Moore_rb's 1965 Hardtop Patrol...L60-3-00617

[moore_rb]

Greetings fellow Patrol-nuts.

I know, it's been months since I posted any updates - Such is the nature of my life, job, and schedule - Some times life is slow, and projects move fast, and some times it's vice-versa.

Lately, it has seemed like whenever I do have some time to work on the Patrol project(s), I have been using the time more to work, and less to photograph my progress. I'll try to get some pics snapped and posted soon.

I've also been splitting what little time I do have, between this project, and another Patrol-related project I've got going (more on that later, in another thread )

Regarding this 65 project: The front clip, rear tub, and hood are loosely sitting on the rolling chassis, and the floor pan has been stripped, and the bottom side sprayed with that rubberized stuff. It's just the same bodywork process, simply being repeated over and over again, one piece at a time (strip, sand, clean, seal, paint).

At a higher level, I am debating with myself about what to do with this 65 project overall. Originally, I planned to take this truck back as close to 100% original 1965 condition as possible, and visually, I still plan to do that. Paint, wheels, seats, layout, etc will all be pure, 1965 throwback when I'm done.

But mechanically, I'm debating about making the following updates to make it a safer, and more practical machine for modern use...
[*] Converting to dual circuit brakes (this update is happening, no matter what I do)
[*] ditching the 3 speed and installing the Mark's 5
[*] Using a 68-69 style transfer case with the rear speedo gear drive, so I can install locking front hubs, and still have a working speedo
[*] upgrading to electronic ignition

These changes will make this a much safer, and more capable, practical, and reliable vehicle when I'm done, but I wouldn't be able to call it a "period correct" restoration anymore (unless the period is the 1980's, haha)

and then, when I start thinking about deviating that far from pure original, my mind drifts off into "Well, if you are going to go that un-original with it, then why would you paint it white again...? "

I'm on a slippery-slope here...

[mad4hws]

I was recently contemplating the Mark 5 as well, but it's expensive and arguably parts are even harder to find. My dad was talking about an overdrive unit that is put out by an outfit called Gear Vendors. Apparently these things are bullet proof and the only modification needed is to make a shorter drive shaft. at $3k, it's probably just as expensive. It'll turn your 3 speed into a 6 speed. Has anyone else heard of one of these being adapted to a Patrol?

[RiverPatrol]

Awesome to hear progress is being made! Bummer no pics, I know how that goes though. And Patrol related teaser? Please don't disappear for months again before letting us in on that!

[moore_rb]

I was recently contemplating the Mark 5 as well, but it's expensive and arguably parts are even harder to find.

Expensive: yes.

Parts? - Well, just don't break any of the shafts or gears. The seals and bearings to rebuild a Marks are still cross-reference-able, and the gaskets can be cut out of bulk sheet material.

[moore_rb]

Stupid photobucket...

Looks like I have some work to do re-uploading pictures, and fixing IMG links throughout this thread... BOOOOOOO!!!!

{Edit July 9, 2020: I went back and re-uploaded EVERY picture to this thread, and attached them direct to the posts. Now I can get back to work on rebuilding the Patrol, instead of rebuilding this build thread... }