Complete GU Patrol Build Guide: Parts, Assembly & Customisation Tips

If you've grown up around the Australian 4x4 community, chances are the Nissan GU Patrol holds a special place in your heart. It's a legend on the tracks — and now you can build your own 1/10 scale replica right down to the last detail. This guide walks you through everything you need to put together a killer GU Patrol RC build, from choosing your body to picking the right optional parts to make it truly yours.

Step 1: Choose Your GU Patrol Body

We offer a few GU Patrol body options to suit different builds and preferences:

  • 1/10 GU Single Cab S4 — The most popular choice. Clean lines, aggressive stance, and perfect proportions for a scale crawler or trail rig. This is the one we recommend for first-time GU builders.
  • 1/10 GU Patrol Wagon S4 — For those who want the full-size family hauler look. Great for replicating a loaded touring rig.
  • 1/10 Dual Cab GU S4 — The dual cab variant for a more modern working-rig aesthetic.
  • 1/10 S1 GU Patrol Wagon Body — The classic early-model GU shape for those who love the OG look.
  • 1/10 S1 GU Single/Extra Cab Body — Early-model single cab for a stripped-back, old-school bush basher vibe.

All bodies are 3D printed in PETG here in Australia, giving you a tough, lightweight shell that holds up on the trail and looks the part on the shelf.

Step 2: Add a Front Bulbar

No GU Patrol build is complete without a proper bullbar up front. Our 1/10 3D Printed GU Patrol Bulbar is designed to match the body lines perfectly and gives your rig that ready-for-the-bush look straight away. It's one of the most popular add-ons we sell — and once you see it fitted, you'll understand why.

Step 3: Fit a Rear Bar

Round out the build with a rear bar. We have two options depending on your style:

Step 4: Personalise with Optional Parts

This is where your build really comes to life. Our Optional Parts range lets you dial in the details — think rock sliders, towing mirrors, winch bars, and more. These small touches are what separate a good build from a great one. Pick the parts that match how your real-world GU would be set up.

A few combos we see a lot:

  • Single Cab S4 + Bulbar + Rock Sliders + Towing Mirrors — the classic touring rig
  • Wagon S4 + Bulbar + Rear with Jerry Cans — the family bush basher
  • Dual Cab S4 + Bulbar + Rear Bar — the clean work truck

Step 5: Paint & Finish

PETG takes paint well with the right prep. We recommend a light sand with 400-grit, a plastic-compatible primer, and then your choice of colour. Popular choices in the community include Ironman orange, Outback bronze, and classic white — but honestly, the best colour is whatever your real rig wears.

Mask off windows and trim lines before painting for a clean finish. A clear coat at the end protects the paint on the trail.

Step 6: Get It on the Tracks

Once your build is together, it's time to get it dirty. Whether you're running it at a local club day, a backyard crawl course, or out on a proper bush trip, the GU Patrol is a head-turner. We've seen builds from customers all over Australia — from the Victorian High Country to the red dirt of WA — and every one of them has its own story.

Share your build with us on social media or send through some photos. We love seeing what the community creates, and your rig might just end up featured in our gallery.

Ready to Start Your Build?

Browse the full range of GU Patrol bodies and accessories in our store. If you've got questions about fitment, compatibility, or which parts suit your chassis, get in touch — we're happy to help you put together the perfect kit.

Happy building. 🤙

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