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I have located a '74 Mercedes 309 high roof former San Franscisco transit bus. It needs a lot of work, and I'm wondering if anyone out there knows of Sources for spare parts, any internet sites that owners of these busses have formed, and anyone who has done a conversion. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Gary Gable
Here's a tip - Don't bother...
parts are hard to come by and whats the point of having to struggle to make a pleasure vehicle - it should be a pleasure to build it not spending valuable time to hunt for parts to fix german junk!!!!
Just one smart man's opinion...
I have located a '74 Mercedes 309 high roof former San Franscisco transit bus. It needs a lot of work, and I'm wondering if anyone out there knows of Sources for spare parts, any internet sites that owners of these busses have formed, and anyone who has done a conversion. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Gary Gable
I have some engine, steering, filters,gaskets, fuel, electrical parts. What do you need. Also try Burlingame Autohous they sell and stock parts.
I too am looking for any info I can find; I have located a very solid example of a 1977 O30, 4-cyl diesel & auto trans w/air brakes (motorhome conversion) here in NJ but am having a dreadful time getting any information. Anything you have I would be grateful to get.
Here's a tip - Don't bother...
parts are hard to come by and whats the point of having to struggle to make a pleasure vehicle - it should be a pleasure to build it not spending valuable time to hunt for parts to fix german junk!!!!
Just one smart man's opinion...
The 309 makes a great motorhome, had one for years the kids still talk about all the fun we had in it. Freightliner carries or can get parts, it was so dependable hardly ever needed any. Its a real conversation starter. Go for it.
Here's a tip - Don't bother...
parts are hard to come by and whats the point of having to struggle to make a pleasure vehicle - it should be a pleasure to build it not spending valuable time to hunt for parts to fix german junk!!!!
Just one smart man's opinion...
I recently completed an exhaustive search for the the perfect 309 for conversion, so I know what you are going through.
I do not own one. I ended up buying a 1974 409 firetruck, which is coming over from Germany as we speak.
Eurotech-services.com is mainly Unimogs but can probably help you out. The guy's name is Jim and he's converted a couple, I believe.
I understand consumables are readily available from Freightliner.
I have several names of guys who for whatever reasons have body parts, glass, etc. Email hbwheld@aol.com and I will pass along what phone numbers I know. Make sure you put "Mercedes" in the subject line, or my wife will toss it because whe will think it is spam.
I have an extra bus. I will be swappin in the rear axle that died behind the 350 chevy in my other bus....
Am I doomed to a trail of busted axles, or is it just coincidence?
I have one. They have a reputation for being very reliable vehicles. I just drove mine 3000 miles and it ran great. They are used all over South America, Africa the Middle East, and of course, Europe. They are a very plush ride, the four cylinder engine is very loud though and max speed is 57-60 mph. I get 17-20mpg. Jim at Eurotech Services is the only authorized Mercedes dealer for the O 309 D in the US. Also their is Brax Euro Parts Import in Montana 406.267.3321. There is also a guy named Jeff London in Northern Cal who st one time bought a fleet from a California trans dept. He can sell used parts and probably a whole bus. I am in the process of converting mine to and am interested in discussion
I know someone who can sell you one. Also, this person has a large stock of new parts that he wants to sell as a lot. You can see his inventory and contact info at www.jefflondon.net
So many people have posted questions to the list asking for info and parts assistance for these wonderful trucks/buses, that I'll step in and help out as a service to interested parties.
The Mercedes-Benz 309 chassis came as a bus, a van, a flat bed and other configurations. They are all over the world and are as tried and tested as any light truck in existence - one of the most popular camper and motorhome conversions in Europe, and were one of the longest production runs Mercedes ever made. Heroic work horses, built like government property, diesel mileage in the 18 - 22 MPG range.
I've driven them over Europe, Asia and North America with minimal difficulties, and still own several, operating them on a weekly basis.
Contact me off list forfurther technical info or guidance in vehicle sales and parts procurement for the 309, UNIMOG, and other Mercedes-Benz RVs.
Jim Ince
EuroTech Services International
Azalea, OR 97410
http://www.eurotech-services.com
(541) 837-3636
Hi - this is Bill from NY. I just picked up a nice 309 bus in West Virginia. I have a lot of experience with MB diesels and Unimogs. I'm looking forward to working on and enjoying this beautiful project vehicle. Is anyone aware of parts availability on the east coast? I will need to replace the cracked windshield. Thanks! Bill (917) 865-5000
Hi all! We just listed our Mercedes O 309 D for sale. If you are still looking for one to buy, you are welcome to have a look at ours on Ebay. It's item # 170254555165. By the way, does anyone know the gas mileage on these? Someone asked and I don't know.
I do own a 1973 MBZ 309 diesel bus and I am considering selling it.
My husband passed away recently and I do not think I will be driving the bus.
I prefer smaller vehicles.
Please e-mail me if you have a diesel 309 bus for sale, especially if it's a good RV conversion. I prefer a manual transmission. Being a disabled veteran, I'm on a fixed income, but then again, I can't be fired, either, so at least I'm guarranteed to alway get paid. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, Marin County to be exact. Thanks!
Franz