1980 300GD LWB "Radio Flyer"; Stage 1 complete!

[mk216v]

As some of you know, I purchased this wonderful rig about a month ago. Still VERY happy that I did. I've found a few surprises but overall I'm very pleased, especially since the PO(2nd owner) had all the original federalization paperwork/pics/notes from the 1st owner, original bill of sale from Germany to the USA, customs importation invoice, most all of the receipts (LOTS of $$ on maintenance), etc. Anyways, it's been kept in great shape (no typical rust whatsoever) and been a local Portland, OR rig since its importation in '81, but there was still room for clean-up.

Stage 1 consisted of;
--De-chroming front Mercedes star (I still need to do this to the antenna)
--Painting silver factory Mercedes(Puch actually) center caps "military black"
--De-rusting lugs and painting "military black"
--Painting side and rear Mercedes-Benz emblems "military black" (I'll purchase OEM emblems when I fully resto it)
--Painting rear Puch license plate frame "military black" (was faded)
--De-ambering signals (flows better IMHO with the military black theme)
--NOS Oregon license plate
--Upgrade all fasteners associated with above items to stainless steel

Onto the pics...

When I bought it;





First step was black Plasti-Dip'ing Mercedes star;


Next was wire wheeling the lug bolts and then painting them(next time I'll have them powdercoated but paint will do for now) and sanding/priming/painting the center caps;



Next was sanding/priming/painting rear Puch plate frame and rear badge;

I was going to remove the front mirrors and treat the side emblems to the same, but due to a time crunch before NWMF this weekend, I painted them on the G (still turned out great);


Next was waiting for the clear front markers(thanks for the swap Hunter!), new Mercedes clear side markers, and amber section of factory tails, to be professionally smoked(lightly) and then clear'd over by Bill at East Portland Auto Body(the best)!!





.....(15 pic limit)

[mk216v]

And it's done for now(will post better daylight pics soon);




I realize it's not everyone's taste, but feedback is always welcome! All for the love of G.

[4x4abc]

Cool! You got the original Rotzler winch. Very expensive.

If you ever need help:
http://www.rubicon-trail.com/G-Class/available.html

[zimm]

badass winch!

[mk216v]

Cool! You got the original Rotzler winch. Very expensive.

If you ever need help:
http://www.rubicon-trail.com/G-Class/available.html

Yes, interestingly enough, it wasn't on the vehicle when it was imported to the USA(per the crappy B&W copied pics I have in my federalization paperwork history). But, since it's on the data card/SA numbers(so the G originally came with one from MB), it seems that the 2nd owner whom I bought it from tracked one down and had it installed. However, the hot wire has been chopped on the frame rail so I need to sort that out, and it's missing the controller which I need to purchase too. Know the best source for these two items Harald?
I've heard the Rotzler's are very beefy but slow(per Dutch). Is this true? How do they compare to a newer Warn 9500i or the like?

PS--yes, I've been meaning to order those. Ordered!

[4Rescue]

Awesome car mate... simply AWESOME!!!!


CHeers

DAve

[Devin W]

Wow, that thing is super clean. I like the little touches!

[justinhw]

ABSOLUTELY beautiful. I wish to own one just like that someday!

[mk216v]

Wow, thanks for the wonderful words everyone!! I'm really glad you enjoy it as I do!

Updated daylight pics;