1976 Datsun 620

“Deadsun”

Owned by: Tom (Slick) Warren

Photos by: John Mumaw

When you think of a 1976 Datsun 620, you probably don’t picture a widebody, horror-wrapped, Oldsmobile 455-powered monster. But for Tom Warren, that’s exactly what he envisioned—and after more than a year of dedicated work, his one-of-a-kind build known as “Deadsun” was born.

Photographed by John Mumaw for our October 2025 issue, this build isn’t just a truck—it’s a mash-up of everything Tom loves: retro widebodies, hot rods, horror movies, and the unusual.

The Birth of “Deadsun”

When Tom first purchased the Datsun 620, it was already a little unusual. Instead of restoring it back to factory fresh, he leaned into the oddities and took inspiration from all his favorite things.

“I love widebody retro cars, hot rods, horror, and the unusual,” Tom explained. “From those four things, the Deadsun was born.”

The name fits perfectly, considering the horror-themed vehicle wrap created by MDI Vehicle Wraps and Graphics. The wrap sets the tone before you even notice the insane engine swap, aggressive stance, and sinister details like the side-mounted exhaust tips.

Engine & Drivetrain: A Beast Under the Hood

Forget the stock Datsun motor—Tom stuffed a 1969 Oldsmobile 455 V8 under the hood. RPM Performance handled the build, and the specs read like a drag racer’s dream:

• Stroker kit, hydraulic roller cam kit, aluminum heads, high-rise manifold

• Forged crank, H-beam rods, gear drive

• Dual Edelbrock chrome plasma carburetors feeding plenty of fuel

• Custom headers with a menacing bark

• Aluminum dual fan radiator with blacked-out MSD ignition

All of that power connects to a Hughes 2500 torque converter and a 1969 Oldsmobile Toronado drivetrain, with the frame modified to handle the big swap. It’s not just a showpiece—it’s a running, driving monster with the bite to back up its bark.

Chassis, Stance & Wheels

To fit the Toronado drivetrain and massive 455, the frame had to be modified, but Tom kept the stance clean with a minor 2” drop. The Series 513 wheels wrapped in 275/40/17 rubber give it plenty of grip and style. The custom chin spoiler, wide flares, and convertible conversion push it far from its Datsun pickup roots.

Exterior & Horror Wrap

The bodywork was finished by RPM Performance, with a fully blacked-out grille and bumpers adding to the sinister aesthetic. The most eye-catching detail? The full horror-themed wrap, designed and applied by MDI Vehicle Wraps and Graphics.

Every angle of the truck carries creepy details that make it look like it rolled straight out of a cult horror film. Combined with side-mounted dual exhaust tips and the aggressive widebody look, it demands attention wherever it goes.

Inside “Deadsun”

The interior continues the dark theme with black leather racing buckets, black carpet, and black door panels. A Grant GT steering wheel and Stealth Pro Ratchet shifter keep things functional, while gauges mounted on the cowl monitor vital stats like oil pressure, voltage, and temperature.

It’s stripped-down, driver-focused, and pure attitude.

The Builder Behind the Beast

Tom has been wrenching since he was just 8 years old, and his passion for cars hasn’t slowed down since. Over the years, he’s owned hundreds of vehicles and currently keeps 16 in his collection.

When asked about the history of the 620, Tom shared that it originally started life as a high school project, owned by Randy Reeves before sitting for decades. Tom brought it back to life in the most unexpected way.

Future projects? He’s currently working on a 1972 C20 Auto Hauler and a 1972 Chevy El Camino, with even more cars waiting in the wings.

Special Thanks

Tom credits RPM Performance for the engine and chassis work, and MDI Vehicle Wraps and Graphics for bringing the horror vision to life. Together, they helped him transform an old Datsun pickup into a one-of-a-kind showstopper.

The 1976 Datsun 620 “Deadsun” isn’t just another custom truck—it’s an expression of personality, creativity, and raw horsepower. By blending classic hot rod muscle, widebody styling, and horror-themed artistry, Tom Warren built something that stands out in any crowd.

And with the roar of an Olds 455 under the hood, it’s safe to say this ride is every bit as mean as it looks.