463 front end conversion
Hi all , how hard is it to convert 460 model to look like a 463 from the front , eg bumper , grille etc what parts are needed and anyone got the parts to do the conversion ? and need some 463 mirrors if anyone has maybe change rear bumpers and lights ? info appreciated thanks all !
Only issue is the depth of your pockets, fairly easy conversion but very expensive and the items are not readily available as 2nd hand parts. Easier all round to buy a 463 as they also have superior engines/ rust proofing and permanant 4 wheel drive
I don't think that permanent 4WD is necessarily better the selectable, nor that electronic engines are necessarily better than an OM617 for example, depends what you're doing. However, I do agree that if you want a vehicle that looks like a 463, then better off to just buy one.
the early 463 engines are free of electronic trickery, petrol and diesel. The 5 cylinder is a rough, tractor like unit but to be fair to it very robust and with nearly 5,000 revs... unusual. The feel and grip of the permanant 4 is very different to the selectable 4x4 but its not as if you can get tail out action in the 460 so I can't see any advantage there.
Aside from the cost in obtaining the parts necessary for the conversion, the front grille and headlight surrounds are straight forward.
The front bumper is another matter, the chassis of a 463 is wider than the 460, so the front bumper will not easily fit the chassis; in order to accommodate, the 463 front bumper brackets need to chopped and re-welded to fit the 460 chassis, what I am unsure of, is, will the holes off the 463 bumper bracket line up to the 460 chassis holes?
The rear lights can be fitted after some body modification to accommodate the new profile of the 463 lights. The same goes for the rear bumper as does for the front. The tail pipe may need a little re-aligning with the 463 bumper.
The parts availability, secondhand, is another issue. There is ebay and some specialists sources in Main Land, Europe.
The Mercedes Benz recycling centre; I find is effectively useless in G-Wagon parts, I feel, the supply of second hand parts is in conflict to their New Parts, so to access these are not easily available from them.
New items are not going to be cheap. The door mirrors alone are some €300 each. I do not know of UK prices, but I do know they are expensive.
Overall, I agree with our forum panel, it would be cheaper to buy a 463 rather than do the conversion.
Cheers,
JOIN THE GWOA
This website and forum are provided for the benefit of enthusiasts and owners of all Mercedes Benz off road vehicles, in particular the G Wagen. The costs of development, upkeep and provision of the site are met entirely by the annual subscriptions of club members. If you are using the site and are not a member of the G Wagen Owners Association please consider joining. You will have access to areas on the site that are not open to non members, to club trips and meetings and to technical assistance. In addition your contribution (only £25 annually) will help us maintain and develop our website for future users.
Who's new
- Breniq
- Roscoe25
- RozzaTS
- Awon
- f.ecoheat
cheers , its for a customer of mine he wants it done any ideas if any parts available