Taking a VW GOLF mk3 down the pan american highway.. Slow Build

[mtnsurf]

So a Few years ago I did the north 1/3 of the Pan American Highway from Mexico City up to Prudohe Bay. I think next year Ill quit my job and start traveling again. The bottom 2/3 can get a little rough and I'm looking for some ideals that can make my time a little more confy. I do have land rover but Ill be selling it also and taking the VW for many reason. 1. The land rover is terrible on gas. On the Pan American highway you need to figure on spending at least $6 a gallon average on gas. 2. The VW is inconspicuous, its a little more easy to drive around a really poor area in a small VW then it is a flashy land rover and not have the locals think twice about you. 3. VW Parts are easy to get in Mexico and also Brazil, about like here. I have some friends who have driven from Alaska to Argentina in a stock 91 golf.

So Far my to do list.
1. Roof rack and cargo system.
2. Full Susp over all. Shocks, Struts, springs, Heavy duty Tie rods/ends, steering knuckles ect...
3. Skid Plates
4. 5% window tint "keeps locals in Mexico from seeing in your car. What they cant see they have a harder time steeling.
5. Duel Battery's
6.5 Gallons on board water system for drinking.
7. On Board power for lap tops, cooler.
8. New timing belt, tensioner, Locks for the doors, ignition switch ect...
9. Light duty - not sure if I will or not yet.
any and all ideals are welcomed. As Last time I was preparing a car for a expedition I was in Spain working on a Suzuki Jimini.


Any and all advice would be great.

 

[ihatemybike]

Lift kit? Seem to remember something about Mk3 Springs in front and Passat Wagon Springs in back and some spacers. www.VWVortex.com would be able to confirm what you need.

Rear mounted full size spare like a Golf Country?

 

[mtnsurf]

Thanks those cars are awesome. I'm a long time member over on vortex. The only advise everyone is giving me is don't do it. Stay out of Mexico. Not much of a sense of adventure over there.

 

[mtnsurf]

Yea Id like something like the country, but I really want a way to carry 2 full size spare tires. as a rock climber and surfer I find my self in the middle of no place alot. I wish i had a golf country I would keep it stock. But in my part of the world they cost more then a good used SUV

 

[Jrally]

I would think you would end up with something similar to a rally car without a cage in it, easy enough to build. I would recommend contacting Bilstein about custom valving a set of oem fitment struts to take the pour road conditions better, especially if you are going to put heavier springs on it. If you don't have to have a back seat, literally take it out and use that area for storage of spare tires, second battery, etc.. Keeping the weight towards the low/middle of the car will keep the handling reasonable, which equals less wear and tear on the suspension.

-Jon

 

[ihatemybike]

Here's a Vortex thread I found on lifted Mk2s.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4953879-Lifted-MK2-Roll-Call

Might want to talk to the guys at www.frankenbuilt.com

 

[mtnsurf]

Thanks all I end up doing 6k miles last fall, rebuilding the car over the summer then its to south America this winter.

 

[G0to60]

I had an idea of making a Mk3 Golf Country type car several years ago but never got around to it. I remember seeing a guy in Vegas (I think) that built something similar years ago with his. I'm not sure if there's a build thread but here's a picture of the one I'm talking about. Might give you some ideas or inspiration.

 

[Laxaholic]

this is a very cool idea. Hope to see more.

 

[mtnsurf]

Car has been rebuilt and I'm in progress of a 10k mile road trip threw the north. Had to put on the pan american until 2014, I'm attempting to get to the north pole late this winter and it's taken alot of my pan american cash.

 

[Anti Bling]

there is a MK3 golf country here in las vegas the guy is the owner (wolf) of www.wolfautorepair.com if you do a google search you will find pictures of his ride. please update us about your build. i am building my own MK5 rabbit "all road" it's not AWD but it still goes down dirt roads like a champ. do not let the HAITERS on the WHORETEX discourage you. all they like is lower, lower, lower.

 

[GCAdventurer]

That rear tire mount would look awesome on my Grand Caravan!