New Toy: 1972 Mercedes 0 309 Omnibus

[rbgerrish]

For those interested in these vans, I've added some content to our website, including the WIRING DIAGRAM!

http://www.mb309.com

I'll be working more on this in Feb...

 

[Coachgeo]

Take the body off that, put a 617 turbo in your 404 (or any other diesel upgrade that would fit within a different body) then plop that body on the 404 (along with appropriate fully body hinge mounts of course). That would be Sveet. Well; ok...... it wold be Sveeter than it is now. Tis mighty Sveet w/out the swap though.

 

[Funrover]

That is a great project, I love those. Good luck, I will be following this!

 

[rbgerrish]

Well, I've had to slow down on this project due to lack of funds, but I can still make some progress. The new goal is simply to get all the insulation in, new walls, new wood floor, and put in the pop-top. The interior will be really basic.

I got all the old floor out:

And pressure washed it:

I'm removing all the old wiring and bits that dont go anywhere to simplify things. I also ripped out the old roll-up door, and will be building a big single-swing door with a window.

Here's how she looks right now. I've continued dong body work to the sides and nose, and at some point I'll put a cheap paint job on it.

 

[mhiscox]

Thanks for the update, Ryan. Glad to see the project is back underway . . . and she sure looks good in that bottom picture with the blue sky in the background. Shame that didn't last.

 

[rbgerrish]

I've found a nice window for the new rear door, and started construction. I also began cutting the new floor.

The door:

The big swing out will allow the nice window visibility as well as loading bikes or a Haflinger in the back. I've also continued doing to body work. I'm going to paint it Krylon OD with semi-gloss Black accents. Should look tough!

Thanks!

 

[mhiscox]

You can tell that Ryan is a talented fabricator because he thinks this

is a door.

 

[Hafwit]

Ryan,
I was thinking that this might become a toy hauler for your Haflinger. Can you easily fit the Haflinger in there? If so, that is really neat solution.

Cheers,
Greg

 

[rbgerrish]

It can haul the Hafi in a pinch, it just barely fits through my door. That was part of the reason for making one big one, plus I want a cool table to fold down from the door once it's open. Also it was the easiest method.

I've decided on a color!

Ignore the ghetto jack stand sitution, I ran out!

I picked up (6) decent used 215/85R16 tires for it for $160, and they are being mounted by a friend for free right now! The wheels will be flat Black with red hubs. I've also pulled out TONS of useless wiring, mainly from the A/C and heater units that arent in the van.

 

[Hafwit]

Ryan,
When you load your Haflinger in there, please take a picture of it. That will make me really jealous!

Cheers,
Greg

 

[rbgerrish]

More work- have to hustle to get her ready for Mogfest!

Good used tires mounted and wheels painted flat black:

Front bumper is black:

I should be able to finish the paint in the next week, then reinstall the diesel tank (I cleaned it) and get some rubber mat for the new floor.

 

[mhiscox]

Moving right along. Thanks for the update. Glad to hear it's heading for a NWMF debut.

 

[Ray Hyland]

If it's running and you're not too far away, I'd love to see that thing show up at the NW Overland Rally in Leavenworth WA on July 26th.

Very cool bus.

 

[rbgerrish]

I'd love to take it, but it's not ready to drive, and that's a bit too far away for me. Thanks for the heads up though, sounds like a fun event!

 

[tip]

so awesome