New to patrols

[Tomarch9898]

Hey guys my name is Tom and I'm looking at getting my first patrol. I've got a few question about drivability mainly on paved roads. The patrol I'm looking at is a 69 with stock engine trans transfer case and axles, me and my wife do a fair bit of highway driving to get to different trails and other spots and I'm curious as to how they do, obviously it's a 50 year old truck so I'm not expecting a to do 80. Will constant driving at 60-65 cause any damage? Can they handle that speed for an hour or 2 of highway driving? Thanks for any info

[RiverPatrol]

Welcome to 60Patrol! You've come to the right place for Patrol related questions.

Driveability is minimal at best. The engine is low RPM/high torque, they were built to be a work horse, not a race horse. Sustained highway speeds of 60 - 65 MPH is possible, although 65 is pushing it. When they are maintained and running well they can handle that speed to get you where you're going. I will also add, on So Cal freeways you'll be taking your life in your hands. All the other drivers don't appreciate old slow vehicles, even if you're in the slow lane. It's pretty nerve wracking to drive one on our freeways.

[L60Boerne]

You will find RiverPatrol always speaks the truth. She is a wonderful enthusiast for us all with Patrols and every word can be taken to the bank, while Patrols should be taken to the dirt trails.
L60Boerne

[Tomarch9898]

Thanks for the help guys I appreciate it. I guess my next question would be what to look for in a patrol what are some issues or common problems to look out for

[Tomarch9898]

Also hows the reliability of a patrol?

[L60Boerne]

Tom, They are all 50+ years old.You just have to be prepared to fix em right and they will go another 50.....I figure.
L60Boerne

[RiverPatrol]

Once they're dialed in right, with the right parts and work done correctly, they're very reliable.

[Esteban]

Also hows the reliability of a patrol?

Mine was a daily driver for the first 40 years. The last 14 years has been used constantly but only once a week. I have never had any more reliable vehicle in my life!

I think that the 60 series Patrol and the Toyota FJ40 are the most reliable vehicles ever produced.

... Will constant driving at 60-65 cause any damage? Can they handle that speed for an hour or 2 of highway driving? Thanks for any info

I will add to the comments of RiverPatrol the following. At 65 mph, the engine is revving at ~3300 rpms of the max 3800. So effectively they are going at higher rpms than a typical engine of today, so don't be fooled by the fact that the engine is a low rpm engine. On the other hand, they are very capable of reaching 70 mph any day, and even the top speed of 75. But you need to know exactly the condition that your engine is, like a decent rebuilt done. On my way to work, I have a stretch that I go at 60 mph, but it's only 10 minutes, traffic dependent.

[Tomarch9898]

Thanks for the help guys the info you've all shared has helped me make up my mind on getting a patrol. My commute is roughly 10 miles one way and the max speed limit is 50 so I don't think I'll run into a speed issue. I'll be sure to post up pictures of the patrol once I have it. Where does everyone get there parts from ?

[RiverPatrol]

Congratulations!

There are various sources for parts, but none of those sources are your local auto parts store. It all depends on what parts you need.