Hope someone can help me.
The datsun L320 ute/pickup- what is the difference (if any) on the chasis between the pickup version with the seperate rear bed, and the ute version where there is no seperation between the cab and bed (like the 1200). I know the pickup version runs a full chasis, is this the case with the ute?

Hope that makes sense to someone.
Thanks

anyone?

Do you have a picture of the vehicle in question??? That might call the attention of those that know that truck.

The 320 was the early-to-mid 1960s Datsun pickup. All models use a chassis-and-frame construction, including the Sports model (coupe utility). So did the 310 sedan. All very antique type.

The two trucks are very similar except for the fact that the nl320 sport(which my family has two of) was a limited run of only 1000 models, and of course the bed layout was different, I'm not a 100% sure if you can bolt the sport bed onto a non-sport chassis though.

thanks guys

You have 2 nl320's!! They are the unibody utes if i'm right?

Quote:That's what this whole topic is about. Answer: None of the 320s are unibody -- they are all chassis-and-frame construction.

To understand the difference between unibody and one-piece-truck-body, see:
- Unibody
- Coupe utility/Ute

I really like frame and body. More posibilities and easier to fix up and modify.

Unibody is fine, but if I had a choice I would go for frame and body.

The 320 Sport truck (ut) looks like unibody -it has a one-piece body - but it sits on top of a full frame.

The advantage of unibody (like the 1971-up Datsun 1200 ute) is:
* lighter weight
* better handling suspension due to increased chassis stiffness

Some advantages to the frame-and-chassis is:
* Can carry heavier loads (since the frame is heavy)
* You can change the body without affecting the drivetrain. For example, put a flatbed/flattray on. If you try that with a unibody ute you'll have to weld subframes up to keep the body from collapsing.

Thanks for the replies.

The reason i am searching for a full chasis is for the freedom of modifications that it allows over a 1200 ute chasis.
The direction i wish to head with my next project will require a full chasis (therefore ruling out the 1200).
I am tossing up between a 521 or a 320 truck. I have been looking for quite some time for a suitable truck to begin with, but they are either only good for parts, or on the other side of the country!

Which brings me to another question:
Does anyone have any first hand experience with the interior size of a 320 v's a 521?
I am assuming the interior would be a far tighter fit in the 320...