As usual, I began by cutting all the individual parts with my circular saw.

Once the individual parts were made, I glued them together piece by piece

until all three basic drawers were ready for the finishing touches.

After that, I began working on the front panels, carefully chiseling out the cutouts for the pull locks.

The frames of the front panels were bonded with strong dowel joints.

To make the Vienna straw matting easier to work with, I soaked it in warm water before installation.

After a few minutes in the water, the Vienna straw matting could be perfectly clamped in the frames of the front panels.

After a final sanding and oiling, the drawers were ready for installation.

With the pull locks installed, three extra drawers were now available beneath the refrigerator.

The deep and wide drawers provided ample storage space.

After the drawers, I moved on to the frames for the cabinet doors, which I also joined with dowels,

fitted with Vienna straw matting and finished with oil.

The new doors and drawers looked noticeably different from the older ones, which had slightly yellowed from last year’s sunlight. It wouldn’t be long before the new pieces aged and blended in color too.

To create a neater, more cohesive look, I made matching pastel-colored curtains: one to hide the water tank under the table,

one for the boiler beneath the fridge, and one to conceal the electrical setup under the double floor by the shower.”

I was very satisfied with the result. The kitchen felt even warmer and more welcoming than before.

It was time to build a new, improved version: double-glazed, with a proper opening mechanism and a locking system.

First, I cut the side pieces of the base frame to size and marked the curve of the roof.

Next, I built all the parts, sanded them smooth, and treated them with oil.

Inside the completed frame, I fitted a plexiglass pane, then added a thicker pane that extended well beyond the frame to offer structural protection against the weather.

With a slight clearance on all sides, the construction fit perfectly into the roof hatch.

Inside, the window rested on the opening and securing mechanism.

Two toggle latches on both sides allowed the window to be firmly secured, preventing it from opening during travel or in heavy winds.

To ventilate, the window could be lifted and set on the opening mechanism. The generous overhang of the outer plexiglass pane allowed for ventilation even in light rain, keeping water out of the sleeping area.

After being bothered by mosquitoes, I added fly and mosquito screens to the openings.

From then on, I could comfortably enjoy fresh air while lying in bed.

By chance, I was near Alfeld, home to the Mercedes-Benz Classic Workshop, which specialized in old Mercedes vehicles.

Normally, I like fixing things myself, but this time I decided to let the professionals handle it to get back on the road faster.

Once the brake drum hub was removed, the cause of the noises became clear. The bearing play had been incorrectly adjusted, which caused the bearing cups inside the hub to rotate. Unfortunately, this had worn away some material, and the bearing cups no longer fit properly.

Crap! I needed new brake drum hubs, but neither the workshop nor I could find any replacements. The situation seemed tricky. I couldn’t leave the truck there much longer. The mechanics suggested a practical solution: have the hubs machined and fit a custom metal sleeve.

I wasn’t completely sure if it would hold up on the road, but I trusted the professionals, I had no real alternative. After a day, the hubs were reinforced and ready to be installed.

Yay! After just three days, I was back on the road and the noises were gone. I headed toward southern Germany for a short stop at my friends’ farm in Bavaria before continuing to northern Spain.

But after 500 km, new whistling noises appeared at the front axle. At least the truck could stay safely at the farm, but the trip to northern Spain would have to wait.

Taking things apart on my own

Disappointed by the workshop’s repair attempt, I realized I’d have to tackle the problem myself. I first got copies of the service manuals from the 60s and 70s for my truck. Still a bit hesitant, I slowly started inspecting the damage.

After taking off the freewheel hub, I hit my first obstacle: the outer locknut. According to the service manual, it was tightened to 150 Nm and required a special spindle nut socket which, of course, was impossible to get on short notice.

Building a custom spindle nut socket

After several failed attempts to get hold of the original spindle nut socket, I decided to make my own using an 88.9 × 3.2 mm steel tube, adding six claws, each 10 mm high and 10 mm wide.

Additional holes allowed me to slide a steel bar through the tube for better leverage.

Supported by a jack, I was then able to loosen the tight locknut using a long lever.

Inspecting the damage

Finally, I could remove the brake drum hub. Even before cleaning, it was clear that the pressed-in ring had slipped out of the hub and was covered in burn marks.

The ring had slipped several millimeters out of the hub (red arrow) until it touched the spindle sleeve, causing noticeable wear (yellow arrow).

Ugh! Now not only were the brake drum hubs ruined, but the spindle sleeves were also damaged. Very frustrating! And all after a “professional” repair that had cost me several hundred euros.

Now I had to resume my previously unsuccessful search for replacement brake drum hubs, and on top of that, find matching spindle sleeves.

Finding the spare parts

I felt both motivated and a bit overwhelmed. I had tried every option I knew, but there was no turning back: the axle was half disassembled in a field, and the truck wouldn’t move until I solved it myself.

For weeks, I scoured classifieds, contacted workshops, hobby mechanics, and scrap yards. Slowly, I started enjoying the challenge. Even without the right parts, I met interesting people who offered help or contacts. I even considered getting a whole used Mercedes 1113 as a donor truck. Until, nearly a month later, I finally found what I was looking for: an old front axle from a Mercedes LA 1113.

Taking the spare wheel end apart

Now it was time to tear the axle down to get the parts I needed. First, I locked the brake drum in place by turning the adjuster eccentrics for the brake shoes outward. First on the rear shoe,

then on the front one.

Then I removed the collar nut on the axle shaft flange.

Eight flange nuts followed,

allowing the drive flange to be carefully pulled off the axle shaft with the help of a wrench, applying even pressure all around.

The locking plate on the outer spindle nut was bent open with a screwdriver.

The outer spindle nut was loosened using the homemade spindle nut socket,

and then removed.

Then the locking plate came off,

and afterward, the inner spindle nut.

With that done, the brake shoes were released again,

so the drum hub could be pulled off.

To drive out the inner wheel bearing cup, I modified a flat steel punch, slightly beveling and dulling the tip to avoid causing damage.

With gentle, targeted blows applied evenly around the edge, I slowly and carefully drove the bearing out.

Now the snap ring of the outer wheel bearing could be removed using blacksmith’s tongs, allowing the outer bearing and the spacer to be taken out.

All parts were thoroughly cleaned.

The only part left was the spindle sleeve. The locking plates were bent open to remove the four lower,

and two upper screws,

allowing the brake backing plate to be taken off.

The spindle sleeve was now accessible,

and ready to be removed and cleaned.

Replacing the spindle sleeves

Now that the replacement parts were secured, the damaged spindle sleeves on the truck had to be removed following the same procedure.

Since the brake fluid had been replaced recently, I kept the brake system closed to avoid having to bleed it again, leaving the brake hoses in place.

The brake backing plate with the brake shoes was very heavy and couldn’t be allowed to fall, as that could damage the brake hoses. To prevent any accidents while removing the six screws, I secured it with a ratchet strap and a simple support setup.

After the screws were removed, the brake backing plate was carefully set aside and securely placed on the axle.

Now the damaged spindle sleeve could be removed,

the “new” one installed,

and finally reassembled along with the brake backing plate.

Preparing the “new” brake drums

Once the truck was ready, I turned to refurbishing the “new” brake drums.

I cleaned off the accumulated dirt, lightly sanded the braking surface to remove surface rust,

and gave all spacers, bearing races, bearings, and snap rings a thorough cleaning.

First, the outer spacer ring was set into place.

Next, the outer bearing’s roller cage was properly greased and installed.

Then the outer bearing race, pre-chilled in the freezer to shrink it for easier installation, was fitted into place.

I made custom tools from hard plywood plates,

to drive the bearing race into place.

Once driven in, the bearing and its race were properly seated in place.

The assembly was secured by snapping the outer bearing’s circlip into its groove using blacksmith’s tongs.

Next, the spacer ring for the inner bearing was installed.

Next, the outer race of the inner bearing, also pre-chilled, was laid in position.

Using my homemade tool and a hammer, I carefully drove the bearing race into the drum hub,

until it was fully seated.

Now the greased inner bearing could be placed in position.

The final component was the shaft seal, with its outer metal shell lightly coated in sealant.

Again, I used the homemade tool and very gentle taps with a hammer to drive the seal flush into place.

The drum hub was now ready for assembly.

Mounting everything back together

After placing the drum hub, the bearing play needed to be set to 0.02–0.04 mm. I used a dial gauge to help with this.

Since tightening the outer nut slightly reduces the bearing play, it took me a few attempts at first until I got the hang of it. But in the end, everything was correctly assembled.

I got so caught up in the flow that I forgot to take photos of the individual steps. To my unease, I started doubting whether I had correctly installed the six screws for the spindle sleeve and the brake backing plate, since they were two different lengths. I was fairly confident I had done it right, but not 100%.

To be sure, I decided to disassemble everything again. By now, I was experienced, and it was also a perfect opportunity to take detailed photos to provide a helpful step-by-step guide for others.

Getting hold on a proper spindle nut socket

After several uses, the teeth on my homemade spindle sleeve nut tool were worn, and it kept slipping under heavy load. Just in time before the next disassembly, I finally got hold of the original tool, part number 731 589 000 700.

Unlike my homemade version, it fit perfectly down to the millimeter and included a central guide that made the work much easier.

Taking the wheel end apart again

Equipped with proper tools and my previous experience, I began the third disassembly, this time taking photos of every step:

Removing the wheel using a wheel bolt centering and protective sleeve set.

Adjusting the brake eccentrics outward to lock the drum in place.

Removing the freewheel hub cover.

Removing the snap ring from the freewheel hub.

Removing the freewheel’s lock plate.

Removing the locknut from the drive shaft.

Removing the freewheel hub.

Bending back the lock plate for the outer locknut.

Loosening the locknut using the original Mercedes spindle nut socket.

Removing the outer locknut.

Removing the lock plate.

Removing the inner locknut.

Loosening the brake shoes.

Taking off the brake drum hub.

It turned out the six screws had been installed correctly, so my worries were unfounded. At least the third disassembly went much faster, and I was able to take photos to create a guide that could help others.

Putting the wheel end together

Reassembly was relatively straightforward, following all the steps in reverse order:

First, placing the brake drum onto the hub.

Installing the inner locknut.

Tightening the locknut to seat the bearings properly in the brake drum hub.

Setting the wheel bearing clearance (0,02 - 0,04 mm) with a dial indicator. I recommend starting with a slightly larger clearance, since tightening the outer locknut will reduce it slightly. It took me a few tries to get the feel for it, but it’s far better to adjust and check multiple times than risk damaging a bearing or the drum. After all, this whole project began because of incorrectly set bearing play.

Installing the locking plate.

Installing the outer locknut and tightening it to 150 nm.

Controlling the wheel bearing clearance (0,02 - 0,04 mm).

Securing the locking plate.

Mounting the freewheel hub.

Attaching the freewheel hub’s locknut.

Installing the freewheel hub’s locking plate.

Adding the snap ring to the freewheel hub.

Installing the freewheel hub cover with sealing compound.

Adjusting the brake shoes so they have minimal clearance from the drum, allowing it to rotate freely.

Wow! After many weeks of research, sourcing parts, and hands-on work, the truck was finally fully operational again.

What an exciting project! I was proud of myself and incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it a success. I learned a lot, not just about mechanics, but also that seemingly impossible problems can be solved by taking small, determined steps, being patient, and asking others for help.

I spent a few relaxed days there with family and friends before heading east to the farm where I had spent the previous year restoring and building the truck.

It felt good to be back, enjoy the quiet,

and spend calm evenings by the campfire with friends.

After a few days, I continued north to visit friends in and around Kassel. The kids of a coworker had a great time exploring the truck, both inside and outside.

After some time in the city, I drove out into the countryside to see old friends who had settled in a small community. The place was incredibly relaxed, some people lived in the house, others in trucks or wagons spread around a huge garden where my truck also fit perfectly.

Besides the beautiful old vehicles, it was mainly the kind people who made the place so special.

I also loved their idea of turning a truck and several wagons into one big mobile home for a family of four.

After some wonderful days in central Germany, I continued to Berlin to visit more family and friends. At my favorite spot, I parked next to familiar vehicles, including this old Mercedes-Benz L from the 1950s.

I spent several weeks with my Berlin loved ones. We went to concerts,

enjoyed sunsets at Tempelhofer Feld,

and shared after-work beers on warm summer evenings.

Experiencing Berlin in summer, full of energy and life, is always something special.

As much as I enjoyed the city and my quiet parking spot in Barcelona, I often felt the pull to get out into nature, where I could park freely and enjoy more space.

Every now and then, I went on short trips to explore new tracks and hidden spots.

I kept finding beautiful, peaceful places to work, relax, and sleep, like this little hill near Tossa de Mar.

I also visited some lovely beaches, like Platja de Canyelles,

where it was great to enjoy an evening drink at a beach bar right by the sea.

Or take the first refreshing swims of spring at Playa de Fenals.

While most of my friends around Barcelona lived in regular apartments, my small adventures often brought me together with other travelers. Once, I met an older man from Belgium who asked for help with his Mercedes 407.

He was traveling with a friend who drove an incredible long Mercedes LP 1113 with his dog.

12 meters, a real one-of-a-kind truck!

The sea and the warm, mild weather were wonderful, but I still felt drawn to the Pyrenees now and then. Some friends of mine had a small apartment in Prullans, where I could park my home in a quiet, beautiful spot.

During the day, I worked with great views around me, and in the evenings, we met up for dinner together.

On weekends, we went hiking and visited places like Estany de l’Orri.

Prullans was a bit farther from Barcelona, but I also spent time in the mountains closer to the city — for example, near Mura. It was quiet and peaceful there.

After work, I went on short hikes, explored mountain bike trails,

or walked through the small village for a coffee.

Another favorite area of mine was Montseny. Whenever I needed a break from the city, I went there to relax in the forests,

enjoy the calm, and take in the beauty of nature.

Hiking up peaks like Les Agudes always rewarded me with stunning views.

Big city vibes, sunny beaches, and fresh mountain air, Catalonia had given me a bit of everything. After spending almost half a year in the area, it felt right to head back north to spend the summer with loved ones in Germany.

Our first stop was at a mountain north of Berga, where we spent a quiet night surrounded by nature.

The next day, we drove a bit further north to Bagà and went for a lovely forest hike.

Along the trail, we spotted the first spring flowers of the year.

Step by step, we kept heading north, deeper into the Pyrenees. The N-260 took us through Martinet, where we made another stop.

During our evening walk, a cat joined us for several kilometers, it seemed to enjoy our company.

We spent a peaceful night on a hillside above the village and woke up to a beautiful sunrise lighting up the mountains.

The following day, we went on more hikes to explore the area and passed through the small village of Montellà. In the distance, we could already see higher peaks covered in snow.

We kept following the N-260 west and found a quiet, beautiful spot to stay near Guils del Cantó.

High up in the mountains, with almost no light pollution, we watched a sky full of stars after sunset, it was magical.

Our trip led us deeper into the mountains. In Espot, we stayed for a few days and went on several day hikes. When we reached Estany de Sant Maurici, it was so cold that the lake was completely frozen and covered in snow.

A bit lower down, the air was warmer, and we saw small creatures like a ladybug crawling through the undergrowth.

Another hike took us to snow-covered peaks and the dried-up Estanys de Trescuro.

Luckily, a mountain stream next to our spot was full of clear water, so with the help of an electric pump we had all the fresh water we needed.

After a wonderful week of hiking and exploring, we drove back to the Costa Brava.

It felt unreal, after walking through snowy mountain landscapes, just a few hours later we were lying in the warm sun by the Mediterranean Sea.

Catalonia’s variety never stops amazing me!

We got along well, and they invited me to stay for a few days, which I happily accepted. The only issue was that the gate was too small for my truck, so I had to park it outside the wall. The place was peaceful and very relaxing.

During the day, we all worked as usual, but in the evenings, we sat together, talked, ate, and enjoyed their homemade wine.

The surrounding area was great for hiking and mountain biking, with beautiful views of Montserrat.

Seeing snow in Barcelona

Winter in Catalonia was nothing like the winters I knew back in Germany. While I often had to light the woodstove in the mornings, the days were generally mild and sunny, sometimes even warm enough to wear a t-shirt. However, I got to witness something rare: snow! Locals hadn’t seen it in years.

I was parked in Terrassa when I woke up to find my truck covered in snow.

Even the trees around Barcelona had a thin layer of snow for a brief moment.

The “winter” didn’t last long. A few days later, I was enjoying sunny, warm weather in the mountains near Mura.

The air was filled with the scent of Mediterranean herbs, and the sunshine gave me an energy boost. It even motivated me to do a full spring cleaning of my truck.

After vacuuming and tidying up the entire cabin, I felt ready to welcome spring.

Enjoying Costa Brava

When I wasn’t moving between the city and the mountains, I also spent some time along the northeastern coast of Barcelona, visiting a friend and coworker.

The flat, sandy beaches were nice, especially for watching the beautiful sunrises, but they didn’t excite me as much.

I much preferred the rocky beaches further up the coast on the Costa Brava. They felt more secluded, with fewer touristic buildings around.

There were also plenty of scenic hiking trails along the lush, green coast.

The area was perfect during the off-season: free parking, quiet bays, and peaceful beaches with stunning sunsets.

I knew, though, that I wouldn’t be able to park my truck here during the summer when the beaches would be packed with people and parking spots hard to find.

Embracing the local life

Even though I could have spent the winter in a warmer region, I never felt the urge to drive further south. Catalonia had so much to offer, and the main reason I stayed was the great people I spent time with. Spending months, rather than just a few days, allowed me to build deeper connections and make new ones, too.

I was able to experience the Calçotada, a traditional Catalan event where we grilled and ate calçots (a type of green onion) in my friends backyard.

My truck even became a mini tour bus when my friends played at a punk festival in Tàrrega.

There was plenty of space for everyone to hang out, have a drink, and sleep.

Good times!

The trip began smoothly, but as I traveled through France, I ran into unexpected troubles: my truck’s serpentine belt broke.

Luckily, only one of the two belts failed, but the other was also worn out. I needed to replace them.

I stopped at an Isuzu truck garage that I found right next to the highway. The staff was quite helpful. They supported me ordering the matching serpentine belts and allowed me to camp out in front of their garage while I waited for the parts to arrive.

I spent three days there, using the time to make some minor improvements to my truck, like adding a bar for mounting the shower curtain.

Once the new belts arrived, I replaced them and continued my journey towards Catalonia with renewed enthusiasm.

Finally, I was back on the road!

My first stop in Spain was Vic.

The weather was chilly, the trees were bare, and there was little left to make me stay.

So, I decided to head closer to the coast to enjoy the milder climate and spend time with friends in Barcelona and the surrounding areas.

I found a lovely viewpoint just outside Barcelona.

It was a peaceful spot with a fantastic view of the city.

From there, I could easily bike into town to hang out with friends at various bars and restaurants. I spent a few days working and relaxing at this scenic location.

After a few days enjoying the peaceful viewpoint, I moved into Barcelona. One of my teammates came to visit, which made the stay even more enjoyable.

We worked together in my mobile office and took a short trip along the coast to Sitges,

where we basked in the sunny weather, enjoyed cold beers, and savored delicious tapas.

I was happy to enjoy visiting places and reconnecting with friends again.

After installing a pullable trash bin,

and picking up some useful gadgets for the kitchen from IKEA,

I filled the drawers with food and cleaned everything thoroughly.

Despite not having all items finished, the truck already offered a very comfortable and cozy atmosphere. The large, comfortable bed provided a perfect spot to relax for at least two people.

The burning wood stove kept the cabin warm and inviting during cold moments.

Relaxing in the gigantic seating area, the spacious living space was evident, making it feel like a true home on wheels.

I had spent every single free minute before and after my full-time job, including all weekends, working on the truck over the past year. By the time winter set in Germany, I was exhausted and felt a strong need for a break. A trip to the warmer south seemed like the perfect way to relax and recharge. All the remaining tasks could wait. The truck and I were ready for the first trip.

Finally! :tada:

Every project begins with a plan. I started by sketching out the design for the kitchen drawers to ensure everything would fit well.

It was freezing cold outside, which made working in an unheated workshop challenging.

To prevent the glue from freezing, I had to assemble the wooden pieces of the drawers inside the cabin of my truck. Thanks to the wood stove and the cabin’s good insulation, it provided perfect conditions for gluing the pieces together.

With the boxes glued, I prepared the drawer fronts,

and chiseled out the necessary cutouts for the locks.

I then attached Vienna straw matting to the front covers of the drawers.

This material was ideal for adding a touch of elegance to the front panels and ensuring proper ventilation, while the rest of the drawer was made from birch plywood and spruce wood, providing both strength and lightness.

With everything ready, I installed the drawers.

Finally, the drawers were finished by installing pull-locks to ensure they don’t open while driving.

The new kitchen drawers, featuring Vienna straw matting on the front covers turned out both functional and stylish. I was quite happy with the outcome of the project and really liked the design.