Dakar Classic 2024 Puch W460 (Mercedec GE280)

[fumopuc]

Hi everybody,
I am still alive, but I have been distracted for the last 10 month by a totally other, but very interesting project.
In my after retirement self employment, I have got an order I could not resist.
And old friend of mine has asked If I would like it to rebuild and prepare an 1981 Puch for the Dakar Classic Rally 2024.
The pattern/master is a car, he has driven 1985 in the BMW motorcycle Dakar Team.
Now his two sons will have the pleasurer to attend the Dakar Classic with this fresh made replica.
If somebody will be interested, here are some videos, which do a kind of documentation of the entire restoration and preparation for this Raid Rally Car.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcGr-VWIqZM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcGr-VWIqZM</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqHrPPZuZQY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqHrPPZuZQY</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcnTLsdaz6c" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcnTLsdaz6c</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_wvTCg8Plw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_wvTCg8Plw</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJAGX_TtfBA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJAGX_TtfBA</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QOsbDqX-I" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QOsbDqX-I</a>
Last Thursday, the car has been passed the scrutineering successfully in Barcelona Spain and is now on the ship to Saudi Arabia.
Kind Regards
Achim

[RReid]

Hello Achim! 
I've often wondered where you'd got off too. Glad to hear that you are well and working on such an interesting and unusual (and BIG) project. Will you be attending the rally also?

[fumopuc]

Hi Ron,
unfortunately on compassionate grounds I am not able to follow the invitation to be a member of this Dakar Team.
I have  spend more than 30.000 km in the desert so far and would like to do more, but currently not possible.

[Jasonb]

Yes it is getting to that time of year again when I'll be watching the Dakar, remember rushing home from College many years ago when Eurosport first stated to cover it, must have been around 82 or 83 and I've followed it since. Though never quite the same after it left Africa.

It is good to see the classics and the lesser modified classes as the top runners are now so far removed from production cars, will keep a look out for your Friend's one.

[fumopuc]

Yes it is getting to that time of year again when I'll be watching the Dakar, remember rushing home from College many years ago when Eurosport first stated to cover it, must have been around 82 or 83 and I've followed it since. Though never quite the same after it left Africa.

It is good to see the classics and the lesser modified classes as the top runners are now so far removed from production cars, will keep a look out for your Friend's one.

Hi Jason,
this Classic concept was a very clever idea of the Dakar organizer.
I will give "normal" people with the spirit for it a new chance to have some fun again in the desert.
The task here in the Classic event is not to be fast, but reliable.
If you will be to fast at a check point, you will get points.
If you miss a complete stage, because you can´t drive by any reason, you will get points.
At the end, the winner will be the one with fewest points in each class.

[crueby]

Fascinating project!

[Roger B]

Splendid   

[Admiral_dk]

Very interesting project - did you do it all or 'just part of the Team who did it' .... 

I hadn't a clue that Puch made anything with more that two wheels  .... Live and Learn 

Great to see you back here 

Per

[Kim]

Wow, Achim!  That does look like a very exciting project!  I can see how that has kept you busy   

Kim

[fumopuc]

Very interesting project - did you do it all or 'just part of the Team who did it' .... 

Hi Per, there is no real team.
Basically there was only me.
The disassembly of the car was done first.
The bodyshell only has started a journey alone.
First to the north of Germany to a company which is certified to make a FIA conform roll cage.
Later back to a local shop which has got the order to modify it from a 5 door version to a 3 door version, to be closer to the car from 1985.
The engine was sent to a long term friend of mine, still with own shop and dyno, but retired also.
Front and rear axel went to another retired person with the passion to rebuild oldtimer bulldogs.
And me, I have been the daily 12h purchase office to keep them all busy.
I have learned very quick, that is not so easy to get good quality parts for an over 40 year old car.
Also the guys at Mercedes Benz direct could not help very often, even with their possibility to be connected to all ware houses world wide.
Parallel to all this purchase and logistic jobs, the frame was prepared for the step by step reassembly.
Some design was made for the internal components like 100 liter extra fuel cell and the possibility to fix two spare wheels, shovels, sand ladders...
And again a lot of procurement necessary.
At the 07th of October was the new "wedding" of frame and bodyshell and I have spent nearly all day in the shop until beginning of last week.
At the very end, the last six weeks I have got some extra man power to support, one have time mechanic.

[Admiral_dk]

Well - that certainly explains very vividly why you didn't hav time for us here 

That sounds like more than a full time job - and you call this retirement 

Per       

[Jasonb]

Time to keep an eye out for this one on the daily "Classic" highlights. Quite good how they have blended the old film with the new for several cars that originally took part many years ago.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG2rTxli2vg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG2rTxli2vg</a>

Also on at the same time is the Africa Eco Race which is in someways more of a true Dakar as that is where it finishes after 6000k down the west cost of Africa

https://www.youtube.com/@africarace

[fumopuc]

Now it is already over.
14 days with nearly 7.500 km done.
The cars will be back in Barcelona next week Friday for pick up.
We have had really fun.
The main issues, a brocken outside mirror left hand side and a fuel pipe leakage due to rubbing, an old steel pipe.



Our special part is here at 01:54

https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x8rm1ab?autoplay=1
or
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59nMA-Lzn5c" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59nMA-Lzn5c</a>

[gerritv]

What an incredible experience that must be. Congratulations on the finish and reliving the spirit of past event.

gerrit

[Admiral_dk]

Congratulations Achim - finisheng is always an achivement in such big events 

Per