1964 potential

[Nesika64]

I just picked up a 1964 L60 hardtop that was a barnfind. It has not been registered since 1990 and odometer say 45k but pretty sure it’s turned over. Has minor surface rust and minimal body work needed. Young kid 18-20 or so tried to start body work and flat blacked it over factory paint... So anyhow I had a few questions about the vehicle.
1. Are motor parts available on West Coast or do I have to order most stuff from Australia or other countries?
2. Did the hard tops not come with toll bars or cages at all? Considering building one
3. Where is the best place for aftermarket parts? Springs, running gear, etc.

[RiverPatrol]

Welcome to 60Patrol! Congratulations on your new project, sounds like you've got a solid one to start with. Nice that you got it from a fellow member here.

Most engine parts are available here.
They never came with roll cages.
is your best friend here.

[Nesika64]

I have poked around online with zero success about a couple things.
1. Where can I get ahold of a paperback version of the owners manual/service manual??
2. What is the firing order?? When I popped the hood I instantly noticed that the plug wires on connected to distributor but not to the plugs.
3.Where is the best place online to find parts?

[RiverPatrol]

User, shop and parts manuals for download and printing here: https://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=30
Technical data here: https://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=32
Parts info here: https://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=24

[Nesika64]

I have been reading posts for several hours today and it seems like good knowledgeable mechanics are hard to find for these L-60 Patrols. I am no mechanic myself but am fairly good at turning wrenches on my other rigs I have owned. Which leads me to my next question.... if I were to do a motor/transmission swap and go full on custom over stock, what is the stock motor/transmission worth?? Also I found some information that seems to be interesting and not sure how get correct information or explanation on them. Example: manuals say 145 hp but vin tag says 135 hp.

[Nesika64]

Is there a way to find out if my Patrol was imported to America or bought in Canada and drove down?

[ShowMePatrol]

Welcome to the site!!! You will find a wealth of information here and VERY knowledgeable people! Be patient and you will have it on the road in no time.

ShowMe

[ShowMePatrol]

Oh.......and we want to see pictures.

[moore_rb]

I have been reading posts for several hours today and it seems like good knowledgeable mechanics are hard to find for these L-60 Patrols.

That's because "mechanics" today can't diagnose a vehicle's running condition if they can't plug a laptop into the diagnostic port, and have the vehicle tell them what's wrong with it...

Some of the best Patrol mechanics you are going to find are probably already members on this forum....

Technically, the Patrol is no more complicated than an old farm tractor to get running- So, look for a good, old-school tractor mechanic. or look for someone who can expertly work on a 40's-50's Chevy pickup truck. If they have mastered the Chevy 235 inline 6, then they can master the Patrol's engine.

if I were to do a motor/transmission swap and go full on custom over stock, what is the stock motor/transmission worth??

It's worth whatever an interested party is willing to pay you for it, based on the condition of the powertrain (is it running/driving? Does the engine make good compression and no smoke?

There is a user here (Kewball) who has been looking for a complete Model P engine... look him up

manuals say 145 hp but vin tag says 135 hp.

The 64 engine is rated 135hp. The HP bumped up to 145 in mid 1965.

[RiverPatrol]

Is there a way to find out if my Patrol was imported to America or bought in Canada and drove down?

Without having the prior history of the vehicle there is no way to know for sure, but most likely it was imported to the US originally. The US got far more of them than Canada did. If you could provide the VIN/ID numbers for the chassis and engine I can see where it fits in the Registry.

And yes, we don't ask for much for all of this free information, but pictures and ID numbers are always appreciated.