What to look for in a 91 patrol

[V.W.Dave]

Hey guys,
I am normally a Zooki boy but now I need a cheap tow rig. It will not be driven on a daily only when I need to get my buggy to the tracks. I just want to know what you all think of my find. Now I am mechanic but I have not spent any time with Nissan so I know the normal stuff to look for but tell me what you think.

Well I came across a 1991 patrol 99% stock. 5 speed manual, black with grey interior, Petrol (not on gas) with after market side steps, no lift

The good.

It has a nudge bar with roo lights
15x8 sunnies rims with good 31" tyres.
The interior is in fair condition (the driver seat is a little worn out)
No rust around the back side windows or side doors
No dents or signs of body work
The engine started after 2 seconds of cranking (It had been sitting for 5 months)
The engine ran great no smoke not bad noises
Still has all 7 seats
good after market radio
old but working UHF
8 month old battery (still under warranty)
engine bay was very clean for its age and not been washed
Engine had no signs of any leaks
Has a haymenreece tow bar

The bad

It will need to be blue slipped
It has 310XXX ks on the clock
Both back doors have rust all around the windows
there is about 5" of rust just starting to come out above the front windshield(in the center about the rear view mirror)
The spare tyre holder on the back is missing
the radiator has a leak
From a glance the front brakes look worn out
The seals around 2 of the doors will need to be replaced
The drivers seal has 2 small rips and it has a little movement in it

If I can get it for $900 should I pick it up of leave it?

If I got it I would be putting it on Gas, replacing the radiatorFixing the rust over the window and replacing the rear doors

[Tiny]

Motors are strong units and very hard to kill....... I've tried lol. They chew the fuel hard so gas is a very wise move. The drivers seats are CRAP worth looking at aftermarket replacment although if you pull the oe unit out you can re enforce th pan and re foam and they are not bad. The rear sliding windows rust badly but can be replaced with a solid unit for $900 I would go with it

[gumbs]

For $900 go for it, I just sold a '90 RB30 patrol that was full of rust had 430k on the clock and not one single redeeming feature for $800 and had people fighting over it. (its now appeared back for sale for $3000 ) If you have the ability and the inclination to do the work it sounds like a really good deal.

[coxy321]

What motor is it? 3L or 4.2L ?

The bad

It will need to be blue slipped
It has 310XXX ks on the clock Not a massive issue if all of the "normal" high km items are checked over.
Both back doors have rust all around the windows Second hand doors can be picked up for $50 each.
there is about 5" of rust just starting to come out above the front windshield(in the center about the rear view mirror) Mine has a pinhole in it too. The only solution for this would be windscreen removal and a proper repair at a bodyshop. Cost would be no more than $100 if you remove the screen and take the car there and back.
The spare tyre holder on the back is missing Again, can be picked up second hand for $20-$30.
the radiator has a leak If you're using it as a tow rig, it'd probably pay do have it reco'd, as well as replacing the thermostat, belts and radiator hoses anyway. Just to be sure, to be sure.
From a glance the front brakes look worn out Throw in a set of new pads ($60-$80), and if the rotors are undersize, get some slotted ones that will aide braking while towing. I've heard of people having issues with the drilled and slotted units in towing environments.
The seals around 2 of the doors will need to be replaced Are they completely shagged? Again, you can go second hand for $10ea, or price up new ones ($$$$$$$$). Or just live with it like the rest of us!
The drivers seal has 2 small rips and it has a little movement in it Given their age, I don't think there are too many around in GOOD condition. Upgrade to a flash aftermarket one, or fit up seats out of a donor car. I saw some VT/VX seats mounted up[ in a GQ a few months ago, which worked well.

And $900 sounds cheap either way.

[V.W.Dave]

What motor is it? 3L or 4.2L ?

Not 100% sure as I said I have never really spent any time around nissan. The fact that it started first go was enoug h for me with the engine. After start up there was no smoke ot odd noises. It idled for a good 20 mins with no problems then started up again first crank. Just from its size I would have to say 4.2 it looked to big for a 3L.

[BadMav]

The TB42 is definitely the pick of the 2 petrols, as in standard form they have pretty good torque and they have a stronger gearbox, the RB30 is lacking in both power and torque (for such a big car anyway), yet it can be upgraded to EFI and turboed easily as the same type of engine lives in the VL commodore, you can even drop the RB25T engine straight in too.


RB30 3 litre:



TB42 4.2 litre:

[Reddo]

its cheap, any which way you look at it from a parts point of view.

But that rust around the windscreen might hold it back from being passed over the slip.

quickest thing to do is talk to someone about it...

take some pics, and go and talk to someone who will pass such a car, or, if you can get a day rego/pass and take the 4wd down to someone who can tell you if you can get it through the rego prossess.

And to me, thats a much better option than ending up with a $900 boat anchor oxidising on your front lawn.

[V.W.Dave]

Well the funny thing about it is the Blue slip people are only 100m down the road from where it is.

I am a Snap-On dealer and I have a little pull in what i can get passed.

I spoke to 3 of my auto body repairers today and at my price including the window out and in I would be looking at around $500 to get the rust fixed properly. I can get it cleaned up mickied up and painted for $100.

From those pictures I am sure it was the 4.2

Well I think I am going to get it now all I have to do is wait till monday and hope its still there. The only reason I don't have it already is some one asked about it before I did and the guy said he would hold it till monday. So heres hoping its still there.

[coxy321]

I'd seriously consider getting a new windscreen seal while your at it, if the current one is older than 5-6 years.

[RIZZO]

if its got rust in quite a few spots i'd personally stay away from it, gqs are tough trucks but can be bad for rust. and put it this way, if it has rust now its not goin to get any better, been down this track before. shop around theres heaps of neat gqs around for sale. and if your lookin for a tow rig go 4.2 diesel or make sure 4.2 is on gas or you Will spend a fortune on fuel.
if your interested my mate does have his gq wagon for sale, and its a very neat rig,

[RIZZO]

sorry mate i red it wrong, thought it was 9000 but 900 go for it