6.9 progress...

[TJ 450]

Well, I got a 6.9 yesterday 

I haven't attempted to start it yet, as it has been sitting for approx three years. This will be interesting to say the least. The car has done ~220,000km, 100,000 of which are undocumented (done over the last 20 years).

So... the front suspension has completely collapsed, but the rear is up. There doesn't appear to be any leakage from the struts externally and the fluid looks good.
Should it go up when I get the car started, or will I automatically need to get new struts/levelling valve because of this?

I'll obviously need to change the engine oil/filter, is there anything I should watch out for here?
How does one achieve the correct level?

Nathan, how difficult was Goldy to get running?? Did you drain the fuel tank?

Regards,

Tim

[Brian Crump]

Congrats on the purchase - hope it turns out well.
Regards,
BC

[WGB]

Congratulations TJ 450 - with a 6.9 suddenly a lot of the posts become more poignant.

I think you will find that down at the front and less so at the rear is the normal rest position and if all is well it will rise after the motor is started.

Was the car in the open or under cover?
How much fuel is in the tank?

Others would be more fastidious but I would change the engine oil and filter, check all fluids for water contamination give it some fresh petrol, change the battery and fire it up and see what happens.

Bill

[Bandolero]

On a 6.9 you check the oil level with the motor running and at operating temperature.
It takes about 12 litres of oil with a filter change.
Good luck and I hope it works out well for you.

[alabbasi]

TJ, up front on the firewall on the right side for LHD cars (probably on the left for your car). There is a hight control valve that is connected to a control arm. In my case, the car took a dive when the ball joint on the control arm separated and the lever on the hight control valve dropped. Check it out as it may be the reason that your car is sitting up front.

[Big_Richard]

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[TJ 450]

Whoa... thanks for the replies 

Thanks Michel and BC 

Hi Bill, as with the posts, I think that might be the case 
The car was out in the open... it is weathered, but it's mostly original and not particularly rusty. Inner sills and the floor pan are mostly like new. The carpets / dash are good, but the rest of the interior has seen better days. The interior is functional (although the steering wheel is missing )

Sounds good P.B., I'll definitely try that WD40. I'll be pulling the plugs anyway to check their condition/replacement.

I'll post some pics this afternoon.

The Chassis NR. is 116036 22 001432. The car is from Victoria originally. It is ADR compliant.

I have a battery on charge at the moment... Only problem is, I locked the only key in the boot.

Tim

[Big_Richard]

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[nathan]

hope this goes through,
my internet is royally screwed and im waiting for new computer to arrive...
second what all the other guys say Tim...oil and filter, fuel filter, drain tank a definite (my fuel was brown in the tank - id send a pic but my pc will porbably crash)...when goldie did start, it was like chernobyl...smoke was frikkin everywhere for 5 minutes and then cleared up...car pumped up after several minutes...just let it run in the open....
fuel pump may be shit...so you may need to manually put fuel into engine with air filer off the car...

will send you a pm as love to see the car!
congrats and what a merry xmas!
nathan

[nathan]

ill attest to what PB says re getting into the boot...you can order another key from benz dealerships if you give them the chassis number...if price is too much, ive got spare windows if you need!

[TJ 450]

I got the boot open with a vacuum cleaner...
I'll have to get a second key cut so I don't do it again 

Sounds like I should drain the tank 

Here are some pics...







Tim

[s class]

Wow it looks like you got a lot of car for your money.  Sure you have some work lined up but it looks like a good solid start.  Congrats. 

With a VIN that low it must be one of the very first Aus delivered cars.  Nathan, what's the VIN of the first Aus car?

I see the rev counter red lines at 5000, which is what one generally sees on earlier cars like my blue one. 

You are lucky to have a dash in that condition - look after it. 

[13B]

Nice project! 

Curious about the VIN number though... I thought we only got Australian Delivered 6.9s for 1978 and 1979, and 1978 cars would start from around VIN 3000 or so?  With one as low as 1432 I'd say that would have to be a 1976 or 77.  Either way good find, and the pictures look like its not as far gone as many other 6.9s

[nathan]

Ryan,
the lowest VIN in oz was 278 for a car in QLD...there are only 2 others i have noted under #1000 (inc.styrias) in oz...Tims is now the lowest i have now seen in wa, with most beginning above 5500.  interestingly, the VINs dont seem to necessarily correspond sequentially with year ? i dont quite understand this.
Tim, do you know where the car came from originally...unless im wrong, it must be an import with the early zebrano wood setup...however, someone has changed the instrument cluster over at some point as it doesnt have the mph on it?
this would be nice for you, making it a higher compression euro
it looks like a great buy!

[Big_Richard]

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