1968 TLF-8 Mercedes Unimog Restoration Project
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1968 TLF-8 Mercedes Unimog Restoration Project |
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If you have a few hundred extra hours, are looking for a way to end your marriage (just kidding?), want to meet some great people or you're just ready for a great challenge... You may want to try a project like this someday??? |
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I've been asked for some details and photos of the project so here's a summary. The original plan was fairly simple...paint and add some decals to a TLF-8 to have two matching Domino's Special Delivery Vehicles for the Domino's Pizza Worldwide Meeting in Las Vegas. Well the reality was a bit more complicated than that...I'll spare you from all the details. Mog purists beware this is NOT a traditional restoration. Here's the basics: |
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Finally, the Mog had arrived at the port of Los Angeles. A friend Steve and I drove to LA to meet Klaus and his friends at LAX airport. Klaus had located the vehicle in Germany for me and arranged shipping and customs details. He was also there to pick up his other vehicles which had just arrived. After jumping through plenty of "hoops" we managed to get the vehicles released (Never attempt shipping related activities on Caesar Chavez Day in southern California). While we were waiting for paperwork to be completed El Nino began to unload gallons of water from the skies. I've never seen more rain all at once in California. At least we were prepared for flooded roadways. Finally, we got all the vehicles running, off the shipping lot and parted ways. About a third of the way to San Diego the transmission decided it did not want to venture further South (actually..it went WAY SOUTH!) Only 2nd gear worked. After finding the right tow truck (a large flatbed) we pressed on home through El Nino's finest. The Mog and I finally arrived home early on April 1st (April Fool's Day). Humm?? |
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WARNING: Closely monitor your transmission fluid level. The exact cause of this transmission failure was never determined, but was likely lubrication related. The fluid level was checked and ok in LA??? Beleive it or not I was generally still enjoying this project. Now the challenge was on...change transmission, service engine, paint entire vehicle, new interior, and generally make every thing right in less than 30 days!!! |
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