MARTIN CROSS

Hi

Try Mick at Denton Island Motors in Newhaven. 01273 512910.

Mentioning my name may or may not help!!!!!!!!!

Martin

Hi

Sorry to rain on the parade but licence weight limits refer to gross laden weight (or maximum vehicle mass) so it is the vehicle plus its' load capacity.

However there are exceptions particularly if the vehicle was made before 1960.

Suggest you check DVLA website. I think there are some threads on this elsewhere in the forum.

Best of luck.

Martin

Hi

We owned one a while back and I just didn't like driving it.We had taken it in part ex on our Dukw and the gearbox was horrible in comparison. It was noisy and slow and thirsty!

I know the plugs can rust in as water sits in the recesses.

Hope this helps.

Martin

Hi

How about an Iveco 40/WM10 ambulance? There are a few of the prototype ambulances about and I may know of one for sale if you PM me.

They are diesel and have lovely insulated bodies with walk in cab.

Martin

Hi

I reckon you are right but don't forget unleaded 'goes off' after about 30 days so may not have enough oomph! I use a fuel stabiliser which (allegedly) allows it to be kept for years.

May be the float valve is sticky,again caused by the remaining gum if the fuel has gone off.

Best of luck,

M

Thanks for that.

All I need now is a 'live' one!

M

Hi

Thanks.

Do you know the distance from the loadbed to the top of the cab?

I want to camp so wonder whether it is feasible to build a body (with Luton) or whether I should get a 109 or better still an expansible body or water purifying unit.

I just want to get the 'feel' of the vehicle again.

M

Hi

I wondered if anyone can help please.

We used to have a Reo M109. I am thinking of buying another but really want to see one in the flesh (or M35) to take some photos and measurements.

Is there anyone near Newhaven who wouldn't mind me looking at theirs!

tHANKS,

Martin

Hi

When I bought the DUKW we met a police car in the services who 'wouldn't let us go' until they had a guided tour!Thereafter we leapfrogged each other most of the way down the M4 and waved as we passed them on the hard shoulder and they then re-overtook us.

When I was taking my 101 Gulf War ambulance for pre-registration MOT, so with no tax or registration plates I passed a beat bobby who simply saluted me.

As one officer said to me, 'you guys spend a lot of time and money on these vehicles so they are usually well looked after'.

Hi

When we had the DUKW in 1988/9 we did a pop video on the Thames for a guy (Frank?) who was trying to make a comeback.I don't think he did! Had real problems with the strong current at Hammersmith and spun all six wheels getting out!

Martin

Hi

Go to Steel Soldiers (http://www.steelsoldiers.com/) as someone there does a graph to work out what the petrol/diesel mix is so you can add pure diesel if needed. You will need to search for it.

I used to filter the fuel with an old fuel pump and diesel filter before I put it into the tank. If it smelt strongly of petrol I just added diesel.

Hope this helps. My search continues..........

M

DUKW was sold in '89. We took it to the first War and Peace show at Beltring.You don't buy a DUKW, you marry it!

M

Hi

Our first proper MV was a DUKW and we now have a Dutton Amphibian.

I appreciate the Reo is a 2.5 T but it seems for the licence purpose you have to add this to the empty weight to get the gross or MAM (maximum authorised mass). For me this would have to be 7.5T or under and I'm not too sure a soft top comes within that.

Martin

Hi

Thanks for your good wishes.

I was a bit worried about the licensing/MOT issues with Reos.

As far as I have been able to deduce:-

As I took my 'A' test in 1974 I can drive up to 7.5T gross. If the vehicle is pre 01.01.1960 the weight is irrelevant but it must be that old and driven unladen with any trailer unladen,

I want a camper proper so it seems to me I can get a M109 and get VIN plates (legitimately) to show a gross weight which will be 7.5T. I t will then need a class 4 MOT for motor caravan and will be registered and kitted out as such. I still get free tax and free (ish) fuel.

Any comments welcome.

Martin

Hi

I am currently without a vehicle but have had quite a few in the past. See last issue of Imprint.

I am thinking of buying another Reo workshop to turn into a proper motorhome.

I have done a lot of research into all the legal bits and it seems this is the best way forward.

Martin