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When apprentices save classics
With the “Adelheid” restoration project, the apprentices at Pappas Wiener Neudorf showed that they can combine craftsmanship and youthful ambition.
When apprentices save classics
Pappas, Austria's largest Mercedes dealer, started an ambitious apprentice project in the workshop of its branch in Wiener Neudorf in spring 2023: A discarded fire service van, built in 1988, was not to be scrapped, but restored - by the apprentices of the in-house specialist workshop for body construction and vehicle technology. The result: A Mercedes-Benz T1 in new splendor, now affectionately called “Adelheid”. The starting signal was given on an April morning when there was a discussion in the office about the lack of a classic van in the company's own vintage car fleet. The spontaneous idea quickly became reality: a cheap but heavily used former fire service transporter - an MB T1 - was found in Hamburg, brought to Wiener Neudorf by trailer and shortly afterwards handed over to the young technicians. The vision: The Schwabhausen fire department's once red personnel carrier was to become a silver eye-catcher in the Pappas Classic fleet - ready to drive, typical and representative. A challenge that all apprentices accepted with enthusiasm.
In-depth training
Complete dismantling began under the direction of master apprentice Thomas Ulrich. “Rust was professionally removed, axles and brakes overhauled, the gearbox repaired and a new clutch installed,” says Pappas Wiener Neudorf operations manager Andreas Raub. The apprentices dismantled the discarded fire truck, removed all rusty parts, overhauled axles, replaced brakes, overhauled the transmission, installed a new clutch and much more. They cut out sheets of metal, welded, sanded and filled. Adelheid was completely stripped of paint and the bodywork was rebuilt. Abrasives from 3M, primers, fillers and Standox paints from paint partner Axalta were used. The work was not just a technical exercise, but also a creative experience: the interior was redesigned and refined with self-sewn parts - using an old sewing machine, among other things.
Adelheid's new life
After many weeks of intensive work, Adelheid was painted - fire engine red became Mercedes brilliant silver, the blue light gave way to a subtle yellow light. The fully automatic Axalta Irus Mix mixing system was used to ensure perfect paint matching. "The apprentices achieved extremely precise dosage and maximum color accuracy. Low residual quantities and correct results right the first time ensure minimal environmental impact. With the patented and energy-saving Axalta FCLE clear coat technology, the T1 was given the perfect finish," says Andreas Auer, Loyalty Networks Manager & MC Specialist Refinish at Axalta Coating Systems Austria, about his customer Pappas' successful restoration project. The result is more than just a restored old van: it is a symbol of craftsmanship, collaboration and a passion for automotive history. Since its completion, Adelheid has not only been the company's own star, but also a welcome guest at events. Whether at the classic car fair in Tulln, at the SL meeting in Laxenburg or the big Mercedes service conference in Schladming - Adelheid attracts attention and tells her story.