1974 Datsun 620

The Vision

What started as a clean 1974 Datsun 620 pickup in decent shape became a no-compromises restomod — a truck that blends classic Japanese styling with modern performance engineering from some unexpected donors. The goal was never to build a show queen. This is a fully functional truck that can haul a motorcycle to the track, lay frame in a parking lot, and put down serious power on demand.

Teardown

The truck was completely disassembled — bed, engine, transmission, interior, and body were all pulled off the frame. Every system was evaluated and most were replaced entirely. Starting with a blank canvas meant every component could be purpose-built rather than adapted around compromises.

Chassis & Suspension

The factory front subframe was cut out and replaced with a Mustang II setup, giving the truck modern steering geometry, disc brakes, and a platform designed for the new powertrain’s weight. The entire suspension runs on Air Lift Performance air bags — front and rear — allowing the truck to lay flat on the ground or rise to driving height at the touch of a button.

Powertrain

The heart of this build is a Ford EcoBoost engine sourced from a Focus RS rally car. This isn’t a stock pull — the internals were completely rebuilt by TunePlus with forged titanium components throughout. A Precision Turbo feeds boost through custom carbon fiber intakes designed to pull cold air from the headlight area for optimal airflow. The cooling system was borrowed from a Ferrari to handle the heat this engine produces. Everything is controlled by the factory Ford ECU, professionally tuned to work in its new home.

Electrical

The entire factory wiring harness was scrapped in favor of an InfinityBox modular power management system. The InfinityBox uses a MASTERCELL and distributed POWERCELLs connected over a CAN bus, replacing hundreds of feet of traditional wiring with a clean, programmable, and expandable electrical system. Every light, fan, pump, and accessory runs through the InfinityBox — making troubleshooting and future modifications straightforward.

Interior

The factory seats were replaced with seats pulled from a Datsun 240Z — a natural fit that keeps the interior Japanese while providing better bolstering and support for spirited driving.

Bed & Utility

The bed is fully functional with a custom sheet metal floor and an L-Track cargo tie-down system running the length of the bed rails. A Pitbull Motorcycle Loading system is integrated for quick and secure transport of motorcycles — no straps, no hassle, just roll on and lock down. A custom fuel tank was designed from scratch with an Aeromotive Phantom 340 Stealth in-tank fuel system to feed the EcoBoost’s high-pressure fuel demands.

Wheels

The truck rolls on Pro Comp off-road steel wheels — a deliberate choice that gives the slammed 620 an aggressive, utilitarian look that matches its purpose as a working truck with serious performance underneath.

Design & Engineering

This build involved extensive 3D modeling in SketchUp for component fitment, fuel tank design, and the motorcycle loading system layout — planning every detail before cutting metal. The combination of Japanese, American, and Italian engineering into a single cohesive platform required creative problem-solving at every stage.