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Lust or lunacy, buying and owning a TGB/c303

 
 
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gingerballs
Gate Opener


Joined: 27 Dec 2013
Odometer: 8




PostPosted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:15 pm    Post subject: Lust or lunacy, buying and owning a TGB/c303 Reply with quote

Hello all,

Im looking into owning a volvo 303. Ive been aware of them for a few years now but having a Land Rover i felt i didn't want to own both. Now I'm coming to the end of the journey with the defender I'm giving serious consideration to importing/buying a volvo.

So my questions are really about owning and maintaing one, fuel costs etc.

Ive been doing a lot of research so i think i know a little bit about them. Im expecting a fairly solid chassis and running gear and i will be looking for a tgb11c with the alu/zink body and re con'd engine etc.

A few people have directed me towards the c303.co.uk page but its not live anymore Sad does anyone know why? Am i right in thinking the site was run by Richard, one of the mods on here? I have been scouring c303.de and terrangbil.net etc for a while but i was hoping to read more from uk users.

Anyway my plans were to basically use it as a greenlaner/camper and occasional pay and play site goer. I really fancy making the interior more user friendly and comfortable. possible LPG conversion if it ends up costing a fortune to run and is more cost effective.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks all Smile

GB
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RichardD
Marshall


Joined: 13 Mar 2003
Odometer: 22856
Location: State of Confusion



PostPosted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 10:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lunacy covers it.

I gave up the domain and haven't got around to hosting on the back of one of my other sites.

I'll pm you my phone number and I can can bore you to death about the TGB - good, great and terrible Laughing

__________________________________
Poking the Grim Reaper with a stick then running away. The devil made me do it but God said it was okay with him.
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Lu Mansell
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Joined: 15 May 2012
Odometer: 21
Location: East London



PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 7:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi GB

They are great fun, as Richard has no doubt told you by now.
Fuel economy sucks on the B30 engine though.

If you are anywhere near London and you wanna come have a look at one (mine is the c304 / tgb 1314) let me know.
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gingerballs
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Joined: 27 Dec 2013
Odometer: 8




PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cheers Lu.

Im just north of Birmingham but venture into London regularly for work, i may take you up on that offer.

I am aware of the b30 being a little thirsty, my plan was to go LPG if its cost effective. There is a few garages with LPG near me so think it could be worth it.


On a general note, does anyone know if the TGB's that are released straight from the military are suitable for unleaded? do they need to be converted or run wit additive?

Cheers
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Lu Mansell
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Joined: 15 May 2012
Odometer: 21
Location: East London



PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I know Richard LPG'd his when he had it, not sure how it turned out in the end though.

I believe some folks have had their valve seats hardened. Mine only had 4k miles on it when I got it, and I've put another 6k on it using unleaded with Castrol valvemaster-plus additive.
It has of late started popping a bit on the over-run, not sure if thats valve seat recession or if it just needs a good tune-up though.

Personally I reckon I will end up putting a diesel lump in it at some point as I want to tour it round Europe and then further afield. And maybe disc brakes. And power steering…...
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gingerballs
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Joined: 27 Dec 2013
Odometer: 8




PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ive read about the diesel merc engine conversion. There is also a chap in Iceland i think that has retro fitted a bi turbo engine!

It was certainly dong some knots when it wizzed passed the camera!

Have just messaged Richard as id like to speak to him and ask him lots of silly questions Very Happy
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RichardD
Marshall


Joined: 13 Mar 2003
Odometer: 22856
Location: State of Confusion



PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

LPG
A good idea and if you are always close to an LPG station then fine. I had LPG but I had to do so many other mods to make it run well I would have been much better going for diesel ... maybe

B30 military engines
Not unleaded but easy to be converted. Do NOT waste your time and money getting the head skimmed to bring it up to non-mil spec, it will not work.

The engines are very nicely balanced (torque/power) for moving that big lump around but, as you said, it is very thirsty.

Diesel
The problem here is gearing. The TGB13xxs are geared (gearbox/transfer box and final drive) to cruise at ~55mph at around 4,000rpm where a diesel should be at 2,000rpm for 60mph. You can either revs the nuts off it or gear up. My problem was how to that economically.

I looked at the bespoke top flight option: HS2.8 engine with big intercooler and rad married to a RR auto box and T/f with as high gearing as feasible and run with 38"tyres to finish it off. Cost £20,000 fitted Shocked

Alternative was a TD5 engine/gear/transfer box (disco with higher final drive), lightly tuned and the biggest tyres I can fit. Still £10,000 though.

There are issues of where the intercooler would go (prb in front of the rad) and what you have to do to the inner wings to make the damn thing fit and be accessible for servicing.

Nothing is impossible it is simply a matter of time effort and expense.

Still waiting for that call Wink

__________________________________
Poking the Grim Reaper with a stick then running away. The devil made me do it but God said it was okay with him.
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gingerballs
Gate Opener


Joined: 27 Dec 2013
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Richard,

I did send you a message this morning but you obviously haven't got it yet. Sad

Im going to get a cup to tea and i will give you a call in a minute.

cheers

EDIT: Just got your PM.
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Lu Mansell
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Joined: 15 May 2012
Odometer: 21
Location: East London



PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 7:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GB -just you be careful talking to Richard: I did it and my next memory is of being in Sweden picking up a truck….

Seriously though, they aren't for everyone but I can't think of a vehicle I'd rather have for the money.

A bit slow, noisy, thirsty, and totally AWESOME!
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gingerballs
Gate Opener


Joined: 27 Dec 2013
Odometer: 8




PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lu Mansell wrote:
GB -just you be careful talking to Richard: I did it and my next memory is of being in Sweden picking up a truck….

Seriously though, they aren't for everyone but I can't think of a vehicle I'd rather have for the money.

A bit slow, noisy, thirsty, and totally AWESOME!


Cheers Lu.

I have never driven one so i am quite looking forward to it to be honest. There is a chap I'm in contact with in Sweden who has offered to let me try his etc.

Do you use yours regularly? how do you find its capabilities off road over here compared to say other 4x4's?





I was supposed to call Richard last night but unfortunately i had an unscheduled visitor.

Apologies Richard.

GB
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Lu Mansell
Gate Opener


Joined: 15 May 2012
Odometer: 21
Location: East London



PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

At the risk of attracting derision on this forum, I have to admit that before I bought my TGB I had actually never driven a 4x4 off-road (and never driven a TGB).

I was looking at Landy 101s to have as a go-anywhere camper, but the TGB has a bit more room, and from what I hear (not having had a Landy) are much tougher.

When I have had mine off-road I have quit before the truck has - it is an everyday vehicle for me so I haven't wanted to through it off/up anything too crazy.

Richard used to use his for winch-challenge events so he'll have a much better ability to explain the vehicles capabilities than me.

I might be up for a bit of off-road / greenlaning so if you want to try and meet up and have a quick drive (nothing risky though) to get a feel for it then PM me. Its closer than Sweden!
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dxmedia
Mud Obsessed


Joined: 10 Dec 2008
Odometer: 2185




PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What's your budget? You seem to be touching on unimog territory here, which is a far 'better' platform for a camper.

A u1300l x-military with very little millage can be purchased for £12K and that gives you 3 tonnes of load limit.
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gingerballs
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Joined: 27 Dec 2013
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 9:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lu Mansell wrote:
At the risk of attracting derision on this forum, I have to admit that before I bought my TGB I had actually never driven a 4x4 off-road (and never driven a TGB).

I was looking at Landy 101s to have as a go-anywhere camper, but the TGB has a bit more room, and from what I hear (not having had a Landy) are much tougher.

When I have had mine off-road I have quit before the truck has - it is an everyday vehicle for me so I haven't wanted to through it off/up anything too crazy.

Richard used to use his for winch-challenge events so he'll have a much better ability to explain the vehicles capabilities than me.

I might be up for a bit of off-road / greenlaning so if you want to try and meet up and have a quick drive (nothing risky though) to get a feel for it then PM me. Its closer than Sweden!


I had never driven a 4x4 or a defender before i bought mine to be fair. I don't think its that important, you learn pretty quick if you like it or not.

I have a passion for land rovers especially defenders and 101's but as we all know there not exactly hardy. I looked at a 101 but i would be in the same boat as i am now with my defender where i am having to mod it to make it as capable as i want. which in turn brings its own problems as maintenance is more regular and there is more to go wrong. Jeez i could go on forever with it! Confused Very Happy

Ive now been sent off to work until the end of february so I'm going to have to put plans to obtain one on hold for now. Thanks very much for the offer again though. Depending on what happens if i make a decision to buy one then id definitely be up for a mid distance meet or if there is anyone else that is interested there is obviously an abundance of p&p sites and green lanes around.



@dxmedia (i haven't worked out how to multi quote on this forum yet)

I don't really have a budget in mind to be honest, anything with in reason really! Exclamation But I've been aware of tgb's for a while and while i like mogs and pinz's I'm pretty set on getting a 303 or tgb.

What i want is something i can use to greenlane and still sleep in the back of while being a little different. You don't see many volvos and i definitely prefer the look.

Do like the look of a pinz 710 though. Smile
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Muddy2
Just got MTs


Joined: 31 Dec 2012
Odometer: 152
Location: Jersey ci



PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:04 pm    Post subject: Tgb ownership Reply with quote

Hi , as owner of two , tgb I can back up what previous owners have mentioned , if you want a easier life buy something else , they are unique , well made vehicle ,but they still a 1975 vehicle , if your handy with spanners or fast learner you will stand out from the crowd ?
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gingerballs
Gate Opener


Joined: 27 Dec 2013
Odometer: 8




PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:07 pm    Post subject: Re: Tgb ownership Reply with quote

Muddy2 wrote:
Hi , as owner of two , tgb I can back up what previous owners have mentioned , if you want a easier life buy something else , they are unique , well made vehicle ,but they still a 1975 vehicle , if your handy with spanners or fast learner you will stand out from the crowd ?


Hello,

Im no stranger to fixing cars, I've had a few minis and a land rover and always done my own maintenance on my vehicles when possible. Owning a land rover surely makes any man into a home mechanic Wink

The only thing i don't know much about really is petrol engines. Mind you i don't know much about diesel engines either just a bit about TD5's and 300tdi's that you find in land rovers. Very Happy

I would like to stand out from the crowd and have something a little different but with this one I'm not looking to modify suspension and axles and lockers. Keep it simple and keep it standard is what I'm wanting to achieve.
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Jannik
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Joined: 10 Feb 2014
Odometer: 1




PostPosted: Mon Feb 10, 2014 5:19 pm    Post subject: Buying a TGB Reply with quote

Hi GB,

I bought my TGB 11 from Joacim in Sweden. He's a little expensive but his vehicles are perfect. He buys directly from the Swedish military and works hard to prepare them before you pick up. Mine had zero rust. I've posted picyures of it on Facebook group, "VOLVO C303 and TGB. Here is Joacim's website.

onhttp://www.volvoc303.se/
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