BajaNomad - What's your Baja Drive???

What's your Baja Drive???

Juan del Rio - 11-4-2005 at 08:34 AM

I noticed that a few folks here really like their Suzuki Samarai as a great vehicle to keep in Baja. I know in San Juanico, they seem to be one of the vehicles of choice. I have one and think it is one of the best cars I have ever had for Baja. Just juandering what everyone else uses while they are in their own little piece of paradise? Photos would be great!!!!

TMW - 11-4-2005 at 08:53 AM

I have a 93 Toyota 4x4 PU and a 2004 GMC Z71.The Toyota for the really tight nasty stuff and the GMC for a little more comfort and space.

Lucita Burrita

bajajudy - 11-4-2005 at 09:00 AM

Juan....just remembered. This was taken just south of you!

[Edited on 11-4-2005 by bajajudy]

Big Bad Ford

bajajudy - 11-4-2005 at 09:02 AM

Great camper and bookmobile. This was taken just south of La Perla near Requeson.

David K - 11-4-2005 at 09:02 AM

Juan, I dig that Suzuki Woody with the palapa roof!

My wife's

bajalou - 11-4-2005 at 09:14 AM

Here is my wife's BajaBug

turtleandtoad - 11-4-2005 at 09:24 AM

I'm looking for a new (used) toad for Baja, and like the Samarai because of it's size and weight. But I seem to remember something about a Suzuki that had a tipping problem because it was top-heavy. Was that the Samarai?

And mine -

bajalou - 11-4-2005 at 09:31 AM

Till this season at least---

David K - 11-4-2005 at 09:31 AM

Avoid 90? turns at 80 mph!

60 minutes killed the Jeep CJ-5 by doing what you are not supposed to do with an SUV... after 27 years of CJ-5 sales!

The Samuri is a dwarf CJ-5...

Baja Mamma

Juan del Rio - 11-4-2005 at 09:53 AM

I should have added that most of us also have names for our beloved Baja drives. I have found that the vehicles are as unique as the people who own them and the stories these vehicles could tell would be a good read! They just put a smile on your face! Here Mike and Erin from San Juanico take "Baja Mamma" out on a date to that secret surf spot everyone in town knows about. The old girl has been cruising the peninsula for over nineteen years and just keeps going!

bajaden - 11-4-2005 at 09:56 AM

A Ford exploder is my weapon of choice. Lousy tranny, but great engine. My next buy will be a toyota pick-up. 4wd of course. Went 300 thousand on the last one. Couldn't break the damm thing.

turtleandtoad - 11-4-2005 at 09:58 AM

I'm more interested in how it would handle crossing a steep hill, perpendicular to the slope, with a 45 lb load strapped to the top.

I'd hate to roll it to find out how much angle it can handle.

Tipsy Too.

MrBillM - 11-4-2005 at 10:13 AM

Read the actual stats sometime on the Samurai. The following conditions existed in roughly half of the rollovers: Alcohol, Night or poor road conditions and ages of 18-25.

Both the Jeep and the Suzuki had nearly identical rollover characteristics. The Samurai was vulnerable to the Trial Lawyer Rat-Bastards because Suzuki's marketing was as a highway vehicle and focused on younger drivers.

Debra - 11-4-2005 at 11:13 AM

My uncle flipped his Samari, no alcohol, speeding or being young involved, but, that was years and years ago. I think his was a early 80's rig, they had to have dealt with the roll over problem by now?

My Baja rig is a 4Runner and since I got all the problems fixed (2 engine rebuilds, new tranny, wiring problem, back window computer (that alone cost me $615, $450 for the plug in part and $165 to plug it in, geeze I hate car mechanic's! It now runs like a dream and I comfortable for the long drive south. I love that rig!

I don't know how to post pics. but, maybe DK will do that for me, he has pics. from one of our trips.

Bob and Susan - 11-4-2005 at 11:25 AM

You can buy these ALL DAY in California for $1500 :saint:

Rollover

MrBillM - 11-4-2005 at 12:46 PM

I believe that The First Samurais officially imported into the U.S. were 1986 models in 1985. I also believe the final importation year was 1995.

There were NO changes made to the suspension, etc as a result of the numerous lawsuits.

The Samurai continued (possibly to this day) to be exported throughout the world, except the U.S., under different labels and the only significant change was the changeover from a solid Front Axle to Independent Front Suspension.

I've also known people who have rolled over vehicles when they didn't fall into any of those categories listed. They simply SCREWED UP.

The newer of my two Samurais is also the most dangerous thanks to an aftermarket auto-locking rear end. Great in the soft, but a treacherous BEAST at high speed turns on the pavement. I learned VERY quickly how fast I could go around a curve.

Baja Ferrari

Juan del Rio - 11-4-2005 at 01:30 PM

Top heavy with fun! Our Suzuki Samurai (Baja Ferrari) is great...I can take this little thing anywhere and have helped pull some of the big boys out of a tight spot with it. Like the other posts have said, these things got a bad rap...but that's ok, 'cause anyone that has one, most likely got them pretty cheap. The only real issue I have had is that the rust comes no matter how hard you try to keep the salt elements away. I think this thing is perfect for Baja! I have a 1987 Hardtop JX model with A/C and wetsuit seatcovers on the inside.

MH_Stevens - 11-4-2005 at 01:59 PM

Does anyone else drive a Land Cruiser?

[Edited on 11-4-2005 by MH_Stevens]

Phil S - 11-4-2005 at 03:14 PM

If I could find one in my budget, it would be a VW Thing!!!!!! Take the top off & haul a refrigerator or propane bottles. Or load up with Pacifico's. Hauls five (maybe tight). Good traction. Lots of mechanical parts available. Missed buying one in Tripui about seven years ago. Didnt have the cash with me.
So I'm making do with a 3/4 ton Dodge diesel pickup, 4X4. Love the diesel prices down here compared to the regular prices. U2U me if you know of a 74/75 Thing!!!! Phil S currently in Oregon & anxious to "hit the road"!!!!!!!

[Edited on 11-4-2005 by Phil S]

bajalou - 11-4-2005 at 03:38 PM

If you fine the "Thing", remember it has quite a few parts unique to it and not interchangable with other VW's. Some of these are pretty pricy.

:yes:

comitan - 11-4-2005 at 04:00 PM

Phils

Theres a VW Safari 1974 in Cabo Listed Gringo Gazette.

$3500 Phone 143 6875.

msenior - 11-4-2005 at 04:05 PM

Phil S

Heres one...

1974 Volkswagen Thing
Description ? $1,200, VW (2) '74 Things & (1) Thing body for parts. (1) good eng. $1200 obo (843) 333-1568

Mike

4baja - 11-4-2005 at 04:12 PM

two of a few :coolup:

Lucille, the red haired woman

bajajudy - 11-4-2005 at 04:45 PM

We had to buy this jeep so we had something for my mother-in-law to ride around in. Lucita Burrita is really the dog car now.
We took this jeep from San Javier to Comondu about 2 years ago. All along the way we kept seeing Baja 1000 signs. By the time we got back she was riding pretty rough. When we took her into Mike Quade, our mechanico, he said, "Where in the hell have you been?"
We told him, "Following the 1000 trail" We had bent something, I think it was a tie rod(mechanics are not my strong suit) so badly that he was surprised that it still rolled.
On the trip we averaged 15 km per hour....big fun.

We also have a 91 GMC long bed crew cab w/o 4x4 which we used to use in our business in the states since you always seem to need a pickup truck for something, we have kept it. It is still my favorite vehicle to drive. People are always amazed that I can parellel park this monster.....19 1/2 feet stem to stern

lucille.jpg - 41kB

David K - 11-4-2005 at 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
My uncle flipped his Samari, no alcohol, speeding or being young involved, but, that was years and years ago. I think his was a early 80's rig, they had to have dealt with the roll over problem by now?

My Baja rig is a 4Runner and since I got all the problems fixed (2 engine rebuilds, new tranny, wiring problem, back window computer (that alone cost me $615, $450 for the plug in part and $165 to plug it in, geeze I hate car mechanic's! It now runs like a dream and I comfortable for the long drive south. I love that rig!

I don't know how to post pics. but, maybe DK will do that for me, he has pics. from one of our trips.

Here is all I have... your 4Runner next to my truck at Las Animas, July '04:

Phil S - 11-4-2005 at 06:48 PM

Pompano. That surely beats a refer for "cargo". He wasn't planning on trying to "float" the thing was he? Wonder if it could have been done?

Baja Lou. Your right about that. Reason I'd want one that hasn't been "beat up".
Phil S

Phil S - 11-4-2005 at 06:57 PM

comitan. I'll call the Cabo number when I get down there. Hopefully will still be available. Thanks for the number.

msenior. Mike. I called him and he said all three would make one good "thing". Since I'm not mechanically inclined, I passed. But thanks for sharing that phone number. For a mechanic, that's a good price I think.

bajalou - 11-4-2005 at 07:14 PM

I think that sounded like a good deal for the price - but it's aways away from Baja - and I already have 5 rails, 2 BajaBugs, I VW van and a 68 beetle. Some think that's enough for mne???

:saint:

Had a flat...

Mexray - 11-4-2005 at 08:20 PM

...and by the time I got back, there were plants growing in the 'bed'...Mulege, on the North side of the 'river'...

El Boogy Rojo

oladulce - 11-4-2005 at 09:01 PM

He's always ready to go looking for waves. Strap rods on to the roll bar and the fish-bucket fits perfectly between the seats. Throw dirftwood up on the rack, and rocks and shells in the backseat.

If you sweet-talk him, he'll tow the trailer to that ugly place called the dump.

After the "fire incident", his electricals were miraculously salvaged by Antonio who rewired him with all black wire.

The headlights are long gone, so remember to bring the flashlights if out after dark. Sometimes he'll even shift in to Reverse for you, but don't expect any sudden stops since there's just a sliver of a brake pad.

Never had a gas gauge but there's a special palm tallo next to the driver's seat that's just as reliable when dunked in to the tank.

Yeah, he rides a little low and we bottom out on lava rocks occasionaly, but he glides across the beach and over the dunes like a hovercraft and he's taken us on some of the best adventures of our lives.

bajalou - 11-4-2005 at 09:13 PM

Looks like a good ride - and yess, a little low--

Dave - 11-4-2005 at 09:40 PM

Hey Bajalou, tell me about the rack on top of your bay window bus. And what is that, a washing machine drum?

Packoderm - 11-4-2005 at 11:14 PM

It looks like an aluminum propane tank. Check out this ebay site and scroll down to the white Suburban with the full length rack. I would love to have this guy make me a full length rack for my VW van.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/72-X-44-X-6-Custom-Welded-Ste...

Santiago - 11-5-2005 at 07:27 AM

the best Baja hauler I ever saw was in a Pemex in front of me somewhere outside of La Paz: a mid-seventies 4X4 Suburban with the inside gutted to bare metal, just 2 seats in front, and a rubber mat covering the entire floor. The guy had painted the entire rig, inside and out. He had the back doors open with at least twenty 10-gallon fuel tanks he was filling up to take back to the marina. You could haul a huge amount of stuff, secure and out of the weather, and still have a comfy ride.

comitan - 11-5-2005 at 07:44 AM

Santiago

You must be talking about my Mogote Bus, It will go anywhere. I will take a picture of and try to post.

[Edited on 11-5-2005 by comitan]

monster bug

elgatoloco - 11-5-2005 at 11:10 AM

Corky1 - 11-5-2005 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
Check out this ebay site and scroll down to the white Suburban with the full length rack. I would love to have this guy make me a full length rack for my VW van.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/72-X-44-X-6-Custom-Welded-Ste...

If you guys in Baja are interested in a rack like this, I just got an e-mail from him.
He is very close to me.
I could pick it up for you and deliver.
Another reason to go to Baja.
It might cost you a soda and dinner.

Corky :lol:

The Bull (front)

Juan del Rio - 11-5-2005 at 05:48 PM

Glenn Horn spends a lot of time traveling to the various surf breaks in Baja with the "Red Bull". One of his annual stops is out front at three and halfs in San Juanico. If you ever see him, be sure to say, "Hi"... one heck of a great guy!

The Bull (rear)

Juan del Rio - 11-5-2005 at 05:50 PM

This tail is always happy!

roverdude - 11-5-2005 at 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by turtleandtoad
I'm more interested in how it would handle crossing a steep hill, perpendicular to the slope, with a 45 lb load strapped to the top.

Definitely more than 45lbs on top. Here, I'm off-camber, heading to Mission Santa Maria...
http://roverdude.com/images/600_baja_32_.JPG
I can even sleep up there. Here I'm at Guadalupe Hot Springs...
http://baja4x4.com/mediac/400_0/media/IMG_7664.JPG

I call it the Dudemobile.

funky bus conversions

Phil S - 11-5-2005 at 06:36 PM

For those of you who like looking at these funky conversions, look at www.mrsharkey.com/busbarn/damien/damien.htm
This one is a converted snorkel firetruck. Looks like living in this on any Baja beach would be 'luxury' living. Look at some of the other bus conversion on this site. Fun viewing.

jerry - 11-5-2005 at 07:16 PM

i too have a 'cheep jeep' "samari" i think one big problem with flipping over is that they have been altered
big tires
body lifts
shackled up
it all raises the center of gravity heck you can roll over anything if you jack it up
prefer mine stock except a reversed rim with a little wider tires it will climb a tree if it can just get a hole of the first limb with the stright axel it rides like hell but i love it jerry

LoretoBound - 11-5-2005 at 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hose A
A little cool in the winter.

now this is the ride I want in Baja!! No horsin' around about that!! :lol:

Neal Johns - 11-5-2005 at 10:13 PM

You have a hard act to follow, Hose A, Hose A, Hose A. :lol:

Here is poor old Waddling Wilma:

Paulina - 11-5-2005 at 10:19 PM

That horse could be Baja Bucko's next tour van! Funny photo.

My First Baja Buggy and an even older one...

David K - 11-6-2005 at 11:38 AM

On the south road out of El Marmol, was this really old car frame...

The dune buggy (VW/ Myers Manx) was my first car, and was great for camping as it had a roof/rack for my camping gear. This was on my first baja trip (without parents) at age 16, April, 1974.

The Jeep Cherokee Chief (1975 1/2 year model) was my next Baja vehicle... Here I am going between Diablo Dry Lake and San Felipe, in Nov. 1975 viewing for the Baja 1000.

The Jeep was too expensive to keep with many poor quality by AMC repairs and poor milage (401 V-8), so I swapped it for a 77 1/2 year model Subaru 4WD wagon... Here I am in Canada el Parral going to Valle Chico having just discovered the ancient road...

The Subaru was great (a bit low to the ground, but was fantastic in deep sand even with its 13" tires)... with 130,000+ miles in 3 years, it was tired so I got a 1980 model... Here I am at 23 years of age in Canada el Parral canyon again...

I kept that Subaru a bit longer, and bought my third in 1987... now I was married and had kids... here at Nuevo Mazatlan about 1992... on the beach, behind my son...

There was the 'Dark Times' from '93 to '98 when I was without a 4WD, divorce, moved to Fesno for work, back to San Diego, etc....

However, I did discover the Internet and Amigos de Baja and that brought me back to my senses! Baja Mur and I went to Mision Santa Maria in '99, Lorenzo de Baja and I went to several Baja sites in July, '00 (these made up my first two trip web pages), and I bought my first Toyota 4WD truck (with Neal Johns assuring me it was the right thing to do!). Here is a photo Bedman took of it on the San Borja road...

[Edited on 11-6-2005 by David K]

wornout - 11-6-2005 at 08:15 PM

The early days......

wornout - 11-6-2005 at 08:16 PM

The most fun days...

wornout - 11-6-2005 at 08:19 PM

The most current ride, this was on a trip from San Felipe to Guerrero Negro via LA Bay and San Franciscito and back in 2003. The trailer I had made here in San Felipe has since been sold.

turtleandtoad - 11-7-2005 at 06:58 AM

Wornout,
Is that a mattress :?:

Baja Ride

BajaRob - 11-7-2005 at 12:21 PM

New 250 Super Duty Fx4 crew cab w/ turbo diesel kicked up a notch w/ power programmer. Cost of fuel is $1.81/ gallon and it is a rocket ship. Many trips planned from SF.

bajalou - 11-7-2005 at 12:57 PM

This is a friend's Baja Ride

Slowmad - 11-7-2005 at 07:10 PM

Neal Johns, what brand of poptop is that on your Tacoma?
Looks like a perfect fit. :yes:

Neal Johns - 11-7-2005 at 09:29 PM

Slowmad,
It is a Phoenix Coyote on a '99 Tacoma. About $10K now.
http://www.phoenixcampers.com/

Made near Denver. About 850 lb. It is a narrow (good!) 70" wide and made to sleep people lengthwise, but we are short, so sleep crosswise, leaving the 18" bed extention home. It is 3/4 inch plywood with no insulation, three burner stove, 3 way fridge, sink, etc.
The 3/4 inch construction (no insulation-warm country only) is great for back roads as would be the more expensive aluminum construction available from Phoenix and FourWheelCamper. We had the heater and converter left out (as we are desert rats and rarely camp in campgrounds) for more storage space.

A little bit quicker than some.......

Mike Supino - 11-7-2005 at 09:36 PM

[Edited on 11-8-2005 by Mike Supino]

[Edited on 11-8-2005 by Mike Supino]

Sallysouth - 11-7-2005 at 09:55 PM

Ola Dulce, I've never heard of a vehicle or :rolleyes:

boat, vessle,etc, refered to in the masculine form! Interesting....... :rolleyes:

our baja drive

Phil C - 11-7-2005 at 10:15 PM

73 VW Thing. "slightly modified"

[Edited on 11-8-2005 by Phil C]

Packoderm - 11-7-2005 at 10:41 PM

My favorite so far is the Barneymobile. It looks to be a de-bodied VW bus. It looks like it would be the ideal vehicle to leave on your property in Baja. I'm jealous.

Al G - 11-8-2005 at 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
This is a friend's Baja Ride

Great ideal! wish I knew what it started out as? It's got Baja written all over it. You cxan not do better then that.
Al G

Yeah, a little Top Heavy....

Bedman - 11-8-2005 at 01:53 AM

I really like the Suzuki Sidekick over the Samurai. The Sammies short wheel base is a pretty rough ride on any washboard. Here's my SuzyQ carrying the "Blue Flash".

My Baja ride

pangamadness - 11-8-2005 at 06:50 AM

Baja Ride

pangamadness - 11-8-2005 at 06:53 AM

PabloS - 11-8-2005 at 07:11 AM

Reliable, diesel SD F-250 with Callen steel frame shell.

bajalou - 11-8-2005 at 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
This is a friend's Baja Ride

Great ideal! wish I knew what it started out as? It's got Baja written all over it. You cxan not do better then that.
Al G

A firend in Percebu has built over 50 in this style right here in Baja.

:biggrin:

Corky1 - 11-9-2005 at 12:13 PM

I thought this thread would die before I got this pict posted??

HERBIE!! 1971

Corky

I would love to have this....

roverdude - 11-9-2005 at 02:07 PM

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=232100

my truck where it belongs...

eetdrt88 - 11-9-2005 at 03:13 PM

in baja :spingrin:

wornout - 11-9-2005 at 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by turtleandtoad
Wornout,
Is that a mattress :?:

Yep, blew it up before we left. It sure was nice!

wornout - 11-9-2005 at 05:33 PM

He really can't stand to sleep in a different bed so he takes that everywhere he goes.

BajaLou :saint:

1985 Solid Axle, EFI, 4Runner

Pappy Jon - 11-9-2005 at 08:14 PM

I've owned this for, um, a long time ... about 17 years. Can't wait to get the FJ40 set up.

Rent a Baja drive...

Juan del Rio - 11-11-2005 at 12:45 PM

On occasion, we get the guys from Wide Open Baja that visit us. I have had the opportunity to drive in one of these vehicles and it really brings a new appreciation to the term, "Off Roading". If you ever wanted to drive the Baja and not destroy your own vehicle (and have a few thousand extra dollars) this is really an incredible experience. From what I've experience with this company, they are first class adventure!

RJM - 11-11-2005 at 09:38 PM

Juan del Rio,
Where o' where is that right point break? Even an old man like me could ride that...

Shhhhhh....

Juan del Rio - 11-12-2005 at 08:13 AM

You're not suppose to be looking at the waves. We're talking about cars and drives on this thread! I'd be a dead man if I told you where this secret spot is that everyone knows about! But since you asked, it's out front of Juan y Juan's that we call, "Juankiki". Aren't those cars really great!