1980 Datsun Flatbed Project

[nathan_454]

as requested in another thread I have decided to make my little project its own build thread, I will update with pics as I go! rather then typing out all the details I will just answer questions as they come! enjoy!

the pictures are out of order, as they were all grouped together, new updates will be in order.

 

[HOTFR8]

Very nice and good welds.

 

[Jawn]

I'm curious as to why you shortened the frame.

Nice looking welds, btw.

I've got an '84 (king cab, 4x4) that I've thought about building a flatbed for. The bed that's on it is a bit crunchy along the seams and under the top lip. I wouldn't shorten mine though, I still use it as a truck and want as much bed space as is practical.

 

[HOTFR8]

I'm curious as to why you shortened the frame.

I also wondered why ?

 

[930dreamer]

Nice fab work.

 

[nathan_454]

I've got a dodge 2500 (seen in a few of the pics) for when I really want to haul something, so not too worried about it, the main reason I did it was to save on material costs, was able to maximize materials built to the specs that it is. had I gone longer I would have had to buy twice the lumber, and it just works for me!

 

[Jawn]

So what are the dimensions of the bed?

 

[nathan_454]

5'x6'

 

[jhn9840]

Very nice welding work. Cool project.

jhn9840
John

 

[IDASHO]

We need more pics

 

[AussieDan]

Very nice! Your attention to detail really makes the project.

 

[HOTFR8]

I've got a dodge 2500 (seen in a few of the pics) for when I really want to haul something, so not too worried about it, the main reason I did it was to save on material costs, was able to maximize materials built to the specs that it is. had I gone longer I would have had to buy twice the lumber, and it just works for me!

The Bob Tail look suits it.

 

[Davo J]

Nice job, well done and thanks for posting.
Looks like some nice fab skills you have, and the welds look good.

I have brother to yours over here in Australia, which is a 79 dual cab 720 model and I spent 3 years converting it over to 4x4, V6, custom aluminum hydraulic tip tray, crane, chrome bull with a 9000 lbs winch etc, etc, etc.
I ended up taking it to shows and it has won 44 trophies from 36 shows so far, though it was never built with the intention of going to shows, just as a work truck.

Keep up the good work.

Dave

 

[tonym]

looking goon man.....

like the wood bed...

 

[bmxr4life87]

Very clean and functional yet simple

 

[-Brent-]

It looks great. Really nice welds, too. I like how you went the extra bit and rounded the perimeter of the lumber, nice touch.

 

[rylon]

Kind of unrelated but how do you like those saw horses? I've been thinking about buying a set or two.

Thanks,
Rylon

 

[DragonflyRacing]

Kind of unrelated but how do you like those saw horses? I've been thinking about buying a set or two.

Thanks,
Rylon

I have a set of them. They are very solid and fold up well for storage. The only minor issue I have is they take a long time to adjust the height.

Back on topic. Those are some nice welds. Looks great.

 

[kbs2244]

Very good work and it should look pretty good as well.

The only thing that bothers me is the wood.

I would have followed the lead of the guys that make decks.
I would treat it with preservative before installing.
And then installed with about 1/8th inch gap between the boards for drainage.

 

[amguttin]

wont all that steel add alot of extra weight to the truck?

 

[mjozefow]

I like everything except the choice in lumber. How do you plan to protect it?

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

is the lumber pressure treated?

 

[Zelatore]

I too wonder if you've had a net gain or loss in total weight. I guess if you have the big truck for hauling it doesn't matter in the end, just curious if you did a before/after.

 

[bad_idea]

Very nice craftsmanship. Quality welds. Good looking wood planks.

But why a 80 Datsun pickup? I can't imagine they have a very high load capacity.

 

[nathan_454]

in the pictures the lumber was just put on for fitment, it will be treated before final installation, it is tongue and groove, so can't leave space between for drainage,

I don't really like the saw horses, they are nice because they can fold up and be put away when not in use, but they are not all that stable, they do for now.

I dont think I've added any weight compared to what the factory bed weighed, It was a long bed, and is now only 6' long so I saved some there.

why a 1980 datsun pickup????? why the heck not!!!!!! this is more of a project that is about the journey, not the destination. I am really enjoying building it, and already had the truck, which i have really fallen in love with, it has come along way since i got it. just something to tinker with!

 

[tcianci]

Welding process... Stick, MIG? Doesn't look like TIG but what do I know.

 

[nathan_454]

MIG

miller 211

 

[Davo J]

in the pictures the lumber was just put on for fitment, it will be treated before final installation, it is tongue and groove, so can't leave space between for drainage,

I don't really like the saw horses, they are nice because they can fold up and be put away when not in use, but they are not all that stable, they do for now.

I dont think I've added any weight compared to what the factory bed weighed, It was a long bed, and is now only 6' long so I saved some there.

why a 1980 datsun pickup????? why the heck not!!!!!! this is more of a project that is about the journey, not the destination. I am really enjoying building it, and already had the truck, which i have really fallen in love with, it has come along way since i got it. just something to tinker with!

Hi Nathan,
I agree, they are a good little truck. When I bought mine I never knew Datsun/Nissan made them and bought it for $750. After that I saw the 4wd ones, and once I found out all the bodies where the same I transfered it over to a 4wd.
They are a big thing in the US and I have got a few ideas for suspension etc from the forums.

I really like my 720, keep up the great work as I am following your progress.
I see you user name is Nathan 454, that would power the little truck along nicely, LOL

This is mine

Dave

 

[nathan_454]

Made some progress over the weekend, took today and tomorrow off work to keep working on it!

the pictures are out of order again, but you get the idea!

 

[Davo J]

Thats looking great, and will be nice and strong as well.
You have a good size fab shop.

Look forward to your updates.

Dave

 

[nathan_454]

Thats looking great, and will be nice and strong as well.
You have a good size fab shop.

Look forward to your updates.

Dave

Thanks! Its just a two car garage!

 

[2mJps]

Nice bed. Wood is the only way to go on a work rig steel floors are for show.The only thing is wood shrinks So bad the first bed i built after a year a added a full 2x6. The one i have now wood was a little dryer and I added half a2x6. It is 20 years old and is in ok shape never in side.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

completely off the subject but do you want to sell the s-o mini box on the window sill ????

 

[nathan_454]

 

[grego]

Man I love them 720 Datsun trucks. I had a 86 King cab, best looking truck I have owned. Put some sidedrafts and a cam in that thing and make it haul some .... wood! You already have the cherry bomb! Or judging by the sticker on the back window, what do you already have under the hood? Those Z24 engines can take a beating. Use to rev my stock bottom end engine up to 8800 rpm, after 9k, the power band would drop off.

 

[nathan_454]

Man I love them 720 Datsun trucks. I had a 86 King cab, best looking truck I have owned. Put some sidedrafts and a cam in that thing and make it haul some .... wood! You already have the cherry bomb! Or judging by the sticker on the back window, what do you already have under the hood? Those Z24 engines can take a beating. Use to rev my stock bottom end engine up to 8800 rpm, after 9k, the power band would drop off.

It has the stock L20b with a Weber 32/36 carb.

 

[nathan_454]

 

[white500xl]

Great fab and welds! Nothing like a good flat bed to pick up small items! Easy to load up and strap 'em down and GO! I built a bed like this for a 1985 Toyota I had a few years back. I had a bigger truck back then, but found myself using the "flat bed" more often because of the gas mileage and easy manuverability. Great job!

 

[Jason280]

Any pics with everything completely assembled?

 

[nathan_454]

Any pics with everything completely assembled?

Its not complete yet, but I will update the thread often.