RMP&O
Expedition Leader
Here's a Gelandewagen that might meet your needs
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/2750615613.html
Other then it being RHD that is a perfect and sweet truck right there. Fits the price range too.
Here's a Gelandewagen that might meet your needs
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/2750615613.html
There were many companies doing conversions. I think this year is Sportmobiles 50th anniversary. Here is an example of an older 4x4 van set up for expedition use. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=295153932&dealer_id=66084701&car_year=1985&systime=&doors=&filter_change=no_results_change_year&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_style=VANS&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1324398038271&drive=4+wheel+drive&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=94040&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=1985&showZipError=n&certified=&engine=&dma=SALT_LAKE_CITY_NO&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=64&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=84025&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=210&standard=false
If you think the way I do, vehicles of this vintage only have one VIN# located on the dash and finding an older donor VIN# should be really easy. This van is a killer deal and it would make for a sick expedition rig
4x4 vans are the product of a conversion by a third party. Quigley and Pathfinder were two companies making 4x4 van conversions in the 1980s, I believe.
Here is an example http://mohave.craigslist.org/cto/2686521786.html
I agree. If you do not plan to do much off-roading, something like that van is hard to not consider. Hard to beat a van if you want to sleep in the vehicle.
I am not as familiar with GM Vehicles as I am with Mitsubishi's, but Mitsubishi's built in the 1980's only have one VIN and it's located on the dash. On Mitsubishi's it's attached to the bezel which can be swapped out in about one hour. On my 1985 Mitsubishi there is no VIN on the engine block, door jam plate, or frame. I know people have swapped VIN's on there Mitsubishi Pickup when converting from gasoline to a diesel to avoid all the red tape. That one VIN which is pretty easy to access is the only indicator of the year of vehicle other than the door plate and in Utah it is legal to remove the door plate.
Just throwing this out there - if you do not plan to do any/much off-road, you may want to consider opening up your options to 2wd vehicles with locker in rear diff and possibly adding a winch. Trust me, as the owner of multiple 4wd vehicles with lifts, large tires, lockers, winches, off-road gear, etc, it's hard for me to make that recommendation .....but sometimes we let the appearance of "an expedition vehicle" override our assessment of our real needs. In fact, a 2wd van with good a/t tires, locker and winch may be a best fit if you are just doing a drive to SA vs. exploring regions "unknown to modern man". There is nothing wrong with staying with a 4x just for the mere fact you want/prefer one - if you must stay with a 4x4, I would second the Blazer/Suburb/Bronco recommendations and even open it up to a truck with camper shell. A bulletproof drivetrain can be found/built for these that will be more than adequate for your needs so I would pick the one that provides the most room and comfort for your travel. I don't have direct experience but I would believe small-block GM and Ford parts are readily available in Brazil as well as respective diffs/trans/etc - it's a pretty global world anymore - hmmmm, is that redundant?
Post when/what you decide.
Any chance you could bring me one of these back with you?
http://carrosantigos.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/picapes-no-brasil/