I am in the position right now, where there is money and no time. I have 3 basic options for my transportation needs while I live remotely from my family, garage, parts and tools. As my Raider has finally succumbed to a blown headgasket, I've been relying upon my Chevy rv to get me from camp to work recently. This commute method is unacceptable because of fuel mileage and having to break camp each morning. I have spent $40 in order to drive a mere 35 miles since Tuesday morning.

My assumptions below are based upon my ability to wrench and two weekends to complete. As indicated by my post title, I have prepared a poll for you to offer suggestions and opinions. I have 3 basic choices to consider and make an educated response to. They are as follows:

1. Evaluate the repair needs of my Raider. I have to at the very least replace the head gasket, VLAs, water pump, radiator service, thermostat, tune up parts, possible catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and miscellany related to a head job. I may need a head, but cannot determine that until I pull everything apart. So, cost from unknown to unknown. Time for repairs dependent upon availability, condition of the head, any needed machine work. Estimate 3 to 7 days for worst case.

2. I have a Chevy 1-ton (see avatar pic) that matches my Raider. A few years ago when I purchased this truck project, there were some loose ends to tie up on the diesel conversion: belts, fluid changes, tires, batteries, and other little stuff I have been steadily addressing. I have the big $$ ticket items remaining. Because of the fuel type conversion, there are no emission tests required following DMV inspection. Cost to finish this project is about $2K by my reasonable calculations and could be completed in about 1 weekend.

3. Buy something. I have contacted Colin about the Mighty Max turbo he has for sale. Everything appears to be a turnkey, change tires, and go. With this deal I would acquire additional parts that could lead to turbo power for my Raider, too. Cost is in the same ballpark and benefit would be immediate.

What are the thoughts of the board?

Thanks,
Russell

Fix Roxy, because she's been good to you. single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 02/19/11 05:36 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Fix Chevy because you need 37" tires rolling by 6. single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 02/19/11 05:36 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Go turbo! single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 02/19/11 05:36 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Other consideration, not including financing. single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 02/19/11 05:36 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Hey Russell,

While the things I do with vehicles are hardly rational, I've got a couple of comments.

First, if the Mighty Max is really good to go, I'd probably consider it. For one, in your line of work, I can't see how a compact pick-up that gets good gas milage won't be useful. As you said, it has immediate utility.

Second, I'd think carefully about the ramifications of attempting to turbo the Raider. You know how tough getting a smog cert can be on custom stuff. You may end up shooting yourself in the foot and not getting the Raider back on the road in this state. I'd hang onto the spares for the truck as just that, spares for the truck. Then you can save up a few dollars, collect parts for the head job on your beloved Roxy, and eventually get her back on the road for another couple hudred thousand miles.

Just my two pennies, hypocritical as they may be...

This is for what I ask. Probably will sell the one ton, even though I really like it...not really practical.

Buy something, fix the Raider and dump the truck...

Jon is right. Stay away from custom turbo work that will create smog cert issues.

Diesel is hitting the $4 per gallon mark...

Gas will soon be there...

I can only describe where I am.

I have just about decided that multi-use vehicles, where one of the uses is wheeling, don't make sense. Because of my wife's recent death, I definitely do not need a handicap ramp van with hand controls. That vehicle will be sold, as soon as I can get it on the market and find a buyer. That is vehicle number 1 of a 3 vehicle fleet.

The van will be replaced by a diesel pickup with an 8' bed. I will also acqure a modest camper and a car-carrier. Since I am now retired, that combination will allow me to wheel with a bit more confidence of getting home and also to participate in club runs without sleeping on the ground, not always a comfortable situation of the wet side of Washington state. Plus my wheeler is "close" to be street-legal. Because I am retired, I don't put much mileage on a DD.

The '90 Civic will go to my grandson. It is in reasonably good condition mechanically. And I am really tired of folding my frame into that vehicle.

The fate of the Trooper is undetermined at this time. I am running 33s, definitely on the small side for our club and the runs we do, Even the Zuks are running 35s. To run 35s will need some carving on the body and I will still have an IFS, a marginal situation with 35s.

In summary, my wants, not needs since none of us need a wheeler.are as follows:

A tow vehicle, a trailer, a camper and wheeler.

Oh, and with a car carrier, I can sell my 5x10 utility trailer.

Ahhh......one's a 4WD and the other one is a Chevy.

(Checking the buckles on the flak jacket <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />)

Russell, for my 2 cents I totally appreciate the challenge of being away from home and resources. If I was away from home every week it would be less worrisome for me to get something that's turnkey ready to go. With another working vehicle that will cost a lot less than a dollar a mile (re RV), you can fix or mod Roxy as and when funds/time are available.

I was going to say you could get something boring and cheap for now, but you need some off road capability for work, right?



It's OK, we understand <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Anyone who says they don't, just doesn't get it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Being a government dirt guy right now, my work vehicles are supplied. I'm driving an F350 extended cab shortbed V10 4x4 now...really like the 6.8L!! Gets about 11 mpg highway being nice.

@ damkia: I modded a Mitsu Mighty Max grille emblem in '07 because every other person (seemingly) asked if the Raider was 4WD. Uh, duh! in February '08, while en route to Reno, the CHP at the Donner Summit chain control station was waving vehicles through during a snow storm and motioned my stop. He got out of the booth to verify the Raider was indeed a wheeler.

@ my poor Chevy... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Russell, even without discussing this, you know my opinion. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />



Jim, you could find yourself a mid 90s Montero SR (94-96) and with a ~$100 Roger brown body lift kit, run 35's. Then you could upgrade the ring and pinions to run 37s. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Ray, I know your opinion. As stated though, it's a time/money thing. Time is little, money is available.