Vacuum rubber bits

[markb]

I'm trying to "refresh" my under-hood vacuum and rubber bits, which are well overdue. I can see from my parts catalog that MB has different pn's for many of the rubber fittings that are basically the same material, in particular the dozens of rubber connectors as in the picture below.

Can these 5cm lengths (and hard lines for that matter) be cut from stock vacuum lines that are available just about anywhere (famous last words)? I know there are some that mate different diameter hard lines and nibs that will require specific MB pn,s, and I'll do right on those. I promise!



Thanks

[edit].. oh, crud. Sorry the embedded image didn't work. Again. [edit] Fixed.. my bad.

[ptashek]

Yes, they can be replaced with any off-shelf vacuum specific rubber hose. Can't vouch for silicon ones though as I've never tried those. The only OEM bits you'll need are junctions and diameter change fragments, but even the junctions could be mostly replaced with straight bits and plastic Y-connectors.

[markb]

Thanks, I'll just try to avoid URO rubber! ;-) And breaking any of the hard lines, if I can hold my tongue just right. If I do need any hard lines, can that be bought from the Classic Center in bulk? Would you say that the original hard lines are still good, barring obvious breaks? Very impressed with your Golden restoration BTW!

[ptashek]

I've dismantled my unloved and uncared for spare 350 to nuts and bolts, and the hard lines on it were as good as new after nearly 40 years. No crumbling or crackng, not even discolouration on the exposed fragments in the engine bay. They do keep very well.

If memory serves, these can be bought new in bulk as well.

Thanks!

[UTn_boy]

There are only a few of the colored hard plastic lines that are still available.  The plain white line is readily available.  You can order anything you need from any local dealership.  It doesn't have to be bought from the Classic center. 

[gf]

Anyone got a part number on that bell shaped Dooby???

[UTn_boy]

That bell shaped thing is your ignition retard electropneumatic vacuum solenoid.  It's original part number was 001-540-20-97, but it changed in the mid 1980's to 001-540-86-97.  It currently lists for $117 UDS, or 67.41 Euros in Europe.  Just be aware of the fact that if you order this, yo will not get anything that resemble the original part.  You'll get a universal electropneumatic solenoid that is ice cube shaped with vacuum connections at the top and the bottom.  Obviously, it can be adapted, but if you're concerned about originality, then don't buy it.  So many cars had this solenoid starting with the W108/W109 chassis, so finding a good used one won't be too difficult.....if you want an original, that is. 

[gf]

Thanks utn boy!