60Patrol

Deege wrote:Actually, the new owner has been lurking on your boards for some time now...ever since my first Patrol sighting! Yes, the White '66 is mine and en route now. I'm not inclined to report how much I paid, but I will tell you that I paid less that the advertised price on the seller's website, the ebay listing price, and even the previous auction closing price. (I should give credit here: my wife actually bought the thing behind my back as a surprise birthday present...how cool is that?!)

It's clear that there is a lot of knowledge and expertise on this board, and I look forward to getting to know you all. Oh, and I'll be sure to fill you in on the contents of the Don Julio box! -dj

I knew it. Welcome and take care of that woman!

Deege wrote:I should give credit here: my wife actually bought the thing behind my back as a surprise birthday present...how cool is that?!
-dj

Wife....bought...Patrol?... ....KEEP 'ER FER SURE! You'll be around a while....welcome!!!

That is awesome and I am jealous of your purchase.
Congratulations!!

Deege wrote:Actually, the new owner has been lurking on your boards for some time now...ever since my first Patrol sighting! Yes, the White '66 is mine and en route now. I'm not inclined to report how much I paid, but I will tell you that I paid less that the advertised price on the seller's website, the ebay listing price, and even the previous auction closing price. (I should give credit here: my wife actually bought the thing behind my back as a surprise birthday present...how cool is that?!)

It's clear that there is a lot of knowledge and expertise on this board, and I look forward to getting to know you all. Oh, and I'll be sure to fill you in on the contents of the Don Julio box! -dj

Congrats,she's a keeper! And congrats on the Patrol also! Welcome to 60Patrol.

This Patrol you now own seemed somewhat familiar to me. I lived in Ridgecrest which is over the hill from Bakersfield. Back in 1988 I was driving the Toad Patrol in town and was approached by a gentleman who was having trouble repairing the rear axle of his Patrol and thought I might help. He lived on a small ranch in Onyx which is up in the mountains between Ridgecrest and Bakersfield. We got the axle fixed which was good because he was moving to Oregon. I got a letter from him later saying he had made the drive to Oregon OK. His name was Jack Bitzer I believe. Very likely it be the same Patrol, it was white as I remember.

Well best of luck with the new machine Deege!
What part of the country is it going to?

Toad's Patrol in Ridgecrest desert circa 1990s:

It could be. Title shows transfer from OR to WA, then from WA to the last seller in MI. Fortunately, the axles seems to have had some work recently, and I should be getting it in good shape. Note the future tense here: delivery troubles are really testing my patience. It was supposed to arrive for my 40th birthday tomorrow, but it may now be another day or two late.

My Patrol has found a home with me in Parker, CO, just outside of Denver. I actually saw my first Patrol ever not too long ago in Parker (a nice, sky blue number). It even grabbed my wife's attention. Ever since, the search has been on! I was initially looking at one in Fort Collins (modified red '63 ), but the listing disappeared before I could pull the trigger. I have to admit that I really prefer the more authentic, worn-in appearance of my white '66 (which will likely earn a name inspired by the Don Julio box...although I'd prefer El Dorado 21-year rum to any tequila!).

While I'm at it, and since I have to assume that many have seen the pictures from the seller's website (http://www.foxmotorsports.com/index.php ... ils&id=177), maybe I can ask for suggestions about selective restoration/modifications. Aesthetically, I'm looking at seats (mismatched), transfer case shifter boots (paint), steering wheel (cracks, will likely just wrap), and wood-grain trim on doors (not a fan). I would also like to get the glove box panel paint to match the rest of the dash, but that may just take some time, sun, and use. The seats look to be my priority from an appearance and comfort standpoint. Ultimately, I'd like to get a soft top and frame back on it...since it seems to have had one before. Otherwise, I like the broken-in look of the vehicle and don't have any expectations on getting it back to showroom condition. Other thoughts?

As for under the hood and other mechanical/drivability issues, I'll plead ignorance. Not only do I not have the vehicle yet, I'm a total newbie and have been driving new Acuras for the last 15 years. So, prepare for my stupid questions! -dj

Deege wrote: While I'm at it, and since I have to assume that many have seen the pictures from the seller's website (http://www.foxmotorsports.com/index.php ... ils&id=177), maybe I can ask for suggestions about selective restoration/modifications. Aesthetically, I'm looking at seats (mismatched), transfer case shifter boots (paint), steering wheel (cracks, will likely just wrap), and wood-grain trim on doors (not a fan). I would also like to get the glove box panel paint to match the rest of the dash, but that may just take some time, sun, and use. The seats look to be my priority from an appearance and comfort standpoint. Ultimately, I'd like to get a soft top and frame back on it...since it seems to have had one before. Otherwise, I like the broken-in look of the vehicle and don't have any expectations on getting it back to showroom condition. Other thoughts?

As for under the hood and other mechanical/drivability issues, I'll plead ignorance. Not only do I not have the vehicle yet, I'm a total newbie and have been driving new Acuras for the last 15 years. So, prepare for my stupid questions! -dj

Great questions, Deege. This would probably be a good start for a new thread in the 'Show us your Patrol' or 'Project' section. I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions to chose from.

Deege,
First and foremost - Happy 40th Birthday!

Secondly, go over your vehicle upon delivery like a hawk and compare to the pictures posted to ensure that there was no damage in the shipment. The patrol hardtop is quite high and if the shipper is a bozo as they often are the top can be damaged. So get up on the cab and have a look around.

Lastly, like RiverPatrol suggested take some of your verbiage and start a thread in the Show us.. or Projects.

Acura's you say, well you are in for a change - If your vehicle is a solid runner as it appears to be you should be out and about driving and enjoying the Patrol immediately.
/r

Welcome Deege