Hi Mike,
I bought the vehicle from a collector in Minnesota. He had this one and a few Russian tracked vehicles, I think BMP's (?). He had the vehicle stored in his stop for years, and bought it from another person who had it imported from the UK to New Jersey I think around 1996. Anyway, apparently the first US owner was convicted of some federal charge and prohibited from owning it.
I bought the vehicle for $16.9k US, and a new engine, gear box, starter, etc. for another $6.5k. It cost me $3.5 k to have the vehicle transported to Seattle, and another 1k to barge it to Ketchikan, and $1k to have it serviced.
We built a dedicated storage area for the vehicle so I am out about 30k at this point.
Alaska is a low government state (Think Sara Palin), so registering it was fairly easy, and insurance only cost me $300 per year. Driving it home made me realize that I need a lookout or a few RV side and back-up cameras installed. I am 5'10'" 180 so I can get in the seat, but still a snug fit.
The climate here is mild, like Seattle only it rains more.
Yes that National Geographic show is, and has been filming my department. They haven't made it down to SE Alaska yet, but soon.
One other question? is the radiator cap supposed to completely seal? or does it let off some fluid when it heats up? I was losing a little as it warmed up.
I also noticed that a small amount of very light fluid...almost light brown water, but not really oily in my hands, was dripping out the drain hole in the back of the vehicle. In a day or so, this evaporates, so I am thinking it may just be condensation. I pulled the floor plates and could not seen any leaks. I read on another forum people saying that if your Saracen is not leaking, its out of oil. I guess I will take that to mean that a little bit of fluid here and there is to be expected.
Thanks again guys for all your replies and info.
Rodney
