Future G-Wagen owner from Texas
Members of the GWOA,
I am beginning the search for a G-Wagen as I've recently sold my Pinzgauer 712M and am seeking a new "toy". (The 712 was actually my second Pinzgauer as I owned a 710M previously) The G model seems like a similar sort of beast and will be equally unique and something that most folks in this part of the world won't likely see too many of. For import to the US, I'll need to work within the 25 year old exemption so the subject vehicle will likely date from the late 1980s.
From my admitted limited research thus far, I'm thinking about a 300 GD, short wheelbase, solft top (cabriolet?) and hopefully equipped with a front locking differential if I can find one. Of course I am looking for one in excellent condition. I am not looking for a project but something I can drive and enjoy. I don't buy cars in boxes....
I am sure I will pose some dumb and perhaps obvious questions along the way to this group so I beg for a bit of understanding at the front end of this process.
Thanks!
Texas Pinz,
Hi and welcome to the club! Very nice previous vehicle, have seen a few of those and one one trip here in he UK we were shown around by one.(Salisbury Plain) Very nice truck indeed.
There is no such thing as a dumb question or obvious one when starting out on something new and that is what we are here for, so feel free to ask away!
Good luck in your search and look forward to answering as amany questionas we can!
Spider1V
PM'd! & Hi Spider!
Hello and welcome to the GWOA Texas Pinzgauer,
I hope you don't mind me addressing you as TP, I don't like typing too much.
Cabriolets in the UK are rare and one of 25 yrs is sure to be rusty. Your chances improve in Europe and probably more so, one of ex-military spec and even a folding windscreen version. In either case these are very basically furnished. UK imports of G-Wagens were usually equipped with mostly front and rear axle locking but be careful of the European spec G-Wagens, these need not necessarily had front and, or rear locking axles.
Good Luck.
Welcome ! www.mobile.de is a good place to start
I have noticed threads on US forums which discuss the importation requirements.
Hope you find what you want
Hi Texas and welcome to the GWOA.
I am not sure what you want to use your G for but I assuming that you will be taking it off roading quite a bit. If you want something of a similar standard as your Pinz then I would recommend that you definetly look at an ex military G 461 also known as the Wolf. There are various examples of these models available throughout Europe from military surplus contractors. Here is a link for one in the UK which is selling several Wolfs.....
http://www.exmod-uk.com/equip.php?ID=281
These vehicles were being offered for sale at £7500 GBP. There are several good videos of them in action on youtube.
I would be interested in your experience of owning the Pinz 712M. I am thinking of getting one because I often need to transport groups of 10 -12 people over rough ground. I would be interested in how reliable you found it to be and apart from its size how did it compare with the 710M. Is there much advantage to be gained from 6x6 over 4x4. Any information you coul give would be appreciated.
Regards
Doug.
Hello Stanger (Buckalec) - nice to see you back on the forum! You G55'ing or do you have something else?
Spider1V
hi texas. good luck in your search for the right G.
martin, hi !!!! is that really you ? you have alot to answer for mate , firstly being, why have you been away so long...??
rgds hus
Hi Texas
I am about 3 miles from the "Rocket Site" that is selling these "Wolf's" in the UK, if you need me to pop round and look at any just give me a PM with what you want to know etc. The company is quite good and honest, if a little pricey and i know them well.
Cheers
Gav
Hi "Texas", glad you found your way in here. As I said, they're not a bad bunch and will always help, or so I have observed.
All the best,
Mike H
I'm just beginning this process so no hurry just yet. They certainly appear to be well stocked with all manner of ex military equipment.
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Many thanks for all of the responses and the link to that dealer in the UK. They seem to be well stocked with what I'm seeking. On the surface, a 25 year old vehicle will likely be beat up except for those instances where the operator of it took exceptional care of it and that's what I'm seeking.
That was the case with my two Pinzgauers. The first, a 4X4 710M was in extraordinary shape. I paid a premium for it but got a premium truck. The second one, a 6X6 712M had been extensively modified and updated by a well regarded shop in California. I actually purchased it from a fellow in Arizona but once I learned who had built it up (the guys in California) it was a no brainer to purchase it.
Both Pinzgauers were easy to live with and easy to maintain. That's a broad statement but I found that regular gear and motor oil changes and regular brake inspections, prompt washing after of road outings, lube to various points on the drivetrain and they ran well with no issues.
I understand that a military spec G is going to be "stark" but that's what I came from and after all, this isn't intended to be a daily driver and really more of a toy for around driving and occasional off roading.
I appreciate the comments about "no dumb questions" as that has always be the perspective shared on the Pinzgauer forum (www.real4x4.com). Great folks and many of whom are G-Wagen owners as you might expect.
Please keep the comments coming and thank you again for the suggestions and guidance.
David