MB Atego 1018 A 4x4 (Ex-Bundeswehr)

[atego4x4]

Hi,

I got an ex-military MB Atego 4x4 which will be converted to a camper.
It will take a long time to complete the project , but like to start with cleaning the frame in next days.

I would say that my truck is not so rusty, but prefer to offer the best treatment as possible to avoid problems in the future.

Rusty places will clean up mechanically to reach a pure steel, but can´t choose the next steps, because there is more ways to go.

Could you please advice me what you recommed ?

Thank you very much in advance !!!

 

[MyNameIsMud]

Very cool truck. I'd just wire brush away any loose rust, paint the affected spots with proper chassis paint, and call it good.

 

[Joe917]

wire wheel to remove rust and paint. Mercedes makes a wax based rust inhibitor to spray the chassis with after.

 

[Neil]

Most ex German military trucks are covered in wax and underseal. Don't take this off if you have it on your chassis. Mine is 30 yrs old and has no rust because of it

Neil

 

[Ullie]

We did it following way:

1. brush off with a steel brush the loose rust
2. apply a rust converter (we used tanik, http://www.tanik.be/TANIK-R-stop-rouille-14.html?lang=en , 1 liter for the whole truck)
3. apply a zink spray ( http://www.soudal.com/soudalweb/productDetail.aspx?w=1&p=52&ID=748 )
4. apply a underbody coating ( http://www.soudal.com/soudalweb/productDetail.aspx?w=1&p=43&ID=729 )

Haven't had any problems since doing it nom 10 years ago.

 

[atego4x4]

@MyNameIsMud
Thanks. Long time of wandering which truck to get. I hope will serve many years !

@Joe917
Have to call local MB workshop and ask for .... thanks Joe917

@Neil
Thank you Neil. I´m not sure if 1018 A is as well protected as 1017 A, but I would say that your is probably better.
My is "only" 10 years old and you can see (for example) axles here and compare with your before conversion.
Definitely plan only remove the rust from rusty spots and keep original layers on the healthy chasis.

@Ullie
Thanks Ullie. I used your steps for new vans (no rusty chasis) for many years with Dinitrol as a protection and like it. It works very nice and vans are fust free even after many years.
But I got more advices from Germany for Owatrol Oil + Brantho Nitrofest + Brantho 3in1 paint.
Probably will go new way because I'm courious how will chasis look after .

 

[Neil]

Agreed mine has none of this rust

Neil

 

[part time nomad]

A small hand held sand blaster gets into places that you can't get a brush into. But only remove the rust areas and then retreat..

 

[Roverchef]

Lightly wire brush just to knock loose scale off and then brush on some POR-15 and you're done. You can spray it too with a bigger tip.

 

[atego4x4]

Hi, what cabin manufacture would you recommned please?
I´m looking for an empty box with subframe only.
Thanks for sharing your experience .....

 

[part time nomad]

I used a horsebox manufacturer, for two reasons 1) it was only in the next village and I knew the owner 2) I could visit and help, making any changes along the way.
when I say horsebox, its not the sort you see on an old Bedford`s parked in a field! they build top of range slide out bodies on 6 wheel Scania`s etc.
They are in Hertfordshire, let me know if you want a number.

 

[Sitec]

I was also going to suggest a horsebox manufacturer too, as I used to work for one and am using similar body building and cladding techniques for our build, but have been told they are not suitable builders by a few in previous posts... I tend to disagree, as if you find the right builder they'll know what they are at... I have built my own take on a 5 point subframe so there is minimal load on the box. Most horse box manufacturers build 'rail on rail' and the trucks don't like being twisted, but some understand subframes and pivots if that is the route you are choosing. I have a horse box and race truck builder in Herefordshire if you need that contact. They have used composite panels before, and I believe Wayne the workshop manager would have a good understanding on the difference between a horse box and an overland build. Shout if you want some details so you can at least ask the questions.

 

[Geo.Lander]

Hi, what cabin manufacture would you recommned please?
I´m looking for an empty box with subframe only.
Thanks for sharing your experience .....

ahh, the current dilemma! After talking with most of the manufacturers in Germany and EU that specialise in this area it really appears demand is very very high indeed and prices have adapted to match! Not only are the main companies quoting over 40k€ for an empty box with no sub-frame or windows but the lead time is over a year in some cases and best case 6 months before work can start.

I would, if i were you look at local truck box builders and see if they want such a project first.

 

[part time nomad]

When it comes down to it, its a box! You decide on the dimensions, After that you have a choice on the material that it is made of, In my mind there is only one option, and that is primarely preformed panels ! But it does not stop there, you need to decide on the thickness, 50mm is a good compromise of size, insulation and strength. But think what do you want the inner or outer skin to be made of? I went for GRP as it does not dent or corode like aluminium, it is also warmer on the inside.
Then also you have the option of plywood (3mm) between the GRP and Styrofoam insulation, Good for fixings!

A box is a box , once you have made these decisions, you just need someone to assmeble it or do it your self! I would reccomend using someone with expierience with it, also you have a choice with the cappings.

After that it comes down to mounting it on your chassis or sub frame, that is a different matter, Ah! also I used 75 mm flooring with the cross members bonded into it to save on the finished height/

 

[palebluewanders]

ahh, the current dilemma! After talking with most of the manufacturers in Germany and EU that specialise in this area it really appears demand is very very high indeed and prices have adapted to match! Not only are the main companies quoting over 40k€ for an empty box with no sub-frame or windows but the lead time is over a year in some cases and best case 6 months before work can start.

I would, if i were you look at local truck box builders and see if they want such a project first.

Do you have a list of all the companies you talked with? I'm beginning to wonder if the trick is just to find one that wasn't mentioned in Ulrich Dolde's book. :⁠P