U.S. 718 report

[Merz-Ben]

I ended up with one of the U.S. military 718's back several months ago. Once I got the truck back to the shop I had to replace the transmission pan due to damage (which turned out to be the same as a 740 Volvo turbo diesel I had in the scrap yard), and replace the batteries, but other than that the truck started and ran like a champ. I ended up getting the roll bars, doors, tarp bows and windshield assembly off of a guy in South GA who had take off parts from when the military converted them to whatever configuration they used them in. These parts were pretty pricy for used stuff, but turned out to be in like new condition, so I was happy. I sourced the windshield wiper arms and some misc. heater parts off of a couple of Mercedes G-wagens in my parts yard, and some 3 point seat belts and buckles out of a W126 chassis Mercedes 280 SE which happened to be the same part number as the one remaining factory one that was sprayed with CARC paint.

I ended up driving it all summer logging about 3K KM on it with absolutely no troubles except for a leaky valve cover gasket, which was replaced with one sourced locally for a 1986 Volvo 740 turbo diesel. Since the weather was becoming too cold to drive it comfortably I sent it to my upholstery guy and had him make me a top for it. I provided the materials, and 2 months and $350 labor later I had a canvas top with side and rear windows. It is not really "stock", but it will do the job and I think it looks reasonably good. Now just to mount the doors and it will be ready for winter!

Cheers,
Ben

[audiocontr]

350!? That's amazing!

[stiffler4444]

I like the looks of the top, good stuff

[fesm_ndt]

good to see them up and running

[VinceAtReal4x4s]

I saw the words "G-wagen... parts yard". What models and parts do you have out there?? PM me if you want.

[pinzmike]

That looks nice Merz-Ben, I am also looking for the windshield and the doors for my 718, any help getting the parts for these
would be appreciated. pm me if you would like.

Mike