O'erlanderwagen build

[mk216v]

What a nice set-up you have now, Jeremy.

So much different than the old fire truck......

Please check out the website and like it on Facebook, while you there.

I'm introducing a very nifty W463 emergency tool within the next day or so. A real must have one, for the serious Overland/Adventurer like you are.

Watch out for it.

http://www.g-wagenaccessories.com/

Thank you Karl, you helped!

Yes, different than the classic fire truck W460.

Liked!

I look forward to seeing the emergency tool!

[po-porsche]

Your truck looks great. And, I love what you are doing - de-bling is the way to go. I did the same thing as soon as I got mine.

However, you know you didn't need to blast and repaint the grill. Those were just stickers. I just pealed them off and then used goo-gone to get the remaining glue off. Same with the stripes on the side molding. That is just a sticker they put over the black molding. It peals off (rather easily on hot summer days).

The next thing I'm going to do is to smoke the side markers. Although, your post has be a bit cautious about this

[mk216v]

Your truck looks great. And, I love what you are doing - de-bling is the way to go. I did the same thing as soon as I got mine.

However, you know you didn't need to blast and repaint the grill. Those were just stickers. I just pealed them off and then used goo-gone to get the remaining glue off. Same with the stripes on the side molding. That is just a sticker they put over the black molding. It peals off (rather easily on hot summer days).

The next thing I'm going to do is to smoke the side markers. Although, your post has be a bit cautious about this

Thanks! Any link to better pics of yours?

I wasn't aware of that. I tried to peel the chrome lines off but they wouldn't budge. The paint shop said they had to sandblast it off (before they did the work)--I guess they didn't know it was stickers either. Oh well, got a newly painted grille.

I prefer the "filled-in" channel of the OEM side trim vs nothing in there.

No issues with smoking the side markers. Will you still be running bulbs? I am not running bulbs and just cancel out the front marker light bulb warning when my headlights are on. The price of cool.

[MattScott]

This is so cool!

[mk216v]

This is so cool!

Thanks Matthew! I hope to document some of my trips in it with (truly)fantastic pictures if you're interested. I really enjoy your articles and photography--thank you!

[otiswesty]

Yes, the chrome on the grilles are just chrome cigarette paper. I peeled mine off with a heat gun and used Goo Gone as well, a 15 min job.
The 2005 and 2006 G55 had a complete silver grille that was painted, with body color surround. This would need over painting if you wanted it gone.

The rub rail insert is only for the deluxe 463, the base model G320/350 cdi does not have this. The difference is notable after sitting in the hot sun where the bare version is very soft and compressible and the deluxe version firmer due to the insert. The nicest rub rail molding is probably that used on the 460/461 without putting screws through. The TLC G55 with the aluminum milled rails is a silly damage multiplier, although it does look cool.

While the 2003 rub rail insert is a bit of 80's look styling, the vintage look of the Gwagen itself is the same. Exposed hinges, flat windshield, 7" headlights, and on and on.
There are other insert stickers with different styles, but the prices are unreasonable from the dealer. A 3/4 inch wide, carbon look, sold by the roll was discussed on the Benzworld G class forum a while ago and is inexpensive and quite nice looking.

Eric

[ADK_XJ]

My god...excuse me while I mop up the drool from my keyboard for a moment. Someday I hope to have the time and resources you've put into this build, because it is truly bad ***. I'm a big fan of the "looks like stock" modding approach you've followed for all of your aftermarket parts, which is definitely not easy but in the end when people stop and stare you know you nailed it.

Awesome work, my friend, can't wait to see more photos and trips posted up!

[mk216v]

My god...excuse me while I mop up the drool from my keyboard for a moment. Someday I hope to have the time and resources you've put into this build, because it is truly bad ***. I'm a big fan of the "looks like stock" modding approach you've followed for all of your aftermarket parts, which is definitely not easy but in the end when people stop and stare you know you nailed it.

Awesome work, my friend, can't wait to see more photos and trips posted up!

Wow, thanks very much! It's just been a lot of dreaming, note taking, more dreaming, then some action taking. Still a lot more modding to come.
I'm glad you appreciate the more subtle modding approach. Simple is more.

I've been on some weekend adventures with the rig but nothing post worthy yet. Soon I hope.

[AMSarge]

It was nice meeting you up in Hood River a few weeks ago. I was there for a bike race and saw your rig parked. Forgot to say hi on here sooner. Truck looks great!

If you find yourself in Bend and see this thing driving around say hi!

[ddnuts]

Very nice build and final outcome.