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Started by mercdz, 09 November 2013, 10:35 PM

wbrian63

As they say, it's your car - do with it as you please.

Personally, I like the somewhat lowered stance your concept shows. Others may disagree, but that's my opinion.

So long as you're not attempting to "lay frame" or enter the car in some West-Coast-Style (USA) low-rider bounce competitions, I don't have a problem with it.

The air bags will give you a better ride than messing with the coils, although you might have to tinker with different type/rate shock absorbers. Air bags have a linear resistance progression curve, where springs do not always have such. Typically, springs are compliant within a narrow range to allow for ride quality, but get much more firm as they're compressed.

There's also the additional complication of not having the weight of the roof on the chassis. Taking weight away from a car can and will result in a rougher ride unless spring rates and shock damping are adjusted.

Another big bonus for air springs is the ability to adjust the ride height of the car. This is particularly important with a long wheelbase/long overhang car like the W116 to prevent scraping - jack it up to go into the parking lot or driveway, lower it down for boulevard cruising.
W. Brian Fogarty

'12 S550 (W221)
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #521
'02 S55 AMG (W220) - sold
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #1164 - parted out

"Bond reflected that good Americans were fine people, and most of them seemed to come from Texas..." Casino Royale, Chapter V

mercdz

Thanks for your informed comments Brian,
She certainly won't be in any lowrider bounce contests!! My thoughts exactly on variable ride height. There will be an infinite amount of adjustments to achieve the "perfect" ride height without the hit and miss on messing with the coils.
Dave.

John Hubertz

I've always loved the concept of a suspension that looks killer when parked but is reasonably compliant on the road.  Looks like a fine idea to me.  BTW, what did you use to clean up your exhaust manifolds - or are they new?
John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

mercdz

Hi John,
Manifolds were sandblasted then painted with flameproof ceramic paint.
Dave.

kru0042

What a brilliant job. beautiful car!
Super Einspritz Lang

mercdz

It's ALIVE!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Many thanks to all on the forum who have contributed to me attaining this milestone in the project. The m116 350 engine, transmission and drivetrain is now in and after many hours of troubleshooting ignition and fuel problems all is well! ;D ;D The engine now purrs and responds instantly and the transmission is a joy, there is absolutely NO smoke at all from the engine. I have learn't  so much and am very grateful for the assistance from you guys.
Thank you........now onto the interior and then the air bags. ;D ;D ;D






oversize

I am seriously gunna have to look at this car in the metal!  What a great job you've done and it'll truly be the only one of it's kind IN THE WORLD!   8) 8)

Any chance you might be up for visitors?  Have you considered the catchup on the 22nd of Feb?
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

mercdz

Quote from: oversize on 05 February 2014, 06:56 AM
I am seriously gunna have to look at this car in the metal!  What a great job you've done and it'll truly be the only one of it's kind IN THE WORLD!   8) 8)

Any chance you might be up for visitors?  Have you considered the catchup on the 22nd of Feb?

No problems for a visit mate. I am O/S at present and don't return until 7th March so catchup is out unfortunately.
Cheers.
Dave.



Squiggle Dog

That is a beautiful engine compartment, and the star on the radiator is a nice touch.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

oversize

It'll be interesting to see what's she's like to drive compared to an SL....
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

mercdz

More progress.
95% of the interior is now finished, a few minor trim panels to deal with yet. I am happy with the results so far.








Squiggle Dog

Amazing accomplishment so far! Look at how the door panels meet the sheet metal on the tops of the doors. Very interesting ideas, and it's nice to see it being followed through.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

oversize

Who retrimmed your seats?  They look great!!

Did you refinish all the timber and if so who did the work?

WOW well done, I love it
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

oversize

You must be getting very close to registration....
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

mercdz

Still a bit to go before registration.
* Seat belts will be the next challenge.
* There are still a few areas of interior trim that need to be addressed.
* Decent exhaust system.
* Exterior chrome trim around door sills will have to sourced.
* Windscreen, wipers, door seals etc. etc. etc.
After registration the suspension will be air-bagged. Hopefully this looooooooong going project will be finished by the end of this year.