UAZ-469 B

The radio set R-1125 F is erected on the cross-country vehicle UAZ- 469 B . The radio set succeeds the R-125, erected on the GAZ-69, that is almost the same size.

Four-wheel-drive and cross-country-drive (i.e. an additional transmission with slower speed) can be added. On both sides of the car you find a fuel tank. You can alternate between the two tanks. The first and second gear have no synchromesh, power steering and power brakes were not thought about in those days. The equipment is very simple.

The car's electrics run on 12 V. A second 24V generator driven by separate belt is built in, to charge the radio battery (24 V, 80 Ah), situated in the back of the car, and it powers the radio equipment.

The vehicle was built in 1977, but has no signs of corrosion anywhere- not usual for a military vehicle of almost 30 years of age. It was completely restored. The old paint was completely removed, and original GDR military paint was used.

The restorers laid very much emphasis on authentic details. You find an original red-cross box, the GDR labels are original, all tools are at their places. The covers for the lights used when driving in black out conditions can be screwed on- not advisable when driving on the raod..
The exhaust can be lengthened by a flexible tube, to leave the exhaust gases some meters away (when the car was used standing still as a generator). ( See picture gallery)

Many military vehicles are restored only to sell them , and can break down when you want to use them to drive around. This vehicle was also restored for everyday use. All greases were exchanged, exhaust, brakes and car electrics are new, the carburettor was replaced, new undercoating was added.

For more pictures see the Picture gallery

The trip from Chemnitz to my place:

In Germany, after buying, a car must be payed and removed during 7 days. During this short time, I could not get a trailer and a car to pull it- the UAZ plus trailer would weigh almost three tons. And I could not find a car transporter. Besides, a car with trailer or a car transporter would mean a trip of two days, with sleeping in a hotel.

I was warned to drive such a long way in a restored vehicle, but the seller convinced me that he drove two months ago to Berlin and back (700km) without any difficulties. I did not want to rent expensive cars, and I did not want to be on the road for two days. So I decided to drive to Chemnitz in a rented car, and to drive the UAZ back on its own wheels. Of course there was the chance to break down in some far away region, and an eerie feeling remained. Anyway, let's have an adventure trip.

After a short test drive and filling up the fuel tanks, I headed for the Autobahn. 75 Km was my utmost speed- enough for me and the UAZ. The weather was sunny and warm. 460 km to go, and the cars on the Autobahn passed me like I was standing still. One single kilometer can take a long time... After 100 km the first fuel tank was half empty- 15 liters per 100 km. like I was told.

Slowly I get a feeling for the car. It does not like lane ruts or furrows at all. The seat is rather comfortable, but the right knee must be bent in a strange angle. Without power steering, the steering wheel must be held in a strong grip, but it has a larger diameter than a normal car's. No power brakes- I have to get accustomed to that.

For fresh air the two small windows must be pushed open, and the "air condition, UAZ style.." was very useful. (see left). The car is running like a Swiss watch. Whenever I have to stop- at gas stations or at parking lots-, a crowd gathers around the UAZ at once. I am asked all sorts of questions: "Ah, it needs a Schnapps?". (I have to add a lead additive); "Where do you come from, where do you go to, why do you drive such an unusual vehicle, how much fuel does it need, how do you sit in it, how old is it, how come it looks so fabulous"... and much more.

After a trip of six hours, when I am not really fresh anymore- I find it: the 20-km-long-stop-and-go-traffic-jam. The unsynchronized first and second gear and stop-and-go make my nerves dwindle very fast. I leave the autobahn at the next possible exit and drive a parallel route with 75 km/h- as fast as on the Autobahn.

In the morning, at 5 AM, I rode East into the sunrise. Now I ride West into the sunset. Again the sun shines directly in my face. With tears in my eyes I ride the "green monster"...When I come home, the whole neigbourhood gathers to admire the UAZ and everyone simply must sit in it.

Four hours to Chemnitz in the rent car, eight hours back in the UAZ. I have sore muscles in my back, my right knee is a mess, and the shoulders, the shoulders... and I promise to myself: Never, never again!