In light of the special suspension the 6.9 has, is any naked W116 chassis always the same spec?
No,
The spring/strut mounts are different, plus there are many holes in inner fenders for hydro lines and the sump. The rear diff and suspension parts are different, it has different lower control arms for the anti-squat suspension
The 6.9 has different front suspension geometry to the other SEL's.
Steering box mounts are in a different position too. The more you study it, the more you realise just how many differences there are between 6.9 and standard 116 chassis.
Forgive me if I read this wrong, but I was talking about a NAKED chassis. Once completely stripped, can one install 100% 280" parts onto a 6.9 chassis? (Bar some extra holes that could be plastered shut)
I'm still pretty sure the spring/shock mounts would all be different.
Thing is I am waiting for a 6.9 to arrive here from the US. I have all the parts to build a new 280SEL, but no SEL chassis, except for that 6.9
I was also worried about those wheel arches and strut mounts, but I kind of expected that the basic chassis would allow for both suspensions.
How could I find out for sure?
"For Sure" Stan
I own both models and can confirm rumbs comments
I would suggest it'd be better to fix a 6.9 chassis than use a 280 chassis as a complete donor...
- steering box mounting location 'may' be different
- idler arm mounting 'may' be different - not sure - 6.9 uses different length drag link and tie rods to other 116's
- 6.9 lacks the spring mounts in the front suspension towers
- as stated, many extra holes in chassis for hydro lines, and mounting brackets
- right front inner fender is different due to provision of bulge for mounting dry sump tank
- extra brackets for mounting front and rear leveling valves
- extra brackets and holes for mounting the 5 suspension spheres
- VIN number will be stamped into firewall as 116036....., which will always give away what was done
- floor pan has extra pressings to form a channel to route the hydro lines to the rear
- if its a US 6.9, the floor pan has extra pressings to accommodate the cat converters
There are probably other differences that I can't think of right now. The most sgnifiant is the lack of front spring top mounts. It will take a fair amount of butchery to transplant them in from a standard 116 chassis, and bear in mind that they are structural, and need to be very precisely located to ensure correct suspension and steering geometry.
The 6.9 chassis really is a different car to the other 116's. If you are determined enough, you can do the conversion you propose, but it seems a very expensive and complicated way to go about it, and concour it will never be.
What Ryan said.
It will always be a 6.9 chassis no matter how you slice it. Way too much effort for the payoff in my opinion.
Your answer is in the EPC under group 60, which is the naked chassis itself:
450SEL 6.9:
A1166001910 to A1166002210
280SE to 450SE:
A1166000110 to A1166000410
280SEL to 450SEL:
A1166000510 to A1166000810
So I'd say, tough luck building a 280 on a 6.9 chassis.
You could always convert the 6.9 chassis to coil overs, which isn't difficult, if you dint want the hydro system.
But then it isn't really a 6.9 .....
Thanks. Depressed now :)
Thought I could simply transplant a 280 outfit onto a 6.9 chassis.
Did not see that problem coming.