The Y60: build it, fix it, photograph Tunisia
A Nissan Patrol Y60 rebuilt for sand, stone and long distances.
Fixing and building my Nissan Patrol Y60 into an off-road and overland rig — then driving it across Tunisia to photograph every city and the culture that holds it together.
Two projects in one
The build: my Nissan Patrol Y60, fixed and rebuilt into a dependable off-road and overland vehicle.
The journey: the whole of Tunisia, city by city, photographing the culture of each place — the medinas, the markets, the crafts, the food and the people who keep it all going.
Meet the truck in the journal: meet the Y60.
Why a Y60
The Patrol Y60 has solid axles front and rear on coil springs, simple mechanicals and a reputation for toughness. It's old enough to repair with hand tools and strong enough for the Tunisian south — and after a decade in the parts business, rebuilding one properly is the obvious way to put that experience to work.
The build, phase by phase
- Assessment — full inspection of engine, cooling, gearbox, transfer case, axles, brakes, steering, chassis and rust.
- Mechanical — engine service and repairs, cooling, clutch and drivetrain, brakes and steering.
- Suspension and tyres — springs and shocks for a loaded truck, all-terrain tyres for sand and stone.
- Recovery and protection — recovery points, sand boards, compressor and underbody protection.
- Living and power — storage, water, sleeping space, and power for a laptop and cameras.
- Camera rig — mounts and protected storage for photo and video gear.
Each phase gets a journal entry with what broke, what it cost and what I'd change.
The journey: Tunisia, city by city
A long loop, still being refined — see the full draft in Tunisia, city by city:
- North — Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bizerte, Tabarka
- Interior — Le Kef and the inland towns
- Heart — Kairouan and El Jem
- Sahel — Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax
- South — Gabès, Matmata, Tataouine, Djerba
- Desert — Tozeur, Chott el Jerid, Douz and the dunes
What backing will pay for
- Parts and labour for the mechanical rebuild
- Suspension, tyres, recovery and protection gear
- Camera and audio equipment
- Fuel, food and time on the road to actually make the work
What supporters will get (planned)
- Everyone: build and road updates, and your name in the project's thank-you page
- Photo supporters: digital downloads, then signed prints from the Tunisia collection
- Partners: a visible thank-you on the truck and in the films, for businesses that back the build
Exact tiers will be published with the campaign.
Shooting principles
People are not scenery: portraits happen with permission, stays are long enough for a conversation, and local guides lead the way.
FAQ
Is the truck ready? No — that's the first half of the project. The build comes before the road.
When does the campaign open? It will be announced here and in the journal.
Can I suggest a place, or a mechanic who knows these trucks? Yes, please — use the contact page.