Ian's Volvo TGB13 6x6

**roobar_and_custard** · 11th September 2013, 08:38 PM

Not sure if I am allowed to post here, but as a direct competitor to the 101 (it came second) and sharing some parts with Land Rovers I’m hoping to be accepted here. I also hope you are all going to be patient as it has taken 7 years to get this far…!

Well my truck is a Volvo TGB13 Command Cab 6x6, or C303 in civilian guise. It’s powered by the B30e engine, a 6 cylinder 3 litre petrol, and sits on 3 portal axles (all with diff locks), 7 seats and a full hard top. With a GVM of 4.4 tonnes, it also can be driven on a normal car licence.

So where to start?

I bought it from Sweden back in 2006 and shipped it out unseen. The guy I dealt with was very helpful, even assisting with the shipping. There wasn’t much choice as this particular variant is quite rare.

Why the Volvo? Well why not? We had a Defender 110 Hardtop (ex FFR) which we imported from the UK after traveling through the Middle East for 6 months, but then when kids arrived, the layout became a problem. We wanted something bigger to convert to an overland truck, and having the ability to live inside is a definite advantage, but it needed to be able to be containerised. I looked at Pinzgauers, but couldn’t find a hardtop, and the unconventional drivetrain, whist clever, put me off. They also come with a price. I looked at the 101 Ambulance, but was put off by layout and the slightly ungainly appearance. The Volvo, was a much more conventional and cost effective option. I always wanted to convert to diesel, and this conventional layout has some advantages.

Import approval was easy (pre 89), and registration in Victoria was also uncomplicated. The only modification was to the seatbelts to meet ADR requirements. It is still LHD as it is more than 30 years old and therefore no requirement to convert. In fact the hardest part was finding someone to complete the Roadworthy, as I got turned away by many garages with a multitude of excuses.

There was quite a bit of excitement at registration with Vicroads due to paperwork errors, but easily fixed. On top of that, the CV boots decided to fail as I pulled up in the inspection bay, dumping a small pool of oil under the front axle. With some strategic wheel placement, this went unnoticed, and the first, of many fixes, went onto the list.

Ian

**Homestar** · 11th September 2013, 08:48 PM

That my friend is a very nice bit of kit.

What part of Vic do you live in? I'd love to check it out first hand.

Edit - just done some detective work - Hoppers Crossing?

**Sitec** · 11th September 2013, 08:49 PM

Well, its different! You'd get the same vacant 'what the' looks we get in the 101's... Wouldn't mind looking over that, as it looks very different. Portal axles too! You mention a diesel conversion.... Any more thoughts on that, and if so, what engine are you thinking of using? Cheers.

**roobar_and_custard** · 11th September 2013, 09:04 PM

Thanks, and yes you're welcome to come and "check it out" - but I warn you - it is currently not running.
Location 180 degrees out - Dandenong Ranges. I've had it 7 years, and we moved. Otherwise impressive detective work as yes that is the Vicroads office in Hoppers.

Hmm... Diesel... now that is a topic for future discussion - I don't want to open that can of worms just yet... Suffice to say, it won't be as impressive as your plan.

**rangieman** · 11th September 2013, 09:07 PM

Noice

**101 Ron** · 11th September 2013, 09:40 PM

I have always wanted one of these vehicles.
I hope you get it sorted.
With the little bit of research I have done on them, they are hard to do engine transplants on as the engine is offset somehow.
I know a 4x4 version has travelled around Aust with that Dr Karl Z>>>>> bloke.
Its cruising speed was about 80kph, but he did place a lot of weight in it.
Volvo has always made good gear.
I know the 6 cylinder Volvo motor is a very good one and is efficient and tuff.
In some Volvopenta applications they ran three carbies.
can you tell us more about it.
Whats it like to drive.????
I know one amphibious one was made too.
Thanks for sharing
Ron

**Mick_Marsh** · 11th September 2013, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by roobar_and_custard

Thanks, and yes you're welcome to come and "check it out" - but I warn you - it is currently not running.
Location 180 degrees out - Dandenong Ranges. I've had it 7 years, and we moved. Otherwise impressive detective work as yes that is the Vicroads office in Hoppers.

Hmm... Diesel... now that is a topic for future discussion - I don't want to open that can of worms just yet... Suffice to say, it won't be as impressive as your plan.

Actually, Gav was closer to 90 degrees out.

You'll be very welcome amongst this lot. We even welcome Toyota owners, ex-military of course.

Road trip Gav? We can get a photo of a Volvo flanked by 101's.