1984 Mercedes 608D called "Faith"

Calum

Guest
Bringing her home:
Faith Day 1 216.jpg

Inside:
FAITH-7.jpg

Retro:
Faith Day 1 293.jpg

Island will be 1st thing to change:
Faith Day 1 400.jpg
 
Like it....
it looks sturdy, typical German.:cool1:
 
you say a plodder but surely the journey is part of holiday so why rush mine will only do 50 and it 1000cc petrol but will it gwt there hope so but i in no rush
 
I fully agree with 'oldish hippy' - holidays etc are all about relaxing so no need for speed.
I like the term Plodder - sums up the van well given that modern Merc vans are called 'Sprinter' ;)
It's not the hare that wins the race lol

I was thinking about a small sticker for the back - "It's your hurry not mine!" Would surely annoy the odd sales rep :)
 
Small addition....

Lets play "Spot the Difference" (No prize for the winner)

The 2nd picture has two changes from the 1st.... can you spot them?

212.jpg218.jpg

I'm trawling back through all athe Solar Panel and Battery posts on the Forum for pearls of wisdom as I decide what panels to site up there at the front edge of the rack (oops - did I spoil the game?).

Behind them I'll put a couple of Fiamma style roof boxes and have a viewing platform on the latter section that's large enough for a 2 man tent.

That's all that my wife will allow me to do.... at the moment :lol-053:
 
I fully agree with 'oldish hippy' - holidays etc are all about relaxing so no need for speed.
I like the term Plodder - sums up the van well given that modern Merc vans are called 'Sprinter' ;)
It's not the hare that wins the race lol

I was thinking about a small sticker for the back - "It's your hurry not mine!" Would surely annoy the odd sales rep :)


you could put this on the back

the sticker on this bambisloweJPG.jpg
 
Viewing/Tent platform sorted.

450.jpg

929.jpg
Space for Solar panels at the front of the rack.....just a tad confused what to go for!
 
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envious of those with nice new mh in a nice way but old plodders are surely the hardcore of wild camping......so i have utmost respect for them.
 
Hi Calum

Love your Merc.

I'm new to the forum, and also have a 608 which I'm just starting to convert. One thing I'm looking for is a roofrack similar to yours but probably half the length. where did you get yours from?

Cheers,

Grant
 
Great Motor

My Mercedes has served me well for many years good luck to you look forward to see you plodding down this way soon then:have fun:
 
A very nice example of what many would have considered to be the best med/large motorhome of its day, (agreed vwalan ??).
As you say a bit of a plodder for modern conditions, the 508d version is higher geared but then you lose on payload.
Pays to keep your speed down on these large vans as much as possible, (a consequence of a large unaerodynamic body and a relatively small engine) it's easy to get sub 20mpg figures. I also keep the roof as uncluttered as possible, just vents and solar panels.
I have had a 709d for 17 years bought it near new and converted it myself, just an updated version of your 608d the main mechanical difference being power steering.
 
What a lovely MB. Without doubt the best large van of the day ;)
Brings back some good memories, my old man had a 406D from about 1970 to 85. Home conversion, many good trips in that.
Over 20 MPG too, I often get lower then that in my Sprinter, but then theres a perfectly good reason for that. :D
 
Thanks for the messages! I've been busy with my studies and no able to keep uptodate with the forum - Easter hold now so playing catch-up.

The Roofrack is from www dot rhinoracks dot co dot uk Or similar!
It had to be custom made for me as modern vans are not as wide as the 608d - if you get in touch with them then please mention my rack (it was ordered by a Glasgow company!)
It is modular ie. I have 4 sections that combine to the length you see in pics. You may want to be seated when you get the quote through!

She's everything I had hoped she would be and hope to catch up with you all on our travels :)
 
EASTER UPDATE:
Having made the trip to Hampshire via Alton-towers and Somerset I can report that she's returning 28.5mpg at 53mph on a mix of motorway, a-roads and steep inclines near the theme park. She appears to be happy running a 50% bio-diesel mix and will hit 60mpg while coasting down hill in neutral lol.

We had a trip over a weigh bridge in touring trim (with fuel but no waste or water) with a score of 4,290kg being awarded! Leaves me with a mere 2,210kg spare payload ;)

We've managed to prove all her systems and appliances and I have actually been given an approving smile from my long-suffering wife!

We'll be northbound up a34, m40, m42, m5, m6, m74, m73 and m80 later this week - beware... I may flash at you ;)

Laters, Calum + Faith.
 

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