Haflinger Treffen at Lake Shasta

Kathy and I needed a little mini-vacation to get away from the grind. So with a little negotiation Kenlynn and McKinley got to spend the weekend with their older cousins while Kathy and I jumped ship and headed to Lake Shasta for the Treffen.

Looking to have a little more comfort than a sleeping bag and tent I started the hunt for a nice hotel in the Redding area. I figured there might be a problem when I called the visitors bureau and asked for recommendations for a nice place to stay. "You do realize this is Redding, CA don't you..." was the initial response! After further discussion and being told the closest "nice" hotel would be in San Francisco, we figured we might try something a little different. I asked for any local bed and breakfasts and was told there were some great ones overlooking the river near the Sundial Bridge. Success! We ended up staying at the Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast. http://www.reddingbridgehouse.com/

Jim and Emilie Molloy were the driving force behind this Treffen and they chose a great location. The Chappie Shasta OHV park at Lake Shasta was our starting point. We lucked out this year with awesome weather that was not too hot. Shasta Lake was at capacity which I do not think I have seen it this full in 10+ years.

We had a total of 7 Haflingers at the event which was a great group of enthusiasts. Everyone was there to have a good time, meet new people and enjoy our little vehicles. I have done a photo dump of all of the trip here: Scotts Photo Dump

We are already looking forward to next years Treffen.

Unique Applications - 404S

We have seen a lot of specialized uses of the Unimog concept. This company took it literally when the comment was made to "go fly a kite...." Makani Power based in Alameda, CA used this vehicle for that. Some day we hope to get some photo's of the truck in action.

Side Trip - Normandy France

While moving the warehouse in France, Brian was able to make a side trip to Normandy and Omaha Beach. Very moving....

MVCC Camp Delta Event

Friday afternoon my son Mckinley and I headed over to the Camp Delta event for a short walkabout. Anything that involves military vehicles, uniforms, and armor is always a hit with a 4 year old! The recent rains had created a bit of a quagmire at some of the "Dry Camping" areas, but in general the campground was full. It was nice to chat with some of our friends and customers.

BAE was displaying one of their MRAP vehicles. This was the first chance I had to see one up close and personal. The size is impressive. My boy has decided that the old WWII Jeeps are not his cup of tea........it's MRAP all the way!


This is definitely a fun show to spend some time at. The European military vehicles are few and far in between, but that is what would make it more fun to attend in your Unimog or Pinzgauer.

A Little Spring in Your Step?

Reports are slowly coming in that they had found a few 404 coil springs at the warehouse we just acquired. Here was the first load.......I think we will be running some specials. Yes these are only front and rear coil springs. Lets see...alternative uses....

Video Suggestions Wanted

We have begun the process of putting together some of our tech video's. The Pertronix Install is up, and I expect us to continue with more regular installments in a month or so. I know we have slated a video on Electrical testing and ignition basics, wheel cylinder rebuilds, and carb rebuilds. We would like to hear from our customers with additional suggestions on what they would like to see.

NOS Spares Acquisition - France

EI in conjunction with our European Partner has completed the acquisition of a large batch of NOS Unimog 404 spares in France. Brian Mason has been onsite in France handling the project on behalf of EI. I tell him he is mining NOS Gold! It will take a few months for these to work there way to the states, but once they do we should have some nice specials on items such as coil springs and canvasses.