I'm thinking about a trip to Cuba. The Cuban people are in bad shape, and I'd like to take a few gifts. I'm thinking car parts they can't get. Has anyone been there recently? What parts, for what cars, are most needed? Parts must be small and light enough to be transported in airline luggage. Denso or Delco alternators maybe?
Oddly from all the documentaries I've seen and Cuban immigrants I've talked to proper hardware like bolts seem to be the shortest supply
Watch a few episodes of the TV show Cuban Chrome. You'll see what obstacles they face. They'll machine, weld and adapt anything to make the car run. Many cars have had their drivetrains swapped with Russian diesel drivetrains. I agree on hardware, even if it's a bucket of used hardware under your workbench. In the interest of weight and space, instead of whole alternators maybe a box of alternator rebuild kits which fixes a dozen bad alternators instead of one. Small electronic parts for common engines such as SBC's (which covers a lot of years) such as points, condensers, HEI coils, plugs, etc. Perhaps rebuild kits for popular carbs, wheel cylinders, etc. Perhaps cam, rod and crank bearings? These are all lightweight and compact. Their old car culture is tight knit so even if a guy with an old Chevy that is running a diesel, he can sell/trade the SBC parts to others for parts he needs or machine work he needs for his car. Pretty damn cool what you're doing! They might tip you a few cigars for your generosity. Some of this stuff can be bought below wholesale in case lots on ebay. But first contact your local car buddies, parts stores and mechanics that may have a glut of old unused, out of the box, etc. parts they may be glad to get rid of for worthy cause.
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