UNIMOG RESTORATION UPDATE + PHOTOS

Von · Jun 24, 2004

Rob + Jim,
Yea, I'm still allowed into the house /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I've sold some of the parts off of the truck that I am not going to use. So At this stage I only have about $400 into the truck so far! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But now the money part is coming, I now need to spend some big $$$$ for the cab, rear axle and all the seals that I need. I can still get the parts from M-B for the axle housing, but they sure are proud of that one piece. Only $2000.00 for it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif A whole axle used sells for half of that! If I can find one where I can get the few parts I need I hope to get away with only spending $200-300. The hunt continues! That is why I asked if anyone has seen one in a local junk yard. I did find one in Minn. but the guy wants $1000 plus shipping and it is "AS-IS" He won't even open it up to see if its any good or take it back if not! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I told him where he could put that axle /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
I'll take some photos tonight if I get a chance of the brake calipers that I have been working on. I first cook them doing Electrolytic Rust Removal in a bucket to get the big rust off and free up the nuts and bolts. Then pop out the pucks and bead blast the outside of them. Then hone out and clean the inside. And last repaint them, replace the seals and put them back together. A lot of work when they are so big, and there are six of them!

DAP · Jun 24, 2004

Von ... I'm sure the group will join me in admiring and thanking you for your perseverance. SO FAR. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If this project ends up with any kinda 'round-to-it' down time, their will be hoards of pyssed off TBN gawkers - me included. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Know I know a little about restoration (not necessarily Unimogs) and sometimes, ya just have to forge ahead. Don't let that axel/diff problem stop the overall progress. It can easily be revisited later on down the line.

Plus ... ya have to spend the money while ya have it!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm rootin for ya!

DAP · Jun 24, 2004

Von ... I did some checking. I'll bet you've already seen what I've found but in any event.

I found a new (rebuilt) one for 1200 here. . Don't know if it fits your chassis/model.

AXLE REAR REBUILT COMPL 4043500199 1200.00 NEW IN STOCK

God speed to ya, this axle is gonna be cheap not.

Von · Jun 24, 2004

DAP,
Thanks, I wish those axles did fit mine, but they are for the 404's which is a different truck all together. So the hunt continues. One will show up soon, and I'll have the wheels back under the frame in no time! I hope to have it on the road by this fall! Von

Von · Jun 25, 2004

DAP, well today must be my day /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I got a call from someone in CO. who has all the parts I need to repair my rear axle and at a cost that I am willing to pay! Plus gave me tons of advice that I can use! And he maybe stopping out this way in a month to demo a new Unimog. So he said he'll stop over and check out my project and give me some pointers! Boy the Unimog people are like the tractor people. More than willing to help another out. So now I am getting closer to getting it back on the road! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

cowboydoc · Jun 25, 2004

Just curious how many hours you think you have into this venture so far Von?

Von · Jun 26, 2004

Richard, Rough guess on the hours so far would only be about 65 total. I don't work on it every day. and never seem to get a full day's work in. To me, this is my "golf". I find that doing this relaxes me and I enjoy the outcome. So I don't worry about how much time I have into it. Plus if I was not doing this, I'd be wasting my time watching TV or something else. I have been having my 14 yr. old son helping me so he is learning a lot. This is good quality time that would be hard to replace. Plus my down time is free, Sure I could work on other things to make money. But there is more to life than money.

Ozarker · Jun 26, 2004

That is quality time. When I was about that age, I helped my dad to a frame up restoration of a 53 International PU. Then he drove it daily up until about 4 years ago. It needs a lot of work again and I have it now because, of all my brothers, I am the only one that knows enough to fix it.

It has been sitting in my drive for a year waiting for me to get motivated. It is taking a back seat to all my other projects.

beenthere · Jun 26, 2004

Ozarker
If you have a son the right age and interested, that could be a motivator.

I recall helping my Dad overhaul the engine in a 49 Ford pickup, without taking it out of the truck. I usually watched (and listened /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif ) and handed wrenches when he was "head down-butt up" under the hood, so to speak. Vividly recall pulling the jugs out, fitting them with rings, tightening the rods onto the crank, etc. Paid off, as I was the only boy (had 3 brothers at that time) to drive it on the road (I was 11 or 12). First trip down the road was on icy gravel, and did a 360 do-nut with the brakes locked and scared half to death. No damage, and just a little stuck. Great fun, that growing up and surviving at the same time. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif