Rob Reznik

We'e just bought a Dead Ural 375 and need it transporting from Alton in Hampshire to Romney Marsh - about 102 miles - it weighs 10 tonne 7.5m long - height and width approx 2.7m. Could do with it moved within the next 2 weeks - please call or text 07504527379 with transport cost - many thanks - Rob

I think most of the dramatic recoveries you will see are when the recovery vehicle is of similar weight to the stranded one - having 50 tonnes to recover 6 is not that difficult :confused: :whistle:.

Hi Howard - you can buy Awnings for them from the Czech Republic

Dont forget the BTR60 has two straight six petrol engines so fuel consumption is not great - parts are NOT that easy to get hold of although amazingly I was offered a brand new engine for one this year - they have the same engine as some of the older trucks which are still in use in the Ukraine so engine service parts should still be available. As already mentioned these vehicles are designed to be driven by conscripts and the BTR60 is great fun with a fair turn of speed for an old design. Having experienced living in thirld world Countries I'm sure some of the local 'mechanics' and fabricators would solve most problems you may have .

Great idea Simon - I can get at least one truck to the event and possibly two - will post a link to here on the Russian truck forum to see if anyone else can go - I have a Praga built for off roading I can bring and maybe a Zil or the Kraz recovery truck if finished - keep me posted on potential dates etc - I will make a curry for the night if everyone is OK with that? Can we have a campfire?

Couple of things - rear axles moved apart by 8", 25" taken out of chassis between front and middle axles, rear of chassis cut, springs removed from rear axles to soften up suspension, New fuel tank made out of Zil air tank mounted on rear of cab, modified straight through exhaust, chains fitted to reduce axle movement, props lengthened or shortened as needed, new injection pump, lift pump and modern fuel filters fitted, removal of all electrics apart from Battery and start button (no alternator for charging), removal of bird seed from number 2 cylinder head, and a few other things I cant remember. few jobs to do - need to raise gear/transfer box at least 10" ( big problem as the prop going to middle axle is very short already and will break with articulation) , remove oil sump and raise ( maybe dry sump it), fit bars to front axle to stop sideways movement and also locking diff and change steering to hydraulic with two rams - minor items like seatbelts and roll cage can be done later .

If there is I cant think of it - Personally I would would just put something like 'Russian/Former East Block vehicles' -

Acorns :-D

Hi - any chance of a section for Russian Trucks? I do pop over here once a week but find little to chat about as my main interest is in the East Block stuff. cheers Rob

You should have stuck to Russian trucks :-D :pfrt:

Hi there - I'm not aware of many 452's in the UK - as you probably know the running gear is shared with the 469 'jeep' of which there are a few - if you need any advice have a look at our russian truck forum at http://www.zil131.com where there is a section dedicated to the Uaz. I like your idea of getting more Russian trucks to meets but the biggest problem I find with owners is the cost of transport. Copy me in on any meetings you plan for 2009 and I'll see what I can organise.

Was going to do an overland trip to India with the Kids a few years ago and fancied something different to drive in - Then the ****e hit on the Pakistan/Afghanistan border and I decided to do something else as the risk to the kids was too big - I also think you get a lot of metal for the money with the Russian trucks and in general are easy to repair and fairly reliable once sorted. The biggest problem with these trucks seems to stem from their lack of use and quite often a low mileage one will end up with more problems than something that’s been regularly used

Farley Quarry near Telford - I turned up on one of those 4X4 fun days :-D

Would be easier to send you here http://www.zil131.com/gallery2/rob-rezniks-photos?page=1 where there are plenty of mine and other Russian trucks but here are a few Didnt expect this puddle to be so deep :shocked: - should have gone through it though if I would have spent 2 minutes preparing the Zil first! Unmolested Ural just returned home after collecting her in my Volvo from the German/Dutch border Kraz Cab off at start of restoration Rotten wooden frame from Kraz Cab Rob

Thanks for the welcome - the missiles are copies of the frog 7 - not quite finished yet and need to paint them Matt!! - yes its the transporter as opposed to the launcher - I think this version looks better with the three missiles on but I would have been just as happy with a single on the launcher - turning circle - well my 'Haynes' manual mentions 12.5 meters :shocked: but it certainly feels more although it does steer on the front and rear axles. Has the normal Russian CTIS plus permanent difflock on all 8 wheels making it very difficult to get stuck :-D - much more comfortable to drive in than the 'smaller' Zil's and Urals due to the 'ballon' tyres although it only has suspension on the front and rear axles. Not sure what shows I will be doing next year but if anyone would like to make some sort of contribution towards transport costs I'll try my best to get it to a few events. rob

Hi - I joined the forum a few weeks ago but have only now been able to find the time to post a few words of introduction. I own a few Russian vehicles from the smaller Uaz 469 and 452 to the bigger Zil 131, Zil 433180, Ural 375, Kraz 255b and the twin engine Zil 135. I live in Wolverhampton but the trucks are located a few miles away in South Staffs - anyone wishing to have a look at them is most welcome to pop in for a :coffee: and chat. I also run a website for the trucks at www.zil131.com . I've noticed a few members on here that I already know but anyone wishing to find out more about these vehicles please feel free to pm me. I am going to try and do a few more shows with them next year but the logistics sometimes prove difficult and the last journey I did in the big 135 returned 1.3 gallons per mile :shocked: Rob

Just found this site and saying 'Hi' to everyone - I'm into Russian military trucks and run the website http://www.zil131.com/ Amongst my 'toys' I own the twin engine Zil 135 and have recently added some missiles which need repainting matt - I'm still thinking of taking it to Beltring but on my last outing to a local show could only manage 1.3 Gallons per mile and as the show is nearly 200 miles away and without the prospect of help with transport I'm not too sure whether I'll be there. Amongst my other Toys I have an Ural 375, Zil 131, Zil 433182 (V8 diesel), Kraz 255b (currently being restored), Uaz 469 Jeep and a couple of Uaz 452 Vans - I'm on the look out for a Maz 543 if anyone comes accross one - I know there was one at Duxford but I'm not sure if its still there. All the best Rob