Unimog U1300L 435 1986 - Restore to former glory & add custom camper

[Simon dix]

This afternoon I managed to modify my custom roof rack. I made a decision today that I would no longer require the roof turret. This decision lead to lowering the roof rack. In my opinion it looks a lot meaner and mog worthy now! ?. The roof rack is now stronger (and even less weight), looks better and have lowered the COG significantly. looking back I don't know why I ever wanted use of the roof turret. The roof rack is now a great level to integrate a snorkel guard. Once I have decided on the rear cut-out I think its spray time. Might even have a look at a slight roof lift similar to what Iain did. Once sprayed I have to work out how to put everything back together............will be interesting times ahead. Then the grueling task of building and making a camper that will work for me.

 

[Simon dix]

One thing to keep a constant eye on is weight, things have a habit of getting heavier and heavier. I kept a very careful check on the weight, and it still managed to creep up above what I origianally wanted, so I increased the GVM from 7500kg to 8000kg, took a bit of doing, had to add a second set of brake calipers to the rear, and new springs and then a mountain of paperwork to persuade the "engineer" it was all safe and legal.

Great point.........its easy to just add this and that and before long copious unwanted Kilo's have been added

 

[Wazak]

This afternoon I managed to modify my custom roof rack. I made a decision today that I would no longer require the roof turret. This decision lead to lowering the roof rack. In my opinion it looks a lot meaner and mog worthy now! ?. The roof rack is now stronger (and even less weight), looks better and have lowered the COG significantly. looking back I don't know why I ever wanted use of the roof turret. The roof rack is now a great level to integrate a snorkel guard. Once I have decided on the rear cut-out I think its spray time. Might even have a look at a slight roof lift similar to what Iain did. Once sprayed I have to work out how to put everything back together............will be interesting times ahead. Then the grueling task of building and making a camper that will work for me.

It looks a hell of a lot better now.

 

[C p weinberger]

I’m not suggesting you should keep the roof turrent but I did find leaving a removable section of the roof rack directly above my landcruiser factory sunroof very handy. I built the front center console seat strong enough to stand on (it also had a seat belt) and When in remote areas, especially game parks, the kids or my wife would regularly stand in the opening to see with binoculars or take pictures as I drove slowly ( You’re not allowed to sit on the roof in most game parks but they let you stand up in the roof hatch)
I typically kept the roof rack removable section bolted down As it added additional structural integrity on the bad roads.
As a sidenote, I actually made two additional removable sections in the rear portion of the roof rack, these were designed to be used as bridging ladders or tire support if I got stuck, I know everybody uses max tracks now but in the old days sometimes you used what you built.
Good luck ?

 

[Simon dix]

A few more small mods. Put in a cross member to distribute some of the load away from the point load (on the cab) below the wheel hoist. Also welded in another piece on the wheel hoist to Ensure no chance of bending. I can’t tell you how many times the rack has been bolted onto and taken off the roof ?

 

[Simon dix]

Installed rivet nuts so I can install lights at a later stage post painting. Relocation of exhaust......530mm clearance. Would have like more but had to compromise somewhere. Will look at alternatives down the line.
It’s so humid and hot ? here today in Singapore. A dust free aircon workshop would be nice.

 

[Simon dix]

Last minute bracket modification yesterday to allow for cab tilting before truck was towed away. Wrt cab tilt, I will get a custom cylinder done by my hydraulic guy down the road. Mogone is now at Cheng Auto. http://www.chengauto.com/

 

[Simon dix]

Manufactured 1986, I reckon this is in a fantastic state. I reckon the guys at http://www.chengauto.com/ will do a fantastic job. Got to find the moldings/seals now. Will update progress when the first bit of spraying, cutting out the walk through or roof takes place.

 

[Jostt]

Nice Job Simón, looking your project I remenber how much I enjoy just two years ago doing the same, but It Will be even bether when you make your first Trip, I'm 100% whit Ian about the weith, I made a Big efford to keep the truck under 6.5T, and I can says after 12000 km in the Last two years It was the BEST investment.

 

[Simon dix]

Nice Job Simón, looking your project I remenber how much I enjoy just two years ago doing the same, but It Will be even bether when you make your first Trip, I'm 100% whit Ian about the weith, I made a Big efford to keep the truck under 6.5T, and I can says after 12000 km in the Last two years It was the BEST investment.

Thanks Jostt. The pre wheel turning journey has been awesome this far. Sometimes impatience has set in but I think that is normal. Mistakes have occurred and I’m sure they will continue but as Long as there are lessons learnt. Can’t wait for the wheel turning part of the journey

 

[Simon dix]

Mogone’s cab is on a frame so she can be easily wheeled whilst work being done. Cut out zone in the rear plate has been marked. Next week we should have a roof made and this will be 150mm higher than existing. I also took some photos of the only rust on her which is very easily fixed.............well especially for the guys who do this work everyday.

 

[Simon dix]

TYRE SIZES: I have the option to change from 335/80 to 365/80 or maybe 85's (free swap). I am thinking the 365/80 would be great or do I stick with the 335's? Would appreciate any feed back for those that have tried different size tyre's. Can anyone tell me the weight differences?

 

[Simon dix]

Thanks Verkstad. Seems we have a very similar vehicle. I am thinking of adding an inter cooler tho?

 

[Simon dix]

Took my family to show them Mogone this afternoon. Rear panel cut open and a large sun roof now . Have not cut any structural pillars. The roof will be reinforced and stronger than original anyhow. I am glad I made the decision to raise the roof by 150mm. For one, the standard roof is too low and two, the rust can be sorted once and for all. In fairness Iain influenced my decision to raise the roof. Thanks Iain as I won't regret spending the extra money. Cant wait to see the the fabricated roof in place.
For the walk through I will use 75mm x 40mm for the top and side reinforcements and then 40mm x 40mm for the bottom reinforcement. This will give me an opening of 1515mm x 505mm.
Nearly rugby and beer time ?.

 

[Iain_U1250]

Looks good, lots of rust but best to fix it now. I pumped in about 5 litres of rust killer and cavity wax into the frame. It dripped out of all sorts of places for a few days. Somehow the roof is connected to the front tilting mounts. Unimogs seem to rust from the inside out.