Upgrades for highway use

[dspin]

I am new here and really want to get me a Pinz, but the only catch is that I have a 15 mile commute, of mostly highway, 6 days a week! and would need to have this be my daily driver. My main concern on this is the noisiness of the cabin when at speed, and possibly, just form what i have read, that it may over heat?

The question that I would like fielded by one of the many experts that seem to be around this forum is: What changes would need to made to a stock 712K to make it bearable for a 30 miles round trip at 65 mph every day? Also what is the price looking like for these mods?

One last thing, I am still up in the air on whether to get the 710 or the 712, if the majority of my driving is going to be light stuff what would be recommended?

Thank you for the advise,
Dustin

[todds112]

Noise is a concern. They are loud. You can insulate some, but they are loud no matter what you do to them. Engine noise, gear noise, wind noise, tire noise depending on type.

Haven't heard of overheating from anyone on here, but "underheating" if you are in a cold area is an issue. Not the engine...you. The heater sucks. Adding a Webasto or Ebersbacher is big bucks ($1500). You can always just bundle up, but to some folks that's not much fun.

Adding a 12 volt converter for GPS, etc would be nice.

As far as 712 vs. 710 goes, It's personal preference. The 710's are geared higher so they go faster on the highway (65 MPH vs. 55). If you really want a 712K (hardtop) I've NEVER seen one for sale. There are both 710K and 710M (soft top) available. The 710's tend to be a bit cheaper than 712's. 712's are getting harder and harder to find I hear. 710K's are more than 710M generally.

712's are more maintenance: more brakes, 1 more differential, etc. etc.

I love my 712 off-roading, I can tell a big difference in having the extra axle. The 710 will be bit more manueverable.

Not that a 710 will get lost in the crowd, But I admit I like the "Wow" factor of 6 wheel drive too.

[Kiwibru]

Yeah, I would have to agree. I drove mine back from the dealer I bought from and I had the fore thought to take earplugs! I was amazed at how nice a drive the Pinz had (even with ear plugs!) After three days and 1100 miles I was still not stressed by the long days driving along. Much more fun in twisty - turning - up and down mountain driving but very comfortable going down the freeway too. Overheating? I have found my 710 actually works better when the outside temp. is above 65 F. When winter comes it takes a bit longer to get the engine to a sustained operational temperature and yup, the heat for the cab is lost on the way up... via the wimpy hoses they installed in the factory. I have HD hoses to install and insulation to go on them but haven't had the time to do the swap. The kind of miles you are talking about would be no big deal.

[pinzinator]

I had a 710M as my only vehicle for a short time, so I went out and bought a '96 Saturn SL with the DOHC. Now I have something for longer drives that doesn't kill my wallet at the pump or make my ears ring. It works out great, a vehicle for just about any situation.

[pinzwheeling]

The question that I would like fielded by one of the many experts that seem to be around this forum is: What changes would need to made to a stock 712K to make it bearable for a 30 miles round trip at 65 mph every day?

Did you say a stock 712K? Wow...

Anyway, there is nothing required to make a 15 mile trip bearable. If you're contemplating a purchase of a Pinz and want to make it "bearable", then it might not be the right vehicle for you. (may I recommend a nice appliance like a Honda Civic) J/K

I regularly drive my 712 30 miles each way to work (2-3 times a week). A decent radio might be nice, or even better, an IPOD with noise cancelling headphones.

As far as making a Pinz quieter, there are a plethora of things you can do: Insulate the top, line the floor in the cab and bed with Rhino liner (or similar), foam pipe insulation on the top rails, rubber mats in the bed, etc.

Keep in mind that the military Pinzi's were not really designed with NVH in mind, their primary purpose was to be strong, not quiet. That being said, I don't really drive my 712 any faster than 50-55. My 710 would run at 60MPH with some argument, but you'll likely have other issues trying to drive at 65MPH such as vibration from the drivetrain which you'd have to rectify also.

Just my $.02

Michael

[Twin Pinzies]

My opinion:

-710 over a 712. (faster, less noise, less to maint, cheaper, easier to park)
-Noise proof cab and bed. (also get earplugs)
-Go with bigger tires for faster highway speeds.
-Get the exec II drive train upgrade installed.
-Overhaul your brakes.

[jchobby]

I have a 712m with the diesel trans. At 55mph it turns roughly 3100 rpms vs. red line-4500 w/ stock one. For a daily driver I would go with a 710K with a aftermarket heater. For sound, line the inside with Line-x or Rhino. It will make a difference plus make it easy to clean. Also look at changing carbs out for EFI kit in the works. One more thing, pay for a clean one with little or no rust. Good luck.

[dspin]

Thanks for all of the good ideas...

The "712K" was a typo

After looking at all of the possibilities I think that I am going to go with the 710M and get a hard top cab fitted for her, for noise reasons.

Thank you again,

Dustin

[MarkPinz]

We also use the IPOD with noise cancelling headphones for highway trips over an hour

[MASSIVE PINZ]

I drive my Pinz 86 miles per day a lot of times to and from my shop running about 110 Km/H no problem....

If you have been spoiled by creature comforts you will have a hard time driving the Pinz daily, but I appreciate the rugged simplicity and I love to hear the whine of the diffs and the whirr of the cooling fan.....

[Profpinz]

, just form what i have read, that it may over heat?

I've driven my Pinny in all conditions, including temps up to around 45C (113 F) and she's never missed a beat...... The driver was feeling the heat, but that's anothor story

[Erik712m]

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If you have been spoiled by creature comforts you will have a hard time driving the Pinz daily

jake is right I was driving my pinz about 200 miles a day when I decided to do some drive line upgrades about six thousand dallors later I am ordering a carbon fiber drive line and replacing several bearings. if i had to do it all again I would just leave it alone. But once the drive line repairs are done you would not beleive how quite it really can be to loudest part of the truck is the cooling fan.

[Erik712m]

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[JNijst]

Hi everyone,

Anyone interested in seeing or buying a 712K should look at CAMO@CAMO.CO.AT He just sold one, but still has another for sale. Unfortunatly it is in German, which for a Dutchman like me is not a major problem. The translation of the top-one =

Steyr Puch Pinzgauer AP712K Car Nr.: 193

Built 1977, from Austrian Army and rebuilt to highest weight of 3500kg. This 3-axel vehicle can therefore be driven with a standard driving-license. Technically in good condition, checked and ready for registration. No through-rust, almost new tires, roof-gallery (imperial?) for a price Eur 14,200.-- (US$ 19,500.-- in Austria, without shipping, which he does also)

If you want something special, this is it...

Anyway, I bought mine: 1975 / 710M, which is in top-condition. I trust him. Maybe ask him for a translation of the other vehicles. The point is, a lot of them were general overhauled by Steyr-Puch in Graz - Austria in 1997, so some have driven only 6000 km after that. The Austrian types have plastic windows, unlike the sliding-glass windows from the Swiss versions....

Good luck.

Jules Nijst - Holland

[JNijst]

Just realized that for some, the info might be hard to find, so -

CAMO@CAMO.CO.AT
Click on Fahrzeuge (= vehicles)
Click on Militair fahrzeuge 1971-2000
12th one from top

Jules Nijst