammy]

we need better pics!

[retrobastard]

Waxoyl the bastid Will!!

[datman]

Taking her back to mine..

[xbo11ox]

Now that is SWEET!

[VIP]

Mmm, bulletside Datsun

[Al Ramone]

here. i fixed that for you

[sparkyt]

Spot on photo shop .. made me chuckle

[datman]

you're havin' a Giraffe.
Dayamm actually now I want a 4x4 620