Moon Patrol
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 11:07 pm
Hello, Patrol Nation!
My journey at owning a Patrol is finally come to an awesome beginning! I am now the proud owner of Moon Patrol, a 1969 Nissan Patrol. He's a hard top Patrol I've also nicknamed Lazarus.
Get it? 1969 - Moon Patrol. Of course, I grew up in the 80s so this is a little of the joy I feel in my drive way.
I like the theme of 1980s Moon Buggy & the year we went to the Moon and back! It's my inspiration for owning this gem.
I looked hard for a Nissan Patrol to call my own. I searched tempested and cragilisted and eBayed. One time, I found a 1967 gem in Idaho. I live in Texas, and although the seller really wanted to sell it to me, he went local because he didn't have to worry about shipping it to me. That one had an original engine. We were so close to having a deal. It was heartbreaking.
Next, I negotiated hard with Anders, our friend from Columbia to source his beautiful 1979 Nissan Patrol. Yes, the one that travelled South America twice was going to be mine, all mine! Even the roof top tent!!! Yet, after weeks of trying to work out the details of borders and customs, and even with RiverPatrols help it just didn't seem meant to be. By now, I was literally praying, Lord, "I really want a Nissan Patrol!" My son was in the game, learning about all kinds of Patrols and what we wanted based on our modest budget. Still, I guess it was part of the story, my heart sinking when I saw the, "Removed from Sale" Thread.
Thank you, Anders, for really giving it a shot. 
And thank you, RiverPatrol for all your advice. 
Finally, from Spokane, Washington, of all places one turned up. I had learned enough about them to "sort of" have some instincts about the seller and what I was getting. What I was not getting was an original engine. Instead, this one had a Chevy 350 and an automatic Turbo Hydromatic transmission. A Chevy? An automatic? Could these be things I could live with? I just didn't know.
Well, one of my great desires, was to let my kids one day drive the Patrol on the Texas beach, where we vacation. They are coming up to driving age. It seemed that an automatic wouldn't be too bad for them. Maybe one day I could be a manual transmission in it? We all know about the ease of Chevy 350 parts. I really wanted to have the Nissan engine, but I decided to go for it based on my modest engine knowledge. And since it's already modified, maybe one day, a Nissan Titan engine? Ok, regardless...it fit my budget and the owner was so willing to work with me.
So here he is! The Moon Patrol! Houston, we have a Patrol!
From Spokane, Washington through the Rockies down to the great State of Texas via Shipping Wars site, uShip.com. I did it! Praise the Lord! 
I'm so thankful and excited.
Great to finally join you guys and introduce myself as I've been "lurking" for quite some time and have so many questions!
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts. I can't wait to finally get out there this weekend and wash it, and really get to know a vehicle I purchased sight unseen. I'm also grateful for a wonderful transaction with the PO.
Ravi
Waco, TX
Moon Patrol
PS I'm on the hunt for a nice roof rack tent (and solution) to remind me of my history and story going after Ander's inspiring Patrol. And to go camping with the kids!
It's great to know you finally found a Patrol to satisfy your Passion. 
