Spare Parts for Mexico Trip

[M Thomas Eastham]

We spent 12 days and 2500 miles in Mexico over the xmas holidays.
Had a great trip and lots of funny looks from the locals as we drove
by. Got stuck many times trying to make the tight corners in the
small towns near Colima and Guadalaraja. We found the police to be
GREAT, very helpful in scouting out parking and often spoke english
as well. Also had some trouble catching the banners and decorations
hung in the streets! :-)

We did have trouble with a lug nut stud on the rear axle. It
sheared off somewhere along the secondary roads and mountain passes
(jacobs brake is necessary). I noticed at a gas station and found a
very friendly local truck company that replaced two studs and
provided me with several more spares. They only asked for
reimbursement of the parts cost (about $30) even though there were
three guys working more than 4 hours. It really was the highlight
of the trip and of course we tipped them well!

One thing to remember about Mexico is that there is a huge amount of
trucking down there. Really you shouldn't need any parts except a
spanish translation book, some cash, and a CB radio. Most Mexicans
are happy to help Americans and very curious about your 'Bird.

I did find some stress marks on other lug studs and bolt so I'll be
replacing all of them soon. I would urge others to check out their
studs and torque settings.

Happy travels!

83 FC35 SB
M Thomas Eastham
Icey Houston, TX





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