Military G's being crushed
Recently picked up some G class wheels at a "processing centre".
Chatting and casually asking about other G parts being available, this was revealed:
They get vehicles in where armed forces personnel have deceased in. The vehicles are then held in a secure compound until inspected, notes and photographs taken by investigators and then, whilst being supervised by said "visitors" have to drain fluids, remove wheels/tyres/batteries and then crush the rest of the vehicle there and then into a cube.
I for one can kind of understand that, respect, etc., but it got me thinking why this then is not applied to other vehicles which were in normal use by "normal" people which were in accidents and where also persons passed away in?
The other question is whether the above is general practise or if this is a case of "special" vehicles with certain (secret?) fittings?
I'm not making any points here, just wondered and thought it might be a topic for interesting discussion.
G- wagens in Afghanistan aren't armoured so they are no better than the infamous snatch Defenders. Any bomb, RPG hits or fire damage will render them unusable and only fit for scrap. I doubt its an issue of respect, real respect would mean they were in better protected transport
G- wagens in Afghanistan aren't armoured so they are no better than the infamous snatch Defenders. Any bomb, RPG hits or fire damage will render them unusable and only fit for scrap. I doubt its an issue of respect, real respect would mean they were in better protected transport
Absolutely ... 
Where did the ex MOD armoured G500's that were for sale at auction a couple of years ago return to the UK from, I thought that was Afghanistan ?
Iraq; transport for VIPs
Although the said gesture would be nice; my feelings is that, it is more to control the market of potiential parts getting into the used market sector damaging the new parts market.
I have often tried to source panels and parts from the recycling center from Germany. I have never got what I searched for, yes there are items there but not what I look for at the time.
The idea of crushing a complete does not make sense to me either. Surely it make more sense if answering a truly recycling aspect of things is to dismantle the parts and then collectively recycle. Once a complete vehicle has been crushed, how can the wiring and plastics be separated for recycling? Surely, savings can be had and manufacturing benefit from the lowering of the carbon foot print could be reduced if casted components like axle casings can be re introduced with new components into manufacturing?
I've seen bits of kit out on salisbury plain that folk have died in, and been on ex when someone died... and the vehicle was repaired.
OK, was armoured so cost more, but the MoD isn't that sympathetic towards people dying in vehicles... that's what they/we are/were paid to (possibly...hopefully not!) do.
Iraq; transport for VIPs
Gee's you'd think they'd at least use diesels for that. I mean it's a bit more difficult to set diesel on fire...
All this talk just made me rather sad, know what it's like out there, so had to venture over to help for heroes and do a small donation.
Interesting post and comments, but I have a feeling that they crush them as it could be some sort of tax write off and have to prove it. Was watching a car program once and they had this fantastic Jag (top Gear I think) and they showed the bloke removing VIN's with a hammer and chisel!
I think Clarkson offered money for it, but due to tax reasons they could not sell it - you will probably find the MOD got such a good deal on it, there could be a clause that when finished they HAVE to destroy it????
Any accountants out there? (Panzer???)
Spider1V
there could be a clause that when finished they HAVE to destroy it
Now that could be just it. Good thinking batman!
Will only be a matter of time before a brown envelope makes the impossible possible.
Been told its going on all day long at a big yard up north full of expensive stuff.
There were definitely armoured G55s in Afghanistan - fact.
Crushing of military Gs aside... Jacksons want £5,500 for SWB softtops "as seen"! I was about to sell my '83 460 280 GEL for £600...
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Civvie street yes (that's why there are so relatively few used sprinters around), but sorry Rakesh, I disagree here - can't see the MOD being worried about the (vehicle) parts industry. You are 100% correct about Mercedes' efforts. I have contacts in the salvage industry and it's common knowledge that MB themselves are buying up end of life and salvage vehicles by the thousands for their own profits. Often parts off these are being sold at main dealers as "remanufactured" or "reconditioned" after cleaning and testing.
According to the chap there, all 4 G's had V8 diesels and were still running and driving fine, just riddled with bullet holes. Apparently, they tried all they could to get the salvage on them, offering 20k each, but just got a point blank refusal. Just to make it a bit more of a sad story.