As water skiing is only a summer sport it wasn't long before I was using the vehicle for what it was made for. I started exploring the Victorian High Country in winter. Before I knew it I was addicted to four wheel driving.
Thanks to the internet I found out about the Pajero club challenge so with my brother as navigator I decided to give it a go.
The challenge was a 24 hour navigation challenge through the bush. We did quite well for our first time. I think we got 10th and the following year we got 4th in our category.
My standard 4wd wasn't quite up for the job and as I got more competitive so did the vehicle.
Plenty of dollars, time and beer later I ended up with a Nissan Patrol that was highly modified thanks to my wallet and a great mate, John Walsh, oh and C.U.B.
The modifications included a new V8 Chev motor, strengthened almost everything, bigger suspension, lifted body, bigger tyres, custom bull bar and side steps, highly modified 24 volt winch with Plasma rope. In the end I don't think there was a part of the car I hadn't worked on and many parts I'd be able to tell you the spanner size required to work on it.
After spending heaps of money and time on the vehicle I decided to sell it to pay for a house. I now spend my time working on the house and cycling.
Mark's Adaptors gear box adaptor. One of many things that needed to be changed to fit the new motor in.
The back quarter guards were cut for better clearance.
The new motor after John built it.
Plenty of time was spent in this garage.
Neil modifing the side steps. He also did the bull bar.
Checking and rechecking the suspension to make sure it would work without hitting anything.
The diff had to be moved forward 5mm and the bump stops extended to stop the diff from hitting the drag link.
John changing the axles.
John putting the diff back together after it was strengthed.
John checking over everything before we start the new engine.
The Team hat.
Note the beer on the side step. We spent a couple of late nights drinking beer and polishing the vehicle.
Out on a test drive.
The easiest way to clean the car.
