What to check on a Pinz? - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

citizensoldier · 04-08-2007, 13:19

Info on Pinzgauers
Ok the wife wants one!! I am going to start looking at these a little harder. I just want to know what to look for on a used one? What are problem areas on these vehicles? And who, what, and where about parts? Thanks guys.
Any one particular year/model better than other? All the same engine? The darn manuals are in German so maybe a class on that?

Jones · 04-08-2007, 14:08

Since everything on a Pinz is hydraulically operated, I'd look carefully for leaks. Also any boots protecting flexible joints.
This may have changed but when I was playing with them, Steyr was going around to all the surplus auctions in Europe and buying up parts and pieces so they could stay as the sole-source dealer. That kept the price and availability of repair and replacement parts in headache status.
Not trying to discourage you 'cause they're pretty nifty pieces of engineering; just don't want the two happiest days of your life to be the day you buy your Pinz... and the day you sell it.

citizensoldier · 04-08-2007, 14:28

Thanks guy.. I appreciate your honesty.. Well thats the type of info I am after.. Are there now more people in the US with parts for these? I spent some time in them in Fl.. Very, very, very capable little units. I did not have time to pick there brains about parts. To much time holding on and having fun.
I look at this way. My wife wants her own OD iron to drive. Up until now she wanted a flat fender M38. They cost as much as a Pinz and in my opinion are half the vehicle. Sorry M38 guys! Its just a fact. Those little Pinz will go more places than my M37 with ease. Hydro lockers front and rear and light weight. Being a air cooled engine do they have over heating problems? I like this fact for the reason you dont have to worry about puting a stick through your radiator out in the bush. Keep it coming guys.. I appreciate it..

citizensoldier · 04-08-2007, 14:32

Just wanted to ad.. If you keep momma bear with her own to drive she is happy and then poppa bear is happy.. I am just glad she wants to even have her own and enjoys riding along with me.. A M37 and a deuce are just to much for her little arms to turn without power steering. Those little Pinz are desighned for little people and light enough she can handle them. She is good at shifting but has a hard time seeing over the dash on most M sereies.... She is 1/2 Korean "little people"

devilman96 · 04-08-2007, 16:31

Ah I see ya got sucked into the other side??? Just what I needed for next year!! LOL

Swiss Army Vehicles is a good company to deal with for parts and they are one of the few around with online shopping that really works. There is one other in GA but the name escapes me for the moment. Just keep in mind that "cheap" and pinz do not go together and they do require a lot of maintenance when it comes to driving them daily. Parts are made for them still but sometimes you end up waiting for several weeks on them and I would AVOID anything that needs sheet metal work as there is no such thing as just popping a new panel in on them!!!

To look for... Unless someone has already done it the braking systems usually need an over haul, nothing unusual about doing it though... Axle boots on these are a SOB to change but last years longer than M35's do. If one has points still in it YANK THEM!!! and even better there is a fuel injection kit coming out soon, which I would personally consider a MUST on the trucks as the fuel system is where the majority of the issues come it to play.

Otherwise... Lots of money in tires... the manuals are in English too... They are hot drivers so 12V and a fan set up might make her much more happy.

citizensoldier · 04-08-2007, 18:11

Thanks ol great Mike of the south, cow puncher, fabricating, bad ass..!!
Your to blame! I never even been in one until your Fl get together.. I know they wont be cheap for the unit or parts. But try pricing out parts for a old WWII WC or civi Power Wagon! Hold on to your wallet and your ass.. Even M37 parts are gettting redicalouse. So, that is not to much of a concern. In the past with foreign products I have paid more but recieved 5 times the longevity. Dont get me wrong I love the US stuff and love my country with a passion. Its just when you have had FJ40's that are tuff as nails ,get 300 thousand miles out of a Toyota Celica and a Subaru wagon, it tends to make you think a little. 60 thousand on my GMC and I have replaced half the truck??? But thats another debate and story...
Congrats on your endeavor and will do what I can to keep you in business..
They are 12 or 24 volt? I have a nice 24 volt fan out of a Cat. dozer.. keeps your hair parted..

devilman96 · 04-08-2007, 18:20

24V... Oddly enough I am working on a over head center console for these with radio mounts... Hope to have units ready by the end of the month!

6x6pinz · 04-10-2007, 09:12

Well, where to start. I have heard many complaints about the cost of maintenance of the Pinz. I use one of my two Pinzgauers at least once a day and have driven the 712 (6x6) over 60K miles in three years. I don' think I have spent over $2K in maintenance, repair and upgrades on it. I have however spent a considerable amount on modifications both for comfort and offroad protection. We have several people out here in AZ that drive their pinz as a daily driver and only vehicle. They don't seem to have anymore issues than any other 30 year old vehicle would.
There is a prepurchase checklist available on www.sdp-pinzgauer.org along with a bunch of information. The biggest single issue with the pinz that can get expensive is its unique driveline. There is a simple test that can be done while test driving it. When driving around 80 kilometers engage the four wheel drive locker (green lever). If the vibration in the drive train changes noticeably this could be a sign of expensive repairs needed. As discussed previously, they can be loud at speeds, they do not have very good heat unless the optional gas heater is installed, the brakes work great when adjusted properly (manual adjust), They are for the most part simple vehicles to work on. The cost of parts can get pricey but no more than any modern vehicle. All the parts are available from several dealers and will continue to be so for some time. One thing that some consider a negative is that it is hard to go anywhere without people stopping to ask about the trucks, have not had that with the M37 (sadly enough).
I bought my first pinz as an offroad vehicle and mainly use it as such. I do alot of offroad competitions and get out on the trails at least twice a month. Very durable truck.

devilman96 · 04-10-2007, 09:23

Chuckles tried his out yesterday for its nose diving ability... Truck 1 Him 0... He walked away with only a scratch after 2 flips.

I will let him explane himself when he gimps back into the forum..

I think I know what I will be doing for the months of June, July August and Sept... *sigh*

Recovry4x4 · 04-10-2007, 09:47

OMG! Glad Chuck is alright! Youser, looks like he dumped a front wheel/tire. (shudder)