RC Nissan Patrol: Y60 and Y61 Bodies for 1/10 Scale Crawlers
Most RC Nissan Patrols are scale crawler builds: a Patrol body on a 1/10 crawler chassis. Ready-made clear Lexan bodies include the APlastics Patrol Y61 (510 mm long, for a 313 mm wheelbase, with light buckets, decals and masks) and Mon-Tech Racing’s Patrol body for 313–315 mm wheelbase crawlers, while Y60 (GQ) fans often use 3D-printed bodies or custom work. Toy-grade Patrols also turn up, but the scale crawler route gives the most realistic result.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Patrol body options
| Body | Generation | Fits | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| APlastics Patrol Y61 | Y61 | 313 mm wheelbase | Clear Lexan, 510×210×160 mm |
| Mon-Tech Racing Patrol | Patrol-style | 313–315 mm wheelbase | 0.75 mm polycarbonate |
| 3D-printed bodies | Y60, Y61 | Varies, often scalable | PLA/PETG/ABS hard body |
From maker and retailer listings, checked October 2026. Always compare the body’s wheelbase and width with your chassis before buying.
Choosing a chassis
A 313 mm wheelbase is a common size for 1/10 scale crawler chassis, which is why many Patrol bodies are made for it. Look for a chassis with solid axles, leaf or link suspension and a transmission that can take a two-speed or low-gear setup for realistic crawling. Many builders start with a popular kit or RTR crawler that offers an adjustable wheelbase, then add the Patrol body. Check the body width against the axles: wheels should sit inside the arches with a little scale-looking offset.
Building tips
- Wash the Lexan body with soapy water and dry it before painting.
- Apply window masks, then paint from the inside with polycarbonate paint, backing light colours with white or silver.
- Cut the body with curved Lexan scissors, then trim wheel arches to fit the tyres.
- Fit light buckets and LEDs before mounting; a light kit makes a big difference.
- Add scale parts: roof rack, bull bar, snorkel, spare wheel and mirrors.
- Mount the body with magnets or hidden mounts for a clean look.
Paint and body materials are covered in what RC car bodies are made of.
Hard body or Lexan?
Lexan bodies are light, flexible and survive rolls, which matters when crawling over rocks. Hard bodies, often 3D-printed, look more realistic up close with sharp panel lines and real door details, but they’re heavier and raise the centre of gravity, making the crawler tip over sooner. Many scale fans run hard bodies for trail driving and display and Lexan for difficult terrain.
Making it look real
The Patrol is known as an outback and desert vehicle, so details from that use work well: a long-range fuel tank look, sand ladders, jerry cans and a light bar. Scale tyres with an all-terrain tread, correctly sized wheels and a slightly raised suspension complete the look. For ideas on realism in general see the most realistic RC cars.
Driving a scale Patrol
A scale crawler is driven slowly: pick lines over rocks, use low speed and let the suspension work. Steering servo torque matters on heavier hard-bodied builds. Waterproof electronics help on trail runs through streams; dry and oil the bearings afterwards.
Buying checklist
- Body wheelbase matches your chassis (often 313 mm).
- Body includes decals, masks and light buckets, or budget for them.
- Tyres and wheels in scale size for the arches.
- Polycarbonate paint in your chosen colours.
- Optional LED light kit and accessories.
FAQ
Is there a ready-to-run RC Nissan Patrol?
Scale versions are mostly built from a crawler chassis and a Patrol body.
What wheelbase does a Patrol body need?
Common 1/10 bodies fit a 313 mm wheelbase.
Y60 or Y61?
Y61 bodies are easier to buy ready-made; Y60s are often 3D-printed.
Lexan or hard body?
Lexan for tough terrain, hard body for realism.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
