Hola from the PanAmerican highway

[homeonthehighway]

Spanish Translation at the bottom- Sorry for the quality, I ran it through Google translate
Traducción al Español en la parte inferior-Lo siento por la calidad, que se ejecutó a través de Google Translate

Hey guys, I tracked down your message board a few days ago while I was looking for 4x4 routes in Guatemala. My girlfriend and I are driving the PanAmerican highway from San Francisco, CA to Ushuaia, Argentina in our 1987 Toyota 4Runner 4x4. Weve been prepping and planning for the trip for 3 years. We built a bed in the back of the truck and primarily camp whenever possible. We love back roads and getting off the beaten path. We have been on the road now for 3 months, we are sitting right now on the Mexico / Belize border getting ready to cross. We plan to spend a week or so in Belize then cross into Guatemala. We are taking 4 weeks of spanish lessons in San Pedro. We have loved Mexico and are really looking forward to Central America.

Reason I am posting in the Mechanic General section is we need some work done our truck. We have run into a few issues lately and hear Guatemala is a great spot for 1st gen toyota parts and mechanics.

We overloaded our truck with 15 extra gallons of water yesterday and managed to jam the spring perch through the lip of the gas tank when hitting a pothole. We now have a steady gas drip from the tank. I am thinking I can fix it temporarily with some JBWeld and just keep it 1/2 full and we will be OK. But I would like to get it fixed properly. We also have a blown CV boot and a slow oil pan leak, we would like to get those fixed as well while we are in Guatemala


The damage



Does anyone know of any good 4x4 shops around Guatemala City? We can drive wherever we need to get it fixed but my spanish is no good, thats why we are going to school!

Also, would anyone be interested in doing some 4x4 adventures? The truck (when she is not spitting gas everywhere) is fairly capable, nothing too crazy as it still open diffrentials but she suprises me every time I take her out. My girlfriend and I would love to go on some adventures with you guys.

You can read our adventures so far on our blog http://homeonthehighway.com

Heres some pics of us and our truck having some fun





Thanks for all your help! You can reply to the thread or email us at james@homeonthehighway.com We do not have internet often but will check back when we can get it. Again thanks for everything.

Sincerely,
James and Lauren

Hola amigos, he rastreado el tablón de anuncios hace unos días mientras yo estaba en busca de rutas 4x4 en Guatemala. Mi novia y yo en coche de la carretera Panamericana desde San Francisco, CA a Ushuaia, Argentina, en 1987 nuestro 4x4 Toyota 4Runner. Hemos estado preparando y la planificación para el viaje de 3 años. Hemos construido una cama en la parte trasera del camión y todo el campamento siempre que sea posible. Nos encanta las carreteras secundarias o bajar de los caminos trillados. Hemos estado en el camino ahora por 3 meses, estamos sentados ahora mismo en la frontera México / Belice a punto de cruz. Tenemos la intención de pasar una semana más o menos en Belice luego cruzar a Guatemala. Estamos tomando las 4 semanas de clases de español en San Pedro. Nosotros hayamos amado a México y con muchas ganas de América Central.

Razón por la que estoy poniendo en la sección de mecánica general es que tenemos que trabajar un poco nuestro camión. Nos hemos quedado en unos pocos temas y escuchar últimamente Guatemala es un gran lugar para la 1 ª generación de piezas de Toyota y la mecánica.

Estamos sobrecargados nuestro camión con 15 litros adicionales de agua de ayer y consiguió atascar la perca la primavera hasta el borde del tanque de gas al golpear un bache. Ahora tenemos un goteo constante de gas desde el tanque. Estoy pensando que puede solucionar temporalmente con algunos JBWeld y si prefieres algo más de 1 / 2 lleno y va a estar bien. Pero me gustaría que te lo arreglen bien. También contamos con un volado de inicio CV y ​​un escape del cárter de aceite lenta, nos gustaría llegar a los fijados y mientras estamos en Guatemala.

¿Alguien sabe de alguna buena tiendas de 4x4 alrededor de la ciudad de Guatemala? Podemos conducir dondequiera que necesario que te lo arreglen, pero mi español no es bueno, por eso vamos a la escuela!

Además, alguien interesado en hacer algunas aventuras 4x4? El camión (cuando no está escupiendo gases por todas partes) es bastante capaz, nada demasiado loco como diffrentials sigue abierta, pero me sorprende a cada vez que me la sacara. Mi novia y yo nos encantaría volver en algunas aventuras con ustedes.

Puedes leer nuestras aventuras en nuestro blog http://homeonthehighway.com

Gracias por toda su ayuda! No puede responder a la rosca o un correo electrónico a james@homeonthehighway.com No tenemos internet a menudo, sino que vuelva cuando se lo podemos conseguir. Una vez más gracias por todo.

Gracias,
James and Lauren

[maraguez]

Cool trip. Good luck. I plan one from Guatemala to Costa Rica.

[zoriloco]

Wow, I would love to do a trip like this! Maybe some day when the kid is older. Im sure you'll be able to find someone that can provide some assistance here on the site to fix up your rig there are several specialized 4x4 shops you can pick from. I would also suggest you post up how much time you have available for wheeling down in Guate and let them know how bad of a trail you might want to run.

[johnkbl]

I think the problem you have with your car is not a big deal and can be fixed in any exhaust repair shop. The only consideration you must have is that the gas tank must be properly prepared for soldering. There are several procedures your shop must do in order to prevent explosions. They must wash it with water or better, fill it with water while soldering. This will take out all the air and prevent gas fumes to blow.

There are several shops here. Adrian Zamora will reply this thread and will provide contact information so you can agree with him the repairs you need.

Let us know if you need anything, here there are a lot of guys that can provide consultancy services for free

By the way, welcome to Guatemala!

[zoriloco]

Wouldnt it be easier/safer to just swap out the gas tank?? Please dont blow up in Guatemala man, that would be very bad advertising for our tourism......

[homeonthehighway]

Hey guys! Looks like the JBWeld fix is holding for now, no more leak!

It looks like I can simply flip the bolt around the other direction to fix the problem, I will need to drop the gas tank to get enough clearance for the bolt. For now I have just removed the bolt and am taking it easy on the truck. So far no problems.

We crossed into Belize yesterday, spent the night camping on the coast. Beautiful

We plan to spend at least a month in Guatemala, Should be over there in about 2 weeks in the area of San Pedro around Guatemala City. We can run intermediate trails, have plenty of ground clearance, winch, bumpers, sliders, no lockers though

Thanks for the help!

Translation:

Hola chicos! Parece que la solución JBWeld está llevando a cabo, por ahora, no más fugas!

Parece que sólo tengo que darle la vuelta al tornillo en torno a la otra dirección para solucionar el problema, tendrán que bajar el tanque de gasolina para obtener suficiente espacio para el perno. Por ahora me acaban de quitar el tornillo y estoy tomando con calma en el camión. Hasta el momento no hay problemas.

Cruzamos a Belice ayer, pasó la noche acampando en la costa. hermoso

Tenemos la intención de pasar al menos un mes en Guatemala, debería estar allí en unas 2 semanas en el área de San Pedro en Ciudad de Guatemala. Podemos correr intermedio medio senderos, tiene un montón de altura sobre el suelo, el torno, parachoques, deslizadores, aunque no taquillas: (

Gracias por la ayuda!

[ChinoRGT]

That’s A REALLY ASWOME TRIP!!

You said that you will spend in Belize a Week so you’re suppose to get in Guatemala 9 Feb 2012 , I’m Right?
the border you are going to cross is Melchor de Mencos , that’s the Departamento of Peten.
I recommend you go to Tikal, you can’t miss that!! (Like 40km from the border to Tikal)
Is a National Park of Mayan civilization, there is a Camping Area , and walking thru the park will take you like 5 hrs.
Tikal close the entrance at 18:00hrs, so get there on time. Is cheaper to buy food and drinks outside the park.
Then you can goo to Flores, is main city of Petén (Tourism attraction ), there is an Island there a lot of restaurants and hotels. (im not shure camping aéreas)
Flores Like 500km from Guatemala City , keep righting and we are going to do our best to organize a 4x4 Trip around or beautiful Country.´
(Sorry for the bad English)

[Beach&Mud]

Tikal National Park is 40kms to the north from El Remate, good place for lunch and get some souvenirs. El remate is 100 kms to the west from Melchor, border city. See it in google earth or maps.

Point of interest in your way: Tikal, Flores, Rio Dulce, Quirigua, Antigua.

If you stay in Peten, look for lodge in Flores Island (security, travel info, food, etc.). No camping area in Flores.

[coco]

You should visit Yaxhá too (is one of my favorite spots too camp). It´s about 10Km from Melchor de Mencos (Belize-Guatemala Border) and it has camping area.




When we meet we´ll take you to the right places to fix your truck. To give you and idea of the price... gas tank $100 (with inside copper covering and paint job), the CV boot $30 (includes the installation, grease, and everything hahaha), and don´t even mind about the price of the oil pan leak.

Off course we´ll go offroading... with the sliders and the winch is enough for us to ride a decent trail.

[homeonthehighway]

nice! I have heard about Yaxha, definitely want to check that spot out. Thanks for all the response guys, We are here in Caye Caulker, Belize right now. We left the truck in Sarteneja at a campground and have been living the life kayaking out to the reef daily to snorkel, swim, and soak up the sun. We we will probably in Belize for another week or so before we head towards Guatemala. I will let you guys know when we are getting closer. Again thanks for everything, looking forward to meeting and wheeling with you guys!

James

[ADRIAN.ZAMORA]

Hi James:

My name is Adrian Zamora. I have a 4x4 shop in Guatemala City. Krazy Kustoms N 14º37.085´W 090º31.675´Altitute: 1555m

I'll be glad to be of any help. Be sure to give me a ring to my cell (4358-8831) when your near by.

Coco is also a good friend of mine. Any of us (the club) will be willing to help. Will see ya in a few.


Have a good one.

Adrian Zamora
Krazy Kustoms

[homeonthehighway]

Hey guys! I am in Guatemala, actually got here a few days ago but just got internet yesterday. We are in San Pedro on Lake Atitilan. We found a nice spot with cheap lodging and we are planning to take a months worth of spanish classes here.

I have to come into the city tomorrow to pick up Laurens sister from the airport. It should be interesting! I am giving myself plenty of time to navigate the streets

Adrian, I have your number and depending on the situation with the aiport I may give you a call. I am thinking I could at least have you take a look at it real quick and bring it back when I drop her sister back off next week at the airport. Thanks for your help!

We went through Tikal, Flores, Coban, and Salama/Rabin, from Rabin we took some awesome dirt mountain road up and over the mountain range into Joyabaj, with all the rain and mud it was lots of fun

We are now hanging out and loving Guatemala, everyone we have met has been very friendly and quick to help us out with directions or whatever we need. Look forward to meeting you guys very soon!

I just posted a new update on the blog as well about our trip from Oaxaca up into the Yucatan peninsula if you want to check it out!
http://homeonthehighway.com/getting-mig ... -out-here/

[homeonthehighway]

Met up with Adrian today, ridiculously awesome guy! Were going to be coming back to Guat City next week to drop Laurens sister off and hopefully get some work done to the truck.

Adrian tells me you guys have a meet coming up soon? Count us in!

[K9Unit]

Nice long Trip.....hope to see you guys in our next Route....Enjoy your staying in Guatemala and if you come to La Antigua..let me know.Ok...Cheers.

[Froilan Mazariegos]