1978 Nissan Patrol G60 MWB - Repair or replace?

GrumpysG60 · 30th March 2019, 09:13

Hi all,

A few months ago I purchased a Nissan Patrol G60 1978. Had it running for about a week before she started making some strange noises. I thought, that the noises were the lifters, but it turns out that it was the lifters, and main bearings, and after a compression test, the 3rd cylinder had lost all compression and the 5th was on the way out.
The guy I'd purchased it from, had filled the engine with gearbox oil, so as to hide the engine noises. When I first got her, I'd done an oil change, and wo and behold, engine noises! I was not a happy chappy.

I am mechanically minded as a tree stump. Out of work, and I am on a limited income. I am presently trying to sell her here in Australia, with little success. Which is strangely frustrating, as I know that it is one of the better un-restored G 60's here in Western Australia. The "Troll" was kept on a mine site for the last 40 years, so she has some rust but nothing like many that are out there. I am truly surprised that she has not sold yet, considering I am asking a lot less than what I purchased her for.

So, I am now at the place where I am seriously considering doing a engine swap, the only issue with this, is that Marks or Dellows conversion kits for the gearbox's are no longer available, and finding one on another G60, is also very difficult.

That mean's a rebuild on the P40 engine. Not my first choice as they may be a very hardy engine, but not the best on fuel economy. But on the plus side, a true beast in the sand or off road. She's not the prettiest car I have owned, but as she might become a work in progress I don't mind that much. She has a bit of rust in the normal places, floor pans, under the dash, front window, doors and around the frame inside the rear cab, But all in all not that much.

So what do you think guy's. Is she worth fixing, or should I just let her go cheaply, and go get one that's been restored already?

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Aroy · 30th March 2019, 12:53

If you are going to get a restored one, then it is wiser to restore your one. Of course it all boils down to economics. If the cost of a restored one + loss in selling the present one, is more than what you will spend on restoring + the cost of the present one, then it makes sense restoring yourself, a bit at a time. In case you choose to restore then find out the costs of doing the following jobs
. Engine overhaul including the change of most of the parts - pistons, rings, timing gear etc.
. Sand blasting the body, repair and repaint job.
. Brake and clutch repairs.
. Battery and tyres.

Once you do all the above, you will have a vehicle that will last for quite some time, and as you have done the job yourself there will be no hidden surprises as is the case in your present vehicle.

Jaggu · 1st April 2019, 12:47

Welcome GrumpysG60, you have got yourself a great project vehicle!

First thing you need to decide is how much time and money you are ok to spent on her? And if you have reasonable access to parts and help (required to rebuild her) Or get into a do it yourself mode (will be lot of fun if you are inclined for this). Good place to start would be online forums there in Australia, to get a better assessment of the project feasibility. Wrt cost, parts and even labor.

The way I see it, since the vehicle was running, you will have to start with a complete engine rebuild, and take it from there. Look at this way, once the engine rebuild is done, you have a working vehicle and then decide to keep her for a long term project, or even better chances to find a buyer.

Plonking in a different engine has it's own set of challenges, so I would not actively recommend it, unless you are left with no other feasible options.

Last option is to scrap her and sell off. :(

Kosfactor · 5th April 2019, 18:17

A frame-off restoration is not necessary considering its shape now - Fix the engine and the rusted bits, do a bit of cleanup. The vehicle has some Character , which is a sum of its imperfections.

Right now you wouldn't mind driving it through whatever comes in its way and then climb over its hood for a better view - with that Roo Bar, noone will mistake it as their Uber

30th March 2019, 09:13	#1
GrumpysG60 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Fremantle Posts: 1 Thanked: 5 Times	1978 Nissan Patrol G60 MWB - Repair or replace? Hi all, A few months ago I purchased a Nissan Patrol G60 1978. Had it running for about a week before she started making some strange noises. I thought, that the noises were the lifters, but it turns out that it was the lifters, and main bearings, and after a compression test, the 3rd cylinder had lost all compression and the 5th was on the way out. The guy I'd purchased it from, had filled the engine with gearbox oil, so as to hide the engine noises. When I first got her, I'd done an oil change, and wo and behold, engine noises! I was not a happy chappy. I am mechanically minded as a tree stump. Out of work, and I am on a limited income. I am presently trying to sell her here in Australia, with little success. Which is strangely frustrating, as I know that it is one of the better un-restored G 60's here in Western Australia. The "Troll" was kept on a mine site for the last 40 years, so she has some rust but nothing like many that are out there. I am truly surprised that she has not sold yet, considering I am asking a lot less than what I purchased her for. So, I am now at the place where I am seriously considering doing a engine swap, the only issue with this, is that Marks or Dellows conversion kits for the gearbox's are no longer available, and finding one on another G60, is also very difficult. That mean's a rebuild on the P40 engine. Not my first choice as they may be a very hardy engine, but not the best on fuel economy. But on the plus side, a true beast in the sand or off road. She's not the prettiest car I have owned, but as she might become a work in progress I don't mind that much. She has a bit of rust in the normal places, floor pans, under the dash, front window, doors and around the frame inside the rear cab, But all in all not that much. So what do you think guy's. Is she worth fixing, or should I just let her go cheaply, and go get one that's been restored already? Last edited by aah78 : 5th April 2019 at 20:06. Reason: Pictures inserted in-line.
	(5) Thanks

30th March 2019, 12:53	#2
Aroy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Delhi Posts: 2,612 Thanked: 3,001 Times View My Garage	re: 1978 Nissan Patrol G60 MWB - Repair or replace? If you are going to get a restored one, then it is wiser to restore your one. Of course it all boils down to economics. If the cost of a restored one + loss in selling the present one, is more than what you will spend on restoring + the cost of the present one, then it makes sense restoring yourself, a bit at a time. In case you choose to restore then find out the costs of doing the following jobs . Engine overhaul including the change of most of the parts - pistons, rings, timing gear etc. . Sand blasting the body, repair and repaint job. . Brake and clutch repairs. . Battery and tyres. Once you do all the above, you will have a vehicle that will last for quite some time, and as you have done the job yourself there will be no hidden surprises as is the case in your present vehicle.
	(1) Thanks

1st April 2019, 12:47	#3
Jaggu Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 20,383 Thanked: 17,293 Times	re: 1978 Nissan Patrol G60 MWB - Repair or replace? Welcome GrumpysG60, you have got yourself a great project vehicle! First thing you need to decide is how much time and money you are ok to spent on her? And if you have reasonable access to parts and help (required to rebuild her) Or get into a do it yourself mode (will be lot of fun if you are inclined for this). Good place to start would be online forums there in Australia, to get a better assessment of the project feasibility. Wrt cost, parts and even labor. The way I see it, since the vehicle was running, you will have to start with a complete engine rebuild, and take it from there. Look at this way, once the engine rebuild is done, you have a working vehicle and then decide to keep her for a long term project, or even better chances to find a buyer. Plonking in a different engine has it's own set of challenges, so I would not actively recommend it, unless you are left with no other feasible options. Last option is to scrap her and sell off. :(
	(2) Thanks

5th April 2019, 18:17	#4
Kosfactor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: COK\BLR\MYS Posts: 3,857 Thanked: 11,208 Times	Re: 1978 Nissan Patrol G60 MWB - Repair or replace? A frame-off restoration is not necessary considering its shape now - Fix the engine and the rusted bits, do a bit of cleanup. The vehicle has some Character , which is a sum of its imperfections. Right now you wouldn't mind driving it through whatever comes in its way and then climb over its hood for a better view - with that Roo Bar, noone will mistake it as their Uber
	() Thanks