The last couple of statements are a bit untrue:
Quote:
Originally posted by Jon Skagfeld
we had to "Canadianize" the frigging thing in Frogland to the tune of roll off cost of $80,000.00 per copy.
|
The contract price for most of the Iltis versions was about $24,000 each.
Quote:
Originally posted by JD Baillie
Took a good truck and near ruined it toboot.
|
While some of the Canadian modifications were continuously troublesome, (for example the North american alternator) the Germans phased their Iltis out fairly quickly as sub-standard. After having worked on them since they were new until they were just entering their graves, I got tired of continually working on the same problems. And why anyone would ever stick a pair of batteries underneath the cramped quarters of the back seat is beyond me, especially when there were two compartments on either side of the engine just begging to hold batteries.
Chronic problems with the Iltis were: Balljoints, axle dustboots, loose battery terminals (which would result in burnt out regulators, overcharging, burnt out lighting, and frying the batteries), burnt out Ignition modules, fuel pump failures (and they were mounted over the rear axle in the old days), leaking radiators, and the occasional shortage of available parts like speedometers and aircleaners. There were also way to many plastic bushings and clips for a military vehicle.
I have owned at least one of every type of jeep the Cdn forces has ever used from WW2 to the M151a2, but I wouldn't take an Iltis is you gave it to me.