Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Build projects, things that guys have come up with to make a Pinz better (or worse?) and aftermarket add-ons.
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Hugues
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Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Hi everyone,
I'm starting my build thread. I bought a Pinzgauer 710M and will be converting it into an expedition truck over the next 12 months.
I'm a Canadian engineer, living in Switzerland. This is my second conversion, first one was a Mercedes Sprinter 314 van.

Below is a rendering of the finished project.
If you are interested to see the Pinz up close, I add a link below with a short video on Youtube, without any comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXNm7OsoQos
Pinzgauer 710 volume study V3 v87.png
Pinzgauer 710 volume study V3 v87.png (1.61 MiB) Viewed 3346 times
Hugues
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

A short video showing the layout of the box:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPHB8-grVRs
Hugues
From Switzerland
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Here I explain how I will build the box and "connect" it to the frame of the Pinzgauer.
I will be using PET foam panels with fiberglass sheets on both sides, manufactured by https://coratec.ch/en/applications/wohn ... eisemobile
The 5 panels will be quite light, only 69 kgs, they are strong enough, no need to build a supporting frame.
The rear panel will be fixed on a metal structure that I will attach to the rear of the frame, and will serve as an extension to provide a bit more volume.
I welcome your constructive feed-back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpJWsQNHqr0
Hugues
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Mr Zero
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Mr Zero »

There was a pivotal question that was asked of me in my design process that totally altered my original plan, and I'll pose it to you: What type of driving do you intend to do with this truck? Touring and exploring can potentially be very different types of driving. The Pinzgauer is not as tip-prone as many assume, but it can tip (yes, been there, done that), so depending on the type of driving you intend to be capable of, weight distribution can/should be a paramount consideration. If you intend to tour established routes, as you likely did with the Sprinter, and simply desire a more capable vehicle for when you encounter sand, mud and snow, then you're likely on the right path. But if you're thinking to explore old and potentially forgotten double tracks that haven't seen any maintenance in 80 years, then you might revisit the weight distribution of your cargo and how that impacts your living accommodations.

The form this took for my 710K project was a design revision from an interior that looked very similar a VW Westfalia camper (trundle bed, wall-mounted cabinets, etc.) to one that placed all of the cargo below the top edge of the side panels. This resulted in a "live-out-of" configuration, but one that kept the center of gravity optimally low for my intended type of driving and consequently provided a full-time no-convert queen bed and the option for ute-like hauling capability when needed. Of course use and revise is the name of the game, but I've largely only had to refine over the years and am very glad that I was asked that one question so early in my design process.
Jason @battlebornpinzgauer
[1975 Pinzgauer 710K 2.7L EFI, 1972 700AP Haflinger Pathfinder]
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Mr Zero »

I'd also suggest that you consider the ability to transition from the cab to your sleeping area without exiting the truck. Whether it be illness, bad weather, stealth camping, or some other unforeseen circumstance the value of having the ability to move directly from the driver's seat to the sleeping area is very significant.
Jason @battlebornpinzgauer
[1975 Pinzgauer 710K 2.7L EFI, 1972 700AP Haflinger Pathfinder]
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Thanks Jason for your feed-back, very relevant, much appreciated.
I have indeed planned a little trap door to go from the box to the driving cab.

As for the type of driving I intend to do, let me try to explain, but I don't have off-road experience myself, so I can only relate to what I've learned from people sharing their overlanding adventures.
I don't need extreme off-roading capabilities, like rock crawling or steep incline like 40+ degrees. (i can probably write 30+ degrees here)
But I moved from my 2wd Sprinter to the Pinz to be able to escape the "crowd" when driving into CE Asia, Africa, Americas.
So going into rough roads, pot holes, passing over rocks, mud, sand, crossing small rivers,
so I can end up on my own on the other side. Where the regular cars/vans/campers can't go (or get stuck :D )
I'm planning to take off-road driving lessons when my build is almost done.

So I'm trying to keep my build as light as possible ( i should finish around max 2'800 kgs) and keep the center of mass as low as possible, but still keeping some "habitability" as I will live in there all year.

The box itself, although of sizable volume for a Pinz, is quite light. 69 kgs only for all the panels including the rear one.
And not much weight on the roof, flexible solar panels (16 kgs for all of them) and a Maxxair fan (6 kgs). That's it, no rack, no awning, no storage box.
Inside the box, the top half of the box won't have any heavy storage box or equipment. Maybe some bags with spare clothes, towels,...

The heavy items will be:
-80 kgs jerry cans -> outside under the frame below the seating level
-grey water tank -> under the box at the back
-lithium batteries -> 38 kgs on the floor next to the gearbox access trap
-toolbox: on the floor at the back of the box, under the toilet
Now going one level up:
-inverter, solar charger,.. 20kgs -> on the seating level inside the box behind the drivers cabin
-fridge 17kgs empty -> on the seating level
-water tank : 100 kgs, on the seating level behind the drivers cab
-water heater, pump,.. 20 kgs on the seating level,

then the rest is storage cabinets on the seating level.

So, yeah, I would think that my build will behave like a Pinz with 6 big guys seating at the back, not so much in total weight, but in center of mass. I think.

I was told to move my water tank under the truck to lower the center of mass, but I really want to keep it outside the frozen volume. I will live in there all year and go up to 4-5'000m where it is freezing.

If you see other opportunities to lower my center of mass, let me know.

If not enough storage inside the Pinz, I'm planning to add 1 or 2 storage box on the roof of the cab, but not final yet. That certainly brings the center of mass up.
Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by VinceAtReal4x4s »

Very curious to see more!
"For those who risk, life has a flavor the protected shall never enjoy"

Your donation makes this site possible!

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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Test fitted my new hardtop today,

It's rather easy to install, there is a lip up front that catches the metal hook where the tarp straps in.
Then you drill on each side at the back to bolt it to the B pillar.
I still have to find a way to mate the hardtop to my box, to avoid water ingress.
I managed to keep the central U bar, so that it can support the weight of my storage boxes on the roof.
It weighs 11 kgs, but you remove about 5 kgs with the tarp and hardware, so net weight increase is 6 kgs.
new roof .jpg
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front close-up.JPG
front close-up.JPG (128.07 KiB) Viewed 3007 times
inside.JPG
inside.JPG (43.94 KiB) Viewed 3007 times
Hugues
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Short video update:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxli2tkjyGo

-New hardtop installed
-new door panels
-new rear spring cups (aluminum) bought here: https://www.gut-automobile.ch/
Hugues
From Switzerland
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

Little update,
received my panels for the box,
test fitting them in the garage,
removed tarp, structure and panels from Pinz

short video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mi3raqwi0I


pinz without tarp.jpg
pinz without tarp.jpg (218.39 KiB) Viewed 2834 times
box.jpg
box.jpg (217.52 KiB) Viewed 2834 times
Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by GadgetPhreak »

Great build. I'm looking forward to watching your videos when I get a bit more time.

I use mine for Search & Rescue - there are some pretty cool videos on YouTube on how it's used 😎

http://www.youtube.com/sarpinz

Keep the rubber side down,
Ben
King County Search & Rescue | Regional Special Vehicles Unit
1972 710M - Building up for SAR use
Follow my build, learn more, or contact me: http://www.sarpinz.com
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

GadgetPhreak wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 11:24 am Great build. I'm looking forward to watching your videos when I get a bit more time.

I use mine for Search & Rescue - there are some pretty cool videos on YouTube on how it's used 😎

http://www.youtube.com/sarpinz

Keep the rubber side down,
Ben
Hi Ben,
I have definitely seen your videos and I must say they have influenced my decision to choose the Pinz 710 for my conversion.
Thanks for sharing :D
A quick pic from this afternoon,, just test fitting the front panel:
IMG_20230322_145848.jpg
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Hugues
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

So, I started to glue the first panel, in the garage, the box is upside down,
so the ceiling of the box sits on the floor.
I've glued the base of the front panel to the ceiling.
More info in this video:
https://youtu.be/O26FWdpAwOw


IMG_20230402_122620.jpg
IMG_20230402_122620.jpg (525.15 KiB) Viewed 2577 times
Hugues
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Scotty74
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Scotty74 »

I'm really looking forward to seeing this progress! I also need to look into getting a few of those little storage nets myself. Great idea! :D
Scott

1974 710M, purchased 2002, sold 2008
1974 710M, purchased 2021
1969 Jeepster Commando
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Hugues
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Re: Pinzgauer 710M Conversion - Build thread

Post by Hugues »

All 4 panels glued together, they weigh 116 kgs / 255 lbs
starting to glue L fiberglass profiles
using Sikaflex 252
short video here:
https://youtu.be/534A8XhzAi8

4 panels.png
4 panels.png (246.44 KiB) Viewed 2437 times
L profiles.png
L profiles.png (193.96 KiB) Viewed 2437 times
Hugues
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