Pinz vs Unimog

[David Dunn]

Matt
I had look at 404s before buying a 710 five years ago. After going through all basic Pinzes and then Haffies, I decided to add a Mog to my collection. I have never been fond of the seating positions of the 404s or "rounded cab" Mogs, I went looking to the SBUs and test drove a 1300L with the NA OM352 engine and standard axles. To me , definately slow and underpowered. I was shortly afterward offered a slighly newer one with a turbo'ed OM366A with fast axles ( but not much ), it should be "in port" any time now. The rims will be repainted I may also get it a OD.

Dave Dunn

[Buggy Man]

David
That is such a typical paint scheme for a U1300 isn't it?
I've seen more than a few painted like that. Your right the U1300 is a better truck all the way around. I just like the smaller, drop top 400 series trucks. There are times when I wish that the mogs were more adaptable than they are. If only someone made upgrade kits for them gear sets for the axles and a disc brake converted hub. That would be cool .
Matt

[David Dunn]

Supposedly, it's a "European" thing. The truck is too pretty for me. I was planning on a basic truck, but it was offered to me at too good of price. This was restored with only a 3000km on it since then.

There are different axle ratios available for the 406 and 416s, and some do have disc brakes. There are the 421s that are (more or less) a strunk 406, not much wider than my Pinz and a bit shorter.It also has a 4cyl diesel with a top speed my Haf can take.

Being MB, everything cost a arm and leg.... the OD for the 1300 is something like $5k to $6K.

As big as the 1300L looks, it's footprint is slightly small than a dually regular cab pickup..... it just stands about 3' taller

Dave Dunn

[major519]

I appreciate the advice on this.
Unfortunately it is not always as easy as just going for a ride in one.
I was able to go out for a spin in a Pinz in Montreal. Not bad although very noisy gearing and typically European.
I`ve been used to US and Canadian made mvs and this quest is certainly a stretch for me.
M37s are cool, but who doesn't have one? I had a M37CDN and it was a great truck as far as Dodges go and would have been better with all the upgrades. I had over $13,000 in it to restore to original and I'm sure I could have spent another $5G on it to upgrade it, but it would still be limited as to its ability as well. I'm sure an M37 doesn't even come close to ability when comparing Pinz and Volvos.
The Volvo is neat and i would love to see and go out for a ride in one but its either a trip to Colorado or Sweden to do so.
I'm leaning towards a TGB1111 because of the cool factor and it is one of the ugliest trucks I've seen- I know I'm not right!
If you fellas are familiar with CMP (Canadian Military Pattern) vehs of WW2 heritage you'd understand my fascination...

[Buggy Man]

Major
I happen to be a big fan of CMP trucks and thier American cousion the Ford GTB (I know they're not related but they are ugly ). Comparing the M37 to any of the vehicles you've mentioned would not be a fare comparison. The M37 IS a cool truck but it is from another time period all together and pre dates (with the exception of the 'Mog) any of the MVs your looking at. Seeing how your already into US/CAN MVs the M37 wouldn't hold any surprises for you in working on it or getting parts for it. However, if your like me it's a case of "been there done that" and you want something different. Unless you have to have this rig right away, don't be so quick to jump into a Volvo with out driving one. I drove 1000 miles round trip to test drive a Pinz (712) and a diesel Mog (416) because the price for either of them although good, was still a lot of money for me and I wanted to make sure of what I was getting into. Volvos, like Pinzs & Mogs seem to fall into the hands of "wheelers" more so than MVers. keep your eyes open on the various message boards as you may find someone who's not to far away from you who'll let you come and look over thier rig and maybe take it for a test drive. In the long run it may be worth the trip to CO to have a look if your going to spend that kind of money you could always call it a vacation . Heck, while your in that state you could stop by coldwar remarketing and test drive some of thier Pinzs, Mogs and landrovers! Man typing this is getting me excited for you!
Matt

[major519]

Thanks for the encouragement Buggy Man.
For me this is a case of been there done that. Unlike the rest of the kids on the block, I tend to have a liking for the oddball stuff that nobody else has.
I've had M37, M35A2, M38, CMPs of all kinds, Universal Carrier, halftrack etc.
Now its time for a decent driving vehicle thats also odd enough for my tastes. I tend to get bored too easily.
You are correct in saying it is best for a test run in one to decide whether it is for me or not.
Are you aware of any in private hands aside from me going to xtreme offroad vehicles in CO for a look?
I've got some good leads on a couple but have to import them and for sure wouldn't want to be disappointed!

[Buggy Man]

Major
You and I are a lot alike! I've always favored the strange/unique and I've also been on a quest for the perfect daily driver. Unusual in apearance, reliable,streetable and able to get parts for (that's kind of my criteria). When I drove my WC around I got a lot of compliments along with "I like your big jeep" . So yes a 1111 would be nice indeed. I don't know of any outside of Sweden or Colorado though. I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for both of us.
Matt

[major519]

Buggy Man
If I ever get back down to Virginai I'll have to look you up!
It's been a long time but I always loved your State, one of my personal favourites with its southern influence and hospitality.
I spent many weekends there quite a few years ago when I was younger and was running around playing Confederate soldier...
Since that time I've moved on to bigger and better things like playing with rusty old army trucks.

[acmack]

I'm located 45 miles west of Boston and own a C303 if anyone wants to drop by for a test drive. It will be listed on EBAY in about a week.
I have owned several of them and know several owners in the North East.
There has to be at least 30 or more in private hands in the US maybe twice that. I brought in 18 myself, 7 of those were the 6x6 radio van version TGB13.

[major519]

OK, you've brought a few in, played with them and sold them.
What is your overall opinion of the Volvo???
And you say you're putting one up on ebay, would you rather not try and sell private to a member on the G???

[acmack]

My opinion is that they are roomy, fast, quiet and excellent off road. I have owned several Mog's, 411's 404's, civvy and military and have driven the Pinz. I still prefer the Volvo, it's a vehicle that can you drive your kids to the mall, drive to MV shows and cross country. I find the Pinz way too noisy at highway speeds and Mogs too slow.
I'll post my C303 for sale first on the G. I don't why I didn't do it before, I'd wouldn't miss all the aggrevation with EBAY for a second.

[Buggy Man]

Major
thanks for the kind words. I don't know how far you are from Boston, but it seems to me like Acmack is extending an offer to come and drive one of his Volvos. I used to reenact quite a bit when I was younger as well. But, most of the stuff I did was 20th century so I was up in PA a lot. If you do go for a test ride/drive post your findings here so the rest of us will have an idea of what the Volvo is like.
Matt

[major519]

Acmack, I have to agree with you re ePay. Usually a pain in the ass, stupid questions form people without a clue, ripoff fees from EBay etc.
The G is the perfect place to put up any offerings mv related! Why not keep it in the hobby as opposed to dealing with an assortment of Bubbas lookin' fer a huntin' buggy.
Interested to see what you have to put up for sale, pics, price etc.
Buggyman, always a pleasure when visiting VA. Also spent much time in PA as well.
I do appreciate all the advice and help on my quest. The G is the place to go...

[major519]

Acmack, any ideas on your Volvo yet???
Have my eyes on a real nice 1111 with all the kit and reasonably priced...

[acmack]

Price will be $8900. I'm putting in new axel boots tomorrow. I'll try and post some photos ASAP.
I see you are looking at a TGB 1111. I have a TGB 11 for sale which is the hardtop model although in reality it is a hardtop convertible. The rear 2/3rds of the body unbolts in about an hour to give you a pick-up configuration alternative.