I found my home.

[AmericanIFA]

:wings:
This is possibly the coolest forum I have found yet. I bought my truck a year and a half ago and have been scouring the web gleaning little bits of gold dust here and there and now I feel like I hit the mother lode. It's kind of funny that I was doing a google for 16x20's for the truck and I came across this site. Can't believe I haven't seen it before! I have been ogling your creations, mods and ideas for about three hours now but wanted to take some time out to introduce myself.

This truck is an IFA W50. East German, 4 cyl multifuel/diesel, central tire inflation, (not hooked up yet) 4x4 in need of some TLC.

Plan on stretching the frame another two feet to accommodate a box that will sleep me and the four boys. Want to expedition it out and about but we will see how that goes. (My wife's idea of rv'ing and mine are a little different). It has seen a couple of parades and lots of trips to the barber shop with the boys but hasn't really been put through the paces. I am afraid of getting 6 tons stuck in the mud without a winch or a backup plan.

You can check out some of the progress at www.ifaw50.com and click on the link 1982 IFA. That one's mine.

Look forward to looking at your posts and sharing my progress on the rig.

Later.

 

[Harald Hansen]

Welcome! I didn't know that any IFAs hade made it across the pond, but there you go.

 

[Seth Kendall]

Welcome, I think you could fit my Zuk, all my gear for a month, and still have sleeping space in there. Way cool ride.:wings:

 

[washington taco]

You (your rig) could make side income as a movie stunt prop! Cool rig!!!

 

[jcbrandon]

... I am afraid of getting 6 tons stuck in the mud without a winch or a backup plan.

You can check out some of the progress at www.ifaw50.com and click on the link 1982 IFA. That one's mine.

Look forward to looking at your posts and sharing my progress on the rig...

Welcome to ExPo. Nice truck. Where are you located? I think a few of us might be able to provide a backup plan.

 

[1leglance]

I would really recommend you get a Spot Satellite Messenger since the HELP button sends a text and email to 10 people....
Cuz you will need all 10 buddies with 4wd's to get that beast unstuck

Just kidding, well maybe only a little

Very very cool rig, and I like the box idea (although I can't imagine another 2 FEET on that)...there are some folks around here who have done everyone wrong and learned hard lessons when it comes to what you are planning.
The Hackneys, The Greens and some of our Oz friends are well accomplished building at the size you are talking, check out their threads.

Oh and if your wife starts to think it is too big look for a thread by Jay Shapiro & the Ecoroamer...it is even bigger...huge!

Welcome, tell us where you are so we can come out and play also.

 

[Abel Villesca]

Welcome! That's a great looking rig. :costumed-smiley-007

 

[AmericanIFA]

Good to be here.

I am located in Massachusetts near the Cape. So if anybody knows of rallies, get togethers in the New England are let me know.

 

[AmericanIFA]

I have been to Kongsberg! LOVE Norway and the people. First time I ever ate meat out of a tube!

About the addition of extending the frame: There is a possibility that I don't have to add any metal for the extension. They made the frame with extra holes in the back so I think if they align properly, I can slide to wheels to the rear, extend the driveshaft. and leave it at that so I don't have that auspicious overhang that I was coming up with in the CAD drawings. The first thing that needs to happen with this truck are seals, gaskets and rubber need to be replaced. Also have a sticky thermostat. Also have to align front tires, put on new rubber. They are chafing and have some try rot. They are the original tires on the truck and are 27 years old! Just when I think I have most of the answers, I come across wiz kids like yourselves and get schooled in the fine art of offroad equipping.

I bought an old 1979 Tioga camper that had a roof leak for $500 and gutted it for the parts. Figured I saved myself in at least 1500 just in water tanks, propane cabin heater, water heater, pump, toilet, stove and oven. I have big plans and no money. Right now I am struggling with what kind of enclosure should go on the back. I am not a welder...yet but am practicing. I found a cargo van body but it is too long and would have to be cut down and not confident enough in my fabricating skills to totally ruin a perfectly good Van Body. I will update the progress on the IFA and can't wait to go exploring on this sight. And thank you for whoever you are for starting this site!!

 

[Hltoppr]

Welcome to ExPo! Great rig...but I'm with Lance, I don't think my little BJ70 would do much good trying to get that monster unstuck!

BTW..."Multi-fuel diesel" What is that? Veggie & biodiesel?

-H-

 

[4Rescue]

Welcome to ExPo! Great rig...but I'm with Lance, I don't think my little BJ70 would do much good trying to get that monster unstuck!

BTW..."Multi-fuel diesel" What is that? Veggie & biodiesel?

-H-

I belive by "multi-fuel" he means it'll run on nearly ANYTHING combustible. ALOT of WWII trucks had this feature to keep them moving through an area with little to no fueling oppertounity. Kerosene is real commonly used in these situations. There were quite alot of old GPW's with these motors in them back in the day.

That is one neat truck. Don't see alot of old German WWII era anything. Probably becasue it mostly got blown up or dedcomissioned after the war. Can't wait to see more pics of theis truly unique beastie.

Cheers

Dave