Parts availability - Travelling from Vancouver to S. America

[ksin86]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and have joined because I'm purchasing a Delica to take a family of 3 who will be making a documentary film about their trip from Vancouver to South America.

Aside from finding a way around the Darien Gap, we have no planned route yet. The travelers have little to no experience mechanically with cars.
After reading the forums, I believe I have a better idea of what we're looking for in terms of configuration of the vehicle however need some clarification about parts availability en-route.
Anything to repair the truck from mechanical to body parts such as glass.
From what I understand the L300 is more reliable and easier to fix however the L400 has more parts availability down south?
I'm looking for someone who has experience having a Delica successfully serviced in Central and/or South America.

Looking forward to the answers I'll find here!

Thanks you!

[frige]

I am thinking about the similar route to take too.
I've been to the three points border (Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina) and saw a lot of Delicas (having the wheel on the left side of the vehicle) on licence plates from Paraguay. Just assume they may be having some parts available there. I've been to Paraguay too and there's Delicas on their roads.

[jessef]

Felix & Toni did a year long trip down.

http://dinoevo.de/gallery/road-trips/

Pablo & Anna have been all over and back again many times over

http://viajeros4x4x4.wordpress.com/

The L300 is a good unit to take down. Be prepared to get to know your deli intimately :)

Not sure how many old timers are still around but we all had some good times, trips and stories to share back then. Great van's and a plenty down south.

[konadog]

Not sure how many old timers are still around but we all had some good times, trips and stories to share back then. Great van's and a plenty down south.

Yep - back when we all had L-300's... It was a heaps magical time.

[BCDelica]

Not sure how many old timers are still around but we all had some good times, trips and stories to share back then. Great van's and a plenty down south.

Yep - back when we all had L-300's... It was a heaps magical time.

Speaking of L300 adventures, I would be happy to have this image, poster sized plus, on my wall;

[Rattlenbang]

The big thing is to make sure it doesn't break down en route. Replace everything that is due, especially older brake parts like cylinders, calipers and brake hoses. Heater hoses and rad hoses. Of course your rad and timing belts and fan belts are newer, brushes have been replaced on starter and alternator (or bring spares) you have spare injectors and glow plugs, fuel and oil filters and fusible links. Tools and manuals. Good tires and shocks and ball joints and tie rod ends. Of course despite all this prep something will still break down...