Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks
 

Thought share my project and experience to help anyone else using or considering high mobility / ex military type trucks.

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...6/f1509540.jpg
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Tatra T815 6x6 TP6
 

Oops my iPhone typo, posted before completing info.
This is my 1987 Tatra T815 TP6 6x6 as purchased in CZ, about to be shipped to USA for rebuild / conversion, I've previously owned Ural 4320, Kraz 255b, worked in Ukraine & Siberia for brief time with Kraz Zil & Ural, I have 10 yrs experience in heavy hauling in USA for mining & oilfield mostly offroad, so hope I can help anyone considering a similar truck as an expedition camper etc

nice trck - look forward to seeing photos of the conversion.

not sure i'd like to pay the fuel bill thogh........

Tatra T815 6x6
 

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...6/6b3451aa.jpg
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1 benefit of these type vehicles is that they are true multi-fuel engines will tolerate 50% gasoline mix. I plan to run as much filtered used veg oil as possible

This photo below of one competing in Truck-Trials will give you some idea of my planned modifications:- military tyres, split rims with runflat inserts, suspension upgrades, but I plan trianglulated round tube full cab ROPS (roll over protection) The truck has a 22Ton winch as std eqt' which can pull from the front and the rear.
http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...9r/TP6/TP6.jpg

What made you choose a double cab for trialing, or do you intend to convert the cab to living accommodation ? Looks in very good condition for a heavy haulage tractor .

I had originally put a deposit on T815 8x8 with just 2dr ext' sleeper cab but when actually saw that it was not as good as the photos !!! Surprise surprise I switch money to this 1 which overall is more maneuverable than an 8x8 and gives up very little for the loss of 1 axle.
I also intend to explore the western USA with my family 1st so 4 drs is a plus

Where are you with this project?
This thread has gone stagnant, but I am interested in re-invigorating it.
I am currently re furbishing a T815 in Prague, well having it done, while I work oilfield in Kenya. Looking to get over soon to check out progress.

Would love to see some photos of your progress.

Thanks for your interest.
Well like most people it's all about $$$ & time. Update, I have given up any idea of bringing in the factory V12 air cooled engine, as some you may know how the EPA / Customs regulates the imported engines / vehicles new and used, even if they are over 25yrs, heavy diesels are regulated from 1968 >
So as we speak the truck is all payed for, and about to have its engine removed, which its value is being traded in exchange for transport to Port Bremen, the 20% VAT I paid is supposed to be returned to me once the truck is loaded on ship, I will be chasing this as that's my ocean transport cost right there ,,,! In addition to the engine I don't need or want the 8 tons of concrete ballast weights or the rear platform bed, these will be removed, now the vehicle will be imported as if its an " assemblage of parts " with lower import duties. I have just purchased an old 1985 Autocar Construcktor 2 (no,that's how it's spelt) which I am scrambling to get ready for the Tatra's arrival as this will hauling it from Baltimore MD - Belgrade MT.

So if your wondering what engine I'm going to be re powering with 600bhp Detroit Diesel 8V92 & Allison HT754CRD

Make sure you get some ear defenders , with that detroit :innocent:

Your right, but with 2dr cab, mid/ rearward mount of engine, shouldn't be too big an issue, I have an Autocar with 8v92 with quiet muffler and the engine noise is good

Engine and ballast counter weights (concrete blocks 8.6 tons of it) removed, it's taken 4 weeks but I finally have a shipping quote, seems that the US gov' have taken away capacity as they return ship equipment from the Gulf to USA, anyway after a delay and some concerned phone calls, (due mainly to its now a non runner) $4800 + import duties Bremerhaven - Baltimore, expect it to be here in US end of June

Pictures?
 

Have you got some pictures yet? Would love to see them.

Cheers

Claudio

Up date!!!
Truck had to be loaded on a "Mafi" trailer because German port would not handle non-runner (engineless) any other way, this increased shipping from $4500 to $7500, they misled though as this did not include US port charges for crane unload off the Mafi trailer $3k + storage waiting for customs clearance & transport out of the port $50/day, customs clearance & import duties $1095 so I will have spent approx $14k to get the Tatra in the USA, fingers crossed should be out of the port 11/6-7 next week

Re running veg oil:
Over a longish distance veg oil getting into oil sump can react with lube oil and form a gelatinous mass which can destroy engine. Keep very close tabs on your oil viscosity and change it at perhaps half the normal interval. Which is a big hassle when travelling.

Charlie

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...81a1efd861.jpg

So here it is finally in the USA, I temp' storage just outside Baltimore, soon will be on its final part of its transcontinental journey to Belgrade MT where it's rebuild & transformation will begin:smiliex:

What happened to it?

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...D43B3A1825.jpg

I finally hauled it back to ND where I work, since that time I've stripped it down for its preparation

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...4EED82B8DF.jpg

Since this last photo, the winch fuel tanks air lines and air brake system & wiring harness have been removed. An initial steam clean, cutoff approx 20" of rear frame to reduce departure angle.
Purchased an 8V92TA Detroit Diesel (DD) from Gov Liq' auction

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...ACF695456D.jpg

Engine is missing a few parts but is essentially a very low hr use engine, almost like new internally.

Purchased these NOS Hutchinson 2piece forged aluminum 10x20 beadlock wheels, also ex US Army (thanks US tax payers)

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/a...832F8CD722.jpg

These will be polished on the outside face


You can also follow me on my FB Group page where I undated regularly
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tatratrucks/

Nice! Thanks for sharing and updating.

What are your plans for it in the future?

Thanks for the update Shaun & the FB link (pending) i had sent the F350 picture to my cousin asking how is it possible for him to be legally towing a Tatra?

He replied "it vill pull it" (yes that accent) east Europeans are short on conversation. LoL

But reading the FB page i see it was minus its engine, that cleared up some confusion.

Mezo.

Re Towing
 

First photo towing was from the guy who collected my truck from the port
That is Ford F450 1.25T rating
The White GMC is mine that I purchased for this tow etc, it's a 3500
Ie a 1ton, the combination grossed 39.500 lbs it's legal based on tyre
Load ratings etc if my memory is correct axle weights were

Ft 5500 Dr 11000 Trl 23000

Future plan
 

Not exactly sure, I will slowly continue on with the project towards a TrialTruck / Rally Truck build, shortening approach and departure angles full external ROPS
(Roll over protection) internal cab cage. Would really like to enter the Breslau Rally that runs from Poland to Germany if I can secure a sponsor.
Later build a rugged camper body that will latch onto the 5th wheel plate

Breslau Rally
 

Here a FB rally preview video, just in case anyone did not know
of this epic event

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=838352019565882

Save the TATRA
 

Help me save this Tatra, short term with return
Save the Tatra expedition truck by Sean Reynolds - GoFundMe