I've been thinking about my plan to do an engine / axle swap on my Patrol and really examining my feelings about it and I'm realizing that I don't want to do that with this vehicle. When I bought it I had the idea of fixing it up, doing a lift and keeping it like that for awhile, at least. After I blew the engine I guess I said "screw it - I'll just build a beast!". I think I was in denial to some extent.

The whole reason I set out to find a Patrol and then went out and bought one, was that they are such a cool, rare old vehicle. I love well-made old things - especially unusual ones and this is one of my very favorite old off road vehicles. Regardless of the engine, my Patrol is still a very good, mostly complete example. I mean, how many '69 Patrols in this condition are out there anyway?

All along I've been aware of the conflict between the conservative side of me that wants to keep the Patrol completely stock and restore it, and the more wild side that wants a beast to drive. For weeks now it's been dawning on me that seeing the Patrol has been making me feel bummed and I've realized it's because I think I'd be doing a disservice to myself and posterity to bastardize this particular vehicle. I think looking at some of the other Patrols lately had brought that to the forefront of my consciousness.

So. I'm going to rebuild or replace the engine and basically restore it with some mods. I'm going to go over the frame and body as planned and take the engine, tranny, etc apart to assess the sitch. I want to lift it somewhat (probably the Ironman spring lift and whatever additional lift I can reasonably manage), add some armor (sliders, roll cage system) and fit the largest tires I can reasonably tuck in there.

There is a '67 soft top I was looking into that is already hacked up and I may try to get that for the engine and top and use the rest later to build a monster.

I really want to build a more rock-crawler oriented vehicle and using a Patrol would be awesome for me but this just isn't the right candidate. I'm disappointed in that sense but feel I'm doing the right thing for me. I could see doing it to one that's already been messed up, so maybe this other one will work out for that.

Anyway, some folks on this board (and others) have been very supportive and have offered a lot of advice and information around this and I appreciate it. I thought I should offer an explanation - besides, now I'm going to be asking a whole new set of questions!

-Greg