For those who've been following the tale of the ex-surveillance vehicle I bought for $750 four years ago, I'm happy to announce that it drove into Ushuaia a few days ago! For the curious, or for those like myself on a tight budget, I've included all the repairs below. The total is approximately $4000 for parts and maintenance, which calculates to $1000 a year. I haven't treated it gently, and lived for a year in Costa Rica in an area with tracks worse than I've seen in East Africa. It's not 4x4, but I try and treat it like it is.

What now? At some point I'll sell the Chevy in S. America, probably for parts, hopefully for what I paid.

Making the trip of a lifetime, does not need a lifetime of savings.

Lorraine


1978 Chevy 350 Van purchased for $750 with 123,000 miles in Arizona, in December 2004.

2004 America
Two new tires $140
Used deep cycle battery for cabin $75
Misc electrical & oil change from previous mechanic/owner $100

2005 America
New master cylinder $50
Ignition $60
Oil change etc $45
New starter $100
New battery for engine $50
Rear differential $450
Brake cylinder $35
Fuel pump (mechanic fees PLUS towing) $350
Hole in engine block. Repair plus new water pump and timing chain. $850


2006 Mexico 140,000 miles
New upper and lower arms replaced
Aligned
New Air filter
Carburetor cleaned
Oil change/lube
$400

Guatemala-2006
Hit road defect at high speed and bottom suspension arm bent
Mechanic call out and repair $45

Costa Rica-2006
New spark plugs ??
Brake calipers $30
New engine battery $60

Costa Rica-2007
Two new tires $184
Oil change and lube ??
Brake Calipers-$30

Colombia-2007
Two Shocks $85
Muffler welded $20

Ecuador-2007
Tune-up
lube
Transmission fluid
Door sag
Align lights
Sub-total $260

Peru-2007
Door sag fixed
Muffler welded
Sub-total $30
New cabin battery (I shorted out previous) $60

Peru-2008
Steering track rod ends $30
New fuel filter $2

Bolivia-2008
Tune-up $65
Two new tires $184

Fan belt tightened
Radiator cap
Wheels aligned
Sub-total $28

Radiator welded $3
Brake line welded (twice) $13

Chile-2008
Suspension ball joint replaced $125
Alternator re-built $80
Rear brake cylinders bored $30
New rear leaf springs $360
Two rear shocks $80
Carburetor adjustment $20

Argentina-2008
Muffler welded $30

__________________
Rallying for A Wild Life — THE FILM!
http://igg.me/at/AWildLife

www.LorraineChittock.com
www.facebook.com/lorraine.chittock

Well done girl, great trip. Where next?

__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.

Awesome Lorraine! Hope all is well and best wishes for the next adventure in life.
Safe Travels-
Nathan