Ultra Low Nissan finally looks like a truck!

This is a fun, fabrication heavy episode. I made a lot of progress on the Nissan Hardbody pickup over a couple of weeks. More work on the linked rear suspension, a major modification to the rear wall of the cab, and Finally the bed is actually Mounted to the chassis. Follow along and see the results. Stoke is at an all time high for this build. It's cruising season.
special thanks to Harbor Freight for letting me test out all of these Hercules Tools.
Special thanks to my neighbor Rich for helping me move the truck bed around.
keywords.
Nismo
Nissan D21 pickup
body drop
body dropped
mini truck
mini truckin
minitruck
custom fabrication
metal fab
welding
mig welding
chop saw
sheet metal
sheet metal shears
grinder
reciprocating saw
sawzall
hackzall
miller 252
millermatic
Bagged
Air bags
Air bag suspension
Air ride

[@TurboDog73TX]

I love the fact that despite being the "Dirthead" Shed, bikes lowriders, minitrucks and who knows what all make apperances! Rad stuff!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Getting back to my roots

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

The Dirthead is the guy in the Shed; he likes to play with his toys in the dirt, which includes laying his frame in the dirt!

[@kyledarby6638]

Exactly.

[@hawaiian_judge5113]

THE most watchable minitruck content on YT. More pls.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Coming up!

[@hawaiian_judge5113]

@@thedirtheadshed please fight the urge to grow a goatee whilst doing so

[@joew7897]

Come on guys we need to get Dave over 100k.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I can see it … it’s right there

[@rediron44]

That little truck was feeling forgotten. It's a rad little dude. The variety of content on your channel is cool. Good work

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Glad you dig the channel

[@scottlewis2372]

Dude, until I started watching you I had no idea of the amount of work that goes into lowriders. Thanks!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

And it's not just the suspension. Dropping the cab to cover up the frame rails must have been a ton of work. And it's all sheet metal. I hate sheet metal.

[@abcsd1254]

The gaps are better than most pickups on the road today. So good!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Stoked on that

[@rustybottoms8859]

Dave, lowriders are not my favorite jam but that thing is a piece of art. Alot of work has gone into it and it shows. Can't wait to see it styling and profiling at a car show.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m not much of a show guy. I just want it to be a clean and sort of functional driver

[@richwood8650]

Awesome Dave! 100, 000 right around the corner. Stoked for you! Keep inspiring.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Reeling it in!!

[@outtherefilm]

This is rad. Reminds me of my high school days. Keep up the epic content

[@thedirtheadshed]

The good ol days

[@architectjeff]

That little hardbody looks killer, Dave!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@corymerry3399]

Wow what a build. Cant wait to see the next video with more progress.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Some fun work still to do. Then drive!

[@MrMilkman02]

This makes me miss my old hardbody.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Time for another

[@gamblerspec]

mini truck is looking sweet! So close to 100k! congrats man. I can't wait to see you go full time and really knock out some projects!

[@thedirtheadshed]

So close!! We will get there

[@TheMotorman80]

Heck yeah Dave, love those hardbody Nissans body dropped! The Raceline wheels fit that truck perfect too.

[@thedirtheadshed]

They weren’t my first choice… but I totally dig them too

[@TheMotorman80]

@@thedirtheadshed I like them because they’re similar to the Escalade wheels a lot of people run, but look custom. Raceline is a quality wheel too.

[@mattfoo1983]

I have several friends in the NC chapter in florida. Great bunch of people. From HC to NC keep on truckin

[@thedirtheadshed]

Heck yeah. They are building the serious stuff in Florida

[@rogernelson9442]

It’s great to see you give that truck some love! ❤

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m stoked to see the test drive approaching

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

This truck is so good! I'm happy to see it back on the channel Dave, you're doing an awesome job!

[@donaldwatson6342]

Bed looks awsome! I cringed at the first weld next to the gas tank.

[@user-pt3on7jp3d]

Always been a Nissan fan love the drop and would love to see you build a capable off road Nissan keep building anything you’re awesome to watch thanks Dave

[@thedirtheadshed]

I appreciate it. I have a new Offroad build starting soon…

[@Rustynail_NC_AZ]

Little D, you're my hero!!!!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

You’re MY hero

[@NC_1_SIC_Impala]

So sick dude! Love that gap trick. What a killer idea!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Works amazing!

[@blockpartyvintage1568]

She is looking perfect

[@thedirtheadshed]

I can’t wait to be cruising

[@fishstickwelder]

Best mini truck build on KZbin right now

[@richis65]

Lifted to lowered, you are the man. Nice project.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

It looks amazing! I've always loved the old Nissan hardboddies and love them sitting on the ground even more. I always felt like I was the only one that likes slammed stuff and lifted stuff also. My friends have always been one or the other

[@thedirtheadshed]

Some people just don’t get it. I like em all

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

@@thedirtheadshed right! Me too. I've always said you can make ANYTHING look good slammed on the ground.

[@user-ji8ls9dr9f]

As someone that grew up with mini trucks in the 90’s. That thing is tidy!

[@Slowbuildyota]

I bet getting that bed gap that good felt great🤘🏽

[@thedirtheadshed]

Totally. Nothing worse than doing a ton of work, then redoing it…

[@Slowbuildyota]

I like how your channel is expanding, off-road low riders and more! Good stuff man🤘🏽

[@rubenfranco9046]

Super rad mini truckin🤘 watch your toes she's coming down 😎

[@thedirtheadshed]

That would hurt

[@BestUnderPressure]

Love the truck and love these style videos.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I was hoping it wasn’t too long and boring

[@twizted1toyz]

So sick! Happy to see more progress on the HardBody #minitruckin

[@thedirtheadshed]

Need to crank out some more work and make it a driver

[@petesauto]

Love your mini truck and all your content. Keep it up

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much, I’m trying

[@ludicrous7044]

This Nessey looks like it had a close encounter with a crusher!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Narrow escape

[@barryadams68]

I used to be so into the mini trucks back in the day. I had an 86 720 with a pop top and some cool graphics. Can't wait to see what else is planned for this. Carry on brother Dave!

[@rabidcoyote97]

It’s killer! Great job!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@shades3388]

Reminds me of my youth in the late 70's & early 80's in SoCal with all the minitrucks. So many Toyota's, a handful of Nissans, a few Courier's, but the LUV's always got me the most! I remember always seeing "Stiff Competition Mini's" ...a club in/near my neighborhood. GOOD memories!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Those were the days. Inexpensive good little rigs

[@anthonymarcello1265]

Man that thing is SLAMMED! Looks great!

[@lauackerman4801]

Too Cool! Keep up the excellent work and entertaining personality.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!! Glad it kept your attention. I wasn’t sure if 40 min was too long

[@brianhickerson5]

Little truck is awesome

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@user-cm9gr2bn6y]

This truck is so sick. You're doin it!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! I got to just keep focused and finish it

[@s7courier]

Looking the way it should. It was well worth the time spent. It is a winner. Great work Dave. Thanks for the videos; seeing the trunk back in the project mix is great.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m so stoked it’s about to be a real vehicle again

[@s7courier]

​@@thedirtheadshed You could see the joy and excitement on your face when you saw it hugging the ground and looking sweet.

[@chrisdignan3123]

Looking forward to seeing the tailgate and role pan on it.and your no regrets sticker on the back

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m not in that club. Probably won’t be rocking their sticker

[@papatomsthoughts]

This is an amazing build

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Glad you dig it

[@Mtb9r]

Dude. Cool truck. Super trick suspension. I’m building a 57 dodge town wagon Slammed dropped 91 vette chassis 4link etc. your tricks and fab skills have helped me tremendously. Happy Trails. If you’re ever in Colorado let’s go hammer some single track.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Radical. All that sounds cool

[@markbarker7072]

Hell yeah Dude!!! Diggin' it!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Me too!

[@neriahtreff]

Dude….. so glad you got to work on this thing. Absolutely KILLER. All the little details, the cab/bed gap…. Just amazing. I’m in love. Great fabricating as always. Great job Dave!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Need to put some welding time in on it tomorrow

[@neriahtreff]

Can’t wait to watch.

[@kyle-of-For-When-I-Forget]

Major progress! Looks killer

[@thedirtheadshed]

Unfortunately I haven’t made any progress for a week now

[@stevesporer5434]

Very cool. Dig the lowrider mini trucks, takes me back to the 90's. Great video too! Thanks for sharing.

[@tracyfish6916]

Lined up just right good job.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. I was pumped

[@stevehaken]

Tube forward was a great idea. The back is dope.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s coming together now!

[@bobbolieu9013]

The truck looks amazing Dave. Once more I am awestruck by your home grown design prowess coupled with your amazing fabrication skills.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Figure it out as you go

[@lanetpickett]

Dave... your my hero! Fred too. but keep doing what you are doing my man. good stuff!

[@joelstinson2886]

What a feeling seeing it together on the ground outside the shop. Mini truck magic

[@nickleach7986]

@dirtheadshed you might not see this since this video is older but as a former glass worker who also used a lot of lexan and acrylic, the best way to cut plastic is with a non ferrous metal blade on a chop saw or if it is a sheet of plastic a medium metal blade in a jig saw

[@thedirtheadshed]

Good advice

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Very cool Dave! First time watching your videos. Looking forward to next one.

[@caryorban8322]

I just found your channel Dave & quickly subscribed! It’s awesome that your doing KZbin. I’ve followed you on dirt everyday & seen every episode multiple times. You do such great work bro & are so freaking talented 💯👍 Can’t wait to watch every video on here & see all your future builds & work bro. I know your channel is gonna grow huge & it’s awesome to see how happy you are enjoying what you love to do. Keep up the awesome amazing work bro. If there’s any merch I will be buying sum💯👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much for the support ! I’m enjoying this KZbin side as well. I should have a merch link by the end of the month

[@richardharvey8939]

Great work loved it.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! It’s fun seeing it come together

[@stephensmith7637]

Hands down one of my favorite channels to watch you make me want to record more stuff in my shop

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you’re enjoying it. It keeps me hustling

[@autovationFtWorth]

Nice job Dave! There is now another vehicle on my want list. I need to find my high school mini truck (80 Chevy LUV) . Make mini trucks great again!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Do it! Those Luv trucks have good style

[@hedrives]

Frickin’ LOVE this build. Thanks for getting back on this one.

[@thedirtheadshed]

No problem. Down for too long

[@stoneshrink]

Delrin (the black plastic) is great for bushings where you want almost as stiff as aluminum but not the noise and vibration of aluminum. They also make softer material and pourable material that is a 2 part mix. 1) they make plastic drills (they have a different cut angle), 2) plastic actually cuts better with a wood blade (get your miter saw out), 3) I have a Evolution saw, rarely use it - I started with the smaller (8 inch ish) saw - really liked it, but burned up from overuse, replaced it with the Evolutionit's an abrasive saw without the dust.... it works, it's expensive, but an abrasive blade in your chop saw works too.... love your solution to the rear wall.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Delrin has always been a good solution for race car joints and pivots

[@stoneshrink]

@@thedirtheadshed it's strength is no deflection and no real need to install a sleeve; it's downside is no defection

[@MadSwaps]

Wow that's low. Truck looks great.

[@jasonscharf97tj]

That so RAD! Good job ! It's getting close I can't wait to see it all finished

[@thedirtheadshed]

Same here! Thanks

[@MrHaydenJr]

Just got to drive my bagged s10 last night for the first time in 3 years, then this morning i see you video.... keep it up!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right . Had to be a good feeling

[@MrHaydenJr]

@@thedirtheadshed my widebands dead, the compressors not keeping up, and i cant rev over 3k, but yea, its nice, i forgot how smooth it was.... Sometimes you gotta listen to Freiburger, dont get it right, just get it running....

[@thedirtheadshed]

You’ll get it back in top shape

[@vinceimp9581]

My first truck was a 4cy manual hard body with the same graphics. I love to see this sweet bud making progress and getting you excited about it as it all comes together. Thanks for sharing

[@doriftopyret]

This thing is excellent!! So excited to see it all done.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Same here! Thanks

[@charliedc2A]

Very nice 👍

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’m stoked with it. I just want to drive it

[@RyTrapp0]

Ayy, this is a great opportunity to add a plexi window or something to the middle of the bed - then you can pretend like it was all intentional😅 The Hardbody is looking amazing, that bed fitment is perfect! Setting a high bar for those front panel gaps to live up to lol. Can't wait to see this thing cruising.

[@johnjacobs4625]

Nice work!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks!

[@dream_living96]

Congratulations on getting the bed installed Dave! I'm really digging the way it looks.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. Me too. All the little progress adds up

[@aguyinnc2865]

Great job, Dave! I'm not so much into foreign brand vehicles, but it looks super nice. Back in my day, we would call it "groovy" lol. Awesome fabrication and engineering this ride. We should all message your employer and tell him to give you a raise lol!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Right!! I agree with that last statement

[@christopherthompson4359]

So cool how you can take vehicles I'm normally not into and catch my interest. As always, killer work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks ! It’s not a everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s my generations hot rod

[@RCJesus420]

This video totally took me back to my HS and College days. It's looking great!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Same here! Thanks

[@MakeFixUpgrade]

LOVE! I drove one of these for years commuting 170mi/day. They’re great little trucks! If you have timing chain slap don’t wait too long to fix it. Mine wore a hole through the cover and started dumping oil.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I need to do mine this summer

[@TheMerc1950]

Looks great man!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Need to get this drivable so I can put some effort into the mercury

[@TheMerc1950]

@@thedirtheadshed oh hell yeah! My Merc is up and running, getting 9" and triangulated four link now. Then body and paint hopefully before I move to Germany!

[@davidanderson2393]

Pretty nice slammed mini, who would have expected such a trick low rider from the Peninsula.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Just doing my part

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

So Badass, dude!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thank you

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Once Mini Trucker always a Mini Trucker. I miss not having my 1978 Ford Courier LWB. And being a Orange County Native. It was lowered all the way around fiberglass air dam plexiglass head light covers a PBR shift knob. It rode like a log wagon but the then 20 year old me didn't care. Where I live now you just don't see them very often and when you do they are Yota's.

[@eric.l2605]

Man, that looks sic!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks. It’s got the look

[@NeverLetOff]

We are mini truckin!!!! Happy Fridays at the Dirthead Shed!!!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Still truckin in 2024!

[@dogpotter]

Dave, your low rider Nissan looks awesome. I have one of those Evolution saws it looks very similar to that Mikada saw you have it is an awesome tool. I used mine to cut a bunch of angle iron when I was building trusses for my tractor shed. I saw one on a you tube video that is like a miter saw. but for metal

[@thedirtheadshed]

This saw works well with the correct blade. I cheaped out on this one

[@josephguidotti1573]

This thing is rad !!! Front drivers wheel could be swapped back over. Would complete it,

[@thedirtheadshed]

It’ll happen.

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

Late first gen S10's and Hardbodys are my absolute favorite, love the Mazda's B2200 too, but only because I wanted to drop a 13B-REW or 20B into one, the other two I'd drive bone stock as long as they were static or bagged

[@Antony_Fallen_Customs]

Heck yeah mate.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks

[@joshuapoche5137]

Man you gotta get one of those evolution chop saws. So much faster and the metal isnt smoking hot.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’d like to get one

[@dhalvorson8622]

Really looks good Dave!

[@curtissmith5924]

I LOVE this project! So cool to see it comin together. 😊

[@thedirtheadshed]

Glad you dig it. Hope to be driving this month

[@robertwells6454]

Looks great Dave. Top notch work for sure. 👍👍

[@dekebell3307]

The Nissan is kicking butt! Very, very cool!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Need to button it up

[@Andy_C_aka_Cliff_McCrawl]

Congrats bud! Trucks looking great!

[@danfrankhouser6579]

Cool builds!

[@drew7767]

heck yeah! looks great!

[@prostreetimports]

It's interesting to watch how it's coming along. I've always liked those trucks.

[@slinginlead1]

You're going to hate me. If you sectioned out 9" from the back of the bed between the wheel wells and the tail lights, that would be so sick! It would look like a modern short bed truck. I love your builds and watch all of your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@thedirtheadshed]

I’ve seen a few lowered minis bobbed. It looks good on some and awkward on others

[@mudman98TJLocked]

Good work, you're always have such a positive outlook. Great fab skills.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks so much

[@scottr9900]

Nice little bucket. Layin frame!

[@MatthewHarrington72]

Glad you’re enjoying the dirthead shed too! It’s a lot of fun!

[@PetersDiD]

Might have been pity to cut a hole in the bed, but it gives a good view of the welding and suspension!

[@thedirtheadshed]

I agree. I’ve had trucks with smooth bed floors and everyone always looks bummed when there is nothing to look at

[@Spokaneexploration]

Makes my Friday with a new dirt head shed 😎🤟🇺🇸

[@thedirtheadshed]

Nice! Glad you dig

[@longtalltexanrc3358]

This is such a cool mini truck. Makes me long for the 80s and 90s truck scene again.

[@thedirtheadshed]

Time to recreate it!

[@longtalltexanrc3358]

@@thedirtheadshed maybe in RC form. I’ll just have to live vicariously through yours and other builds for 1:1 minis.

[@thedirtheadshed]

That works too

[@CityHighKustomz]

Love it! Looks awesome!

[@thedirtheadshed]

Thanks! Gotta get back on it