The Forum

Garage => Test Drive => Topic started by: floyd111 on 09 March 2015, 04:44 AM

Title: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2015, 04:44 AM
I guess it's about time I started a thread about the projects I have taken on here.
1977 280SE, 1976 280S, Euro models.
Plan is to beat the system, do 2 Concours restorations, sell one of them at top dollar to a collector, as to pay for the other one, that is to be mine.
Investment in 2 cars plus parts and work,50-75000usd.
Duration of project, estimated 2 years.

It didn't start off like this..

Over 2 years ago I planned to find an impossible to find good-condition w116, here in Taiwan.
A year later, and 5 cars down the line, I knew it was going to be nearly impossible.
So, I settled for one that simply looked good, and paid 8000usd for it, which is as cheap as they get here.
I knew it was a lemon, but it was the best looking lemon around. There may not be more than 20 of these cars in Taiwan.. One can't license new imports..

Since I am not a mechanic, but an MC distributor, I was far from home, in many ways.
Luckily, I found recently opened restoration-workshop, and they ensured me it could be done, with time, and money.
Question was..how much?

When I first test-drove the car, I found all was well, but I had 20 inches of play in the steering wheel.
The man promised to fix it, and I returned 2 weeks later, happy and anxious.

I picked the car up at the (dodgy) dealer, and drove off into the horizon, finally owning my own, first w116
I drove to see a friend of mine, 10km further down the road, and show off my new find. he was impressed, but not for long. After opening the bonnet, it seemed the steering pump had exploded, and the whole engine was dripping in oil. Further study showed more oil lines had burst or were leaking heavily. Driving 200km to my restorer was not an option.
So, I carefully drove back to the dodgy seller, and told him to fix the issue, or I would take issue. I was promised a safe 200km when I bought it!

2 weeks later i picked it up again, with the assurance of years of problem-less driving.
I made it 7 KM to the very center of Taipei, to find the engine stalling in the middle of rush hour, in the middle of a jam-packed bottleneck, blocking thousands of cars behind me, with no place to go.
For 45 minutes I stood there, with half of Taiwan cursing the mad foreigner who was silly and irresponsible enough to drive such a vehicle through rush hour.
I called the dodgy dealer, again and again, but he never called back. I was abandoned. Luckily, a friend nearby helped arrange a tow.
When the tow-truck arrived, the public embarrassment was complete.

The tow-truck brought us to a befriended car dealer, who quickly assessed my alternator did not work.
A costly replacement was available, but the next day.
So, I lost a day at work again, and had to get a motel.

The next day the car was ready -again-, and the long drive home could commence.
It was fun to see strangers wave on the highway, but I was too bloody nervous to enjoy the attention.
I was waiting for  more exploding parts..

Once home, I finally had a sense of relief and actual classic car ownership.
I decided to drive it for a week, before saying goodbye to at at the restorers' for a year.
By miracle, it lasted the week. It was a good week.

At the restorer, the long debate about restoration, parts, costs, etc etc now started.
To my horror I found that the manager in charge knew as little about these things as I did.
I was their first 5-star restoration case!
It meant I was completely responsible for each and every choice, every part, every move, from the beginning till the end.
Good thing I don't scare easily!
They DID seem to know their sheet metal work very well..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 09 March 2015, 07:38 AM
Well, for what its worth, I admire your dedication to the task but I think you're unlikely to ever see any return on a 280S/SE at that level of expense. Then again, maybe the Taiwanese restriction on imports will get you across that finish line. I sure hope so :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2015, 08:35 AM
I Hope so too. In Taiwan, if you were to drive a W116 off the top of a skyscraper, you could still sell the license plate for 7000usd, if you can retrieve it from the wreckage..
And then, Taiwan being the richest country in the world (yes, indeed), there is a lot of disposable income here. People who do not know their nett worth, and are bored beyond belief, not knowing what to buy next.
If you want a second-hand Ferrari, or lambo, no country sells them cheaper.. All the rich boys dump them, the moment the latest model is out.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2015, 09:15 AM
I decided to go logistic on this car, and section what I would need to replace.
Different suppliers for different types of goods, and make sure each time to get the best source.
However, at this point, I started to realize the handicap of not having exact part manuals, and being very unaware of what I really needed to replace.
I just knew that I was going to have to end up with a car that could not possibly break down for years to come.

Logically, I deducted that whatever I could buy in Febi/Meyle would be a massive money saver.
Whatever I could not source from them, would be tomorrow's problem.
I DID, however, inform myself as to what NOT to buy aftermarket.. all the window and door seals. Must be OEM MB.
So, I went to order what I could in Febi/Meyle, and decided to replace other parts with classy second-hands.
I proceeded ordering the Febi/Meyle, in one go, in bulk, to save on shipping and achieve a max discount.

Meyle:
029 450 1800   1
029 475 1900   1
014 850 0000   1
014 830 0013   1
014 054 0027   1
014 020 0103   1
014 009 0003   1
014 001 0004   1
014 050 0000   1
014 020 0050   1
014 091 0000   1
014 018 0005   3
014 001 0015   1
014 050 0021   1
014 046 0026/S   1
014 033 0026   2
014 035 0016   2
014 035 0000   1

Febi:
1263   1
2591   2
3097   2
3219   1
3645   1
3668   2
4995   1
5165   2
5362   1
5595   2
5723   1
5809   1
5952   1
5953   1
6799   1
7162   1
7258   1
7259   1
7540   1
7915   12
8106   1
8247   1
8506   1
8545   1
8609   1
8643   1
8681   2
8694   1
8716   1
8720   1
8730   1
8838   1
8840   1
8907   1
10030   2
11253   1
12151   1
12275   1
14673   1
17080   1
18142   1
21751   1
30308   1
34917   4

That felt good! Great deal, big advance. It took a few months (read 6 months) for all of it to arrive, due to logistical failure abroad, but it arrived.
Lesson.. If you are going for bulk, and bottom dollar, be prepared for delays.

Next, GAHH. As far as I manage to deduct, the best there is.
Luckily, as an Automotive company, I could make the case that this is not just a one-time fix-er-up, but these cars are meant to be our introduction into the Classic world in Taiwan because, once finished, they will guarantee the best possible exposure for our Classic parts branch.
So, I learnt the ins and outs of how GAHH parts are ordered, and the first lot quickly arrived in Taiwan at a very fair price.
Again, all-in-one shipping is essential, or the freight costs will kill all incentives.
Regrettably, the carpets were not the same shade of Parchment that was expected, and were greener than I had hoped for.
My bad, I should have asked them to send me a sample. They WILL, if you ask them. I know that now.
So, I am now sitting on a full carpet kit for a W116 SE series, in light green. I can't install it, because I do not have a green car.
If anyone out there wants a rock-bottom price for a full carpet kit for, let's say, a moss-green W116, feel free to contact me.
BTW, the upholstery for seats, roof, etc arrived as promised, and it looks mint. Great color, looks just like the originals.
I got all that was available, pads, and all!

In the meantime, the OEM rubbers re an issue still very much alive. Sooo costly!
It lead me to go on a global hunt, armed with part numbers, many of them given to me by friendly folks on this forum.
I ended up in Germany, buying from Niemoeller. They seemed most competitive.
However, when the rubbers arrived, I was shocked that there was no MB packing. What does that mean? Are they overpriced URU's, sold by a pretending company, or NOS where packing was lost? Are the maybe sourced from the mystical Polish OEM suppliers for MB, through the back door? I still don't know, and I am afraid to ask. They sure LOOK like they're MB..
I will find out when we get to installing them.
If they are genuine, it was an OK deal. Way better than USA sources.

Now I got excited. I had visions of what the car(s) were going to look like.
No BBS, or crowns, but proper sized steel alloys with re-chromed old-skool caps.
Lots of Zebrano inside, as much as possible.
So I found Eris in Germany, and ordered 2 steering wheels in Zebrano for the original rubber steering wheel pad, 2 Zebrano shift knobs, and 2 full sets sill covers in polished stainless.
Again, combi shipping, combi ordering, be it that Eris ships really cheap! 50 Euros for my massive box of goodies. Guess combi-shipping is not an issue here.
Now I have matching Zebrano for wheels and shifters.
This means that all the dash zebrano needs to be matched up as well. Ai ai ai.. Now what?
It is hard enough to get good zebrano parts, and pricing is top dollar.
Single button consoles, double button consoles, manuals and shifters.. I all cases a good part is hard to find, costly, and the Zebrano will most likely never match.
I tried for almost a year..
Time for plan B, an idea I had been toying with..
Why not start a new company branch, specialized in restoration of Classic Car wooden interior parts?
This is now in the making. Tools, vacuum engines, selected veneers, it's all ready to go.
I can now match my dash veneer to the Eris-supplied Zebrano, if I put my mind to it.
Still, having the goods, does not mean I have the skills. The next few months will tell.

To those thinking of trying..
Do not even think of refurbishing a defrost unit in Vinyl, into veneer. There is no such shape in the plastic. If you take off the vinyl, it's all foam underneath. The pyramid shape is all air.
Same goes for the ashtray. You need a wooden one to re-do a wooden one
More about the dash restoration later..






Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 09 March 2015, 01:58 PM
Good luck you are a brave man!

As for rubber parts, I have invested in a mix or brands.  I also try and stay away from URO, but for the door seals I went with them.  My thinking is that it is not safety critical, and that I really cannot justify buying genuine MB door seals.  If you can even still find them the price will make your eyes water!

But then again I did spring top dollar for genuine MB tail light seals.  They are much harder to replace than the door seals, so i figured I really did not want to do THAT again...Door seals are really easy, so I figured even if the URO's are crap, I'll just redo them in a few years.

For suspension bushings and such, I go for Lemforder if I can find them, they are pretty strong in that area and you can find them at good prices normally.

Cheers
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 12:44 AM
So, at that point, I had saved all there was to save on obvious parts, I got the Eris Zebrano, I got the MB rubbers, and GAHH was in, be it I would still need a replacement carpet set in the right color.
I wrote to them, and I was allowed to ship it back if I wanted. Regrettably, that would mean even more losses.
So, I asked for a bunch of samples, and they sent them. This time, I decided, no more multiloop, but velours..so much warmer, and better for sound.
Instead of (green) multiloop parchment I will order Champignon velours and creme vinyl headliner.
Haven't ordered yet.

Naturally, as time went by, the countless hours I spent online, in forums, and on the phone with parts suppliers in 5 countries paid off little by little. I was starting to learn.
It also meant my eyes were getting sharper, as well as my sense of the reality of my W116's
Sooo many parts on those cars, so much that wasn't trustworthy or good looking.
I realized that my first W116 could have been made drivable, but never sellable at a profit.
Drivable, without selling, would invite years of tow-trucks, delays, and head aches.
All the faults in the car would never stop irritating me. I am still a Dutchman, and we have automotive OCB written in our DNA.
Imperfections, scratches and noises are an endless torture to our unshielded brain.
I would need to re-think everything.. It was going to get costly, and risky.. and the 6 months restoration time would surely become 1 year.
I was still not ready to accept 2 years.
I had more to learn. Much more!

Finding an W116 in Taiwan is very hard. Since I like internet hunting, I kept at it, and far away, in the very last pages of the browser, under the wrong keywords, I bumped into a model I had not seen before.
I immediately called them, and it was still there. Had been there for 3 years, parked roadside, abandoned, in pieces, with a broken window.
The advertiser clearly had no idea how to list cars online. The other 4 or 5 parties on this island hunting for such cars had missed this car for years, and me, the foreigner who can not read or write Chinese, had found one!
It had license plates, a 280S 1976, and the price was 5000usd, 2000 thou cheaper than the value of the plates.
It had a Yorke airco unit, broken, no doubt, but that added 1000usd value to the car. I bought it.
Now I had 2 cars, one for parts, one for restoration.
But..now I also had 2 sets license plates..
Would it not be a shame to simply sell those plates, knowing they would never be available again?

This is where I made the decision to do 2 full restorations instead.
Use both plates, and by doing 2 cars, combi shipping and combi buying parts would be even more affordable.
However, the Parts car was a lost case, I concluded. It looked as if a horde of wild dogs had lived in it for years, and every single part on that car was broken.
(Later I understood that I may have made the wrong conclusion.)

So I started hunting for a restorable W116 abroad, knowing that in the Netherlands, the classic car road tax system had gone from free to intolerably costly, and hundreds, maybe thousands of people were dumping their daily drivable classics.
Prices went tumbling, and the Dutch MOT is very strict. This makes for technically perfect classic cars at bottom prices in 2014, in the Netherlands.
After 6 months of hunting, I found one, and sent my mom to go see it, live on the phone, with camera, and a checklist the size of a roll of toilet paper.
Sold! 1900 euro for a 280SE with a white interior, and scores of mint parts.
Now I had to import it to Taiwan. How does that work?

Cut a long story short, I got it shipped, had a big fall-out with the private Customs/Clearance maffia in Kaoshiung Harbor, licked my wounds, and had it shipped to my restorer.
Now I had 3 cars! The 280SE cost me 6000usd, all in, door to door, still 1000 less than a wreck in Taiwan.
And, it had the white interior, without holes, without cracks. -and a Dutch MOT
This allows me to hang the Parts car plates on the Dutch car. Well, kinda..

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 01:55 AM
We are now one year after my first W116 purchase.
3 W116's are catching dust in the parking lot of my restorer, with only one of them under a tarp.
The second one is nearly collapsing under the weight of the hundreds of brand new aftermarket  replacement parts, neatly stacked inside, in every crevice front and back.

It was getting time to start compiling a list of MB parts required. How I dread this job!
I really don't want to know the cost of all that. I don't want to spend that cash. I don't want to have to go through parts manuals with a fine comb, adding and adding, and adding parts.
Where to stop? What to buy? WHERE to buy all of this?
And, most dreadful, no local help anywhere.

I knew what to do! Stick my head in the sand, and go buy more goodies instead!
Went hunting for Beckers. Found one in the Netherlands, 150 Euros, in mint condition. had it shipped, just to find out it wasn't made for a Benz. It was the wrong size, at least 15 years older, from a 1960's Porsche and MG.
Still, I like the idea of making my w116 older than it is. I will make it fit!
The second Becker I found 2 months later, again, online, in the Netherlands.
200 euros, and it looked good in the pics. But, it's not eBay, and there is no safety net against scammers.
When it arrived, I was very, very pleased. It was new out of a box!. Mint, not a scratch on it! Allows for an immediate re-sale on eBay for 500 euros, but I won't. It's mine!

Then I bumped into a NOS seller in Argentina.
I been investigating how to achieve a full Cruise Control retro-fit, a must on a car like this, and I don't have any, on any of the 3 cars. Argentina had the actuator, 500usd, new in the box.
They also had the sunroof wind deflector, NOS ashtray lighters, chrome NOS exhaust ends,  NOS steering wheel pad, and new instrument panel plastic strip in 5 colors that hides the little lamps, indicating contact, headlights, etc. That one would really make the instrument panel look new!
I bought 2 of each, except for the actuator. I decided to buy the second CC system after the first W116 was done, -and sold. The combi buy/ship worked out well here. Argentina threw in a NOS driver door rubber seal in for free!
I can recommend this eBay shop. Fatone_Inc.

The CC mounting bracket is NLA. Found it in Spain
The Tempomat steering wheel control I found second-hand in Germany. It's not NLA but really costly if bought new.
The other NLA parts are all hidden from sight in the car, and will be built/modified from local parts.

Still, it was this list of CC parts that was the start of my MB parts list.
I knew it needed to be done, and I slowly started adding, comparing parts and prices, learning about what's IN the car in parts, and immediately went on an internet shopping hunt for any part that was marked as NLA.
I now needed a second batch of MB door seals, so they went on there as well.

I use the Shopping Cart from http://eshop.original-teile.de/
With your personal login, your cart does not get deleted. It gives you great pricing (indication) as well.
I started using http://www.iauto.lt/mercedes-benz/Car/280_SE as a Parts Manual.
Regrettably, no engine manuals there.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 01:57 AM
Some of my shopping:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 01:59 AM
and more..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 01:59 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:00 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:02 AM
2 full sets of these, from Germany. NOS, even cheaper than new. -And they ARE cheap, from MB, Don't buy these used unless you get them with very good rubbers. MB supplies the rubbers all-in.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:02 AM
Couldn't help myself. Worried they may become NLA..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:03 AM
This was a tough one.. To buy or not to buy. They are NLA, and this is new. I bought it. 225 GBP, including shipping.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:05 AM
More of these "to need or not to need" things. Such a beauty, and so rare to find new. i bought it. 280usd including shipping. It it original MB, and fits exactly into the spare wheel!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:06 AM
Lighters and instrument panel indicator strip.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:07 AM
It is not going to get easier. I bought these as well. Valves at 150usd are a bargain, even though not MB.. the rest is!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:14 AM
In preparation for my Zebrano needs, i bought these.
The wheel and shifter from Eris, 2 full sets (and the chrome sils)
2 used Zebrano ashtrays for restoration, from ebay, 25usd and 40 usd.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:16 AM
These will look good, for sure. I know they aren't MB genuine, but the plastic originals are never pretty for long.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:48 AM
Oh, and thanks to "mercdz" for the Australian Hand Brake thread, allowing for a near-OEM permanent fix of the seat handles.
5 minutes after the thread was posted, I had cornered the world market in right-hand drive brake handles. 6 in total, 5 of them new in the box. 25usd each.

I also turned to Mercedessource, for once. Not my favorite shopping venue, but I needed to buy 12 central locking actuator rubbers for my cars. The bill still felt like a pound of flesh. 13usd, x12, plus shipping and taxes.. Not funny for a bunch of tiny rubbers..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 03:35 AM
Days, weeks fly by, and more and more items keep coming in from abroad.
I find myself driving to the restorer every 2 weeks to dump new loads of new parts.
I guess they are not sure what I am thinking or planning. No doubt some of the mechanics do not believe this project will ever happen.
When are they to start doing the first work? 1 car became 3 cars, 6 months will become 2 years, and Stan never ever stops schlepping more and more boxes with exotic goodies.
Well, fate stepped in.

My daily car is a rather beaten up 2001 honda CRV that has done it's job for me, well beyond expectation. 100000km extra on the tacho since I bought it 2 years ago, and it still drives.
However, it needs dumping now. Repairs are simply not wise. It may have 400000Km on the fake tacho. Who knows.
Another used car will cost 10000usd, and I am gonna hate it.

So, I told my restorer to take the first w116 280S, and replace everything in Meyle and Febi, check all cooling, fuel, water and oil lines, and make it a daily car that is presentable, and won't break down for some time to come.
He is to only fix the drivers seat internals with GAHH pads, while we await the express shipment of the MB seat spring unit.
He WILL have the carburator done with new rubbers and gaskets, after ultrasound cleaning.
It should be ready in 10 days, allowing me to drive a W116 on a daily bases, until the day comes that the other, W116 280SE has seen a Concours restauration
It allows me to split all the future MB Parts shopping in 2 large batches, where I only need to pay for 1 batch for a year to come.
The second batch only gets ordered after the Concours has been sold as planned. Or when I win the lottery next week.

I am not entirely happy with these change of plans, but it is probably a wise move, allowing me to keep the 10000usd in the bank, that would otherwise have been a sure expenditure on a used car.
The worst part about that is automotive depreciation. I loathe it. It is insane to buy a modern, costly car and see value disappear, even if it is parked.
I am decided that is no longer going to be me. Classics only!

Also had a few lucky turns this week. My Aero 750 finally sold, and even though second-hand, for the new price ! (license plate related!)
An old debtor paid his debts, and the CRV will be sold as well. That's 10 thou for MB parts!
The time is here. It needs to be done.
I need to lock myself in a hotel room for a week with no phones or disturbances, and sift through every W116 part on the EPC, establishing a final order list. Or at least, something that resembles a final list.
I know I will forget things
I know I will be ordering stuff that needs no replacement.
At least, I hope I won't be ordering the wrong part numbers
What can one do? I am a layman.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 10 March 2015, 12:37 PM
Looks like you are buying a fair bit of parts from the guy in Argentina via ebay?

I do find he has good stuff but his prices are crazy :o
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 March 2015, 04:04 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 02:02 AM
2 full sets of these, from Germany. NOS, even cheaper than new. -And they ARE cheap, from MB, Don't buy these used unless you get them with very good rubbers. MB supplies the rubbers all-in.

Ah yes, the bizarre case of the indicators.
The indicator seals alone cost something like twice as much as the indicator lens *with* the seals...
One of the arguments I've heard was that the seals are NOS, but the indicator lens + seal set is fresh, reproduction stock.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 March 2015, 04:09 PM
Quote from: daantjie on 10 March 2015, 12:37 PM
Looks like you are buying a fair bit of parts from the guy in Argentina via ebay?

I do find he has good stuff but his prices are crazy :o

Who's that mysterious guy in Argentina? :)
Mind posting a link to his eBay shop (or any of his items)?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 10 March 2015, 04:26 PM
Here you go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W116-450SEL-6-9-oil-pan-protection-shield-/321679507035?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ae597be5b&vxp=mtr

He lists under "fatone_inc"

Like I said he has really good stuff, mostly NOS, but I think his prices are way inflated.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 07:46 PM
About Fatone_inc
Pro's:
Service
goods quality
OK shipping rates
safe packing
communication
import taxes(!)
Prices are negotiable..a little.
If they have NLA, who cares.

Negatives:
Pricing
Items rumored NLA are sometimes not NLA

If you have wholesale MB links, Fatone is -mostly- same as wholesale. Not cheaper, not more
If you're en end-user, and you need a few items of  great cost, they may just be the ticket.
I find few bargains in Benz-world. Bulk is the only ticket.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 08:36 PM
This month is also about finished product details.
I told the restorer to remove every large or tiny chrome part on the car, from interior trim parts to mirrors, wheel caps, bumpers, etc etc, and load it all into a large box to send for factory re-chroming.
It won't be cheap, but again, bulk should get me good prices. If the parts are not rusted, or dented, re-chroming should allow for a better quality than new, and buying new would be expensive beyond belief.

At the restorer, I found that, after the extraction of my Zebrano dash, tiny MB parts were all over the floor.
I hammered down the importance of keeping all the nuts, bolts, rivets clamps and screws neatly bagged and numbered, each time with a description where the screws go.
Without such a system, it is a sure thing that all will end up in a big bucket, or lost, and I will find the wrong screws in the wrong holes everywhere.
At the same time, I will take those bags to various hardware shops, and meticulously replace every possible nut, washer and screw with stainless replacements.
Whatever isn't available in stainless will be bought new, galvanized
Whatever remains left after that will be sent to the factory for galvanizing.
That last batch of bags will be a head ache.
I will need to measure and log all of them, photographing them on maths paper with reference, so I can later place the new screws back into the right bags.
There's no other way. Galvanizing needs to be done in one go. As many parts as possible, in a one-time galvanizing session.

This last session will include all the small parts that belong to the engine as well. Plan is to have all the nuts, bolts and covers outside the engine stand-out, color-wise, from the engine housing and external larger units.
It should look stunning.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2015, 09:51 PM
Yesterday I ordered the second batch of GAHH stuff. This time it should contain what was missing last time, plus all that can be bought for the second car. Worried about not meeting Concourse standards, I bit the bullet and also ordered the rear seat pad combi's.
I ordered extra vinyl to refurbish the sun visors, x4, and extra velours to refurbish both hat shelves. I already had extra vinyl to re-do the dash boards
I want both cars to have head rests front and back, so I got covers for those as well.
Ordered a bottle of vinyl re-freshener that they sell. Will experiment on spare panels, to see whether it works miracles like advertised.

I still need 4x luggage nets that belong on the rear panels of the front seats.
If anyone can tell me where to get these, that would be great.  I can't find them anywhere. I want to retro-fit them onto the GAHH panels.

I still need white-wall tyres, 12 of them, and I can't get them in Taiwan. I will try and see whether my European MB supplier can source them locally and load them in my MB-order ocean container.

And, now that the first W116 needs to be a daily drive for a year, it will need hifi, and it must be the same set it will have after a full restoration. Must be mint.
Problem with these W116's is that there is almost no way to install hifi without cutting holes into the car. That is not an option here.
It must be high-end, invisible, and non-invasive.

Hifi is yet an issue unresolved. Shopping in Italy ebay seems a sure thing, though.
I found high-end 2-way 5" KRC 130 Focals that can fit in the OEM holes in the dash.
I found a kicker ZX700 that is listed as a 5-channel top amp, and hiding it under a chair is easy.
I found an Alpina 12" woofer, shallow-mount type, SWR-T12. I see no other way than to fit it inside/under the rear seat.
Not sure it can be done. The floor is not flush, so the bottom of the boom box can not be flush. I am thinking about molding the bottom of the box out of A-B epoxy-putti, exactly fitting the bumpy seat floor. The sides and top of the speaker could be done in simple MDF.
Any other ideas are welcomed!

There is room under the front seats for custom-made boxes with 2-way speakers. Well-designed, in black, with velcro against sliding, it may be the only option.  I need to measure the height tolerance to see whether quality ovals can be fitted, or whether I will be forced to add 4 more 5" Focals.

The seats need to hide the speakers, so space is limited, to say the least.
This leaves to find a spot for the receiver. I do not want a receiver in the glove box. Ugly!
The Pioneer DEX P99Rs is the summit, and buying from Japan eBay saves 200-400usd per unit, be it that the radioband is Jap-spec. Not my prob. Radio in Taiwan sucks.
It has auto-EQ, linked to an external sound-check microphone in the head rests. It has a 24 D/A converter. It has no amp, and no CD.
It has a remote and hole for a USB stick that contains enough music for years to come.
Great, but where to put it? I want to see if there is room behind the dash, or behind the lower dash panels.
Again, ideas here are welcome
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 March 2015, 02:58 AM
Well, days are flying by, expecting a call any moment from my man that the 280S has been returned to "drivable"condition.
They basically replaced everything available with Meyle and Febi parts, which included the brake lines, brake disks and the brake pads front and back. Calipers were taken apart, cleaned, and refurbished, to my surprise, with local parts.
Carburetor was taken apart, ultrasonically cleaned, with rubbers and gaskets replaced.
Scores of steel-rubber parts were replaced, ensuring a safe, comfortable drive.
Bumper parts were selected from the 3 available W116's, leaving me with the most presentable set.
Front chairs were taken out, aligned, and when when my OEM front seat spring frame arrives next week, the GAHH pads will go in, and the chairs will be put back in.
Can't wait.. My CRV has now become not only a danger to me and my family, but also for all mortals roadside. It needs to go.

In the meantime I am still banging my head against the EPC. Not that it won't work! It works fine. Problem is my brain can't wrap itself around the countless pages with parts data I only half understand. I am well out of my comfort zone here. If only I could find some help from a professional Benz mechanic that has a day to spare. Since I won't be buying my parts locally, that really is not an option.
Wish I could hope for my restorer to do the work on THEIR EPC, but they have little idea how to work it as well.

Yesterday I went to a classic Benz meeting. People nationwide attended. Over 100 old Benzes there, and 10 times more people. Regrettably, only 1 W116, and more than 95 W123's.
The oldest car, a single W108, stole the show. On the inside, the veneer had fallen off the dash.
It really exposed the levels of restoration available in Taiwan. Nil.
When word got out that I was the designated guy to talk to about Parts, people were almost lining up. Name cards were flying. Orders for W124, W116, W123, W126 Parts followed suit. Apparently, I am the authority now, haha!
Not bad for future business, but it illustrated how much I need to rely on myself.
Even the many Benz-workers, and Benz management that were hovering over the old cars did not want to attempt to dabble in classic cars.
I also found out I am beyond doubt one of the few people in the country with a W116, and the only guy that has 3 of them.

Still, on an even more positive note, I floated the idea of selling a fully restored Concourse W116 with 3 years full warranty for 100.000usd, and people were nodding that might work.
There are no Concourse cars anywhere. Just wannabe-mint imports from Japan, without license plates.

Still, on the W116 front, the one owner I spoke to was delighted to meet a fan.
He had bought his 2-star W116 280SEL so expensive, he could not even utter the figure.
Still, even though the lightly-dented bumpers and interior needed a cosmetic touch, under the bonnet it was a feast for the eyes. Not a drop of oil, not a scratch, not a spot of rust anywhere, and not only the engine bay was mint, but the whole car was absolute rust-free.. The engine bay had never been touched, resprayed or touched otherwise.. It was so clean and new, you could eat your lunch off of it. Amazing. It had been parked indoors for all of it's life. Air conditioned, no doubt.
Now, that is a car I should have found a year ago. Still, it would no doubt have been outside my budget. White interior, and even the seat springs seemed new.
I will post some photos in the next weeks, when he comes and visits me to see my cars at the restorer.
Back to the EPC, for now..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 16 March 2015, 12:05 PM
That is pretty bizarre.

Here in North America they are plentiful and cheap as borscht.  You can wander through any of the scrap yards here, and you will find at least one W116 in half decent shape.  Granted some of them are rusted beyond repair, but you just have to be a little patient and you can find a gem for $5K here (not 6.9 of course, but any other W116).

Same thing for W126's, they are plentiful and cheap-cheap.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 March 2015, 08:45 PM
IT has something to do with the change of politics at the time, and the excessive price of the W116, plus excessive taxes. It made the W116 only available for the richest top 20 in the country. One car could get you five apartments in the capital..
Mid 70's car imports were relaxed. The W123 was cheaper, and that's the one that was sold by the bushels.. Soon followed by scores of W126's, still available in the thousands, and unsellable.
Therefore, anything pre-1978 is almost unavailable. Silly W114's sell for 20000usd here, in poor shape. A bad W108 sells for 25-30000usd, and a good one at twice the price.
Yeah, it's bizarre.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 March 2015, 11:55 PM
Well, while I am considering therapy after seeing Ptashek's tin-dipped chassis, things on my end seem to spell more doom than strides forward.
Three weeks ago, I was promised a temporarily drivable W116, ready in 2 weeks. Considering there's a storage room full of new parts available at the garage, no need for further delays, I thought.
I thought wrong. Yesterday I went to have a look, expecting the last hand to be laid on the car, but was shocked to see that only rear driveshaft and brake disks and calipers had been done.
Yes, the calipers were sand-blasted, primed and painted, internals refurbished, brake disks honed. They looked great, but that was all the news. At this speed, I am 2-3 months away from having my first day on the road. Not good, coz I need wheels fast, lest having to buy another car.

Moreover, I used the occasion to inspect all 2 cars for audio-options. One of the cars has top-dash speakers, ovals, 3.x4" There is literally nothing that can fit there except shallow 4" tweeters
The other 2 cars have low-mount dash speakers, again, no more room than 4", but unlimited depth. Allows for 4" 2-way Focals, 100W, but that's it. No further mods possible without hacking into the dash. Not an option.
I carefully measured all space under the seats, hoping for room for head unit, amp, and 2 ovals in custom-made boxes. There isn't.
I can fit an amp of good size, and one oval. That's it.
Checked the rear seat, hoping for space underneath for a custom-built woofer box. Never know the rear seat floor is absolutely flat. Can barely slip a magazine between the floor and the seat. Another no-go area.
As much as I love this car, this is some p-poor design. German businessmen must have really had a dislike for music. I was told it was an audio-unfriendly car, but this is impossible.
Naturally, hacking into the doors is a no-no, so we move to the hat shelf. None of my 3 cars have DIY holes there, which I thought was great, coz I don't like such mods.
But, this means I am properly out of options.
All that can be fitted there is a carefully designed woofer box, in the First aid compartment, removing the plastic casing, and lowering a box in there that can be fitted without damaging the structure. At least, that way, there is always the alternative to remove it, and place the first aid unit back in it's position. Could build a Zebrano speaker cover over it, as to hide the modern unit.
Guess that I will have to live with 2 tweeters visible in the corners of the hat shelf.

This gives me mid/high in the front, bass and tweeter in the back, a head unit hidden deep inside, behind the dash panel, and an amp under the seat..
Need to be lucky to be able to fit an oval under each chair, pointing rear-wards, whilst leaving room for an amp. My guess is the amp will have to find another location, maybe under the glove box, well-out of sight.
Then, I need to hope that rear-wards pointed ovals will sound good to the driver.
It needs to be tried, at risk of cost. One can't cruise a W116 without proper tunes!
If that fails as well, only then will Ibuild a new hat-shelf and place ovals in it, again leaving the option to return to original at any given time. I DO dislike the look of speakers in the hat shelf. That won't stop bothering me.

Anyways, while I was checking the cars, I bumped into more worrisome issues.
I had asked the mechanic to remove the Zebrano in one of the cars for me to do a restoration.
So he did, handing me the longest piece broken in half, and the smallest piece with only the veneer, and the main wood still in the car. Not good at all, for a first move towards restoration, but since I am supposed to learn how to restore wood, I did not make a big point out of it.

Second, the gaping dash hole had wires coming out of it in all directions, non-labeled. How was anyone going to remember where everything goes, 1 year from now?

Third, screws, washers, bolts, nuts, locks, bushings and rubbers were scattered over the floor and mid-console. Nothing was bagged, or marked.
I could foresee a restored car with all the wrong screws in the wrong places, missing washers, rivets and what not. Very worrisome.

Fourth, the mid console was removed, but apparently the mechanic dod not find the right way to remove it. Force was used, ripping one screw out of the dash, and breaking the connector on the mid console on the other side.
Vinyl was ripped.
This means I need to re-wrap a donor console. Very bad.

Fifth, the Italian-imported battery I bought brand new had not been on the trickle for 6 months. It was dead, and was going to remain dead.

Sixth, the white interior -the reason for importing this complete car from Holland, was covered in oil from oily mechanics hands.

At this point in time, I am properly worried, and p-off above all.
I am ready to get a trailer, load all 3 cars, and bring them elsewhere.
But where?

Today I will meet with the boss, and put down my foot.
They need to learn how to do these things, and not at my expense.
I will tell him that they need to take the donor car apart until the very last screw, in a professional matter, bagging screws, taking photos, categorizing and listing all parts. -At their own expense.
Only after that, I will pay them to commence work, completely dismantling the other 2 cars, meant for restoration.
If they refuse, I will walk. Any other option would be unwise.

With all the new, correct parts already sourced and imported by myself, this restoration job is no longer that difficult for a garage, I would think. 1. Finding parts, done. 2 Chassis-work, 10000 companies available. Leaves only, 3. Taking apart/putting back together. If I had the space, and time, I would do that myself. Alas, not an option.
We will see what happens today.

One thing is for sure.. I will not be driving a W116 any time soon.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 March 2015, 09:07 PM
Well, I had my talk with the boss, and he admits his regular mechanic is not up for the job. He will cover damages and has asked me to find 2 foreign mechanics abroad, to be employed in his new facility, being decorated as we speak, with 4 new bridges, and all the required gizmos.
That thread is now all over this forum.

I bought the first set of hifi, after comparing data for over a month. Scored from eBay Italy
Front, Focal KRS 100. Per set, 280 euro, containing 2x 4" mids, 2 tweeters and 2 filter units. (799usd at Crutchfield!)
Front amp Vintage Harman-Kardon CA260, for under the passenger chair.-on a sled. 200 euro.
Rear, JL Audio 10TW-3 shallow mount subwoofer, 10" to be fitted in the First-aid box on the hat shelf. 320 euro instead of 799usd at Crutchfield
Focal FPS 1500 monoblock for subwoofer, to be fitted in the bottom of the rear seat 400 bucks
Scored from eBay Japan:
Head set Pioneer DEX-P99R, (Japanese version DEH-P01. Same model, named Carrozzeria, 760usd, instead of 1150usd online for the Western version, with only the Japanese FM-radio band issue, something that can be easily solved by connection a small regular digital FM receiver)

I really hope this will do the trick. Well aware it is technically lacking strength in the lower-mids, but I see no way to install larger lower-mids anywhere in the car. I hope that the quality of the Focals and the Pioneer's auto-EQ will compensate for that.
To save on shipping and cost price, I bought an extra set KRS100, and maybe I will later find a way, -if required- to custom-build 2 small boxes for under the chair, with these 4" Focals in there, for further mid-support.
In the meantime, the second KRS set's free Focal tweeters will be placed in the hat shelf's corners. Regrettably, that much has to be.
I will now have to build a Zebrano speaker cover to hide the woofer from view.
The Pioneer will be mounted under the glove compartment, hidden from view.

In the meantime, shopping continues.

In Holland, I found a Yorke compressor for 55 bucks, a new windshieldwiperpump for 60 bucks, a first-aid kit, still sealed for 25 bucks, a rear-head-rest set, complete with mounting parts for 50 bucks and a source that has classic Benz OEM booklets of all types and sorts, in all kinds of languages. He has so many of them, says it is not even possible to give me a list.
I have ordered a OEM documentation holder, with parts manual, workshop manual, maintenance booklet, showroom folder and user manual, all for W116, in one language.

In Germany and Holland, I found 2 Behr Copper coolant overflow reservoirs, normally (optional) for 450 and 6.9
eBay offers these for 200 euros upwards, each.  I got them for 25 and 35 euros.
They will look smashing after stripping and waxing!
One of them has a cap missing.
Would anyone know  these have a special size, or are such caps generic in size?  If you have a cap, let me know!

Next up, I will be comparing my 3 sets of tool kits and figure out what's supposed to be in each of them.
After that, the hunt is on for 2 new tool bags-only, and if needed, plus 1 or 2 new A116 jacks.
Seems most jacks I find online are A124, and tool bags are A126.
Both can still be bought new at MB, but this car should have the A116 models, not?
Still, it looks like a very difficult task to find all of these in mint, complete condition.
Your links are appreciated, if you have any!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 March 2015, 09:51 PM
Here are some photos..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 March 2015, 10:18 PM
This week is all about finding trained mechanics. Been browsing Taiwan sites and blogs, and saw confirmed what we already knew: There isn't anyone in the country with any experience in this field. Not a single web page of anyone showing off, or offering restoration.
So, I have taken to my business Rolodex and have written letters to our suppliers in 15 different countries, hoping that may do the trick.
How else does one find mechanics that want to emigrate?
In the light of the state of the western economy today, there must be countless looking for a better life, I would think.
It simply about the hook-up.
I will also try the Dutch, Italian, Irish, French and German W116 forums.

Needless to say that I am beginning to feel quite worried now, with 3 cars, a container full of new parts, and no mechanic.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 April 2015, 03:52 AM
The brick wall remains. Even  though my cars have all been towed to the new facility, (under the same owners and mechanics), and now stand indoors, with a bridge reserved for them, I still have no mechanic.
Been digging in France a bit more, but nothing remotely certain for now.

In the meantime I am in love with a Citroen CX 25 Prestige...
May pick one up here  that is on offer, to numb the frustration a bit.
The bridal day is yet far away.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: oversize on 20 April 2015, 07:30 AM
What can you do yourself?  Find a local specialist in each field and just move the car/s from one to the next....  It's almost impossible to find one person who can do everything well
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 April 2015, 11:13 AM
Yes, I know.
Problem is that I already did that.
I only need someone that can take the car apart.. without a crowbar.
That's a pretty low threshold, not?
None can be found.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 April 2015, 08:54 PM
Here's a pic I found from the first week I started, the first W116 I bought.. Broke down 30 minutes after I bought it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 April 2015, 09:11 PM
This is the third one I bought..Imported from Holland for parts.. I'll save you from having to see the many, many hidden holes in the chassis.. But: a mint Parchment interior and a 280se D-jet engine with a Dutch MOT.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 April 2015, 09:22 PM
The second one I bought is so ugly, I never bothered to take pics.
Imagine a once-Maroon-colored W116, in the Iraqi desert, parked in the bleaching sun for 40 years, with local kids having tossed a grenade in it at some point in time.
That leaves nothing to be re-used, except for the chassis, that is virtually rust-free.
Isn't it the strangest thing that the gorgeous looking red car is a disaster, and the disastrous Maroon one is a great restoration object?
The gray one has a good chassis as well, and looks to have a mint outfit, but that one -after close inspection- turned out to need replacements for almost every part imaginable.
All 3 cars ended up costing the same after having arrived at the workshop parking lot.
Conclusion: If you are going for a full rebuild, buy cheap, ignore everything, except the chassis. You won't be able to re-use much or anything else.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 April 2015, 09:01 PM
Well, while the hunt for a mechanic still goes on, finally a great update;
A contact in the Netherlands had all the interior parts I needed for a complete mint Bambus/Palomino outfit, as well as the replacement door panels etc for the parchment car. It took more than a year to find such an all-in-one supplier, but we're finally there.
We're shipping tomorrow, and I really hope it all turns out as pretty as the pictures promised.
This shipment includes a large pile of other new and used rare parts I bought in Germany, Holland and Belgium, and  can't wait to unpack them!
Photos in a week or 2!
What about a new-in-the-box tail light for 40 euros?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 May 2015, 08:51 PM
Some car audio updates..
Do NOT buy the high-end Pioneer DEX-P99, unless you know exactly what to expect.
This head set is immaculately fine, but it will require 2 external amps to function, one 6-channel amp and one monoblock.
The OUT's that come out of the head set are already split in 4 specific frequency ranges.
This means you MUST install 2 tweeters, 2 mids, 2 lows and a sub.
Good luck with that in a W116!
If you are not going that way, you will need more equipment to re-combine those 4 Out's into regular broad frequency Out's
That really makes buying such a high-end set redundant, and you will be better off just buying an external 24-dac unit to connect to a much-cheaper standard head set.
I am still to find out what it will be for me.
\
That said, I also did a 24-DAC upgrade at home, by installing the Sound Blaster ZXR Sound Card in my desktop, and there are no words to describe the size of that upgrade.
It is stunning. Buy one now!
I literally could take my expensive Onkyo pre-amp out of my amplification chain, and connect the desktop-out straight to the heavy duty final amps.

The Infinity Reference 6030CS 6.5" I ordered from the USA are very, very good for the modest price.
I now have them installed in my crappy CRV, connected to an even crappier head set, without external amps.
They sound absolutely amazing, considering they are given every possible disadvantage, bar a hot shower.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 May 2015, 05:18 AM
Well, since I have nothing else to do, and still no mechanic found, I thought I'd make a little list of mistakes I have made till now, maybe helpful to other people with silly plans like me.

First mistake.. no mechanic to build my car. Only thought of that after spending 50.000 on cars and parts. Still, that is a Taiwan-only issue, bar Burma.

Second biggest one... I bought 3 cars, not 1
It is hard enough to restore 1 car, let alone 2
The savings I thought I would make doing 2-in 1 shipping, etc, are not worth while.
In the end, unless you start as a mega-professional person, you will end up doing a lot of single shipments.
Also, many NLA/ONS stock items are not available in pairs.

The actual use of having a parts-car is yet to materialize.
A full restoration means you will have to buy mint parts.
Most parts cars do not have mint parts, just usable parts.
At best, for me, I hope to play even in cost and savings, which means there are no savings, in the best of cases. Not good.

Finding a mint interior is near impossible.
I spent 1.5 years searching for a set, and when I imported the first parts car, thinking the interior was mint, it turned out to be almost as bad as what I had already.
Sure, GAHH upholstery is great, but there is so much more paneling..
The solution is to restore the panels you have. Nobody suggested it to me.
If the plastic is faded, use vinyl-die, plus all the other preparation goodies in bottles.
If there are breaks in the plastic, fill them with resin, and then use vinyl die.
The door cards need to be redone with GAHH rosette vinyl.
The cardboard from the door cards need to be re-made out of new cardboard, same spec as the old ones.
Add new PU foam underneath and buy new rivets to hold the thing together.

When you put the doors back together, use the opportunity to sound-insulate all you can

Don't try fix the front seat springs. Order new units from MB
Rear seats can only be stiffened with PU rolls between the springs. Weld the broken parts. No new MB available.
Rear seat pads are now hard to come by. GAHH no more. Others not found yet.
Front rear pads are available from GAHH

Don't mess up the wooden interior parts with a fresh layer of lacquer. Take them out and have them restored properly. Anyone offering a 1 month job is not doing a good job. It takes 4 months at least.

HIFI. Read my post in this thread. It is not easy, but easy to get it wrong. I did it wrong, but it DID leave me with fat hifi for my daily car.

Rubbers. Jury is still out on that one. Equal people telling me to buy MB or aftermarket. I went MB all the way. Still need to see how the main door and window rubbers will fit -and hold.
One bonus: I spent months tracking down the cheapest suppliers worldwide, and ended up buying at the best prices.

If you are gonna do a full Monty, do not insist to do your own car, just because you have a w116.
Ignore everything on the car, except for the chassis. Make sure it's not rotten, underneath the seemingly mint interior and paint job. Better even, buy a stripped chassis if you have the option. Even better, buy a stripped one from a dry country. The extra shipping costs will be well worth it.

Time span: Forget about time spans. Drive something you can drive without a headache, and mark your W116 project as a non-scripted long-term project.

Do not buy parts until you have stripped your car completely. More problems will surface as you learn about the reality of things. For example, brake disks and calipers can easily be refurbished to mint condition. Rarely need for new.
Brake lines are easily forgotten and they can be very bad.
How about the rivets that hold the brake lines in place? Did you think of those, and do you know where to get them?

Do not start fixing anything until you have a complete collection of all the parts you will be needing.
If you prepare very well, the list of parts you forgot about will still be big enough for a decent headache.

Just like the door-fix, the moment the chassis has been refurbished is the time to cover what you can in durable sound/heat insulating materials. It really improves the ride. Airco needs not work overtime and less driving noise. It's the wrong time to save money here.

Do not use your old cable-tree. Have a new one made from scratch. Make sure the all cables are covered in a non-degradable coating. Many cables rot after a decade. Ask GM/Opel about that.
Make sure your fuse box is excellent.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 June 2015, 11:26 AM
For now, last thing to add to my list of mistakes.. Get the EPC, learn to use it properly, before doing much of anything.
I did it almost last, not advisable!

Anyways.. good news it seems: My restoration guy says they are now getting ready to commence doing my W116's
They have the staff it takes, and we are even talking about a 6 months time span, to get to the point where 3 cars have been stripped, parts bagged and photographed, and 2 selected naked chassis have been restored to new.
That will allow me some time to finalize my final MB bulk purchase, and order my last GAHH batch, the Palomino leather outfit.
With these last 2 shipments, added to 1.5 years of preparation and random worldwide shopping for NLA/NOS and discounted parts, I should be at 99% completion of my collection of the parts required to do 2 "Concourse" cars in one go.
Could it really be happening now?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 June 2015, 02:52 AM
Been searching the net for a long time to get 2 complete sets of all available MB booklets for the W116 280 that normally come with the car.
Success!. A guy in Holland has endless stockpiles of every possible car-booklet possible.
I bought 2x3 different manuals in German for 133 euro inc shipping, all of it in very nice condition!

Now all I need is the black glove compartment manual for 280 (x2), and the Chassis & Body 2-book set.(x1)
If anyone has those for sale, let me know!
Also, if you need other manuals, I'll send you the link, so you can check Holland yourself.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 06 June 2015, 08:45 AM
Feel free to post the links here. I don't think anyone will mind if reliable sources are linked to by fellow members.
Well, I won't for sure.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 June 2015, 08:20 PM
 you can write to ;bertvoorbij at casema nl
Here are SOME of his manuals
http://www.marktplaats.nl/verkopers/5964032.html
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 09:02 PM
Work has slowly started, with the arrival of ED, the mechanic from New Orleans
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 09:25 PM
Oh, it's gonna be a loong, long time before this thing is done.
Where Ed was supposed to focus only on my 3 cars FIRST, the garage owner has annexed him and I am on the back burner again.
Luckily I understand. The other classics that need to be done have owners that are less patient, and there's almost no end to the list of projects.
We still very much need a second mechanic, as well as a panel beater.

Still, at least one of my cars is now getting some part-time attention. Dis-assembly of the engine, and then the complete car.
They're making step-by-step photos, and I will share them here when I receive them.

With little else to do but wait, I have continued shopping for NLA and NOS items, and I have made some great advances.
By now it's a daily chore that goes automatic with great effect.
The list of items I scored since the last update is far too vast to remember completely, but I am really happy with my original glove compartment catalogs "A", "C" and "K". All absolutely mint and all of them twice. I scored 2x the original MB W116 "wiring diagram" single-sheet. Most expensive sheet of B3 paper ever.
Then there's the original plastic folder for the car papers. Lovely.

In the meantime I bought yet another Becker, and I scored 2 sets of original little clamps to hold the deck in the dash.
Also, yet another Bellino gas tank, be it that this time the tank was dirt cheap and in need of a spray paint job.
Anyone looking to buy one, you'd need to check ebay.DE, and look for "mercedes kanister" Mostly well under 100usd.. On ebay.COM you'll be shown USA sellers at 300+usd each.

The hunt was also on for head light reflectors. You'd be surprised how hard it is to get these NLA items new-in-the-box. I scored 2 lefties from eBay, one rightie from Germany and a rightie from Italy. -With pain!
LOTT.DE had 8 righties yesterday morning at 0900. They had NONE left when I was ready to hit the buy-it-now button at 12.00
That's how fast they go when they pop up. All mine, and theirs were selling around 60 bucks each. That's a good deal!

Scored an original Valeo alternator, new for 75 bucks, rather than 200+ from MB

Oh, and a very nice American dude on eBay sold me the Chassis & Body book set, + the maintenance manual, an epic 3 book set as good as new, for 60 bucks. Not a mark on them.
Guess they won't be so pretty anymore after my mechanic has used them.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 10:02 PM
some more goodies
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 10:04 PM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 28 August 2015, 10:04 PM
Courageous and impressive.

Enjoy and good luck!

Slfan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 10:07 PM
got stung by the eBay seller who sent me the mouldings. Made in Turkey, and 3 out of 8 damaged.
Now trying to get a refund from eBay.

The tool bag is brand new, but I accidentally bought too many of them.
I'll sell it on for 25 bucks if anyone is interested
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 10:14 PM
And then there's a whole pile of stuff bought outside of eBay..
Another NOS Cruise Control actuator... 200 bucks! Fatone sold me the first one for 500, and I already thought that was sweet..
Also, 2x cruise control cable..NLA, but still available NOS! 30 bucks each
Now I need the triangle mounting bracket, 2x. That is a tough one. Nobody sells such a cheap, simple part online. Also, NLA.
So, if anyone has 1 or 2 to spare..please let me know!

No doubt people have noticed I am going for the Tool kit outfit now. Regrettably, after buying 1 big and 2 small kits, all I have is a rather expensive  mish-mash. I really hope people will join the "Great Tool Swap"
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2015, 11:32 PM
Thanks to a tip here, I also scored a sun roof tool! Would have never thought of it.
Next up: The great sticker quest.
Thanks to a tip here I can now go and collect all the right stickers for the car.
It also allowed me to find out that the eBay sellers offer these stickers at 15x over value! Just buy from MB!

One of these weeks we need to do a stock take in the warehouse, and list all the items I scored, outside MB.
That's gonna be quite a job, and quite a photo collection.
At that point we pray that the Euro dropped again, so we may order the final pallets with  regularly-available parts from MB
Gonna be quite the ocean cargo shipment.

Also up these days...the new interior.
I am waiting for the complete sample books from UPH, so I may finalize both cars' outfit.

First car (mine to keep) will be burgundy red outside, and parchment vinyl inside. Very simple and happy, with full Zebrano trim inside.
Carpets still missing after receiving green instead of parchment.

Second car (to sell) will be 904 Dark Royal Blue outside, and palomino leather inside. Again, full Zebrano outfit.
None of it ordered yet. Combi shipping front seat pads with the bioth car's leather, vinyl and carpets should be a big saver.

I also need Bosch Fanfare Horns for both cars. I want the 400hrz version.
Quick question.. Can I simply fit this set, or is there a current issue if I do not install the exact part?

I got lucky with a very friendly German retailer that sells replicas of the thin blue/gray user manuals, service manuals, etc that come with the car. Getting 2 complete sets in mint condition proved very expensive, and after getting tricked once, I found out it ain't even sure you will actually receive a mint one.
So, i ordered 2 complete sets in Germany, for 10 bucks a piece. They are really excellent! Even the mild fading that would naturally occur is there. Can not tell it from the real thing.
But yes, a small concession..

This is from his email:
Für den W116 habe ich mehrere Betriebsanleitungen, daher müßte ich noch das Baujahr wissen, damit ich Ihnen die passende zusenden kann. Andere Unterlagen habe ich nicht, ich habe nur Betriebsanleitungen gesammelt.
Ich habe Ausgaben von:
280S+SE+350SE VIII/1972
280S+SE+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL II/1973
280S+SE+SEL+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL I/1974
280S+SE+SEL+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL II/1975
280S+SE+SEL+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL I/1976
280S+SE+SEL+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL VIII/1978
280S+SE+SEL+350SE+SEL+450SE+SEL VI/1979
450SEL 6.9 VI/1975
450SEL 6.9 IV/1979
Der Preis ist jeweils 10 Euro, die Versandkosten 2 Euro (Ausland 3,60 Euro). Bei Sendungen über 500g etwas mehr.
Es sind Reproduktionen in erstklassiger Qualität, vom Original kaum zu unterscheiden. Siehe Bilder im Anhang. Wenn ich sie
nicht vorrätig habe, dauert es etwa eine Woche mit dem Versand.
Bei Interesse teilen Sie mir bitte noch Ihre Postanschrift mit.
Die 12 Euro können Sie dann überweisen:

MfG
Jürgen Hollmann
An der Steinach 12
95466 Weidenberg

He only accepts bank transfer or cash in a letter.. No Paypal.

Also found a window lifter motor for 150 bucks, NOS.. These keep popping up once in a while, but not cheaper than that..
Still, bought one before at 125 bucks..
2 down, 2 to go!
That is, unless my mechanic is right. He says he can send the old motors to an address in the States to have them refurbished at a fraction of the price.
Anyone done that before?
I will let you know the outcome!

And then there are the computerized/electronic gadgets that are impossible to find, or incomprehensibly expensive.
So, enter ProgramaInc.
1 00157 000 835 01 57 A/C Servo Unit Amplifier
2 51232 005 545 12 32 Cruise Control
3 08432 000 545 84 32 Ignition Control Unit
4 20032 002 545 00 32 Engine Control Unit

Hell of a lot cheaper!

And then there was a brand new left mirror I got from ebay Holland.. 55 bucks!
In Germany someone was sitting on a W116 specific blind-angle mirror glass for the driver mirror. 20 bucks..and the box really  looked like it would suit a 70's Tiroler movie.

Also in Holland, a real copper expansion vat from a 6.9 -The second one I found. 30 pop.

Biggest miss of the year: Holland eBay: Brand new head light assy L/R and brand new rear light assy L/R just over 100 bucks, 4 pieces together! Missed it by an hour. Still sick of it, now 2 months later.





Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 29 August 2015, 12:42 PM
You're building an impressive collection of parts there Stan. Makes me think my project is half-hearted. But then again, I'm not building a museum piece x2 :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 August 2015, 09:12 PM
I wouldn't be calling your project half-hearted, shipping the chassis to Germany for a tin-dip, haha!
If only I could...

Another issue that I have is that the papers will not match the car's outfit.
The handful of 116's that ever arrived in Taiwan have been subjected to swaps and DIY for the last 40 years, with no respect for quality or originality.
The data cards that came back from MB USA only show the Dutch imported car I have, to be original in detail. But, no license plate.
The 2 Taiwanese cars make no sense at all.
I would still have to choose to outfit the car based on engine number, or based on chassis number.
One of them is original Maroon, the most god-awful color ever chosen for a w116.
That's not gonna happen either.

So, what I aim for is to go brand new, with 5 year full warranty for the buyer, and every possible original gadget and option ever made available for the 116 retro-installed. Cruise control, booklets, key wallet, spare tanks, center pillow, leather interior, velours, foot rests, Zebrano outfit, elec windows, elec sunroof, elec antenna, Becker, head rests front/back, right side mirror, reading lights, seat belts rear, copper expansion vats, etc.
I gave up on ABS for reasons known and electric seat serve no purpose where you get 320 days of sunshine per year.
I thought about adding the original MB picnic box and the MB suitcase outfit, but the first just seems silly, and the second is more expensive than a second hand W116 -and not brand new.

On top of this are the upgrades that are invisible. High-end audiophile equipment, stainless exhaust, Ohlins custom-made suspension and sound/heat proofing all around.
Yes, it helps to be an Ohlins distributor, but even for me it's not cheap. It'll end up between 3000 and 3200 per set, cost price. Ouch!
This cost alone will cause an extra year of delays..
I also will copy the airco-upgrade that is explained on the forum. Effective and (almost) invisible, it seems.

If anyone knows of original Options that I missed, I'd like to know about it.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 30 August 2015, 06:20 AM
Floyd,

There is a factory installed Becker refrigerator in the trunk that was available on the W116.  My former 6.9 (5614) came with this option.  It sits on the left front portion of the flat area of the trunk on a rectangular aluminum base.  It comes with an MB suplement manual (similar to that of the early climate controlled cars, factory anti-theft systems, etc), 2 locking keys, authorized Frenzel repair outlets (the manufacturer that produced this unit for Becker) and a long eletrical extension  cord that permits you to keep the refrigerator running while the car is parked in your garage and also performs the funcion of maintaining the cars battery charged while parked.  All of this in a 1979 model year car:  amazing!

If you need pintures of the unit and manual/papers, just let me know.

Regards,

Slfan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 30 August 2015, 06:31 AM
Floyd,

Here is a picture of the factory installed Becker refrigerator in my former 6.9:

(http://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/hugoauto/old%20cars/69geladeirasmall.jpg) (http://s376.photobucket.com/user/hugoauto/media/old%20cars/69geladeirasmall.jpg.html)


In addition to my 1979 6.9, I have only seen this refrigerator in another 6.9 (a black 1977 or 1978 car).

Regards,

Slfan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 August 2015, 06:51 AM
NO way! This is a factory install?
Is there a part number? Any or all data you have is welcome!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 30 August 2015, 08:10 PM
floyd111,

Factory installed and even comes with an MB manual supplement in various languages.  Will try to obtain pictures of the manual and other documentation.

Best regards,

Slfan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 August 2015, 08:19 AM
It was a good day for goodies..

The original folder to explain how to use wheels..
The original plastic folder for car papers
a vacuum element for 36 bucks
the original spare-oil bag with gloves and retort.
A new MB tool
A brand new maintenance booklet! How is it even possible?
And, to top it off, MB service cards to list the next oil check KM number.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 August 2015, 08:20 AM
more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 31 August 2015, 09:54 AM
I think the heating valve is still available, and reasonably cheap, from MB. There were two types, but the earlier one (smaller, all black) is NLA, and its part number was replaced in EPC by the newer type.

What's that MB tool for?
Can you point me at the seller for the service cards? That would be a neat addition.

I got lucky with my 450.
I have all the tools, books, booklets, leaflets and both data cards that came with the car from factory; plastic folder included. Somehow they've survived two pervious owners and 36 years in the wild. Apparently my car won an award or two in its previous life (albeit those never got transferred with it), so maybe that's why it was kept to a higher standard than most cars here.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 August 2015, 10:51 AM
Jammy git.. None of my cars would have even been allowed on the Benz meeting lot..
This is the link
http://www.ebay.de/itm/131573954115?_trksid=p2057872.m2748.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 September 2015, 06:11 AM
and the goodies keep coming..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 September 2015, 06:22 AM
This was a sweet one as well: The main unit inside the manual airco-switch (NLA, as an assy, and NLA as a part)
Some places are selling as high as 256usd.
25 bucks, new in the box.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 September 2015, 06:34 AM
The 1972 First Edition parts Manual for W116, really was a maybe.
It's mint, and not even called catalog A, B, C, etc.
It's the first, so it seems.
Guy was asking 150usd plus shipping. Guess there were no takers for too long.
Offered HALF and got it!

It has crossed my mind to take all of the mint catalogs and booklets that I collected, and slap them on eBay as a combi buy for an eye-watering amount, hoping for a guy with excess disposable income.
It would probably work, but is it smart?  Is it really sure all this mint paperwork will re-surface from other corners at the same prices?
It's a bit like the Tool Kit.
No matter what you spend, even 800usd, you will still not get a perfect kit.
If you have a perfect kit, you better hold on to it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 02 September 2015, 07:37 AM
The parts catalogue is largely irrelevant as a "car owners item". It was always a workshop-only thing, as far as I understand it.
It has been superseded by EPC/WIS on CD-ROM, and then EPC/WIS online - many years ago. I'm not convinced having those adds/enhances the originality or collectability of the car.

As for that fuse box - unless your car was originally shipped for the German speaking markets, the layout card inside the cover would have been in English.
I can scan mine in (if I find it in the parts pile) and you could laser print it on 160g paper, and none be the wiser ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 02 September 2015, 08:23 AM

In the R107 and W113, the Fuse Card is usually in German on one side and English on the other side.  In otherwords, they are reversible.  I am not sure if this applies to the W116.

Amazing goodies!

Regards,
Slfan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 02 September 2015, 09:02 AM
Quote from: slfan on 02 September 2015, 08:23 AM

In the R107 and W113, the Fuse Card is usually in German on one side and English on the other side.  In otherwords, they are reversible.  I am not sure if this applies to the W116.

Ha! That's an interesting detail. I'll check the back of my card.
If it's indeed double sided, that would be most convenient :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 September 2015, 09:02 PM
I bought the fuse lid too fast, partly coz it was 20 bucks and I need 1
But the lid is still available from MB. 10 bucks.
I bought the lid because of the fuse sheet that seemed in OK shape. A required thing to have on my car..
Silly me, never expected that sheet ALSO still available from MB
Cost: 1 Euro..
Can't win them all. I was never trained for any of this and I am making this up as I go along.

The catalog is not so much a W116 glove compartment item, but more of a W116 owners item.
I have not seen one this mint, and actually, I don't recall ever having seen this particular one, since I started this hunt, 2 yrs ago.
Having all the W116 linked booklets in this series is just lovely. Same size, same layout, but with different colors and topics.
The more complete the car, the more goodies and options, the less any future buyer will be able to haggle down the price.
I am quite decided to get properly paid for these years, investments and efforts!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 03 September 2015, 07:19 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 02 September 2015, 09:02 PM
The more complete the car, the more goodies and options, the less any future buyer will be able to haggle down the price.
I am quite decided to get properly paid for these years, investments and efforts!

The pessimist in me argues that it's easy to overdo it. Would you not think that having every single item and option of the entire series, in a car that never had those items to begin with, would detract serious collectors who want nothing but the most original cars of the lot? But then again, you said before the Taiwanese classics market is "different" in many respects, due to low supply of quality cars.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 03 September 2015, 01:55 PM
Be careful of optioning-up.  At least on the 6.9's of you are seeking top price, originality will always win over (even desirable) added in extras. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 September 2015, 05:38 PM
Both of you are off course, completely right about this.
Luckily, it's not that easy to go overboard, let's say, with a freezer in the trunk. I don't have access to such options. ;D

The options I have chosen are minimal. They dress the car without disturbing the original looks of the car. No  phone antenna, no hands-free, no retro-fitted MB car-phone, no pimpy wheels, no US-version lights and bumpers, no visible sound system, no heated seats +buttons, no window curtains, no dark-tainted glass, no head light wipers and (regrettably-) no ABS.

Both cars will not win originality prizes in relation to the data card. Others have seen to that over the last 40 years.
They WILL win prizes for perfection and completion. They will be better, safer, cooler and more comfortable then when built new, back in the day, and you can't tell from opening the bonnet and/or looking at the car.

And yes, Taiwan is different in a way that there may only be 1 or 2 people in the country that recognize a non-option on a W116. Outside (some) Benz staff, nobody's ever seen a data-card.
My wife's seen and heard a thousand 116 stories and problems, seen the cars, seen photos, seen videos, now in the second year.
She, and most of the nation can not detect the difference between a W123 and a w116. Even when they are parked side-by-side.
Even W126 looks the same to the majority of people. That can be a bit of an issue, coz W123  and W126 are abundant, and dirt cheap.

99.9% of (the handful) potential buyers of my cars will have very simple priorities. 1. -how much of an impression will this make on my other rich friends. 2. -who is going to take car of my car for the rest of it's life. 3. -Is it safe? 4. Am I capable of driving this battleship. 5. -Do I have a space to park it? 6.-Price.
Hence the 5 years warranty, that may even become 10 years, if it makes a difference to a buyer. I am not worried. People ARE.
Selling one of these cars will be like divorcing a wife, with whom you have a kid. No matter what, you'll always be there for the kid.
In that way I will always stay linked to this car, whomever they owner turns out to be.

Oh yes, just scored 2 new Gloria fire extinguishers, haha!
That pretty much brings me to the end of the option quest.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 September 2015, 09:24 PM
Well, so I thought. Couldn't resist these, for in the glove compartment and the mid console, haha
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 September 2015, 09:30 PM
This one is yet another testament as to the importance of shopping slowly, and searching daily; Complete headlight assy for 93usd, new in the box. Snapped them up, minutes after they were listed.

Now negotiating a pair of 2 more lights at 125 euro each.  Wish me luck! Considering Fatone has them for 399usd..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 September 2015, 10:01 PM
I posted this one before, and decided to buy a single one first, so i could first check the quality.
They are very nice so i ordered another one. Advisable for those who insist on that extra touch!. Still, I really don't like the idea of simply tossing it in with the spare wheel. Seems a bit of a shame..

And what a trip this Tool Kit hunt has become! Just ordered the 4th or 5th tool kit online, and all of this was required for me to be able to compile a single, brand new-like kit, with all parts present, and all the spanners in 1 brand.
Now, I think it's worth it, but it's quite the job. Order the wrong kits, and you'll be shopping forever. Order too expensive, and it all becomes in-affordable.
I'll post photos..
Like I said before, some kits sold online are proper shiny and big, and sell for 400-500usd. That does NOT mean they are the right part numbers or the right brands.
Besides that, One can not buy kits at these prices.. that's just insane..

So, one down, 1 to go. What I DO have now is an ever-growing list of MB Tools that I have double, or triple, in a variety of brands and qualities, including a brand new tool bag in red, a so-so blue tool bag, a so-so red tool bag and a very pretty red tool bag
There are 3 more kits in the mail, and after these have been selected, I will post photos and data about all the tools that can be off-loaded at very low prices.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 September 2015, 10:06 PM
.. The final result of 3 months of searching, -and learning the hard way!
And, off course, the spare fuses box is not there yet. Available new from MB for 3 euros..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 September 2015, 03:14 AM
And yes, off course.. Just when i was so proud in having recompiled a new, complete set, i bumped into this data:

Ai Ai Ai..
Lots of these tools are simply available from MB... if you have the part number. Just found a bunch.

The FELO screwdriver kit, 2 screwdrivers in metal are new available from MB, just over 1 euro
A2015810117
A0005810317
Just bought a kit of 2 for 30 bucks on steal-bay!~

The red tool bag, new from MB, just over 2 euros..
A2015850001
Just bought one for 15 bucks..
But, the green bags are way better, and also W116..No number there yet.

For the 6.9, the bag is available at 6 euros,    A3145850001
THAT's the olive green one!
Djesus.. Fleabay selling at 36 euros ex shipping..

A0005811067   SPARK PLUG WRENCH
30 euros..

A1075850095   PROTECTIVE WRAP... 6 euro.
Just bought 2 at 16 euros each on ebay

Spare fuse box.. selling for 30 euros at eBay. Luckily I walked away.
new for 3 euros.
1245800010 SPARE PART BOX

wheel SOCKET WRENCH.. A2215810001
6 euros

The spanners are still available, but no telling what brands, or brand mixes -for now.
If anyone knows, please share the data..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: slfan on 12 September 2015, 05:17 PM

Good to know.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: revilla on 13 September 2015, 01:56 AM
Hi Stan.  what you think about this one?  complete? original? well priced?

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/181864639300?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 September 2015, 04:35 AM
Definitely not complete. Need to check the 4th spanner, and depending on your car, maybe a 5th spanner.
Fuse box is missing, and there are several parts in there that have no business being there.
The sparkplug tool with lever are both missing as well.

What this gets you is the alignment tool, (10usd by lack of other sources) the heyco waterpump pliers (7usd), 3 out of 4/5 spanners from different brands.
69 is too much, especially coz shipping is on top.
My lesson, recently learned: focus on the spanners, and take whatever comes (for free or for little) with the spanners
Buy everything else new from MB.

Like I said..lessons recently learned.. I bought 6 such crap kits buy now, haha! What it gave me was 1 perfectly complete tool bag and a heap of erroneous parts.
If you give me a little time, I can get you a full, complete kit in 2.5/3 star for the same money as this crappy kit.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 September 2015, 04:53 AM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Later-Style-BLUE-CLOTH-TOOLKIT-Heyco-R129-/400953987730?hash=item5d5ab85292


Notice how this Heyco waterpump pliers is not a Benz/Heyco? Tricks, tricks..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 September 2015, 04:54 AM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Later-Style-RED-CLOTH-TOOLKIT-HEYCO-R107-450SL-560SL-380SL-SCREWDRIVER-/111743879707?hash=item1a04744a1b

Get this one by offering him 60-70 bucks, will get you 4 spanners of the same brand, and extras..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 September 2015, 08:40 PM
It was a good week for goodies!

I consider this the best find ever, could only be topped by finding the elusive 6.9 fridge!
An even more elusive vintage MB accessory from the now defunct Kissling factory in Boblingen, home village of Daimler-Benz AG
An actual mid console armrest box for 100usd!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 September 2015, 08:42 PM
And then there were these..
More vintage MB accessories, new in the box!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 September 2015, 08:45 PM
Bought it together with this next item for 100 euros inc shipping.
Sure, the second item is maybe not genuine NOS, but it won't be an item for the sellable car.
It'll be mine.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 September 2015, 08:55 PM
Lucky shot when I found yet another headlight, NOS, this time in Australia. At 175 euros, about as much as I care to spend on such a unit, but I am well happy, considering the going ebay rates!

Also scored 2 sets of foot rests, one in parchment, one in palomino.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 18 September 2015, 02:47 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 17 September 2015, 08:55 PM
Lucky shot when I found yet another headlight, NOS, this time in Australia. At 175 euros, about as much as I care to spend on such a unit, but I am well happy, considering the going ebay rates!


You do realise that LHD and RHD headlights are not the same?  They have mirror-imaged dispersion patterns. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 September 2015, 07:46 AM
haha, yes!
That much I know!
These NOS lights do not come along that often at cheap rates.
Even if I end up with 1 or 2 too many, I DO have a 3rd W116 chassis  that may one day see a rebuild.
If not, there's always the forum and eBay.
Who would not want a complete NOS assy for 150 bucks?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 September 2015, 07:58 AM
Today's score:

Yes, I already had that lighter, but I need one in each car. Since both came up NOS, it seemed the thing to do.
Second item...well.. I may have been too enthusiastic there.
They are cute, and often sell at fabulous prices, but this kit belongs in an SL, not a W116.
Still, I haggled  it down cheap enough that I can repost it on eBay and double the money spent.
It really is in mint condition. Pretty rare.
For now, I'll keep it and consider whether it will be part of the sellable W116.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 September 2015, 07:42 AM
This item was the one I thought about hardest and longest. Pretty expensive, and not standard W116.
In the end, I couldn't resist. They are soo gorgeous!
I am gonna see whether a placement on the bumpers looks good, but I doubt it very much.
I will also try placement under the hood, but very visible. It may work.
if that also doesn't work out, I will simply pass them on the the rightful/future W108 owner here in Taiwan. At effective cost price, it should be a breeze.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 September 2015, 07:47 AM
..and somehow, at the end of a whisky-filled evening, I apparently bid on this item.
Sure, it's era-exact, and NOS in the box, but still.. It is a strange thing to be finding inside a classic car!
Never expected to win it, but I did. No other bidders, haha!
If there are fanatical collectors out there, I will part with this item at cost price. (70usd)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 04:30 AM
It's getting a bit more quiet now on the goodies front.
Found this York clutch today. My mechanic advised me to get it.
It is the first one of it's kind I have seen, so I didn't take the chance missing out. 116usd..
It's twice more at the cheapest MB wholesaler..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 04:35 AM
Went to see the mechanic yesterday, and I saw he had started stripping the car. The engine is in a clean room, awaiting rebuilding, and the rear interior trim and rear seat  have been removed.

I saw the original sound-proofing rubber that MB applied on the floors, for the first time.
Looks like a California lawn in 2016.
After some talks we decided to have the Hong Kong-shipped volunteer-apprentices equipped with scraping tools, and let them find a way to remove all 50kg's of it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 04:39 AM
Ordered these as well, from Turkey.
Yes, dodgy..
Even though I need 2 of these full sets, I ordered the just 1, so I can check for quality first.
It's sad to have to buy all of these, just to obtain the handful I can't get elsewhere, but that's the price of things.
I will let you know what they look like in real life.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 23 September 2015, 06:57 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 04:35 AMwe decided to have the Hong Kong-shipped volunteer-apprentices equipped with scraping tools, and let them find a way to remove all 50kg's of it.

I hope they get paid very well for doing it :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 23 September 2015, 07:28 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 04:30 AM
It's getting a bit more quiet now on the goodies front.
Found this York clutch today. My mechanic advised me to get it.
It is the first one of it's kind I have seen, so I didn't take the chance missing out. 116usd..
It's twice more at the cheapest MB wholesaler..

I saw that, but passed on it because its a twin-groove pulley used on the 6.3 and Citroen SM.  The M110 engines need the single groove version. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 09:52 AM
AAAAAAAH... It doesn't fit the 280S/SE?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 07:25 PM
Seller says it can be modified to fit, but the compressor will turn slower because it's a 7" and not a 6.5". That means less cold, no?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 September 2015, 12:16 AM
Thanks to S-Class!
Managed to cancel this clutch, before finding out the hard way..
Sometimes it really is a quagmire out there for laymen!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 September 2015, 07:33 AM
Forgot to add the pic!

"Ordered these as well", from Turkey.
Yes, dodgy..
Even though I need 2 of these full sets, I ordered the just 1, so I can check for quality first.
It's sad to have to buy all of these, just to obtain the handful I can't get elsewhere, but that's the price of things.
I will let you know what they look like in real life."
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 September 2015, 07:40 AM
The last week was basically spent working several parts lists of a rather large MB NOS stocker that wants  to offload and move on.
Crunching the numbers, sifting through over 200 W116 linked parts in different qty, trying to figure out what fits the 280's, and what doesn't
Narrowed it down to 138 part numbers today, and sent them my offer.
If it works out, I will post the remainder of the list for the .Org members to choose'n pick.
You'll have to deal with them yourself. I won't be involved.
Lots of V8-related parts, as well as fairings and stuff. A completely new door is among them. Also, lots of SEL parts, more stuff I can't process.
Prices are good, to very good, as far as I can tell.
Stay tuned for updates!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 24 September 2015, 10:48 AM
Is it the list that jbrasille posted about in the past?
It had a treasure trove of NOS things - and I've completely forgotten about it until now :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 September 2015, 01:06 PM
I kind of doubt it. Over the years, I have not seen JBrasil mentioning impressive pricing like this. It was basically just about average.
I am trading a kidney this week, to get my hands on a few pallets of this stuff.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 24 September 2015, 06:22 PM
Well, make your pick, and share the list with us, if you can :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 September 2015, 01:22 AM
PM sent with that parts list
Please note that I have not yet filtered out the stuff I need myself, (x2), but much of it is available in higher quantities.
let me know your wish list and I'll get you quotes.
You'll have to finish any deals yourself, and arrange for your own shipper to do a pick-up.
Can't relay these through Taiwan..
Time is of an issue though.. You want to be part of my bulk buy to get the best pricing.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 25 September 2015, 04:08 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 September 2015, 07:25 PM
Seller says it can be modified to fit, but the compressor will turn slower because it's a 7" and not a 6.5". That means less cold, no?

The problem is not so much the clutch diameter, but the offset of the v-groove.  If you try to use that clutch on an M110, the belt will either skew rearwards or forwards, depending if you use the rear or forward v-groove.  Doing so will wear out the crankshaft thrust bearing, unless you slot the compressor mounting bracket to allow it to adjust rearwards or forwards and eliminate the skewing. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 September 2015, 04:12 AM
We thank you again!
Saved myself 150usd and a headache!

here's a photo for your troubles, haha!
Shame it isn't a W116
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 25 September 2015, 11:57 AM
I'd also like to have a look at the available parts, please.

BTW, I wonder how is the quality of the Turkish made stickers and how well will they last overtime - this only time will tell...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 September 2015, 09:35 PM
PM sent to Karmann and Co
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 26 September 2015, 01:20 PM
Thank you, sir!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 26 September 2015, 01:30 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 25 September 2015, 09:35 PM
PM sent to Karmann and Co

Can you please PM me the list as well?
Cheers
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 26 September 2015, 05:37 PM
Got it thanks
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 27 September 2015, 04:46 PM
So I have identified 14 part numbers that I can buy, I understand that you are still working with this supplier, but can you maybe shed some light on their location so we can have a rough idea what shipping costs we are looking at?

Also on the quotes you already received, how do they compare to online sources that display the OEM part prices, such as MB of South Atlanta, or ECS?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 September 2015, 11:29 PM
First, let me have the 14 part numbers, so I can prepare some work.
No updates on the location for now, but the difference should be ample to ward shipping from where ever. The idea is to combi ship, so that brings down costs a lot.
South Atlanta and ECS are only good for the odd time they have an NLA part. Never seen a price there I would agree to.
So yes, the prices I normally pay are half of what they charge.
If you are IN the US, and only need a single small part, maybe you're better of buying locally. In all other cases this should be worth it.
I am cranking up this bulk deal by emptying their W201 stocks as well, and your possible requirements add there as well.
I have a mate considering buying their complete MB stocks at the right price.
For now, this thing still looks very interesting. Worth investigating. Nothing to lose but a hour of anyone's time.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 September 2015, 01:17 AM
Small update for the parts list people.. Negotiations are ongoing, now suddenly hampered by the sudden smell of potential profit. It  has tainted initial good will quite a bit but I am trying to make it work still.
This is not a quick or easy process.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 29 September 2015, 10:59 AM
Thanks for the update! I sent you my list over IM, btw.

Just let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 September 2015, 07:48 PM
In the meantime, some disturbing news has arrived, at least for me: Taiwan gov announced they will license fresh classic imports older than 35 years old, starting Jan 2016.
There will also be an amnesty for cars already in the country, if all import/sales taxes were properly paid in the past.
That will surely impact the sales price I had in mind for one of my Concourse cars..
There are limitations to this though.
The plate will be different.
No access to roads with legal speeds over 80KMH
Only access to public roads on Saturday and Sunday
Costly certification/testing fees, maybe over 2000usd.

This means my rare, regular plates are still way better to have, but all in all, it will decimate any future sales prices I had in mind..
Really..Murphy's law.

Still, I couldn't help but buy this goodie today..
1930's name card case in sterling silver.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 30 September 2015, 08:20 PM
Well, a restored car in concourse condition will potentially attract worldwide buyers. That being said, the W116 market is far from being red hot, so you are down to 2 realistic options (this is aside from restoring the car that you intend to keep):
1. Give up restoring the car for sale and try to sell it locally as it is
2. Take a risk, invest in restoring it and hope that these cars will one day command the price that covers your expenses and allows you to make some sort of profit
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 October 2015, 09:59 AM
Yeah, I'm not about to give up now, 2 years down the road, thousands of hours spent, as well as a fortune in cars and parts.
I want to be the first in Taiwan history to do a Concourse car, and preferably 2 of them.
The new rules WILL allow me to license the third car I have, where normally it would have ended up in the trash.
With buckets of parts coming from 3 different cars, I'll be able to build a third car and offer a year's warranty.
The potential returns from the third car are completely unexpected, and this will surely compensate for any losses on the price of the concourse car.

Anyways..
Word from my mechanic is that car nr 1 is now completely stripped down, and is awaiting the carousel to be freed up, so it can be moved to the bodyshop.
Photos will be coming this week... for those that have any interest in seeing a naked, unrestored chassis.

Got reasonably lucky this week, finding a guy with 2 complete sets of NOS headlights. For 350usd per set, I can now close that specific chapter.
Now it's a mission finding the rears. I only have 1 NOS taillight till now. Anybody knows of some NOS items lying around, please let me know.

Looks like I'm sorted on the overriders, front and rear. At 75 usd a piece, NOS, that's taking a big bite out of previous projected budgets.

I am now also considering getting OEM Fuchs Barock wheels (are those what you guys call Bundts?), rather than the steel+cap versions. I am in the market for 10 of them, in a condition that will allow flawless local powder coating. I would prefer European sources, coz they will ship ground transport to my consolidator in Bulgaria.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 07 October 2015, 07:29 PM
The MB Classic Centre had new Fuchs Bundt style wheels in stock a while ago.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 October 2015, 10:21 PM
New? Never even considered such a thing were possible.. I dread the pricing...
Still, worth a check-out.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 07 October 2015, 11:31 PM
Brand new. I checked with Tom Hanson at the Classic Centre a while ago. Think they were $500 USD each. Too rich for my blood!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 12:43 AM
Oh no.. that's too much for me. I need 10 of them! My God, the bills. One way ticket to a divorce, such purchases. And then there's shipping and 21% import taxes
I am going for a bunch of ugly ones that are without metal damage. Local powder coating is a lot more affordable. Drop m in the trunk of an import car from Bulgaria, in a container. Nice, slow and cheap!

BTW.. what's the exact rim size/part number for a 1976 280S, 1979 280S and 1977 280SE?
I read confusing opinions here.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 08 October 2015, 01:53 AM
The 6 cylinder models were equipped with 6Jx14 rims, p/n 108 400 09 02 up until 1979.  From 1979 its 126 400 19 02

The v8's were equipped with the wider 6.5Jx14 version. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 03:20 AM
Am I mlooking at tyre-pricing issues, choosing either type?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 October 2015, 04:16 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 03:20 AM
Am I mlooking at tyre-pricing issues, choosing either type?

For best future availability, while retaining the stock appearance, you way want to go with the 7Jx15 bundts, which are visually identical to the 14s. You can't tell the difference unless you check the tyre spec. They're hard to find in good nick, and quite expensive but totally worth it long-term.  I've bought mine, in like-new condition, for 800EUR in 2012(ish). Tyre availability in 15" is way better, and they're also quite a bit cheaper (20 to 50% the last time I've checked).
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 07:15 AM
you mean these?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 08 October 2015, 07:17 AM
Not at all, he means 15" Barock or Bundt wheels.  They were made by Centra, ATS, ARC-Alurad and Fuchs.  The Fuchs ones are still available from the Classic Centre at circa 2100 US per set. 

The wheels in your picture are W124 wheels which will have a high offset (ET37) and are totally unsuitable for W116. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 08 October 2015, 07:20 AM
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-15-Barock-Alufelgen-ATS-SL-R107-W116-W126-W123-W108-W109-W111-wie-NEU-/262049944163?hash=item3d0364d263 (http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-15-Barock-Alufelgen-ATS-SL-R107-W116-W126-W123-W108-W109-W111-wie-NEU-/262049944163?hash=item3d0364d263)

Some nice ATS versions.

I have the Centra 15's on my 107 and the ATS 15's on one of my 116's. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 07:34 AM
Good, coz I tossed those "lids" when I got the car. Ugly!

Now I hear a lot about secondary brands, making these Bundt's.
Word on the forums is that the other ones can be unstable.
I can't tell.
What I DO read is that MB didn't sell anything other but Fuchs.
Is that correct?
If so, do these other brands have any business on my cars?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 08 October 2015, 07:46 AM
Fuchs was the only official supplier to MB.

If you are sticking with 14" rims, it is unforgiveable to use aftermarket fakes, since the genuine Fuchs are so readily available and inexpensive.  The Fuchs wheels are forged, others are cast.  I am a preferred supplier of reconditioned MB wheels to the MB owners club of South Africa, and I will NOT deal in the aftermarket fakes.  Too many problems, for no real cost benefit to me or the end user. 

General feeling is that more latitude is allowed if you move to 15" bundt since the genuine Fuchs ones are punitively expensive.  For example, theres a set on ebay.de right now for 2999- euro, but that is what 'real men' use.  Several users of the ATS 15's' have reported problems with the wheels cracking. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 07:48 AM
What's the part number for the 15" Fuchs?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 08:17 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 07:48 AM
What's the part number for the 15" Fuchs?

I just ran a few checks.. At my own sources, I am literally paying less than HALF of what Mercedes Classic is selling for on their other wheels. (according to their website)
Having that 15" part number really could pay off.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 October 2015, 08:30 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 07:48 AM
What's the part number for the 15" Fuchs?

A1264002202, should be in the EPC too.
It was a barely known dealer installed option from mid-1970s, and production ceased in 1985.

You can read more about it here: http://www.classiccarstodayonline.com/2013/12/04/classic-mercedes-fans-15-inch-versions-of-the-original-14-inch-bundt-style-wheels-from-1969-85-are-out-there-heres-how-to-find-them/

I can't remember if mine are OEM or ATS, but there's hardly any difference anyway.

Edit: This is how mine look off the car
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/1074559_695804187100169_718066557_o.jpg)

..and on the car (with 205/65 R15 Dunlop tyres)
(http://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/1009467_696295197051068_1748387241_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 08 October 2015, 08:42 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 08 October 2015, 08:30 AM
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/1074559_695804187100169_718066557_o.jpg)

Those are ARC-Alurad 7Jx15et23
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 08:42 AM
Ha, you beat me to it by 30 seconds. Just found the number myself. A1264002202
A set of 4 costs 1270 euros, new from MB.

Houston, I'm going in!

..Well, maybe next month. ;D
Paypal has been slamming the door in my face 8 times this week.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 October 2015, 09:16 AM
Quote from: s class on 08 October 2015, 08:42 AM
Those are ARC-Alurad 7Jx15et23

Maybe, can't say for sure as the wheels are with the car, 2400km away.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 October 2015, 09:19 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 08 October 2015, 08:42 AM
A set of 4 costs 1270 euros, new from MB.

You have access to some shady sources ;)
Normally they're around 500EUR each.
The cheapest I've seen, ex-VAT, were 420EUR each.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: gavin116 on 08 October 2015, 03:01 PM
Perhaps this will help, taken from: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/Alloys (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/Alloys)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 October 2015, 05:39 AM
Update on the OEM parts supplier (S) I spoke of.
A first list with parts, final prices and quantities was received.
I will publish this one in a few days.
To my opinion, all the prices are top notch.

A second list is available, with prices only (no quantities yet)
These are prices that may be good to some people, but not for me

This is the second list:
A0008261xxx      indicator   left/right               36,=
A0014207820   brake pads      25.55
A0018214951   window switch      69.35
A0018215051   window switch      69.35
A0018215151   window switch      47.45
A0209972547   seal ring      10.95
A1108840098   fender seal      4.38
A1163300018   KIT.CASTER      51.1
A1164701475   FUEL HOSE      18.25
A1164701575   FUEL HOSE       32.85
A1165860188   GRILLE STAR KIT W116      47.45
A1167200016   CHECK STRAP.FRONT & REAR W116   each   76.65
A1167300280   O/S/R DOOR MOULD SE      18.25
A1167580098   BOOT RUBBER S CLASS      98.55
A1168000378   VACUUM VALVE BLUE & BLACK      14.6
A1168300431   HEATER CABLE      32.85
A1168301543   DASH VENT      80.3
A1168302070   CONDENSER - 280 MODELS -116      255.5
A1168303315   A/C HOSE-COMPRESSOR TO CONDENSOR 116-280      109.5
A1168800383   GRILLE ASSY      262.8
A1168800470   FRONT BAR CENTRE      208.05
A1168840948   N/S LWR HEADLAMP PANEL      15.33
A1168841048   O/S LWR HEADLAMP PANEL      15.33
A1168850240   O/S/F BAR BRACKET      10.95
A1168880185   GARNISH MOULDING      14.6

Prices in USD, non-negotiable. (I tried! This is as low as they'll go on THESE parts.)
Shipping is excluded. No need to tell you that shipping-more means shipping-cheaper.
For location, it is not in the USA, nor in the UK. Please stand by for details.
Any deals will be between YOU and the seller. I simply gave my Scout's honor I would help them offload.

For you guys that have V8's, and already sent me a wish list, please stand by. I still need to process those lists for pricing and accuracy.

Now, there is suddenly a second supplier. I spoke to him for a long time. He is in the USA, and completely off the radar, sitting on a few warehouses with new/old MB parts.
He is tired of his obsessive NOS hobby and wants to offload the lot. Presently he has no visible offload channels.
He has no time or incentive to inventorize his stocks. But, he is willing to let me have a list of the his nearest-to-him 30 NOS parts, each time around.
Each time we offload that list, there's a new list.
I received guarantees that prices will each time be cheaper than any source anywhere. Lots of NLA stuff as well.
But, shipping will have to go through me, unless someone is able to buy the whole 30-part list in one go.
Your man there has no time to be sending off rivets and bolts to Joe in Montana.

I am doing this so I can yet have another source allowing me to restore my 2-3 W116's without breaking the bank.
It helps the .ORG members as well, I would think.

Now.. if I have to ship parts to Taiwan first, there is a non-refundable 16% import fee, plus shipping. That does not improve pricing
I do not mark anything up, so I have no problem passing the buck.
Basic message: If you want the best of deals, try and get the whole list, each time I publish. That way you can deal direct with the USA.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 October 2015, 06:02 AM
Update for Karmann:

A1166700039      SEAL REAR SCREEN W116                  $76.23
A1166710020      SEAL FRONT SCREEN W116                  $61.00
A0008261957      indicator                                                 42
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 21 October 2015, 08:59 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 21 October 2015, 06:02 AM
Update for Karmann:

A1166700039      SEAL REAR SCREEN W116                  $76.23
A1166710020      SEAL FRONT SCREEN W116                  $61.00
A0008261957      indicator                                                 42

Thanks, that is not bad at all.

So my understanding is that out of the rest of the list I sent you, with more specific V8 parts it's still possible to get some prices later on?

Cheers!

Also looking forward to the NOS US source and details on the parts. I will send you an IM later on.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 October 2015, 01:25 AM
Yes, you can pick part numbers from this list underneath, and simply send me an .xls with the numbers you want info about.
You will find some of these have already been priced in the list above.
Mind you all these items are volitile in nature. The seller has other customers. Things disappear.
Also, there has been some confusion on their side whether the door and window seals are OEM or aftermarket.
They need to do a visual warehouse check first.

This is the complete list to (potentially) choose from:

116 320 00 30   SHOCK ABSORBER.FRONT W116
116 320 13 28   LOWER B/JOINT SUIT HYD.STRUT
116 320 45 13   STRUT.REAR S/L.W116/W/C123/W126
116 326 15 65   TORSION BAR(EX GERMANY)
116 330 00 18   KIT.CASTER
116 330 00 51   KIT FRONT WHEEL BEARING W116/W123 NO ABS
116 330 01 75   KIT LOWER INNER CONT ARM
116 330 09 42   FRONT SUSPENSION X MEMBER
116 330 90 07   L/H/F LOWER CONTROL ARM
116 330 91 07   R/H/F LOWER CONTROL ARM
116 333 01 17   BUSH SWAY BAR W116
116 333 04 43   KNUCKLE
116 333 06 74   CASTER BOLT
116 333 09 27   BALL JOINT LOWER W116/123/126
116 333 40 14   BUSH.UPPER OUTER CONTROL ARM W126
116 333 56 15   BUSH - CROSS MEMBER
116 333 63 14   BUSH.UPPER INNER CONTROL ARM W116/W123
116 410 00 31   UNIVERSAL JOINT(CROSS)ALL 68-85+LATE 126
116 420 01 05   BRAKE DISC FRONT EARLY R107
116 420 02 05   BRAKE DISC FRONT VENTED 116/107
116 428 00 85   PIPE HOLDERS
116 463 10 10   STEERING ARM
116 470 02 16   FUEL DAMPER
116 470 14 75   FUEL HOSE
116 470 15 75   FUEL HOSE
116 470 26 75   FUEL HOSE
116 470 27 75   FUEL HOSE
116 470 52 75   FUEL HOSE
116 490 15 15   CENTRE EXHAUST -350/450SEL
116 492 01 41   EXHAUST BRACKET
116 501 04 82   RADIATOR HOSE BOTTOM 3.5 COUPE.108/111
116 501 07 82   HOSE RAD.TOP.W108/W109 3.5 V8 ONLY
116 501 25 82   HOSE.RAD TOP ALL W116.350/450 V8
116 501 34 82   HOSE RAD TOP R107-350/450SL/SLC
116 503 00 01   COVER.AIR COND FAN (SUIT 0005007993)
116 505 01 55   FAN SHROUD ALL 116.020/024/025-280S/SE/L
116 505 03 55   FAN SHROUD 350/450/SE/SEL ALL V8 NOT 6.9
116 542 00 07   SPEEDO CABLE W116
116 542 03 07   SPEEDO CABLE W116 280-450
116 586 01 88   GRILLE STAR KIT W116
116 616 00 20   ACCELERATOR PEDAL HINGE
116 616 03 42   BOOT FLOOR EXTENSION
116 620 08 86   LWR  RAIL INNER
116 623 00 19   A/C FAN BRACKET
116 637 02 31   BRACE
116 670 00 39   SEAL REAR SCREEN W116
116 671 00 20   SEAL FRONT SCREEN W116
116 671 07 30   MOULD.LOWER SCREEN.W116 (FRONT)
116 678 03 30   FRAME - NSR WINDOW
116 678 04 30   TRIM(EX GERMANY)NOF
116 680 02 35 8246   SCUFF PLATE
116 682 00 26   BONNET INSULATION W116
116 689 06 89   RHF A PILLAR MOULD
116 690 00 18   CLIP PILLAR MOULD
116 690 03 80   N/S BEAVER PANEL MOULD
116 690 04 80   O/S BEAVER PANEL MOULD
116 690 08 80   O/S DOG LEG MOULD
116 690 19 80   MOULDING.CENTRE BOOT(BEAVER)W116
116 698 01 80   N/S SILL MOULD(CHROME)"SE"
116 698 01 89   MOULD
116 698 02 21   PAD
116 698 02 30   MOULD
116 698 02 80   O/S SILL MOULD(CHROME)"SE"
116 698 02 89   MOULD
116 698 04 80   O/S SILL MOULD SEL
116 698 06 89   RHF A PILLAR CHROME MLD
116 698 07 89   TOP BEAVER PANEL COVER W116
116 720 00 16   CHECK STRAP.FRONT & REAR W116
116 720 19 46   N/S/F WINDOW REG.MECH.
116 728 01 30   N/S/F WAIST MOULD
116 728 01 31   MOULD
116 728 02 30   O/S/F DOOR WAIST MOULD
116 728 02 31   MOULD
116 728 03 31   DOOR FRAME MOULD
116 728 04 31   DOOR FRAME MOULD
116 730 01 78   N/S/R DOOR RUBBER SE
116 730 02 78   O/S/R DOOR RUBBER SE
116 730 02 80   O/S/R DOOR MOULD SE
116 730 03 80   N/S/R DOOR MOULD SEL
116 730 04 78   O/S/R DOOR RUBBER SEL
116 730 04 80   O/S/R DOOR MOULD SEL
116 730 21 05   L/H/R DOOR SHELL W116-SE
116 730 21 46   N/S/R WINDOW REG.ELEC.T123/W123/W116
116 737 01 82   MOULD
116 737 04 82   MOULD
116 738 04 30   O/S/R BELT MOULD SEL
116 738 05 31   N/S DOOR FRAME MOULD
116 750 05 75   BOOT LID
116 758 00 98   BOOT RUBBER S CLASS
116 766 01 11   ESCUTCHEON
116 782 01 17   SUNROOF DRAIN TUBE
116 800 02 75   VACUUM ELEMENT BOOT
116 800 03 78   VACUUM VALVE BLUE & BLACK
116 800 04 73   VACUUM SWITCH(3WAY VALVE) R/H/F DOOR
116 810 00 17   INTERIOR MIRROR
116 810 02 16   O/S MIRROR
116 810 03 16   N/S MIRROR
116 817 12 15   TYPE DESIGNATION"450SE"LATE FROM  053003
116 820 03 45   WIPER BLADE (450MM BLACK)
116 820 04 45   WIPER BLADE              P
116 820 40 61   O/S HEADLAMP W116
116 830 04 31   HEATER CABLE
116 830 04 83   RECEIVER DRIER  6.9
116 830 05 83   RECEIVER DRYER W116.350-450
116 830 14 15   A/CON  LINE
116 830 15 43   DASH VENT
116 830 18 70   CONSENSOR- 350/450 MODELS-116
116 830 20 70   CONDENSER - 280 MODELS -116
116 830 27 70   CONDENSOR.A/C W116.450SEL 6.9
116 830 33 15   A/C HOSE-COMPRESSOR TO CONDENSOR 116-280
116 831 02 94   HOSE
116 831 04 94   HEATER HOSE
116 831 19 94   HEATER HOSE
116 835 00 71   RECEIVER DRIER
116 836 02 65   PLENUM GRILLE
116 880 00 14   REAR BAR BRACKET LH & RH
116 880 00 16   REINFORCEMENT FRONT BAR
116 880 01 18   N/S FRONT GUARD
116 880 01 70   FRONT O/RIDER N/S
116 880 01 82   N/S/F GUARD MOULD
116 880 02 18   O/S FRONT GUARD
116 880 02 59   BONNET CABLE
116 880 02 70   FRONT O/RIDER O/S
116 880 02 77   BONNET HINGE R/H
116 880 02 82   O/S/F GUARD MOULD
116 880 02 97   GRILLE KIT INC.SEAL,BLUE BADGE,SCREWS ETC.
116 880 03 71   N/S REAR BAR END
116 880 03 83   GRILLE ASSY
116 880 04 70   FRONT BAR CENTRE
116 880 05 70   N/S FRONT BAR END
116 880 08 71   O/S REAR O/RIDER
116 881 00 01   LOWER APRON PANEL
116 881 01 32   N/S BONNET MOULD
116 881 02 32   O/S BONNET MOULD
116 881 03 32   N/S EYEBROW MOULD (GUARD)
116 881 04 32   O/S EYEBROW MOULD (GUARD)
116 884 00 48   FRONT STONETRAY(GRAVEL TRAY)UPPER
116 884 09 48   N/S LWR HEADLAMP PANEL
116 884 10 48   O/S LWR HEADLAMP PANEL
116 885 00 21   BAR RUBBER-FRONT MAIN L & R
116 885 00 23   REAR BUMPER BAR JOINER L & R W116
116 885 01 21   BAR RUBBER-FRONT OVERRIDER L & R
116 885 01 23   L/H/F BUMPER BAR JOINER W116
116 885 01 40   N/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 885 02 21   BAR RUBBER FRONT & REAR W116
116 885 02 23   O/SF BUMPER BAR JOINER W116
116 885 02 40   O/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 885 03 21   BAR RUBBER OVERRIDER L & R
116 885 03 40   N/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 885 04 40   O/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 885 05 40   N/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 885 06 40   O/S/F BAR BRACKET
116 888 00 17   STAR BASE
116 888 00 97   GRILLE GASKET(SEAL)
116 888 01 85   GARNISH MOULDING
A1159970681
A0004635132
A0004661304
A0008241827
A0008241827
A0008261957
A0008262057
A0009888181
A0009902292
A0009902292
A0009977694
A0014207820
A0018214951
A0018214951
A0018215051
A0018215051
A0018215151
A0018215151
A0019887681
A0019887681
A0024770601
A0024770601
A0065453924
A0209972547
A0437502047
A1074600061
A1087820198
A1087820198
A1101860007
A1101860007
A1108840098
A1108840098
A1152671250
A1159920310

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 October 2015, 04:27 AM
Well, if it rains, it pours..
While my chassis is in queue at the bodyshop and my engine disassembled on a worktop on the second floor, my mechanic from New orleans was struck with homesickness. He has given us a month' notice, which was nice, but you imagine the headache now.
Tonight we have a Skype interview with a new, potential mechanic from Finland, but in the meantime I am not a happy camper.

At this point I need to call out to anyone willing to spend a few months here and save this project from disaster.
This would be a pretty fixed-terms, temporary job, type of thing.
The sole job would be to re-assemble the car.
Work does not start until after the chassis has been done, and after the engine has been done, and after all the MB parts required are literally on pallets, next to the car, awaiting assembly and installation.
Makes for a cracking, all expenses paid adventure.
Any takers?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:16 AM
Still no new mechanic in sight, and the clock is ticking on my old mechanic.
But we keep going, as if it's all gonna be allright.
The job of tracking down all the MB parts in 2 units W116 is not for the faint-hearted. It is unbelievalble i am still bumping into car parts that surely belong in a W116, but I never seen before.
Even after all this time.
The mountain of parts that have come in since last time I posted pics is pretty big, and too many to post.
But, I'll highlight a few that stood out. They are not so much always items that are fixed to the car, but I also want to dress the interior with items that would/could have been lying around in the car, back in 1972. Stuff that people commonly had lying around in the boot, the mid console or in the glove compartment.
off course, they need to be new-in-the-box and era-exact where possible.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:25 AM
The Hella emergency lamp comes in many new(er) models. The 2897 is from the correct era.

The black switch is the handbrake dashlight switch. It is NLA and was a tough one to find.  I was happy to get 2 of them cheaply.

The black relay is a sensor for the tempomat system. Again, NLA, and needs some digging and patience to find one that's new. I found 4 in 3 places around the world.The Tempomat system requires 2 different sensors, according to the original specs. Apparently, these 2 numbers now are one and the same.
Going price is 43 usd to 59 euros

Next item is a connection bracket for the Tempomat system. Another NLA item that can be tedious to find.
I got 2 new ones from Spain

Then there are the manual airco switches. Easy to get second-hand, but as a long-time NLA item, very hard to find new. I got 2 in one go, and another one I can part with, new.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:28 AM
The rev counter to be retro-installed, new from Italy, for 6-cylinder engines.

A re-enforced Palomino leather suitcase, era-correct, to match the palomino interior. Attic find from the UK.
Naturally, it will be sent to a leather refurbishing company, before finding it's permanent parking spot in the trunk.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:32 AM
this was today's hunt.. getting 2 new original Behr clutches without breaking the bank. Looks like mission accomplished.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:42 AM
These books are must, as everyone already knew.  Was happy to find a full set very cheaply, in mint condition

And then there are the tools.. lots more than just the ones in the pics.. Big bags, small bags, from all over the place.
That is the only way I have found that enables me to end up with 2 complete, 5-star outfits.
I will be offloading quite a few sets after I am done.

Bought 3 radiator grilles as well, since they came very cheap and are NLA.
Still, right after I did, I started bumping into a series of other brand new, cheap grilles in different countries
Looks like someone released a big batch of stock globally.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:53 AM
And then there was this thing: Have I offically lost it? A large, remote-controlled w116 450SE from the 70's.
It was offered complete, unbroken and pretty cheap, from Germany.
Still waiting for the shipment to arrive. Could imagine spending some time on it, giving it a Concourse overhaul, haha!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 01:58 AM
This was a nice transaction. A super-friendly German chap who had a lovely box with brand new NLA and/or costly trim. The extras in the box are not shown in the photos.
As usual, I took the time to discuss all part numbers, current value and fittability with the seller, and we arrived at offering 350 Euros for the lot. That would have been 15% under my cheapest sources, not even counting the extra NLA sourcing headaches.
He told me 200 Euros including shipping was sufficient!
When do you see that happen?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 02:01 AM
This is a halter for the tempomat, yet another NLA item, and one of the toughest ones I bumped into.
Finally found a second hand one in Germany, that I will have re-plated locally.
Yesterday I received an answer from the USA, to an email I sent out quite some time ago: They had 2 of them as well! This time, brand new in the box. Shipment still in the air..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 12 November 2015, 08:12 AM
At the rate you're going soon you'll be chasing a hidden-in-a-warehouse-somewhere brand new chassis (NLA, but yes, these were a part!). Keep going! I'm looking out for the end result. I'll have no such "entertainment" anymore in 3-4 months, when my car is done.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 08:10 PM
hahaha..the thought come to mind more than once!
A brand new shell.. How often did I bump into that parts manual page..
Part number Axxxxxxxxx ..body, shell, unknown partnumber"

Also found out that nearly all visco clutch sellers on ebay are shamelessly advertising Behrs, and after receiving payment, will notify you it's a Meyle. Ship or refund? they'll ask you.-if you're lucky.
Been around the block with 3 such top sellers now! Partscontainer does it, but they will tell you after you pay.

The company that sports the logo in the Behr Photo here took it even further. They were in a lengthy detailed discussion about Behrs and prices with me, that left no confusion.
We cut a 2-unit deal and promise to send me the invoice for 2 Behrs.
Instead, I receive an invoice for just 1 Behr, that I paid.
When I asked for an invoice for a second Behr, they said "no need" -I had just paid for 2 Meyle's at the value of 1 Behr
They don't actually have Behrs ro sell. Never did. Pretty rude, for such big eBay shops.

In the case of Partscontainer, it is not the first time I have an issue. Ordered piston rods from them in the past, through eBay. Invoiced, Paid and apparently shipped via express courier at top dollar..
But, no rods ever arrived here, nor a tracking number.
Good thing is they are quick to send refunds if you are likely to make noise. But still. Never seen that happen before!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 12 November 2015, 09:20 PM
I have had pretty good dealings with "partscontainer" on ebay.  Now with the Canadian dollar in the toilet I try and not ship too much from the US as it stings a bit more now, but shipping is not too expensive to Canada.  I try and avoid UPS like the plague, their brokerage fees are absolutely outrageous.  FedEx much better.  Happy that the Classic Centre uses them exclusively, super fast service.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 09:26 PM
Funny, from my position I also need to avoid the US like the plague, but that includes Fedex (globally) and UPS. This stuff really varies per country. For me, DHL and TNT are best, but we know when, where and which, in European countries.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 13 November 2015, 01:55 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 12 November 2015, 08:10 PM
hahaha..the thought come to mind more than once!
A brand new shell.. How often did I bump into that parts manual page..
Part number Axxxxxxxxx ..body, shell, unknown partnumber"

Also found out that nearly all visco clutch sellers on ebay are shamelessly advertising Behrs, and after receiving payment, will notify you it's a Meyle. Ship or refund? they'll ask you.-if you're lucky.
Been around the block with 3 such top sellers now! Partscontainer does it, but they will tell you after you pay.

The company that sports the logo in the Behr Photo here took it even further. They were in a lengthy detailed discussion about Behrs and prices with me, that left no confusion.
We cut a 2-unit deal and promise to send me the invoice for 2 Behrs.
Instead, I receive an invoice for just 1 Behr, that I paid.
When I asked for an invoice for a second Behr, they said "no need" -I had just paid for 2 Meyle's at the value of 1 Behr
They don't actually have Behrs ro sell. Never did. Pretty rude, for such big eBay shops.

In the case of Partscontainer, it is not the first time I have an issue. Ordered piston rods from them in the past, through eBay. Invoiced, Paid and apparently shipped via express courier at top dollar..
But, no rods ever arrived here, nor a tracking number.
Good thing is they are quick to send refunds if you are likely to make noise. But still. Never seen that happen before!

Cheer up, the Melye visco clutches for M110 are better than the Behrs in terms of on-the-road performance.  And I've fitted a lot of both types in my shop. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 November 2015, 02:14 AM
Get out..really? Would you advise I buy those, for quality? I had not considered that possibility.
What about the originality fashionistas? Is this an acceptable exception to the rule?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 13 November 2015, 02:59 AM
Mostly the 107 and 116 M110 engined cars I work on are going to be used by the clients in hot traffic here in South Africa, and so I use my discretion to fit what I have found to work best.

I use the Meyle visco units on M110, M103 and M104 engines, but NOT on the v8's where I fit Sachs usually. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 November 2015, 11:47 PM
Seems that this project may yet end up reasonably within schedule, with a young chap from the UK applying for our mechanics' opening.
By the looks of it, we can fly him in before the old chap leaves.
Means that there may actually be a chance that I could drive the first of the 3 W116's this summer.
Or, at least, drive it to expo's and auctions, coz we would not want the 0-KM tacho to start raking in serious mileage.
Fingers crossed!

I won't be able to finish the engine rebuild before Ed flies back, that much is sure.
The required engine parts were sourced from 2 suppliers, and none have arrived yet, with barely 10 days to go till Ed leaves.
One supplier hasn't even billed me yet, so that is the end of that schedule.
let's hope that the new chap, James, will have no problems taking over the reigns, and finish this engine job.
It's not rocket science, these old engines, so I feel pretty confident. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 November 2015, 06:06 AM
Well, the first batch of engine parts arrived, just to find out 5 out of 6 were aftermarket, instead of the promised MB originals.
Looks like the supplier will handle it, but I am not happy.
Not a trace of the second batch engine parts for now. My schedule has been wiped out.

But, to my surprise, a third mechanic has checked in with an application, again a chap from the UK.
1 in 1 year, now 2 in 4 days. Go figure.
Eager to find out what he's all about!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 03:21 AM
I finally snapped up a few goodies this week, after almost 10 days of nothingness.
Hard-core dayly searches really get old if nothing pops up.
Today made up for it!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 09:26 PM
Guess the posting issues have been resolved? Try again..

These were a lucky shot in Autralia. Headlight protectors and a counter from a 280SEL with RPM!
Very nice seller, who almost finished his own Pebble Beach W116
I told him to join the org but he worries about trolls and fashionista, haha
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 09:29 PM
It did not come cheap, but I am happy to own a full set of original paperwork belonging to the correct radio!

And the tool seems regular, but it is a brand new NOS MB Matador, not a Hazet etc. Rare as can be.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 09:31 PM
Finally, a few lucky auction wins!
The MB drier for 30 bucks, and 2 skirts for 37 each, NOS MB
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 09:33 PM
Another Becker booklet and a roof-tool for re-galvanizing, cheap as could be, bought together for 17 bucks
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 November 2015, 09:36 PM
A 40 bucks NOS part at half the MB price, and a replacement lens for a Bosch lamp set from Egypt, that got broken during transport.
Ebay seller Flamai from Egypt was a great gentleman about it, and had a new one sent!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 25 November 2015, 03:30 AM
That lens is for LHD traffic. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ronw123w124 on 25 November 2015, 06:03 AM
Quote from: s class on 25 November 2015, 03:30 AM
That lens is for LHD traffic.

Perfect for him since Taiwan is LHD traffic
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 November 2015, 09:32 AM
 :o You had me worried there for a bit!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 November 2015, 07:42 PM
I finally found my Minimax fire extinguisher.
Since it is still under pressure, it can not be airlifted.. So, it needs to be send ground transport from Germany to Bulgaria, where a friend of ours ships cars in containers to Taiwan with ocean freight.
You gotta be mad to go that far, but in the end, it costs less then a regular UPS-direct.
It just takes 2 months longer to arrive, haha

Also, finally got new clutches for my 2 Yorks
They are 64-73 FORD MUSTANG 6 1/4", and should be a striaght fit, after removing the black coating for originality
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 December 2015, 09:07 PM
It has been a while since my last confession.
It has been a bumpy few weeks.
Ed, the revered mechanic that we imported from New Orleans turned out to be a total surprise.
When he left, he had never suffered a complaint, and had never complained himself.
He left without saying goodbye, with a free home-ticket in his pocket.
He left with his free apartment in a total mess, never having cleaned in 3 months. He left with my W116 engine in 100 pieces on a table. He left with my stock list (if ever he actually made one), and he left with all my dis-installation pictures.
He left with 2 190E's in pieces, with an engine that ran before he took it out, and didn't run when he put it back in.
Needless to say I caught most of the flack that the shop owner caught from his wife, who foots half the bills and ended up disinfecting Ed's apartment.
Losses on my side? Thousands.. Losses for the shopkeeper? More thousands.
Yes, Ed, with all his niceties and promises turned out to be a total dick. He must have been overwhelmed by the internal complexities of a 1970's carburetor engine and ran for his life.
Could not even ask him a question the day after he left, for he blocked all his Skype access and doesn't answer emails.
Ed Osborn from New Orleans? We thank you not.
Ah well..next chapter.

I decided to not sit still, and continue my searches for replacement mechanics. I got lucky pretty fast. A nice middle-aged London chap, living in Malaysia contacted me and I flew him in. The very day before his arrival, a young German chap came to my office for an interview and I decided to hire him as well, seeing he was already in Taiwan!
The next day I drove both of them to the workshop, where a rather flabbergasted and happy shop owner was awaiting us.
After fruitlessly advertising and searching for almost a year, I found 2 guys in 24 hours. Amazing!
Brief, they have been at the shop for a week now, and are really digging in.
I have a good feeling about them sticking around long term.
Maybe it's a German thing.. The UK chap is half German, the German boy is German, and I am half German. That's quite a bit of automotive OCD in one group, wouldn't you think?

On the shopping front, I am now getting to the phase of really having to shell out cash for parts. Scary. Best done blindly.
After hunting for globally scattered NLA and NOS items for more than a year, I now have a big pallet of NOS/NLA coming in from Australia and around January, 2 pallets of NOS/NLA coming out of Germany. (My apologies to all the W116 owners in Germany and Austria)
It looks like I can order/ship the bulk of regular, new MB parts in one go from Germany as well, which would present me with a much welcomed shipping advantage.
Looks like it will be almost 400 new/regular part numbers, all twice for 2 cars.
We will not be flying on holidays anytime soon, that much is sure.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:52 AM
Well, lots of movement these days. The 2 mechanics that I kidnapped from the UK and Germany are doing very well, and there may be a new addition, a French classic specialist, big W116 fan that may join our ranks here in April.
A true madman, and a very costly friend to have. Mad skills finding rare options, often new in the box.

Now in the process of paying for 2 complete phone systems, a Tekade BSA31 and a Telefunken, with manual
Also found out that the Tekade is listed as the oldest commercial mobile phone system in the world.
There is a matching center console ashtray, new in the box, and an external AM selector, that fits in a special MB-supplied glove box.
Word is those glove boxes are also on their way.
Still need a second ashtray, somewhere this year. Hopefully one will pop up.

Scored a hydraulic jack, new in the box, from germany, and tomorrow I need to send money for my Frenzel fridge

Also decided to buy a 280SEL locally, and cancel my plans to do a pebble beach 280S. The SEL is likely to sell a lot better, and will allow the retractable rear seat to be built in, an item not yet found.

Scary days, with cash flying faster then I would want to, but these are the days where biting the bullet becomes most apparent.
Can't stop now, need to go the extra mile, or I am gonna end up running the most exclusive W116-option eBay shop in the world.

I did say no to the orthopedic chairs I was offered, since this is an option that's not even visible.
But, the thought of having ABS installed is back on the table. After much research it seems very possible to do, and with a simple mod, the issue of oil lines running along the hot exhaust pipes can be solved.
Shame I let the ABS unit I was offered slip by. Will need to find another.
is it true that the early W126 uses the identical system?

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 08:19 PM
some of the goodies from the last month:

2 MB wallets from the 70's popped up in 2 countries.. new in the box.
They will later contain German bank notes, edition 1963-1980 (still hunting)
They will also contain brand new German coins, edition 1976 and edition 1979
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 08:24 PM
more dressing for the car:
Jahr im Bild, edition 76 and 79
But also Shell Reiseatlas edition 76 and 79
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 08:55 PM
The boot:

Where one car received the MB-sold Hella safety lamp from 1979, the other car has this Daimon lamp, NOS

The NOS hydraulic jack was a purchase I will not make a second time(!) Not while there's hunger in the world. My own car will simply contain the refurbished Bilstein.

The toolkits I gathered are nearly complete, Matador wrenches only, all new or NOS. The little lamp box is still missing, as is the illusive Car Care Kit.

The Frenzel fridge.. It will take some TLC and maybe a spare part or so, but it is not like there's a choice in these matter. At least it is complete with cables and manual. There will be no 2nd one in my own car

The suitcase set
The original W116 suitcases are harder to find than Jimmy Hoffa, and they seem rather ugly. Skai, really?
So, I will dress these cars with era-correct Samsonites, Silhouette 1 series in White for the 1976, and Silhouette II Tan in the 79 car
The first 2 briefcases have arrived, and 3 white Silhouettes are in the mail.
The Tan Omega briefcase was the first, and immediately wrong. It was a medium brown. A lovely specimen, but not in Tan (matching the Bambus car interior) The sales photo was overly lit. Good thing I got it really cheap.
The Tan series is the hardest, with too many different shades going around.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 08:56 PM
Omega Tan and Omega Brown
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 17 January 2016, 09:20 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 22 December 2015, 09:07 PM
It has been a while since my last confession.
It has been a bumpy few weeks.
Ed, the revered mechanic that we imported from New Orleans turned out to be a total surprise.
When he left, he had never suffered a complaint, and had never complained himself.
He left without saying goodbye, with a free home-ticket in his pocket.
He left with his free apartment in a total mess, never having cleaned in 3 months. He left with my W116 engine in 100 pieces on a table. He left with my stock list (if ever he actually made one), and he left with all my dis-installation pictures.
He left with 2 190E's in pieces, with an engine that ran before he took it out, and didn't run when he put it back in.
Needless to say I caught most of the flack that the shop owner caught from his wife, who foots half the bills and ended up disinfecting Ed's apartment.
Losses on my side? Thousands.. Losses for the shopkeeper? More thousands.
Yes, Ed, with all his niceties and promises turned out to be a total dick. He must have been overwhelmed by the internal complexities of a 1970's carburetor engine and ran for his life.
Could not even ask him a question the day after he left, for he blocked all his Skype access and doesn't answer emails.
Ed Osborn from New Orleans? We thank you not.
Ah well..next chapter.

I decided to not sit still, and continue my searches for replacement mechanics. I got lucky pretty fast. A nice middle-aged London chap, living in Malaysia contacted me and I flew him in. The very day before his arrival, a young German chap came to my office for an interview and I decided to hire him as well, seeing he was already in Taiwan!
The next day I drove both of them to the workshop, where a rather flabbergasted and happy shop owner was awaiting us.
After fruitlessly advertising and searching for almost a year, I found 2 guys in 24 hours. Amazing!
Brief, they have been at the shop for a week now, and are really digging in.
I have a good feeling about them sticking around long term.
Maybe it's a German thing.. The UK chap is half German, the German boy is German, and I am half German. That's quite a bit of automotive OCD in one group, wouldn't you think?

On the shopping front, I am now getting to the phase of really having to shell out cash for parts. Scary. Best done blindly.
After hunting for globally scattered NLA and NOS items for more than a year, I now have a big pallet of NOS/NLA coming in from Australia and around January, 2 pallets of NOS/NLA coming out of Germany. (My apologies to all the W116 owners in Germany and Austria)
It looks like I can order/ship the bulk of regular, new MB parts in one go from Germany as well, which would present me with a much welcomed shipping advantage.
Looks like it will be almost 400 new/regular part numbers, all twice for 2 cars.
We will not be flying on holidays anytime soon, that much is sure.

Stan that is disheartening but not at all surprising,  There are so very few true mechanics left on this earth who are not just part swappers and have been around these old Benz vehicles and really know what the hell they are doing.  Bullshit artists you will always find and it seems as if this guy was a Class A one for sure.  I hope the guys you found are good, time will tell.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:28 PM
Silhouette I white
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:33 PM
and then there where these..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:39 PM
the MB NOS notebooks are in stock on eBay, for those that like them, bound in leather new in the box, really chgeap.

The thermostats are nothing new, but cheap from Prestige-parts in Australia

The manicure set was from Pfeilring, MB edition, the same Pfeilring that has made other MB gadgets in the 70's, like the cigar cutter and such. Still need a cutter in the box, but they sell pretty expensive.

With my RPM counter mod in the 280, a cable is required. That's the one.

Thanks to tips from the forum, a york repair kit was found and bought.
Still need the bearing kit, that is not too costly, but the 1 seller I found has rather excessive shipping charges.
If anyone has another source, please let me know.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:50 PM
Next up, these telephones and the Becker external AM selector.

Nice, complete and rare, but my God, expensive.. In total, the price of a daily driver W116
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:54 PM
The AM selector
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 January 2016, 09:55 PM
no photos yet from the telephone-delete mid console ashtray.. maybe tomorrow.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 January 2016, 08:49 AM
era-correct..the first braun calculator, with manual
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 18 January 2016, 12:31 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 18 January 2016, 08:49 AM
era-correct..the first braun calculator, with manual

So, you're re-creating a concourse 1970s office around the two concourse 1970s W116s? :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 January 2016, 03:23 AM
a 1976 office INSIDE a W116 :P
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 02:56 AM
Just organizing things.. Some new, some old:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:22 AM
catalog A Moteur M110

Ausgabe A Spare parts 116 blue

catalog A blue
catalog B blue
catalog D blue

catalog A black
Catalog C black
catalog K black
catalog J black
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:28 AM
the black catalogs
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:47 AM
more booklets
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:49 AM
and the rest..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 20 January 2016, 04:46 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:22 AM
catalog A black
Catalog C black
catalog K black
catalog J black

Those are one and the same thing. For "period correctness" you just need the one matching your car.
The letter code (and the codes at the top) identify the edition - "A" being the oldest, "J" being the latest (and last, from ~1980, for W116 if memory serves)

Also, isn't that "Wartungsheft" (service book) for the W108 chassis?

If your car is a euro, you should also have a booklet with a complete list of dealerships/service stations on the continent. It came in the factory set.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 05:39 AM
yes, you are off course correct. Never noticed the W108 booklet. I bought it brand new! Deleted.

What does that dealership booklet look like? I only found USA ones till now.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 20 January 2016, 06:55 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 05:39 AM
What does that dealership booklet look like? I only found USA ones till now.

Similar to the "Service - Europe" one in your post above. That might be it actually.
I'll try to get a pic of mine (it's with the car).
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 24 January 2016, 11:47 AM
do you have one of these yet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-ORIGINAL-spare-can-gas-fuel-jerrycan-w126-w116-w123-w123-w201-190-tank-/321983561740?hash=item4af7b7400c:g:c3oAAOSwYaFWeWeU&vxp=mtr
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 24 January 2016, 01:23 PM
Quote from: rumb on 24 January 2016, 11:47 AM
do you have one of these yet?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-ORIGINAL-spare-can-gas-fuel-jerrycan-w126-w116-w123-w123-w201-190-tank-/321983561740?hash=item4af7b7400c:g:c3oAAOSwYaFWeWeU&vxp=mtr

As a side question - were those a "universal" aftermarket thing, or offered from factory as an accessory?
They seem to fit nicely (http://s353.photobucket.com/user/cascade91/media/IMG_1845gascan.jpg.html) though.

That one above seem extremely pricey too. They can be had for 50-100EUR in Europe, depending on condition.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 24 January 2016, 03:56 PM
I would like to find one for the 50 Euro, there is much engineering just in that jerrycan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 24 January 2016, 07:19 PM
Quote from: Peter on 24 January 2016, 03:56 PM
I would like to find one for the 50 Euro, there is much engineering just in that jerrycan

Try here Peter:

http://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/mercedes-org-bellino-kanister/411805699-223-4200

http://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/bellino-reserveradkanister-7liter-mercedes-benz-oldtimer-vw-samba/416119485-223-20136
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 25 January 2016, 12:27 AM
Many thanks
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 January 2016, 07:25 AM
Yes, I have 2 of them, one of them new in the box with manual, the other needs an overhaul.
Yes, they have a big MB logo on them.
Never buy them off ebay USA. Insane prices. On ebay.de, or ebay kleinanzeigen you can pick m up weekly, 40-80 euros each. make sure you get it complete! Not just with the pouring-tube, but also with the bolt that holds them down
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 25 January 2016, 07:53 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 25 January 2016, 07:25 AM
Not just with the pouring-tube, but also with the bolt that holds them down

Doesn't the original spare wheel mount contraption fit just fine?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 25 January 2016, 04:22 PM
Hi guys - Managed to pick one up at a good price inclusive of the nozzle and hold down bolt etc, and the postage was reasonable. All good and thanks again
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 07:24 AM
wow wow.. received the W116 hydraulic jack today, and it's a Behemoth..

I am still awaiting the arrival of the 6.9 electric rear seat outfit and the Webasto heater, as well as the Frenzel fridge.
I won't be comfy till I have'm in front of me!

In the meantime my second NOS pallet shipment from Australia is due to make it past Customs. I expect it to be here on Monday, after which I can slowly start rebuilding and updating my stocklist.
Australia's latest NOS list made me order another pallet, but that one won't arrive here for another 3 weeks.
I should wait for those to arrive, and let the my 2 euro-mechanics here do a proper stck take, and let them decide on the last batch of "regular" MB stuff, a list that still holds 300+ numbers, but should be properly decimated by then, by any standards

I also successfully emptied the W116 NOS shelves at VDH in Germany. No doubt they are a bit taken back by the size of the NOS order, but all seems well, and the goods should be leaving Germany in a week or 2.
It will contains an endless list of goodies like old-skool MB-logo wind shields, electric seat heating outfits and Fuchs 15"wheels, so it will be the biggest load ever. Could easily be 3 pallets..
I need to send them that final "regular" MB list as well, and let them check for availibility and pricing. If it pleases, I will let them order those as well, and that would literally mean I could do a 20-ft container shipment, and save money over regular freight fees.

Needless to say my wife isn't a happy camper these days..
I am just not trying to think about it too much. I knew these 2 months of painful shopping were due for almost 2 years, and this is it.

It WILL be the rarest of W116's, the 280SEL with manual transmission, holding as many or more options than the most exclusive 6.9 ever sold.
With IT being the only one of it's kind in the world, in brand new condition, I should be able to make it to Hemmings in the end, and steal the show, at least for a few days..
Hopefully.. or ..well.. eeh.. ???
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 07:30 AM
There are a few obstacles though. Money!
Having bought 3 280's, at pretty high prices, I need to offload 1 of them at a pretty price, after it received a full body job, and after it gets refitted with a new interior and all the car's rubbers changed new.
I need to ensure everything works perfectly, and only then can I hope to sell it properly, whilst offering a year's full warranty on the car, extended by "Ohlins Taiwan"
That has never been attempted before, with a car over 8 yrs old in this country.
It would also mean I would have to trust that people will even believe it, a classic w116, rust-free, with warranty.
Like I said before, there is only 1 W116 on the road in Taiwan, and it is in no condition to do a shopping run without the driver breaking a sweat.
Anyways, time will tell, and there's always eBay, haha!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 07:59 AM
the jack
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 08:22 AM
one more for luck.. ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 08:34 AM
Another bit of luck.. After all the talk about sump plates and bash guards, I just found one at 45 euros.
I may even get 2 of them, but that is to be seen. One down, one to go!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 January 2016, 11:55 AM
Quote
It WILL be the rarest of W116's, the 280SEL with manual transmission, holding as many or more options than the most exclusive 6.9 ever sold.
p

But then it may not at all qualify as "concourse", but rather as "exotic".
To quote from wikipedia:

Concours d'Elégance competitions also are run for classic cars. Here, the emphasis is as much on originality as the condition, although this also is very important. The general aim is to present a vehicle that is in the same, or better, condition than it was in when it left the production line. Unless original, modifications are not allowed, and components must be suitable for the year and model of the automobile. Even components or features fitted to automobiles of the same type, but in a different production year or trim level, are not allowed. Original-equipment-accessories from the manufacturers own range are allowed and some competitions allow after-market equipment and accessories, provided they are of the correct period.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concours_d%27Elegance
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 02:26 PM
Sure, but all my cars are 280's, after 1976, so they share a range of identical options, and MB would install almost anything into any car, for the right price, even custom-made 50-off's Weber hydraulic jacks for armored cars and other freaky clients. All my options have 1976-1970 a116xxx part numbers, unlike 90% of all other cars that have bilstein jacks, from the W110 era, W123 or W124 series. The toolkits are also not excluded.
The only sin I plan to commit is to install green heat absorbing MB-logo window panes. Those, I deduct, were never optional on the 280's

I hope I have not missed a beat there.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 January 2016, 03:01 PM
But that's the thing - if it were custom installed at factory on that specific car, and then restored it's OK for concourse, but not if it's a retrofit.

But exotic sales well too, I guess.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: gavin116 on 28 January 2016, 03:10 PM
Hi Stan


The news is bad to some degree.  To be truly concours, the car needs to be presented exactly how it left the factory.  For example a 280S with no air con or radio or near-side mirror, presented at a concours, will have points deducted if a radio, air con and near-side mirror were retro installed, and are period and manufacturer correct.  It doesn't matter that it could have been specified with that particular car, the car needs to be original to its build-sheet.


The Jaguar club are a little more open about what is judged.  Some makers are a little more cagey about what exactly is being judged, but it is my understanding that you can ask the judges some questions once the event is complete.  Essentially a car starts off with 100 points, the car is judged in several areas, and points are deducted in each area where there is an imperfection. Perhaps just google concours judging (+- Jaguar) or something of this kind and you can read a little how things operate at a concours event, or better still got to such an event, and chat a bit with the entrants and judges.


I'm sure the cars will be super, and there shall surely be some very keen individuals chomping at the bit to buy such a highly equipped specimen.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 10:23 PM
Funny photo texts!

Yes, you are both completely right in that aspect. Concourse rules. I am aware of those. My datacard isn't worth much, but I never had a chance in that aspect anyways, with any pre-1980 Benz bought in this country.
When I say "Concourse", I say this knowing none of my cars will ever be shipped anywhere, by me, to any contests. That's a rich man's game, and they'll never invite me to come play.
I use the word and imagine a standard of perfection, but to me, that includes retrofit the rarest of car-correct options, make them functional and look like new.
Think of it as the tribute W116 museum on wheels
I like to think I have a fair(or small) chance to get away with this. I also think trying to sell it in Taiwan is probably my best bet.
Still, it's nice to have dreams and hopes, haha!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 29 January 2016, 09:19 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 28 January 2016, 10:23 PM
Still, it's nice to have dreams and hopes, haha!

Both your project and mine would get nowhere without an unhealthy dose of both :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 February 2016, 09:16 AM
I am also firm in my perception that W116 is on the rise. It's not just because I see online pricing for fine non-6.9 specimens reaching the 20.000 euro mark more and more, but there's also a massive dip in NOS parts offers, over the last 3 months. And yes, I bought a ton of stuff internationally, but I find it hard to believe I am the only one buying NOS stuff. I can't be held responsible for this sudden vacuum. ;D

As far as my car(s) go, they will not be 6.9, even though I just bought one in the USA. That one will be for my mate. The survival rate for the "rare" 6.9's is astonishing. They're everywhere, in all stages of decay and glamour. (for a rare model)
Now try a similar search for a mint 280SEL, or a 350SEL, and you'll come up basically empty-handed. Those cars are proper rare, and the survival rate of those is 10 times less per capita as the 6.9.
Now, in the end, it is originality that does it for some, but more than anything, rarity rules. I would not be surprised to see the day that a 280SEL fetches more money than a 6.9.
Didn't the -absolutely mint- MB600, with 5000km, belonging to Maria Callas, not just sell for 60.000 euros?
How is that even possible, were it not for the fact that almost every 600 ever built is still available on Hemmings?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 01 February 2016, 12:36 PM
Let's put it this way - there are W124 E500/500E online for €90k, but you'd be raving mad to pay anything close to that even for the super-rare E60 AMG version in "Condition 1". People will chance their luck, and that's what you see online. The W116 is no different, especially the 6.9, albeit - unlike most W124s - it's been appreciating slowly over the last years.

But, that's the European market. I can send you a scan of the W116 specific page from Classic Data valuations. It's an eye opener, and it's not looking great for the future with current price trends and the global economy being in the semi-defunct state as it has been for close to a decade now.

In the US, judging solely by prices online (i.e. people not really chancing it), the W116 seems to be considered worthless by the vast majority. I've no idea about Middle East or Asia.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 01 February 2016, 04:41 PM
What I am noticing is the gap is widening and strengthening  - by this I mean that the lesser condition W116 is still cheap by comparison to other vehicles while pristine examples will command an ever increasing price. A W116 that's in original and impressive condition is starting to fetch 15K to 20K.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 February 2016, 08:38 AM
..and in this jungle of remaining thousands of W116's, what would the wealthy, front runner collectors be looking for, if ever anyone of  them would be thinking of investing heavily in a W116? -in the upcoming 5-10 years?
What type of car car can break that glass ceiling? A true original? Unrestored, mint ,with no miles? Or is it the lush 6.9? But, there are so may 6.9's out there.. are they rare enough to be fetching 100.000?, mint?
What is the W116 gonna look like that's gonna be the first to fetch 100.000?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 February 2016, 06:02 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 20 January 2016, 04:46 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 20 January 2016, 03:22 AM
catalog A black
Catalog C black
catalog K black
catalog J black

Those are one and the same thing. For "period correctness" you just need the one matching your car.
The letter code (and the codes at the top) identify the edition - "A" being the oldest, "J" being the latest (and last, from ~1980, for W116 if memory serves)

Also, isn't that "Wartungsheft" (service book) for the W108 chassis?

If your car is a euro, you should also have a booklet with a complete list of dealerships/service stations on the continent. It came in the factory set.

The black catalogs are not the same at all, btw.. One of them is 3 times thicker than the other 3, tons more data.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 February 2016, 06:04 AM
And.. the Webesto kit should be on its way here.

In the meantime, some dressing for the rear hat shelf
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 February 2016, 06:08 AM
And this one's bought and paid for, but now.. how to ship this thing from Germany to Taiwan?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 03 February 2016, 08:10 AM
nice find on the webasto.  have fun restoring the black paint all over the whole unit ...... the heat exchanger is suppose to be grey. and the long rubber hose is for water that is stuffed into the exhaust pipe....

anyway we can email each other with info to get both running again.



Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 03 February 2016, 10:53 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 03 February 2016, 06:02 AM
The black catalogs are not the same at all, btw.. One of them is 3 times thicker than the other 3, tons more data.

Interesting. I was led to believe they're identical and only differ by which exact subset of models they cover based on model year.
Well, I stand corrected. Can you detail some of the differences between the various catalogue editions?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:00 AM
This weeks finds..

The complete VDO outside temp system, original MB
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:04 AM
Another affordable Hazard switch, 2 more catalogs, and a chrome rear view mirror bracket
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:06 AM
Another affordable Hazard switch, 2 more catalogs, and a chrome rear view mirror bracket
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:07 AM
a bit late, but i finally got a becker amp, be it he needs a bucket of TLC
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 05 February 2016, 08:18 AM
your outside temp gauge was made 8.84, so not a W116 part. 

R107 part

http://benz.17vin.com/partsearch/a0005424527/benz
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:44 AM
Yes, like I said before, a R107 part, but an MB part.
My reason to conclude those  6.9 gauges need to be MB is the fact that the amp meter in the 6.9 is a 60MM 70A VDO.
Go find that part. VDO never made those for the public.
For the very same reason I deduct that the outside temp meter must also have been a VDO-MB-supplied part, not just a popular aftermarket off-the-shelf item like the VDO Cockpit
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 05 February 2016, 10:10 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 05 February 2016, 08:44 AM
Yes, like I said before, a R107 part, but an MB part.
My reason to conclude those  6.9 gauges need to be MB is the fact that the amp meter in the 6.9 is a 60MM 70A VDO.
Go find that part. VDO never made those for the public.
For the very same reason I deduct that the outside temp meter must also have been a VDO-MB-supplied part, not just a popular aftermarket off-the-shelf item like the VDO Cockpit

Why not call the folks at Classic Centre in Fellbach, or at the museum in Stuttgart and confirm the details with 100% certainty? If anybody knows, it's them.
This was such a rare option, that I wouldn't be surprised MB pushed it out as a re-branded off-shelf item.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 February 2016, 08:58 AM
I was just shown a photo of a 6.9 with the Amp meter, as well as the outside temp meter, both in VDO, with black white dials, and no red 0.
Surely not an aftermarket-identical VDO Cockpit with red 0
The 70A Amp bezel WAS the known chrome bezel version but contrary if what I expected the +40degrees outside temp gauge had a black bezel. -identical to the R107 MB-gauges
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 February 2016, 01:38 AM
Background shopping.

Some time ago I received a golden tip on the forum about a batch of car papers that showed the illusive "first 1000KM"brochure in the background. Now I have one.
I now apply the principle more regularly, and these are some examples

This is from a guy, trying to sell a rather beaten up W116, and he added a few photos of the interior.
Notice the goodie in the photo?
I called him, and he was willing to part with it, button, Zebrano casing and switch
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 February 2016, 01:42 AM
Then there was this guy, selling a rather dusty, incomplete Becker.
You can get the rest.
These power amps are getting rare!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 February 2016, 01:44 AM
Bought this NOS ventilation trim, kept asking, and found a specialist in exclusive  W116 options, like car phones.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 February 2016, 01:48 AM
Frustrated at my lack of success in tracking down an affordable Minimax, I decided to go on a 1-month internet vigil, digging every source possible in 25 languages.
When that failed, I went on a mailing rampage, wring to 50  random breakers around Europe.
The result was 1x brand new Minimax, in the box, 35 bucks, 2x Minimax with halter for 100 euros, once without halter for 30 euros, and maybe 2 more (unconfirmed) new and used.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 09 February 2016, 08:28 AM
Want to sell me the one without the halter?

rumb
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 February 2016, 02:40 PM
You won't be able to air-ship it, my friend. They must sail. A protective box is required and with all other fees, you may be looking at 800-900usd in shipping.-by boat.
I have a mate in Bulgaria that can add my stuff to car-containers to Taiwan, or I'd be lost as well.

Maybe this can help your search.. Want the news that I found out just last week?
The white-top Minimax was also installed in the early G-series.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 09 February 2016, 05:50 PM
Apparently minimax has been making extinguishers for a long time!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 09 February 2016, 06:32 PM
Quote from: rumb on 09 February 2016, 05:50 PM
Apparently minimax has been making extinguishers for a long time!

Since 1902:
http://www.minimax.de/en/unternehmen/chronik/index.html
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 February 2016, 07:03 AM
It has been a less eventful period..  Ticking away the time, waiting for the final pallets of MB parts to be decided upon, and after that, I'll have to wait till the body shop has time for me.
Best guess, they'll start sanding the chassis 8 weeks from now, with the last parts arriving around that time.

The first big batch NOS trim from Australia arrived, with mixed results. 15 damaged parts, and naturally, exactly the NLA window trim... aargh!~
Good thing that they are understanding and honest about it till now, and I won't be left with any losses.
Still, the NLA window trim still needs a new source.
Let's hope the next batch will be without nasty surprises.

The pallets of NOS material from Germany are still there, awaiting shipping.
The guys there are very cooperative, but very busy.
They are also nice enough to let me ship other parts from Europe to their warehouse, so it can all be shipped to taiwan in one go
Since they can also supply regular MB stuff at sharp pricing, all goods there, including the retractable rear seat, the NOS stuff and the new MB stuff will remain where it is until all has been collected there. After that, it's a lengthy ocean journey, and 2 months before it's here, cleared and taxed.

We found a third mechanic in the UK, yet another old-timer in his 60's, and we'll ship him in next week.
The last addition, a French W116 maniac, will be flying here in April for a look-around, and maybe he'll stay for a few months, before flying home again, to return a few weeks after that to Taiwan,  for the long haul.
At least the manpower issue seems to have been solved now.

Been keeping busy building an oversized mountain go-kart. It needs more tweaking, but I have been taking it out onto the mountain roads for proper racing, and it's great fun!
It used to be a 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Towny (Minica) Now it's a 250KG 800CC Mad Max contraption with so much torque that I had to send it out to have the firewall re-enforced, for it was breaking off the chassis floor!
BTW.. It has back rests now (modified Honda CRV rear back rests)..and foam on the floor to sit on.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 February 2016, 07:07 AM
And, in the light of my CRV being on it's last legs, we set out to find a replacement car for the daily "mountain house to office" road.
We have the Volvo wagon for long distance runs and dealer visits, but the parts for that thing are too costly to make it a daily driver.
Against all odds, we found this thing, parked roadside:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 February 2016, 07:19 AM
Now, all cars older than 25 years are rare as pygmies in Taiwan, and a 1st gen Civic is an impossible thing to find.
Old Taiwan-licensed Japs, older than 25yrs, start at 6000usd, all the way up to 10.000usd, in any condition, bar all sought-after models.
This Honda apparently was off the radar, and I picked it up for 3000 bucks, nice condition inside and out, and very much in original condition. Even the vinyl seats were without holes!
The owner was quickly called by a nearby dealer, and when he arrived, he hooked up a battery, turned the key, and it instantly ran, cold, after months, maybe years of parking.
Needless to say I am now on a Civic NOS parts hunt, which is surprisingly harder than a W116. Good thing is that all the regular maintenance parts are abundant, and cheap, at least in Australia.

These 2 little cars really put a smile on my face!

Anyways.. back on the W116 front,..
Last month's goodie-shopping wasn't that impressive, but still held a couple of noticeable items:

Most remarkable.. a wooden dash panel, especially for the Tekade telephone pad. No takers on ebay, so I got it for 20 bucks

Further more, a NOS audio fader for 20 bucks, and a lovely NOS ashtray lighter, that was about as expensive as I can accept: 92 euros.. Ooof..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 February 2016, 07:23 AM
Found these 4 items from 1 seller.
I took them all even though I already have 2 of them, but they are pretty rare, in-the-box, and it will be very easy to sell them to MB freaks at the next classic car meet (Read: W123 meeting)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 22 February 2016, 08:16 AM
You're really going to be disappointed having paid that price for the cigarette lighter when you realize the astray won't shut.  ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 February 2016, 10:02 AM
you think? :o
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 26 February 2016, 01:57 AM
No, I don't think.  I know.  See the following pictures.  The W108 style lighter you're wanting to use will not allow the ashtray to close.  It stands too proud and hits the frame that the ashtray closes in to. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 February 2016, 07:03 AM
Bullocks! :-[
Off to get a refund..
Thanks for the heads up!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 26 February 2016, 08:56 AM
Do you have a part number on that lighter?  I may interested in it for my w109. Not sure if its even available anymore from MB.  Also, do you have a source for another one of those fader controls?

thanks
jed
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 February 2016, 10:58 AM
0008250451..

And no, that fader control was once in a lifetime.
But, if I find more, I will post them here.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: gavin116 on 26 February 2016, 11:14 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 26 February 2016, 10:58 AM
And no, that fader control was once in a lifetime.
But, if I find more, I will post them here.


Those fader controls are freely available here, as well as rear speakers specific for 116s:
https://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.de/en/accessories/ (https://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.de/en/accessories/) and https://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.de/en/loudspeaker/ (https://www.koenigs-klassik-radios.de/en/loudspeaker/)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 February 2016, 11:38 AM
wow..never knew!
Luckily, I paid half, but a great link for the future! Thanks.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 26 February 2016, 06:20 PM
Thanks gavin!
I just ordered a pair.
36 euros each (without VAT)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 26 February 2016, 08:33 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 26 February 2016, 07:03 AM
Bullocks! :-[
Off to get a refund..
Thanks for the heads up!


You're very welcome, Stan. 

Jed, I think you're right.  I don't think the late W108/W109 style lighters are available any longer.  Luckily, they were used in R107 and W114/W115 up until 1976, so there will be many extras out there for many years to come.  :)

Speaking of radio parts.......I recently made a very expensive discovery.  I ordered a set of speakers for a customers W116 280S from Becker Autosound here in the U.S.  Nearly $500 for all of them.  I had a hard time believing that price.  Well, one night I was tooling around with the new speakers.  I peeled the "Becker" sticker off of the back of the speakers, and guess what they said under the "Becker" speaker?  KONIGS!   They're buying EVERYTHING form Konigs and jacking the price up.  This includes speakers, knobs, bezels, faceplates, and other various parts.  So heads up.  If you want to save some money, then buy from Konigs. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 26 February 2016, 11:38 PM
Funny you should say that UTnBoy,

I bought a pair of front speakers for my '79 6.9 last month from ebay from BeckerSound. They were not cheap. Maybe $80 each BUT they were exact duplicates of the old rotted ones I took out. Koenig also sells w116 front speakers with the same 3 hole mounting pattern however they are not original in appearance.  Actually they look very different but I assume will also fit. So don't feel bad, not everything they sell comes from konigs. :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 27 February 2016, 12:49 AM
Why in the hell is Europe getting such a break on pricing from Becker?  The ones I got were exact duplicates made Konigs, but both Konigs and Becker offer an "upgrade" style speaker, which is probably what you're speaking of. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 27 February 2016, 09:08 AM
No, I didn't buy the "upgrade" speakers.  They cost $99 and look different according to the BeckerSound website. I just looked my purchase up and yes they were $80 for each front speaker.  The Beckersound website directs you to an ebay auction. 

http://beckerautosound.com/mercedes-benz-speakers-72-95/3129162
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 27 February 2016, 08:25 PM
I guess they charge more money to the U.S. buyers.  I clicked on the link, which took me to the website, and then I clicked on the front speaker.  Doing this took me to the ebay listing, and the price shows to be $115 each.  Go figure.  Nonetheless, I think it's very sneaky and corrupt of them to resell the speakers from Konigs while withholding that fact.  That practice itself is commonplace for car parts in general, but something as big as this is inexcusable, especially at that high of a mark-up. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 February 2016, 12:29 PM
I avoided all of that by simply buying Focals in the right size. Full kit of 2, with crossovers and stuff.
Check ebay.it for the best supplier. No idea how Italy manages to get pricing for Focals like that, but I'm happy.
Beats the hell out of whatever Konigs is selling as Becker replacements. Once installed, nobody's gonna see them, but the sound difference is huge!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 February 2016, 01:23 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 28 February 2016, 12:29 PM
I avoided all of that by simply buying Focals in the right size. Full kit of 2, with crossovers and stuff.
Check ebay.it for the best supplier. No idea how Italy manages to get pricing for Focals like that, but I'm happy.
Beats the hell out of whatever Konigs is selling as Becker replacements. Once installed, nobody's gonna see them, but the sound difference is huge!

Which Focals did you get Stan? I'm suspecting 100AC for the dash, and 130AC for the rear?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 February 2016, 01:28 PM
Front, Focal KRS 100. Per set, 280 euro
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 February 2016, 01:47 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 28 February 2016, 01:28 PM
Front, Focal KRS 100. Per set, 280 euro

Interesting. The woofer goes into the dash space, but where did you hide the additional tweeter? :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 March 2016, 12:09 PM
They'll have to be in the top dash corners., on top, normally, but I want to see if I can attach them under the roof liner, pointing downwards
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 01 March 2016, 12:58 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 01 March 2016, 12:09 PM
They'll have to be in the top dash corners., on top, normally, but I want to see if I can attach them under the roof liner, pointing downwards

That should be possible, there's plenty of space there to fit them for sure, and it's out of sight.
Cables should be routable via the A-pillars.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 March 2016, 07:14 PM
Yeah I thinks so too. I like the idea of them being invisible, hiding behind the roof liner.
One would just hope they don't break down too often. Replacing them would be a nightmare. It would make sense to fit a secondary set, with wires but not connected (yet)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 March 2016, 10:18 PM
Is this lighter correct?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 March 2016, 04:40 AM
Well, it has to be. It's a w116 number, so I got it b4 it was gone.

Also scored this one..brand new instrument panel for 280 engine, with rev counter.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 March 2016, 04:42 AM
Miracle of the year.. 2 affordable NOS Hirschmanns
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 March 2016, 04:43 AM
And, some weekly vintage goodies, all NOS
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 March 2016, 04:44 AM
finally got me some front sheepskins, be it they're for my daily driver, since they are surely not NOS.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 March 2016, 04:45 AM
finally the second NOS headlight wiper motor
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 01:47 AM
O joy of joys, I finally found a second phone system for my daily driver. An affordable Becker AT70
Together with the Telefunken 8050 for the Concourse car, that closes another chapter in the car phone story.
I can now start looking into modifying them into usable GSM 4 phones
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 01:51 AM
Then, for my daily driver, I have been looking to save some weight.
Found the aluminum power steering pump.
I am now awaiting news on whether there my next shipment will be containing the aluminium bonnet and trunk.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 01:53 AM
and then there were some nice finds along the way. It was a very good month in that aspect.
Got all 3 baffle plates sorted:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:00 AM
Then there is this 1974 MB Unfallmappe. Complete with camera. A lovely find!
How to recognize the 80's from the 70's model?
The secret lies in the camera type. This is a 1974-made camera.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:03 AM
Then I accidentaly bumped into this inconspicious add for some booklets.
What's that? Another "first 1000 miles" brochure!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:04 AM
Could help but get this one as well. It's a gentleman's thing to have a set of these in the car, preferably in the matching interior or paint color.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:06 AM
Managd to score 2x Becker Reims along the way, at a very fair price.
The brackets that hold the Becker amplifier are available at Koenings, btw, and not too costly!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:07 AM
And, finally a perfect halter for my 3rd Minimax. Sometimes time zones are a good thing. All of Europe was asleep when this was posted on eBay!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 02:13 AM
And, I bit the bullet and ordered a complete W116-specific ABS outfit, that includes all the titbits required.
Also got the ABS manual, and for once, I ended up paying way too much.
They're available on Marktplaats.nl for 20 euros! Too late. Can't win m all.

Biggest worry should be "retro-fitting it!

Hopefully we will have some good support from the new UK mechanic that's arriving here this week.
Just like his fellow countryman that's already here, he is 65 years old, with decades of experience.
Add to that our IVECO-trained German rookie, and I'd think that together, they should be able to pull this off.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 07 March 2016, 04:21 PM
Love that Telefunken and cant wait to see it fitted in the W116
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 07:59 PM
BTWE, update on the sticker set. I should have all of them back from the factory in 3 weeks. All 20+stickers done in waterproof paper/plastic or aluminium. The "first 1000KM booklet as well.
Haven't sent the Tempomat and headlight stickers samples yet.
Haven't ordered the MB-available stickers neither.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 08 March 2016, 08:58 AM
did you order an extra set for me?   :o
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 March 2016, 11:10 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 07 March 2016, 07:59 PM
BTWE, update on the sticker set. I should have all of them back from the factory in 3 weeks. All 20+stickers done in waterproof paper/plastic or aluminium. The "first 1000KM booklet as well.
Haven't sent the Tempomat and headlight stickers samples yet.
Haven't ordered the MB-available stickers neither.

Is the seatbelt anchorage sticker in that set too?
I have all the ones MB still ships, times two, but could really use this one.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 08 March 2016, 12:12 PM
can you post the MB supplied part numbers?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 March 2016, 12:26 PM
Quote from: rumb on 08 March 2016, 12:12 PM
can you post the MB supplied part numbers?

A1245845626 "Use cover with no '100' only"
A0005841840 "High pressure cooling system"
A1175842121 "M117 cylinder firing order"
A6015840040 "Oil?"
A1165840239 "Tyre pressure"
A0005845039 "Loading info"

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 March 2016, 03:05 PM
I have to order 100 of each, so stickers for everyone.
Question really is whether I will offload enough of them to get my money back.

I don't have a sample of the seat belt anchorage" sticker

The more photos you have the better. Need sizes too.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2016, 08:04 PM
In the meantime I managed to cut a better deal with the guys selling the Ausgabe B and the Sonderausstattungen booklet.
They're in the mail!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2016, 09:32 PM
Got these 2.. new still.
It's getting to the point where collecting undamaged ones is now becoming a smart thing to do!. They're running out.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2016, 09:00 PM
Today it's time for a drive to the airport, to pick up the new mechanic from the UK. Pretty stoked!
Also, my monthly forwarding parcel from Holland arrived, and it's like Christmas each time again.
Among others, this was inside:

A refurbished Becker Amp from Koenigs
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 March 2016, 09:03 PM
And, maybe the rarest of items ever.. the W116+telephone-specific horizontal ashtray -with console extension bracket.
The only part that is that rare would have been the little wooden trim that I found, that goes around the Becker telephone keypad in the dash.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 March 2016, 01:26 PM
..and then this one suddenly popped up on eBay.
I made it disappear just as fast as it appeared.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 March 2016, 09:08 PM
According to the a 2016 MB list, the right side rear light is now at 280 euros, where the left rear light is at 160 euros.
How does that compute?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2016, 03:37 AM
Here a few clear shots of the lighters i bought.. Big difference between the W116 and the W113..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2016, 10:02 PM
I need to talk about the sticker outfit. I received the quote from the company, and it's roughly 40-50 euros per sticker, when made in a minimum of 500 each. (Producing less stickers does not lower the total cost)
The aluminum tank door stickers are most expensive at 90 Euros
The smallest ones cost 35 euros per batch
It's 20+ stickers, and that makes 1000+ euros
I need to know about the forum's interest in these, in order to decide to proceed or not.

All stickers are the highest available quality, and true to the original in shape, color and size( withe the difference that they won't fade or deteriorate like paper)
I consider ordering the MB available stickers as well, for convenience and savings, offering the complete package.
I will do the Tempomat sticker, The stickers on the reflector of the head lights, as well as the seat belt anchorage, the latter being a custom order, and after receiving a high-res photo of the original, and exact size description.
If there is more interest in that anchorage sticker, let me know.
Now, how to proceed? Offer them in car-specific "buy all at once" batches?

"A" batch includes all stickers for the (German) Euro cars, 6 Cyl.
"B" has all stickers for the (German) Euro cars 8 Cyl
"C" for USA 8 cyl/6.9

Or, should they be named, numbered and offered separately, depending on personal selection?

I expect total costs to end up between 1200 and 1400 USD, and I would be willing to pay 25% of all costs myself.
(I will have 3 sets available to myself, valued 100usd per car-set)
I would think that 10 people, ordering 1 set each at 100usd, would be comfort enough to do this.
20 people ordering a set a 50usd would be much better, but are we 20?
I don't have the time to run eBay shops, but I invite anyone to go there in my stead.

Your thoughts please
It will include all stickers, visible on the next photo.
NOT visible in the photos:
-Tempomat
-Head light markers
-Seat belt Anchorage
-All region/cyl-specific tank door stickers (visible in the photo is the 280-Euro)
All MB available stickers
 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 13 March 2016, 09:32 AM
I will take a set, and would be interested in buying bulk for future ebay sales.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 10:18 AM
I'll gladly donate the project to you, at exact original cost. PM sent.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 13 March 2016, 10:41 AM
speaking of labels, does anyone know the part number for the wheel bolt card?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 07:59 PM
Rumb, you asked about 2 stickers for the brake booster.
Pics please.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 08:05 PM
Just bumped into this little thingy. Still new!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 08:09 PM
and, era-correct, non-invasive aux brake lights, NOS
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 08:13 PM
About the rear right brake light.. I saw MB raised the price rather strongly for the right sided one.
This guy on ebay has 4 of them. Well.. 2 left now. He'll accept 140usd ex shipping. That's 50% of MB pricing.
The third one will be listed again tomorrow.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 13 March 2016, 08:53 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 07:59 PM
Rumb, you asked about 2 stickers for the brake booster.
Pics please.

All I can say is one was 3/8" x 1.5" blue and probably said ATE and some other words.

The other was on top and red, 1.5 x 2" I do not know what words, they were completely illegible.

I could only find a few pictures with the labels still on the car. One shows a yellow top label, but you can see the little blue one.  the other photo has the red one on top.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2016, 10:45 PM
These are most of the stickers in the set.
Not visible are the others, listed above.
Note: These are the paper versions, not OUR stickers. They will be in plastic and/or aluminum.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 13 March 2016, 11:20 PM
I should be able to upload a photo of the red sticker on the brake booster as mine is still mostly intact.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 14 March 2016, 01:20 AM
Decal as per photo - its a service interval for brake fluid I think
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 02:30 AM
Could you please give me the exact size?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 02:39 AM
So this one is orange?
Found another photo, where it is red.
One other sticker in a photo seems yellow, but that may be discoloration..
Also, 99% of the other photos ONLY show the blue ATE sticker..
Any data as to why this is? Anyone?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 09:39 AM
They either just peeled off over time, or the booster was replaced?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 09:56 AM
I was also hoping for the red AC sticker on the radiator support.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 10:07 AM
OK, please add exact size of that sticker..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 10:14 AM
The tempomat sticker..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:41 AM
some more stickers.
Will need help deleting the non w116 and establish both car-application, as well as exact size.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:43 AM
ang more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:45 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:47 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:51 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:52 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 11:53 AM
and more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 12:01 PM
Guess that now is the time to add photos, and to delete them, if they don't belong.
I will try and keep track of the data, but maybe Gavin, our archivist, can do this?
Goal is to find out if there's VIN splits for stickers, and naturally, to find out which ones are fitted on what car and in which place.
For reproduction purposes I would really appreciate high-detail photos of new items and those already listed.
Please give the exact size of the stickers if you can, where you can.
I would rather prefer hearing similar data from more than 1 person, when it comes to these details.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 01:01 PM
3 more
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 01:16 PM
And this is where it belongs..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 01:40 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 10:14 AM
The tempomat sticker..

So was this only on replacement servos or on the original car?  Seems the instructions only apply to a loose part before you put it on the car.

Any one with a picture of this on a car?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 02:52 PM
Can an administrator move all the labels to a new topic?

the AC label 123-835-00-88

29mm x 40mm

I have an old wrinkled one I could mail you.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 03:03 PM
000-584-50-39

tire pressure adjustment

can be purchased from MB for $4.50
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 05:02 PM
not used on w116

green Bleifrei Super


http://forum.w116.org/test-drive/280'-concourse-diary-of-a-layman/?action=dlattach;attach=5169;image
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 March 2016, 05:03 PM
https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=FDED54DD16F83D04!4684&authkey=!ABwJyqd8viviuZ4&ithint=file%2cxlsx

I made a excel sheet that anyone can add to.  See if this works better for keeping track?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 March 2016, 07:35 PM
That looks very good!
I will try and work that one where I can, today
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 March 2016, 09:58 PM
Did we already reach the point of having found/listed all the available W116 stickers? No additions?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 March 2016, 11:28 AM
Very, very quiet out there the last week.
This was the only thing out there that popped up.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 March 2016, 09:16 PM
The sticker section will continue as a new thread "W116 sticker quest" in de "interiors/exteriors section
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: nathan on 19 March 2016, 08:16 AM
Floyd, following from your previous comment, why dont you start putting up individual posts with each segment?
the trouble is that although currently people will know you might have mentioned something a couple of months ago in this post, future users wont.  it will be easier in the future for people to search individual subjects/post titles rather than wonder if its in this 20 page monster on 500 different subjects with no specific subject matter.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 March 2016, 10:08 AM
After all these reports on preparation, here' a few pics of what I have in mind..
First, the auction piece..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 March 2016, 10:14 AM
..and this, should be the daily driver
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: beagle2022 on 22 March 2016, 06:34 PM
I have your daily driver ready for you in Sydney.  You'll be horrified to learn that she cost me $4000 with about another $3000 in repairs over the last five years.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: revilla on 23 March 2016, 01:10 AM
Quote from: beagle2022 on 22 March 2016, 06:34 PM
You'll be horrified to learn that she cost me $4000 with about another $3000 in repairs over the last five years.

yes, also that the W116 market today would pay the same $4000 she costed 5 years ago.  OK maybe $5000 with her enhanced condition after repairs.  exact same situation with both my 280's.  it doesn't matter.  precisely the point made before many times in other threads here: our W116 beauties are not exactly the best ROI examples.  for now they are not about money but about passion  ;)


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 March 2016, 02:53 AM
That is not news to any of us, I would think :-\
Still, despite all of that, the one thing I would not want is re-occuring repair bills, stuff breaking down.
I want to change every breakable part brand new, left with only the risk of NOS parts, even new, breaking down.
It's not perfect, but better, I would say.
IF one is committed to driving a car like this, better to go in just once, and do it proper.
So much of the yearly repair bills goes into overpriced replacement parts and inflated labor charges.
There are big savings in the end, if one can avoid such sporadic bills.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 March 2016, 10:41 AM
Today the multi-parcel arrived from my collector/forwarder in Holland, my mam.
Lots of goodies inside!
For one, the phone..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 March 2016, 10:49 AM
Also, had a talk with the workshop owner. My first W116 is now next up in queue in the bodyshop.
Maybe 2 weeks before they start. That sounds good!
This Monday, 2 of the euro-mechanics will seclude themselves from the world for 2 weeks to do a stock-take and have them come up with a near-final list of parts that need to be bought from MB Germany, all the regular stuff. Still, a massive task..
If all goes well, I may be looking at having 99% of all my parts in the warehouse, 10 weeks from now.
Right now, I have pallets awaiting shipment in Australia, Ornbau Germany and Julich Germany.
Ornbau will also be supplying all the regular MB stuff, so that should allow me to do 3 shipments from Germany, in 1 ocean container
I'd be pretty amaed if such an elaborate plan would actually work, for once..
We'll find out soon enough.
In the meantime, it is good to see that there is movement up ahead!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 26 March 2016, 09:24 AM
Stan,  here is the reply I received from my friend Wolfram regarding all your questions.

Dear Robert,
The fair Retro Classics 2016 came last sunday to an end and I got no trustworthy answers to your questions.
The VDO people were young, elegant, eloquent but not helpful.
But they allowed me to hand them over a copy of your questions and promised to read them with attention once back at their head-quarter.
The same thing happened to me with the Becker staff.
At the kiosk of the VDH - Verband der Heckflosse - the German tail-wing Club, they told me that they will answer questions only from members of the club.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 March 2016, 12:24 PM
I AM a member.
Tell Wolf Bonitz it's Stan in Taiwan asking, the one who just bought their W116  warehouse. ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 27 March 2016, 06:23 PM
That's very crappy and conceited thing for a club to do/say.  That alone would make me NOT want to join and/or cancel my membership.  Very rude. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2016, 09:35 PM
Yes and no.
I would not make that choice, maybe, but they do have a point.
It's a club, and membership really pays off. People running this thing are not moderators with some free time in the weekend. It's a massive organisation, and a they do this full-time. massive efforts, massive investments, massive stocks.
Plus, their stocks are the most excellently priced NOS/used stocks I have seen, perfectly categorized as well.
That's not even considering their long line of MB reproduction parts, that they could sell way higher than the originals, -but don't
They focus well, and if I had not proven that I was doing 2xW116 resto's, they would not have allowed me to buy all NOS parts 2x, to ward off any/all traders, abusing their very economic system.
VDH surely has my vote, be it this specific issue looks a bit ugly.
Then again.. my list of questions are no doubt the most complicated historical W116 questions ever.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 March 2016, 12:13 AM
Finally on it's way.. A 1979 Mercedes fridge. Not a Frenzel, but an Engel.
Identical in all ways compared to the Frenzel, except for the sticker on top.
Beggers can't be choosers, but I continue on the search for a Frenzel.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 30 March 2016, 06:35 AM
I have to disagree, on all points, Stan.  You were simply asking questions.  None of the answers to any of the questions you asked are owned or copyrighted in any way.  Every bit of the potential answers could be found at free will in literature available to the whole world.....if we knew where to look, of course.  There is no reason any of this information should be guarded in any manner, especially by an enthusiast club.  Clubs do have their perks, and membership dues should be used for their intended reasons.  Moderators and web masters of automotive enthusiast group forums claim their position knowing that there is no pay involved.  Only ample notoriety, and charging a toll to cross a bridge in which they do not own is downright wrong.....even corrupt. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: tcj on 30 March 2016, 08:01 AM
Hi UTn_boy,

I know the VDH-Club very well.
All are very helpful and I am surprised a lot of times every year what they are doing for all members and for single members.
It is simply great.

Looking at Stans list it is clear that it will take a lot of hours to find good answers.
And why should the club invest a number of hours to answer these questions for someone that is not
a member of the club - when they are in a situation that they simply have not enough time to care for
their 7000 members?
Their "no" is definitely no attempt to keep back knowledge, it is simply a matter of limited time.
Knowing them for a number of years now it is simply unfair to allege that they only answer questions for cash.

UTn_boy, try to get them know and if you know to read german have a look in their forum - it is worth every minute.

@Stan:
in my eyes you are going the wrong path.
Ask your questions on the VDH-forum (in german language) and to keep it clearly arranged don't ask all questions
at once. If there is an answer to your questions you will find it there.
The forum is free for all (not only for members) and even the club crew does answer questions there
if they have time - and in the forum they definitely don't care if you are a member or not.

Thomas
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 March 2016, 08:27 AM
Well, I am making no great last stance on any front here. My reason for cursing the MB classic center was because of the insinuation that  title creates, (a public service center for MB-financed, MB classic enthusiasts) and the disappointment that came with it.
My VDH position is mixed, at best. Like i said, I would never endorse the idea that a non-club member can not ask questions, but I would not curse them too badly for it, for their manpower is extremely limited, and not (apparently) profit-driven like the Classic center.
Plus, my questions are no doubt the hardest ever, and a big list of them.
Doesn't mean I would choose that same path. I see it as a lesser of evils, that's all.

BTW, I haven't asked them yet myself. For now, I am very grateful for the big help they offer in supplying a ton of NOS parts at very impressive pricing, and the fact that they even offered to help out as a collector/forwarder for other people's parts that I had sent there.
I am wisely choosing the right moment to ask them about the rest of the issues I want solved.
More importantly, they are really not specialized in W116 matters, but they have a strong focus on everything older than that.
I presume it's the wrong address for such questions.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:03 AM
After a very dreary month with basically nothing worth mentioning on the goodies front, finally a few strides in the accessory department..

First off, the original W116 luggage set:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:07 AM
Then, the MB snow chains from the 70's
Very important when you live next to the equator..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:21 AM
And...the MB-supplied steel tow bar..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:30 AM
Remember a post here from a guy looking for a battery tray.
I told him, be patient, and they'll pop up NOS. It did, on ebay, 35usd.
Also, a NOS lock rosette.. 45usd..

And, a lovely little accessory, a fordable comb, still in the box!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:48 AM
On the tool kit front, I have finally arrived at the end of this big, big quest..
Got my hands on 2 NOS offers, and with the last 2 wrenches in the mail, I now have 3 complete tool kits, brand new

I wasn't going to bother getting the pliers NOS, after I found the part numbers are still available, and cheap as well.
But, the new supply from MB only carries the same number, but is NOT the same stuff.
The regular pliers no longer carry the Hapawe logo, and the other waterpump pliers are no longer made by Heyco.
Needless to say, I grabbed these 2 originals when they appeared.

The wrenches that MB still sells have the same issue. There is no telling what you;ll get.

My 3 kits are not just mint NOS stuff, but they are especially unique in the way that they are purely Matador whenever Matador was available during that era.
Back in the day, tool bags would hardly ever carry the same brand tools twice.
Staff at MB would simply fill bags, while management would be ordering the (identical) tools in different batches from Heyco, Matador, Klein, Walter and Unior.
The mission that is involved in getting a Matador-only outfit is not for the weak of heart.
Buying them NOS is near-impossible, and buying them separately from eBay gets way too costly.
The worst part is that there is always a large chance that there is STILL damage that was not described.

Also, some MATADOR versions rarely ever pop up.
One wrench that often isn't even available at top dollar is the small Matador 17/19, with one end "closed"
When you see any..get them right away. It boggles the mind why these never show up.

So, I learned the hard way, trying all the wrong methods, -and the right ones, and it left me with a pretty excessive bill, 6 months of searching, 3 mint/complete outfits, and a 10KG pile of overcomplete MB tools in 6 different brands.

I will post that list after a few weeks, after all of the tools come back from the factory, freshly coated in nickel.
Yes, coated still (after sandblasting), because even though I got all the brands to match, the batches that MB bought at the time were unstable in their final coloring, leaving so many tool bags with wrenches in different shades of chrome.
Those that are interested, can then have their pick.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 04:03 AM
And, glad to -finally add: The illusive Service Kit.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: orientrot on 03 April 2016, 12:59 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 12 November 2015, 08:12 AM
At the rate you're going soon you'll be chasing a hidden-in-a-warehouse-somewhere brand new chassis (NLA, but yes, these were a part!). Keep going! I'm looking out for the end result. I'll have no such "entertainment" anymore in 3-4 months, when my car is done.

The yard that I have pulled parts from recently here in Georgia had 4 or 5 116 replacement front clips that unfortunately have been sitting in a field so the tops of them are covered in surface rust (no rust through thankfully) and pieces have been cut off of them. I bought one for $25 that is complete other than part of the bumper mount and even has an ABS bracket. The bottom of it is not rusted and is painted with the same dark grey primer that the NOS body panels are painted with. Tempted to go back and buy the rest of them; the owner would probably even just give them to me. I can't imagine how incredibly rare a perfect NOS front clip would be, if one does exist out there.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Max-NL on 03 April 2016, 03:31 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 03:03 AM
After a very dreary month with basically nothing worth mentioning on the goodies front, finally a few strides in the accessory department..

First off, the original W116 luggage set:

Stan,

Are those all the suitcases? If so I think you are missing 2.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 09:40 PM
Yes, There are 2 suitcases missing.. I have to accept those will most likely never turn up, considering how rare all of these are..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2016, 11:38 PM
Many of you must be aware of the near-future drought we will face on MB wheel caps of this era.
MB Germany just told me that the 14" has gone NLA, and the 15" sells over 250 Euros a piece

If you're content on having OK-looking caps, you'll be fine till the end of time, but NOS, or MINT ones are running out real fast, and prices are on the rise for those still available.
If you find them at good prices, make sure you're not cheated with great looking photos, but buy them warranted.
I bought 11 of them, with 4 of them in much worse condition than was promised. Luckily, the other 7 are actually in new condition.
I still am not sure 7 that will suffice for the years to come, considering how easy they get damaged.
At 250 euros a pop, those are unbearable risks. Having them in stock at 25-50 euros each, makes for a much more relaxed drive.
Re-chroming is always easy, as long as they're not rotten. But once they're dented or deeply scratched, there no way back.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 April 2016, 07:54 PM
Thanks to Casey here, these lovely pods are now on their way to me!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 April 2016, 07:56 PM
and.. for those that weren't aware yet: the complete seat-heating system (except the pods) is available brand new, official reproductions at VDH Mercedes in Germany. And.. way cheaper too, than 2nd hand oldies, and cheaper than the original MB pricing from back when.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 05 April 2016, 08:35 PM
Very nice, reclining rear seats  :o you will be up to some mischief I suspect Stan  ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 06 April 2016, 03:48 AM
Quote from: Peter on 05 April 2016, 08:35 PM
Very nice, reclining rear seats  :o you will be up to some mischief I suspect Stan  ;D

There won't be any space for mischief with all those accessories packed in ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 April 2016, 05:20 AM
Mischief, haha. If ever I get to drive this car.. ;D

This was today's find:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 06 April 2016, 07:02 AM
Here is how VDH gets the parts..

http://www.recordnet.com/article/20160225/news/160229763
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 06 April 2016, 07:33 AM
Quote from: rumb on 06 April 2016, 07:02 AM
Here is how VDH gets the parts..

Sad story. I'd probably just give up after being robbed three times in same place.
But, yeah, those guys are providing some awesome service for their members. I haven't seen any other European MB club do this.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 April 2016, 10:14 AM
No words..

Well, actually, I have words, but in order to keep world piece.. I'll be silent, just like Horst.
Especially since I also had stuff in there that was destined to arrive here. Aluminium hoods and bonnets..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 April 2016, 11:19 AM
ta-daaaa.. Another set :P
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:34 AM
It was a superb hunt yesterday.. A big make-good for the lousy 6 weeks that just passed, with dozens of hours spent and little or nothing to show for..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:40 AM
A few hours later, I did a non-related search, and a known NOS supplier's page turned up, where I found this thing, he forgot to offer me
An original M110 York clutch
800-900usd in some places.. Got it 10x less.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:44 AM
Tried a few new keywords on German EBAY, and the second set of W116 suitcases popped up, after going through 500 listings..
I now have more cases than the original 7 set, so I'll be offering the surplus suitcases here soon.. and not for a fortune..

Just read a forum where some guy searched for 11 years, to get 1 set.. That's rare.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:48 AM
Little pick-me up, for 20usd and free shipping..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:56 AM
and..to top up the day, a very rare Fanfare high-tone.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 02:51 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:34 AM
It was a superb hunt yesterday.. A big make-good for the lousy 6 weeks that just passed, with dozens of hours spent and little or nothing to show for..

It started off in the very early morning, with 2 NOS front bumpers popping up at 35% of retail value..

Damn it Stan, one of these is mine! :P
If you got a deal on both, one of us has been cheated...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 02:52 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:56 AM
and..to top up the day, a very rare Fanfare high-tone.

Hardly rare, given this is a rebranded Bosch you  can get brand new, with warranty.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 02:54 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:48 AM
Little pick-me up, for 20usd and free shipping..

About 40EUR brand new, with shipping, for the complete unit, with fresh seal AND housing...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 03:20 AM
Bumpers!!

Yes, you bought them, I bought them, and our 2 French friends both bought them as well, each separately, unknowingly.
he spoke of 6 other buyers, so there may be 2 more gullible idiots out there.
The french guys even drove to his house to find him disappeared, and on their way back, were called with a raised price to 400 euros, after which they walked away, and they became mine.
You wanted just one, I bought both at a higher price per item, so they're mine now.
At least, until some other schmuck calls, and they won't be mine anymore.

I am out, the french guys are out, and I would suggest you walk as well, just to teach this guy a lesson in ethics.
The four of us make up the W116 NOS buyers market right now, so let him fry.

Brand new, these bumpers are available for 280 euros. Safely packed, without surprises.
I am getting them new. I would suggest you do the same.
If his ethics are this bad, what about the state of his bumpers? If ever he dropped them once, and you'll have a crap deal.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 03:24 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 02:52 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:56 AM
and..to top up the day, a very rare Fanfare high-tone.

Hardly rare, given this is a rebranded Bosch you  can get brand new, with warranty.

Got links, data?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 05:01 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 03:24 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 02:52 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 12:56 AM
and..to top up the day, a very rare Fanfare high-tone.

Hardly rare, given this is a rebranded Bosch you  can get brand new, with warranty.

Got links, data?

Here somewhere: https://www.boschautoparts.com/en/auto/horns-and-fanfares/fanfare-horns
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2016, 05:04 AM
I've made an outright ridiculous offer on the bumpers, and he's accepted, but no money changed hands as I've been waiting on shipping details. We'll see what comes back in terms of comms next week.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 April 2016, 05:59 AM
apparently.. he posted them on ebay 20 mnts ago and they 're sold
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 15 April 2016, 05:37 PM
Unrelated, but a nice photo, I thought!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 April 2016, 10:48 PM
This week I visited a 90's car expo, which in Taiwan, translates to "antique vehicles" ;)
I was really looking to snap up a rare W116 280SEL, but found it was an all-Japanese event, bar tons of 3-series BMW's.
Still, bioggest show I have ever seen in this country, with over 1000 cars on show, -and only 2 MB's
The W123 was to be ignored, so I started a chat with the R107 guy, an elderly man with lots of relations nationwide. He introduced me to a friend nearby, and he had a 280SEL he wanted to get rid of. To my surprise, he knew me. Seems he is one of my dealers, whom I had only visited once, years ago. Small country.
So, this saturday I am off down south, to have a look. I have a feeling it's gonna work, for he was worried the car may be too bad to sell.
Fine with me. I only need a datacard-correct chassis and a matching engine. All the other parts will be brand new, with most of them already in stock, or on their way to Taiwan. That includes the retractable rear seat I am so eager to install.
If all works out as planned, that will be my museum-car, but djeez, I know that day is still far away.

On the shopping front, it has been a roller-coaster, this month, with great ups, and terrible downs. I know it was long overdue, but I finally got stung real bad by a trusted supplier. Lost a small fortune in the process, and lost faith in humanity at the same time. Could not even bring myself to go online, or check emails, for days in a row. Burnt out, sad, disappointed, angry and catatonic, all at the same time.
Really felt like throwing in the towel, and calling it a day.
Still..here I am, slowly regrouping my senses.

These are the goodies from the last 2 weeks:

A 70's MB pick-nick box.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 April 2016, 10:48 PM
Pick 4 of these up for a breeze..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 April 2016, 10:50 PM
And I bumped into this mint MB notebook set. For 10 bucks, I couldn't resist.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 April 2016, 11:24 PM
And, it's always good to mention that there are always more good people than bad people in the world.
I accidentally bumped into a US-based Jaguar guy, who got his hands on a big batch of MB NOS stuff he did not need.
Going through a seemingly endless list of part numbers he provided, 95% of them non-W116, and the tiniest of MB parts thinkable, I still came up with fish in the end.
Some real treasures, among them a NOS Tempomat ECU unit, where I shamefully offered 100usd. He would only accept 80usd.
When I was done shopping, he even offered free shipping! I decided to pay half still.
That is such a huge difference from some people in our business..
Looking forward to receiving that parcel.. More than 20 MB numbers, some of them in bulk, for the best prices I ever enjoyed.

And, while I am at it, may I mention another USA based supplier, who shipped a container with a complete 6.9, 2000KG in NOS W116 sheet metal, and 1000KG in NOS R107 parts, for the prices of 8 door shells? Just heard he threw in 3 NOS electric window lifters for free.

After the vicious, multiple robberies the VDH boys suffered in the USA, this is a huge pick-me-up, re-enstating the reality that there's a lot of good people there, and a few rotten apples do not make a basket.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 19 April 2016, 03:29 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 18 April 2016, 11:24 PM
Some real treasures, among them a NOS Tempomat ECU unit, where I shamefully offered 100usd. He would only accept 80usd.

It may be a rotten egg though - if it's NOS, and has been lying for a couple decades in storage, you'll have to rebuild it anyway because the electrolytic caps will have dried out by now. For that money, you could have bought an already rebuilt one ;)

But, you won't know until you test it in a running car. If it surges, or fails to engage, it's a dud. Luckily, rebuilding those is not only easy, it's also very cheap if you can do the job yourself.
Here's my thread about sorting one of these out: http://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/cruise-control-not-keeping-set-speed/15/

And as for your "trusted supplier" burn, please do share (unless it's an ongoing case etc.) so others can stay away.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 19 April 2016, 04:52 PM
Hey Stan, 2 things mate  1. Illegitimi non carborundum   2.  Name and shame these mongrels
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 20 April 2016, 06:26 AM
Stan, a few pages back you had commented about how expensive new hub caps were and something about re-chroming them.....you can't do that.  They're polished stainless steel.  Only W108 and W109 in model year 1968 and 1969 had chrome plated hub caps in 14 inch.  Just FYI. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 20 April 2016, 06:59 AM
Stan, when are we going to see pictures of a stripped bodyshell, or engine?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 April 2016, 07:07 AM
Indeed! Question of the decade. If I don't see at least one sand-blasted chassis soon, I am gonna lose it.
I am next up, in the work
shop, that much I know. A BMW 2002 has been the main topic there for a long time, but I am next. Maybe a week or 2?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 April 2016, 07:10 AM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 20 April 2016, 06:26 AM
Stan, a few pages back you had commented about how expensive new hub caps were and something about re-chroming them.....you can't do that.  They're polished stainless steel.  Only W108 and W109 in model year 1968 and 1969 had chrome plated hub caps in 14 inch.  Just FYI.

Can't do that? Watch me, haha!

Still, a good bit of data. I had no idea.
I will investigate how one re-polishes these caps..
Is it easy?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 April 2016, 04:22 PM
Quote from: s class on 20 April 2016, 06:59 AM
Stan, when are we going to see pictures of a stripped bodyshell, or engine?

My engine.. If you read back on my thread, to the early days where this dick mechanic Ed Osborn was still here, you'll find what happened to my engine. Taken apart to the last piece, and spread out over different tables, different rooms, even different floors.
Then he left.
My new guys have been wading through the parts storage rooms, trying to piece the puzzles back.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 April 2016, 01:12 AM
If you have access to a hand held rotary buffing wheel and the correct rouge it's not a bad job.  The key is t start with one that's not only scuff free, but also one that is free if deep scratches.  You would be surprised what people use to clean then with.  Scotch brites, Ajax, steel wool, etc.  Things like that ruin the mirror like finish, and very quickly.  However, being stainless steel that is highly polished, a lot of the light hazing can be polished out. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 April 2016, 01:30 AM
Condidering this is not a coating, but stainless through and through, logic dictates that whatever finish it had back in the day, should be redoable, no?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 April 2016, 03:58 AM
In theory, yes.  However, there was no finish on them.  They were just polished stainless steel. The only finish on them would have been the parts that are painted. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 24 April 2016, 05:00 AM
Well, Stan, I found this last night going through some old boxes of parts I had.  As you can see, it's an aftermarket brand that is made in France.  I think there was some skepticism regarding whether or not these were original or not.  So here's the irrefutable proof that they weren't.....in addition to the factory pictures, of course.  I know you still like them, and that you want to put them on your cars.  Have you had any luck finding any yet? 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 April 2016, 07:57 PM
No, I never found a second one. I accepted mine was not original.
Yours, however is French, haha!

Wonder where that cap used to sit, in a former life..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 27 April 2016, 10:27 AM
Well, the car that this one came off of was a European 600 that I had parted out.  So I suppose it was on a 600 in Europe in years past. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 03:26 AM
It's been quiet these weeks.. very quiet.
Where normally I have a pile of goodies arriving everyday, very little to report on that front, for now.
It feels as if I am personally responsable for the W116 NOS drought that is now so apparently the case. Ha, who knows? If so, I am sure Ptashek is guilty as well! :P
But, there will be some interesting things arriving here soon. Got my hands on some long-sought-after W116 dealer accessories that I had almost given up on, but then, suddenly, there they were, hidden in open sight for those that know how to recognize them.
Stand by for updates. Once they are high up in the air, on their way here, I will post photos and divulge details.

My daily driver, the 280S is still in queue for the body shop, and once more, another car kicked me backwards one spot. It is becoming predictable.
I am not the only one with worries. My best mechanic from the UK is considering his alternative options as well. The chaos that is standard in Taiwan, is surely not the custom in Europe. For skilled, organized mechanics, it's quite a challenge to adapt to such mayhen.
I am trying to solve all issues as they arise, but it's not my workshop, and there is a limit to what I can do.
My mechanic has offered a Plan B and plan C, if things don't change rapidly.
Plan B.. he goes back to the UK
Plan C.. We start our own restoration company together.

It seems a scary jump, to go independent, but he assures me it won't take that much to get there.
Having all the skills in one house helps. That includes mechanics, bodywork and basic upholstery. Spray cabins can be rented and since we were planning for non-metallic cellulose spray jobs, he is very confident to produce a quality job there as well.. 40 years of experience should be sufficient, one would think, and the W116 is in no way more complicated than a 12cyl Jaguar E-type.

On the parts-supply side, I am already in charge of that, so that doesn't change. There's also no hope of finding anyone more skilled in this country. Guess I am it.
He tells me that besides some rudementary hand tools and a welder, the investments should not be that high.
Guess I'll have to believe him.
If he returns home, that may as well be IT for me and my projects. I don't have mechanics in queue at foreign airports. Far from.
So, I will try and save the day for plan A but if that fails, it's straight to plan C. I am prepared.
We will know within 2-3 weeks.

I may have found the 280SEL I have been looking for, as my museum car. First owner, original, all papers and in OK condition. But, it is parked in a remote mountain area far away from any place where any of my friends worldwide can go and help me inspect it on site.
At least partially, it would be a blind buy. Scary, but again, there seems little choice in the matter.
Been scouting Taiwan for a 280SEL for quite some time now, but all I found was a car that had only engine and license plates left, with a transparent chassis.
Found another one by accident, first owner as well, but it seems they are not willing to sell, and surely not at an acceptable price.
I am still going to try though. It's a manual transmission, exactly what I was looking for. The one abroad is an automatic.
This week I am going to visit them. Thumbs crossed!


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 03:38 AM
While we await the arrival of more spectacular W116 parts, this is the harvest from the last 2 weeks..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 18 May 2016, 04:46 AM
That's a crankshaft position sensor, not an RPM sensor :)
RPM sensing is done in the ignition box, where it's used for over-rev protection, and also fed via the TD pin to the instrument cluster.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 18 May 2016, 05:07 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 03:26 AM
It feels as if I am personally responsable for the W116 NOS drought that is now so apparently the case. Ha, who knows? If so, I am sure Ptashek is guilty as well! :P

Nope. That's all your own doing Stan, and very well executed too. Let's face it, we will all blame you for eternity :P (just kidding!)
I went the über-lazy route, mostly buying new from the dealership or local re-sellers as I simply have no time to deal with extensive parts searches, and ocean freight. The little stock of NOS parts I got was mostly out of necessity, as MB hasn't had those anymore, or had them at exorbitant prices.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 05:59 AM
It must be sweet to be rich and politically correct at the same time..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 18 May 2016, 06:12 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 05:59 AM
It must be sweet to be rich and politically correct at the same time..

Can't tell. I'm neither 8)
And I'm also hoping you will stick to your promise of releasing some of that stash back to the market at fair prices!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: revilla on 18 May 2016, 02:09 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 03:26 AM

My mechanic has offered a Plan B and plan C, if things don't change rapidly.
Plan B.. he goes back to the UK
Plan C.. We start our own restoration company together.


Stan,

You started up, or were going to, your interiors wood restoration business a while back I seem to remember. 

Plan C is just a slight stretch to that baseline ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 May 2016, 08:29 PM
I kind of figured that as well, in the end, but I am kind of worried about the investments despite what my mechanic says.
He says it can be done without a "lift-bridge", but I think the tool- and rental costs may still be quite painful.

On the wood-front there's a little update. I did buy the vacuum pump, all the best veneers, best glues, lacquers and oils, but have not found the time for a proper start.
In the meantime I did bump into an old friend of mine who has been an ex-pat here for 20 years. He's an old-fashioned carpenter, cabinet maker and also builds guitars. He's got a fully furnished workshop.
I suggested this job to him, explaining long-term possibilities in regards to doing such classic car panels for others, abroad, as well.
He very much likes the idea, and the work involved.
Done deal for me. I mean.. who's got the time? (and skill)

I am waiting for my mechanics to harvest all wood from the 3 cars and together with all the surplus wood (ashtrays and stuff) I bought, I will bring this lot to my carpenter for him to play with, and hone his skills.
Considering the insane costs involved with having this done at Eris Design, or Madeira, I think I can accept losing a few pieces of veneer in the learning process.
The W116 panels are all veneer on top of regular, strong wood, and that allows for endless re-veneering. The same can not always be said about panels in other classic cars, so this should be a forgiving project.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:17 PM
It looks as if the tides have turned a bit and peace may be upon the valley. It took some pushing to improve communication at the workshop but I am carefully optimistic. It seems my mechanic will not be leaving the workshop, now several obstacles have been cleared. Good for my peace of mind.
I am even optimistic about being able to produce a picture worth taking of the chassis in the bodyshop, within a week or 3.

VDH in Germany have been so kind as to extend the welcome of my pallets there, allowing me more time to come up with yet another parts order. Whatever I can ship from there, and can add to these pallets, virtually will ship for free. At this point I really need every saving I can make.

It's been a long hunt, but I managed to get a couple of the original accessories that were offered to W123/R107W116 clients at the time. These were in cupboards at the MB dealers between 72-80. Some were MB-brand, some were MB-sold aftermarkets.
The Hella emergency lamp (see older posts)would be a good example. It didn't have an MB number but was on offer at the dealers as a MB-supplied product.
Kissling Boxes belong in that category as well, be it they often carried the letters MB (see older posts)
These are a few items that I found these months. I will list more of them in a few days.

The Einhell 6A battery charger, model late 70's, as supplied by MB dealers to customers between 72-80
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:19 PM
MB-brand caravan mirrors, NOS, for W116/R107/W123 (bigger photo will follow!)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:23 PM
While I wait for the other items to arrive, I was happy to find this set: NOS W116 top dash loudspeakers! Original packing..
Yes, my Focals will sound better, but what restored car can boast installation photos of a NOS set of original speakers?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:28 PM
btw.. these are not the speakers I bought.. Need to make actual photos.

Bumped into this on eBay. The last official price list from MB with a W116 on the cover. Autumn 1979.
The next 1979 edition, even though still not W126 era, already has the W126 on the cover.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:31 PM
..and then there were 2.
Couldn't resist this one for 25 bucks. After having driven the 116 through Taiwan traffic, I was a bit freaked out about the tiny size of the internal and external mirrors.
I wouldn't install them in the museum car, but for my daily driver? Sure!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 23 May 2016, 05:00 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:28 PM
Bumped into this on eBay. The last official price list from MB with a W116 on the cover. Autumn 1979.
The next 1979 edition, even though still not W126 era, already has the W126 on the cover.

That's prices list 24 in your image, valid from February 1979.
There were a good few more after it, with a W116 on the cover.

The last one was 27, valid from mid-July 1979.
The first to feature a W126 on the cover was 28, valid from mid-September 1979.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 May 2016, 10:00 AM
I stand corrected. Still pretty happy, but corrected.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: midnitesunmerc on 24 May 2016, 10:38 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 May 2016, 12:31 PM
..and then there were 2.
Couldn't resist this one for 25 bucks. After having driven the 116 through Taiwan traffic, I was a bit freaked out about the tiny size of the internal and external mirrors.
I wouldn't install them in the museum car, but for my daily driver? Sure!

"Tiny" interior mirror?? Ironic for me to hear this after finally getting so pissed off at mine that I removed it last week - I sit tall in the  car having a long upper torso and the 11" mirror that came with my car was driving me nuts, constantly blocking my vision around town - not so bad on the highway. I notice that the mirror on my '79 Euro parts car is only 9" long, maybe other customers shared my concerns. I drove utility trucks for over 30 years so I really don't need an interior mirror and on every other vehicle I own save for my 2005 VW Golf, I either remove them or fold them up out of the way. I will admit that the external mirrors are a little on the small side but they are still adequate for where I live and drive.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 May 2016, 05:37 AM
It's no doubt a personal thing. I am not that tall, so that helps.
But, if I'd be living in the Yukon, I'd be ripping out mirrors as well, as to better enjoy the view.
Alas, I am navigating in an ocean of scooters, between high rises and through jam-packed alleys.
Left AND right overtaking is often equally popular, at high speeds, both city and on the highway.
The moment you are on wheels here you'll be seeing accident-aftermath  every 15-30 minutes. Every week I literally SEE them happen at least once.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: midnitesunmerc on 25 May 2016, 01:22 PM
I understand completely, Floyd - I'm a regular visitor to Thailand and other SE Asian countries and I've seen it all too - I won't even drive over there, and you need eyes in the back of your head even to be a pedestrian in places like Bangkok and Pattaya!

It's just the way I'm built - I have barely enough headroom in my 280SE and if it had a sunroof I wouldn't even have that much. When I was driving my car back from California I found the big mirror useful on the 4-lane freeways but around town I can't see around corners, keep having to duck my head under the mirror so I can see where I am going. I had the same problem with my cousin's newer Mini in England last year, and most other vehicles I've driven. My 2005 Golf is an exception, they mounted the mirror high enough that I  can see under it easily. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 26 May 2016, 06:58 PM
Did you guys know that the man who designed the rear view mirror has never looked back........... ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 May 2016, 11:06 PM
Like it is with so many things in life, some things are more important to one, than to others.
This is no doubt such an item. Been looking for almost a year in the most obscure places but I finally found it.
The MB-dealer supplied car vacuum cleaner for W123/116/107
In the box, stored for near 40 years, never used.
I had to search deep and long, just to find out what model, color and brand was in the showrooms at the time/
After that, finding one was even more tricky. But there it is. Another one crossed off my list.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 May 2016, 08:56 AM
Stan, a half-serious question - how on Earth do you plan to fit all those goodies into one car? :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 27 May 2016, 09:01 AM
wow, you really "cleaned up" with that one. ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: revilla on 27 May 2016, 09:45 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 27 May 2016, 08:56 AM
Stan, a half-serious question - how on Earth do you plan to fit all those goodies into one car? :)

After all goodies are on-board Stan will replace the 280 by a 6.9 to handle the extra weight.  ;)

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 May 2016, 11:36 AM
There is actually an order to this chaos (at least, in my universe).
I have an idea about what options will go to the trailer queen, and which ones will end up in my daily driver.
Some of them (like the double mirror) have no business in a museum car, but the W116 ABS-system I bought should be on the museum car, rather than my daily driver. (I have but 1 outfit)
Both cars will have seat heaters, just in case it gets chilly here in the pacific.
The trailer queen gets the Webasto and the full, original B-netz telephone outfit. The daily driver gets a GSM-4-functional C-Netz-looking facade and a Bakelite horn.
I am not sure about the steel-gauze headlight protectors on the daily driver. It may look silly.
I am also not sure about parking pennants on the museum car. If anything, it should have a flagpole. But, I don't like flagpoles. I like parking pennants.
Definitely wheel caps on my daily driver. Unsure about the 15' Fuchs on the museum car.
The queen gets the MB trunk-fridge, and the MB suitcase set
The driver gets the 70's Samsonite set, and maybe an MB fridge as well, if I am lucky.
Queenie gets the retractable rear seat. I just get rear seats..
In the end, it's not that many items, spread over 2 cars. I sure don't have everything twice.

The dealer-accessories I collected are a different story. The idea is to supply a retro-looking MB cupboard WITH the museum car.
The cupboard would hold a series of W116-related items, like snow chains, battery charger, vacuum cleaner and such.
It would also hold road maps and atlases from 77-79
Just like at the dealer's, back in the day, there would be lots of official MB-gadgets on sale, or to be gifted to loyal clients; powder boxes, Swiss army knives, combs, etc.
All of those would have a spot in the cupboard, with almost all items still in the original packing, most of it NOS.
Add to that , a little library corner with all the the original W116 manuals and suddenly we're at the Mercedes-Benz dealer's in Hannover, August 1977.
That's what my attic looks like.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 June 2016, 01:38 AM
It sure is quiet out there... days, weeks go by without any surprises on the auction sites. It's a dry spell, for sure. If it doesn't change within a week or 2, It may as well be a sign that we've entered a new era, where daily W116 NOS offers have come to a virtual end and we enter the realm of very limited W108/110-like NOS parts availibility. My guess is that we are already there.

Luckily I still have 1 storage room abroad, left to raid and sifting through that parts list seems a neverending task.. Still 3-500 part numbers to go without much of a description, so it's tedious and slow, trying to source data in order to decided whether to buy or not to buy.
Like I said in the other thread, once I'm done with that one, I'll post the list here. Prices are pretty good, comparable or cheaper that Silverstarspares.

It was a tough decision and costly, bit I bit the bullet and bought the mid console armrest with lid and storage chamber that my friend had on offer.
The rarest of options for the W126, and easily modified for my daily W116.
Tough, because this is pretty much a line I wasn't going to cross, modifying stuff, installing non 116 parts.
Since this is for daily use, I considered how much use this box would be in the future. It's worth it, I hope.
With Webasto buttons,car phone, keypads, lighter, ashtray, seat heater switches, window switches and and outside-temp gauges, the mid console would be so full, it would barely allow for a piece of paper or pen to be stored.
I also guessed that since I have already decided to install the W126 electric seat-internals, there would be no more originality prices to win for my daily.
But yes.. dodgy..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 June 2016, 01:45 AM
What else is there? Found some more rare window trim in 2 places in Europe, one seller overpriced, one seller underpriced.
Pretty good average in total, luckily, but this is a chrome quest that is becoming more and more impossible.
Bumped into some door catch mechanisms, NOS, for the front doors. One one side..At 75usd each is a sure bargain, compared to the (400usd?) cost at MB.
It's not that they ever break, but shiny new items on front doors are likely to make a strong case when people question and judge restoration standards.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 June 2016, 01:57 AM
And then there's the suitcase quest..
After getting horribly stung by the guy who sold me the first set of W116 suitcases, the second set I found remains incomplete. The alternative? Buy the first set AGAIN, but now at 2500euro on ebay. No way.
I really hope anyone can point me towards another seller.. Thin chance, I guess.

The daily driver has a classic Samsonite outfit reserved for it in white marble color. The Silhouette series from the 70's
Not an easy path neither.
I had to search forever and ended up with 8 different cases/bags from 4 suppliers.
Just when I thought I was done, with the last batch arriving to complete the lot, I found out that there were actually 2 Silhouette series in the 70's, both in marble with the only difference that the first series has matt aluminum handles and the second series has shiny aluminum handles.
So, I ended up finding 2 more suppliers, sending me the last 2 missing cases from the matt series.
Safe to say I have ample suitcases in the Silhouette department! Ai ai ai...
I'll post a photo of the complete kit when the last case has arrived here.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 June 2016, 08:29 PM
It's a sad state of affairs that I have but stories about Samsonites and toolbags for now. It's quite, very quite on the W116 front.
Little to buy and even less work done on the car itself. Still nothing done, to be exact.
My mechanic has gone on a holiday, back in Blighty, as is the workshop owner.
Upside is that he may have time to drive across Europe and check out the 1st owner 280SEL that I am planning to buy.
It is yet an investment I had never counted on, but if I am going to achieve the goal of building/selling the most valuable 116 ever, the car should be 1st owner with fully documented/complete history, preferably ex-royalty. Could not afford King Carlos's 6.9 :), so this is as good as it gets.

Tool bags.. I spent the better part of 2 years sourcing mint tools from 10 different countries at great cost. Now this whole box of wrenches is awaiting nickel-plating so they will all have the same shade and color.
Job well done, I'd say, if it were not for the fact I just found 2 brand new kits for 116, NOS, in plastic for 25 euros each.
It was all I ever needed and could not find. Guess I am gonna have the best-stocked MB tool shop on ebay one day.

On the suitcase front, the drama continues. 2 more cases arrived, meant to -at least- complete a set of 8. No such luck. Apparently there are/were 3 variations within the Silhouette I/II series, so now I am looking at a set of 7, a set of 4 and a single.
I really need a way to sell some of them but considering all of these were shipped from far-away countries, all I can hope for is a hand-out at a loss. And, the set I was aiming for with the shiny chrome handles is the set of 4. The set of 7 has matt chrome handles.
This is a great example of me being out of my depth, again. Don't try this at home. It's bloody stupid and costly as well.
Unless I find an enthusiastic buyer for the set of 7, this is where that journey ends. It borders on insanity, considering these are meant for my daily driver.

I DID find quite a pile of chrome window trim over the last month. 3 different suppliers popped op, all 3 offering a variety of parts, but all 3 also had some identical parts. This is where Ptashek is so much more organized than me. Me, I did not have all the data required at the moment of (costly) purchase and now I am overstocked on the long-NLA rear window top trim.
Sure, some of them were bought at 50euros a piece, but I also bought those same  part numbers at 70, 100 and 125 euros a pop.
More visions of future ebay shops come to mind, but who else is in the market for such pieces for these prices? People that do 6.9's have enough on their plate, and enough investment worries vs. market value considerations.
Shipping is another risk. Some of this trim is wafer thin.
Ah well. I just hope that I succeed in completing at least 1 car with all chrome trim being NOS. I don't think I am there yet.
For those dabbling in projects like this, or planning to go there, may I suggest NOT to try and find the window trim in NOS?
Just get undented pieces, used, and have them re-plated, even though you may end up with a slightly different shade of chrome.

On a similar note, may I suggest that such entrepreneurs purchase the main bumpers and front seat spring units before they run out?
The way MB has doubled the pricing for these over the last 2 years seems a sure indicator that they will soon be no more.
Bought the first seat spring for 250 euros, 1.5 years ago. Recently bought the other 3 for 500 euros each.
The rear bumpers now also sell well above the 500 euro mark. It's a terrible state of affairs and little chance we'll one day have the comfort of buying them aftermarket without loss of quality, chrome color and fitment issues.
The idea of having to buy -any- parts from Turkey reminds me of the much hated Top Gear spare car that follows the circus on their adventures.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 19 June 2016, 03:02 AM
For the sake of your restorations, and possibly others, I sincerely hope that you know that aside from the door handle, everything on the out side of a W116 door along the subject of trim is bright dipped anodized aluminum.  Aluminum does not take well to chrome plating.  Also, the rubber/metal trim on the doors that is mounted halfway down is polished stainless steel, not chrome plated or aluminum.  These pieces are so inexpensive new it's not worth trying to restore them. However, if the rubber is in good shape, the all one has to do is polish the stainless steel. 

On another subject of trim, I've noticed lately that many believe that the Top bumper covers on U.S. bumpers are chromium plated.  Not the case.  Again, there are polished stainless steel......that's why they scratch so damned easily.  If a parts supplier is offering chrome bumper covers, be very cautious.  If a parts supplier doesn't know the difference between polished stainless steel and chromium, then they don't need to be in the business. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 19 June 2016, 03:28 AM
Quote
I DID find quite a pile of chrome window trim over the last month. 3 different suppliers popped op, all 3 offering a variety of parts, but all 3 also had some identical parts. This is where Ptashek is so much more organized than me. Me, I did not have all the data required at the moment of (costly) purchase and now I am overstocked on the long-NLA rear window top trim.
Sure, some of them were bought at 50euros a piece, but I also bought those same  part numbers at 70, 100 and 125 euros a pop.
More visions of future ebay shops come to mind, but who else is in the market for such pieces for these prices? People that do 6.9's have enough on their plate, and enough investment worries vs. market value considerations.
Shipping is another risk. Some of this trim is wafer thin.
Ah well. I just hope that I succeed in completing at least 1 car with all chrome trim being NOS. I don't think I am there yet.
For those dabbling in projects like this, or planning to go there, may I suggest NOT to try and find the window trim in NOS?
Just get undented pieces, used, and have them re-plated, even though you may end up with a slightly different shade of chrome.

I haven't even tried. What was on the car, went back on the car. Sure, the bumpers and other chromed pieces got re-plated, but none of the aluminium trim or door handles got touched. The handles I have brand new, and can swap them out at some point if needed. I'll do that when the ignition lock gives up, so it may still be years away. The trim carries some battle scars of 37 years of existence, but I just couldn't care any less to be honest. It adds character, and is just not worth the expense required to re-plate all of it. There's few who can do it properly. I don't mind paying specialist prices for specialist work, but in this case pricing was extortion re-defined (3-4x the cost of re-plating all the chromed trim!) so I've happily extended my middle finger to the lot and moved on.

Don't loose the fighting spirit! You'll get there.
Trust me - now I know :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 June 2016, 08:47 PM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 19 June 2016, 03:02 AM
For the sake of your restorations, and possibly others, I sincerely hope that you know that aside from the door handle, everything on the out side of a W116 door along the subject of trim is bright dipped anodized aluminum.  Aluminum does not take well to chrome plating. 

I should have said "anodizing".  Indeed, there is no chrome-plating aluminium, but new processes allow for chrome-color anodizing.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 20 June 2016, 02:52 AM
Very true, indeed, but why would we want to color anodize our aluminum trim?  During anodization, if a color is desired, it is added at the end, and the colors will be of a transparent and/or opaque nature. 

Our pieces on WE116 cars were bright dip anodized (clear).  This process requires a bath of 70% Phosphoric acid and a 5-8% concentration of nitric acid, both of which are extremely hazardous to be around.  The temperatures at which this process is done is a bit of a hazard, too, at around 190 degrees F. 

My point here is that there are companies all around the world that still do this type of anodizing.  For example, if any of you have at home, or have seen elsewhere, glass shower doors with aluminum framing, this is bright dip anodizing, too.  These are made on a daily basis world wide. 

One of the problems that comes about is when a piece needs re-anodizing, the old anodized layer must be removed.  This perplexes both finishers and consumers alike.  Well, just like paint work, the surface preparation is crucial to a perfect finish.  So in order to remove the old anodized coating, find some sodium hydroxide (also known a lye, Draino, Oven cleaner in spray can, etc).  use outside, wear gloves and goggles. and a mask, and use a container meant specifically for this purpose that won't be used for anything else.  Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, scrub off the old coating of anodization, and rinse clean with a clean water supply.  Lye is an organic compound, but hazardous to us.  It may kill your grass, but past that it's not too much of an environmental hazard. 

After it has been rinsed and dried, it must be polished to a high sheen before re-anodizing.  Unfortunately, it'll oxidize between the time you polish it and it gets to whom ever is doing the anodizing.  So let them polish it.  The key here is to buff out any superficial scratches while it is in its pure form.  Go easy though.  4 alt steel wool or 2000 grit sand paper is as coarse as you'll want to go. 

So in closing, I'd like to make it clear that this elusive part of out W116 cars isn't as much of a lost cause as it's made out to be.  Stripping it yourself and having a plater re-anodize it is much less expensive than buying new, and if the plater's know what the hell they're doing, the end result is "as new" or better.  Ptashek, I don't know where you were going to have such high prices thrown at you.  It's not supposed to be an expensive process.  I have to wonder if some places take advantage of people like us that are restoring a car? 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 20 June 2016, 04:53 AM
Quote from: UTn_boy on 20 June 2016, 02:52 AMPtashek, I don't know where you were going to have such high prices thrown at you.  It's not supposed to be an expensive process.  I have to wonder if some places take advantage of people like us that are restoring a car?

It's a function of location, general need for the service, and expert knowledge availability mixed with willingness to take on a job like this.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 20 June 2016, 05:24 AM
That makes perfect sense, but I still don't agree with the prices some places charge.  It's not like the have to "set up" to do the job.  This is one of the aspects of restorations that can take all the fun out of it.  A lot of new cars use this same finish on what few pieces of metal trim are actually present on a new car.  I can almost promise that he cost of buying that trim new is far less than what some places would charge to re-anodize the same piece. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 June 2016, 06:57 AM
that sure is true, depending on your location, but the problem remains that finding new trim is a bastard, if not impossible.
I had aluminium re-anodized in the past and found the coating pretty fragile. Gorgeous, but fragile.
From my viewpoint, there is no way I would ever undertake an anodizing process at home. Besides the risks involved, what about the massive pieces along the sills, or the front/rear windows? uh-uh. Not me.

Are you sure about the original trim being clear-anodized? The clear-anodized products you speak of do not resemble the trim color on the cars, as far as I can judge. bathroom trim is matt, or bronze, not shiny chrome-color.
My anodizing company also confirmed this to be a different process. They explained that the old-skool aluminum trim was done using chemicals that are now banned in most countries and what we have available now to achieve the same finish is an inferior process from back in the day.
I wish I was a chemist myself, so I would not need to guess..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 June 2016, 07:03 AM
BTW... a milestone!
Went to the workshop today and even though both boss and UK mechanic are abroad, my car finally made it to the body-shop!
Status of the chassis is very encouraging. I only have some rust issues in the rear. One rear fender needs work along the arches, both left and right boot floors are porous and there's a 2 by 2 inch hole on the passenger floor board.
No other issues to be found. That is one hell of a tip-top chassis to start off with.
Photos will follow soon, no doubt, but do not expect to see a resprayed chassis anytime soon. Not with my luck. No doubt somebody is gonna shove an XK120 or E-type into the body-shop soon, and I am back in the doghouse before you know it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 June 2016, 01:27 AM
Another accessory found!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 June 2016, 01:32 AM
Sometimes a gamble pays off. This NOS windshield wiper engine was poorly described on ebay, and fell through the cracks. Waited until time ran out and made a 75usd offer. In the bag!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 22 June 2016, 12:47 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 20 June 2016, 06:57 AM
that sure is true, depending on your location, but the problem remains that finding new trim is a bastard, if not impossible.
I had aluminium re-anodized in the past and found the coating pretty fragile. Gorgeous, but fragile.
From my viewpoint, there is no way I would ever undertake an anodizing process at home. Besides the risks involved, what about the massive pieces along the sills, or the front/rear windows? uh-uh. Not me.

Are you sure about the original trim being clear-anodized? The clear-anodized products you speak of do not resemble the trim color on the cars, as far as I can judge. bathroom trim is matt, or bronze, not shiny chrome-color.
My anodizing company also confirmed this to be a different process. They explained that the old-skool aluminum trim was done using chemicals that are now banned in most countries and what we have available now to achieve the same finish is an inferior process from back in the day.
I wish I was a chemist myself, so I would not need to guess..

Yes, I am 200% sure it was clear anodized.  No color added at all.  The chemicals I mentioned previously that are needed to do bright dip anodization are still available, but I think one has to be licensed to buy them. 

I don't understand what you mean about the clear anodization not matching the trim on the car......that's what they were when new.  See, when aluminum is anodized, it's essentially a hardened coating of corrosion that happens the be clear.  The aluminum must be untarnished and shiny underneath to get the desired results. If it were colored, it wouldn't shine like they did  when they were new. 

Different levels of "shinyness", or gloss, are possible when it comes to anodizing aluminum.  The point I was trying to make was that shower door trim is that it's also a "bright dip" process.  I wasn't necessarily referring to the gloss of it. 

And yes, the anodization is very fragile.  To the point that dropping it on the floor can scratch it.  Once it's on the car, it's usually pretty safe.  It does offer superior protection, but the down side of it is that if it's on a car that is used as a daily driver, the anodization will haze over/fog up with in 5-7 years.  It's biggest enemy is letting rain water dry on it sitting out in the sun.  Rain water in city settings is very acidic and mineral heavy.  This is also known as industrial fall out.  It harms trim, paint, glass, and chrome.  The best thing one can do is to make sure that the water is hand dried off after a rain storm.  Otherwise, just drive the car on nice days. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 June 2016, 09:08 PM
Understood. I wasn't making a point as such. I am very used to it that factories, engineers in Asia with 30-40 year experience in their field know fuck-all about their field. Still, I am gullible and coming from the Netherlands, I will never be able to fully understand a professional can be an idiot.

What about the difference today and back then? Would 1972 trim fade as fast as 2016 clear-dipped trim?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 July 2016, 11:01 AM
From my new threads, it may be clear that there has been some movement again.
The guys in the bodyshop have been tackling the trunk floor panels, an inner front fender, an outer rear fender and the passenger floor these last 3 weeks. The work is excellent, no doubt about that.
Shame nobody told them that new sheet metal had been bought, stored 1 floor up. Poor sods have spent 3 weeks restoring 3 pieces of metal that should simply have been replaced at 30% of the total part and labor cost.
Luckily, I caught it after 3 weeks, and not after 3 months. Needless to say I won't be paying 70% of those labor costs, since I reminded the boss of exactly this matter, 3 weeks ago.

So, now I am suddenly knee-deep in sheet metal issues. A chapter I had only glanced at till now, confident that those pieces are abundant, and affordable, both OEM and aftermarket. They are, mostly, but I found myself unable to buy and ship such parts, without knowing the condition of the chassis in detail.
I was also rather delusional about the amount of metal I would be needing. The chassis really looked very solid, until the sanders and grinders were put to the metal, exposing a wafer thin boot section, crappy outer sills and porous inner fender corner sections.
It's a W116. It's not as if this should have come as a surprise!
Once more, I really feel overwhelmed. I know I am a confident chap, but it's a slippery slope at this level, with my very limited knowledge about all of this.
And, different from western countries where there are experienced workshops, I am running 90% of this project myself. literally guiding the workshop guys by the hand.
I'll tell you this much. I will never take on a project like this again. Great to do it once, but it isn't right to do such projects without an army of professionals yo assist.
If it hadn't been for the help on this forum, I would have long crashed and burnt down.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Malaysian on 14 July 2016, 07:26 AM
Wisely put that last bit..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 14 July 2016, 08:17 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 12 July 2016, 11:01 AM
If it hadn't been for the help on this forum, I would have long crashed and burnt down.

Hear, Hear!
We have your back Stan :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Malaysian on 14 July 2016, 10:10 PM
Its true. Some of the chaps here have deep and profound knowledge of these cars to a point unheard off.

To all of them who have given us guidance even as far as baby steps go and handholding, we thank you.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 August 2016, 11:42 PM
Time for some optimism.
Some 4 months ago, I received a list with 7500 NOS parts for W116, a list with 200 parts from another source, a list with 400 parts from a third party.
Those all arrived in my mailbox at the end of a near 2-year stretch where I had to learn about nearly every part on a W116, and a way to track those down twice, cheaply, globally, new-in-the-box.
A burn-out was inevitable.
A new baby coming, a new bedroom had to be built/attached to the tiny house, Ohlins needed daily attending to and then there was this movie I was working on for nearly 3 years. In the background there is this mountain property that requires paperwork and development and I have been working on a groundbreaking building material that will enable to poorest to build durable houses that will stand for 100 years.
O yes,  one needs to eat and sleep as well, at least once a day.
Add a 2-car restoration on top of all that, and you have a potential recipe for mental breakdown.
Still, light at the end of the tunnel.
The company is doing fine, the bedroom is built, the movie is finished, the baby is here and the mountain building permit is in the mail.
Last but not least, my NOS-search has come to a 99% completion. All those lists with part numbers checked, verified, priced, compared, selected and ordered.
It is now just a matter of paying and shipping, leaving me with an actual start-date to re-assemble the first car after it comes out of the body-shop in a week or 6.

No doubt there will be parts that I missed, but the work involved in tracking, ordering and shipping those will be a walk in the park.
Few things I have not been able to get my hands on till now:The central console ammeter, Euro Catalog C, the smallest Hepco out of the original W116 suitcase set and window curtains.
I really hope someone in this forum can lead me to these parts.

There are w116's being dumped at car lots that some of have these items built in without anyone caring for them. Had a case like it this very week, and missed out on them by a hair.
Someone out there must have a lead. If only we had car dumps with German cars in Taiwan.. Best/oldest available here is -maybe- an 80's 3-series BMW without doors.
Back in the US, there are  scores of those car dumps, and no doubt some of them have this a car meter in the console, covered in dust and fungus.
Ah well, I keep searching and hoping.

On the goodies front..found another item to add to the 1975 W116 accessories cabinet.. An NOS/original W116 Oris roof rack!
Guess that somewhere this year I need to ask my carpenter to build me a copy of such a 1975 W116-dealer accessories cabinet..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 02 August 2016, 07:22 AM
Good to hear of your progress.  Yes, you need to build a replica dealer showroom in the future to display your cars and accessories. Then you can hunt down vintage furniture and sales brochures.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 August 2016, 09:51 AM
Vintage furniture.. There's a thought! Would the MB furniture in showrooms those days be standardized?
Guess the Classic Center is gonna blacklist my email if I dare ask them.  :)

No, I'm gonna stop at cabinet-level, or I'm gonna end up building  70's commercial buildings next.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 03 August 2016, 04:34 PM
Hi again Stan are you still looking for curtains http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-w116-sel-gardinen-curtain-/282090012844?hash=item41ade000ac:g:RN8AAOSwEjFXfrqktan   a little expensive
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Will on 26 August 2016, 03:00 AM
Stan, I've been reading this thread on the way home from work over the past few nights and I am almost up to date!  Your dedication to the w116 cause is outstanding, and I'm sure it will pay off handsomely in the end.  I am in awe over the way you have been able to source amazingly rare parts from all over the world (as well as your financial fire power  ;))

In some ways I wish I hadn't read your thread, because what was going to be a little tidy-up for my new 450sel may end up turning into something more involved...

Anyway, keep up the good work, as I'm sure I'm not the only one who is keen to see the finished products.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 August 2016, 02:15 PM
Thanks for the nice comments~ I suggest you may not want to try this at home. ;D

Bumped into a few nice gadgets this month.
The original  Burgundy Key fob, a Webasto manual, the NLA brake pads from back in the day and the Schlepp-matic, as supplied by MB dealers back in the 70's. (roll-up tow-cable) That one took forever to find. Lots of them around still, but none of them the right version. This is the one, and it even has it's original box!

At the same time I think I cracked the center console ammeter mystery.
1. it is a 52mm version, and not a 60mm like some suggested.
2. VDO never made 60mm ammeters
3. it is actually a 80A ammeter, disguised as a 70A ammeter. The location/position of the 70A number is suspect, and convincing.
4. VDO never made 70A models
5. The classic models all had black bezels as a standard, but VDO supplied chrome upgrade bezels as well.
6. The 70A ammeters were a gimmick, seemingly a unique VDO/MB product, but in the end, VDO cut corners to get the job done, and supplied a regular 80A, off-the-shelf ammeter with a different bezel and a different front plate to make it look like an unique 70A MB/VDO part

Now I would really like to get my hands on a part number, or ANY number on that ammeter.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 August 2016, 01:25 AM
Boy oh boy..if anyone had predicted how much work, and how much time was gonna go into this project... I would have surely walked away, waaay back then.

Yes, my first car has been in the bodyshop for 2 months now, and a lot of work has been done. 2 doors replaced, 2 doors restored, right boot floor and the spare wheel well have been reproduced exactly from scratch, with thick sheet metal, both outer sills have been fixed, the bulk head area under the bonnet has been re-done, as have the rear fender arches. Passenger front floor used to be Emmenthaler and all other holes and rot-spots have been professionally re-done.
As I said before, 75% of this work could have been saved if the boss had remembered my instructions to replace all rotted parts with new parts, rather then restoring them painstakingly, and at great cost. Not MY cost, that much is clear.

At this point the work has stopped, for I need 2 front fenders and a right side boot floor to arrive here.
The latter is in the mail, but no luck on finding front fenders yet. Both my donor cars have equally poor fenders, apparently..
At the same time I am awaiting the arrival of the bulk of my NOS parts, and they won't get here for another 3 months!
In the meantime the workshop will move location to an absolutely massive empty factory building in the vicinity, a group of 4 former textile factory building that was erected in the 60's, and has been deserted for 40 years.
A new restoration company will rise from those ashes with talk of 20 bridges in 20 sectioned work spaces, each with their own tools and parts storage. Great plans indeed, if only there was staff to be found in this country.. The bottleneck remains.
Anyone looking for a restoration-job in the pacific may contact me for details!

So, lots to look forward to, with the disadvantage that my first car will not see the road in 2017. Bummer!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 August 2016, 03:26 AM
There is also some goods news lurking around the corner..
Been looking for a first-owner 280SEL with a glorious past to be the subject of my museum-car. Looks like we're gonna tie the knot next week and proceed with payment and shipping it from Europe.
All the paperwork is in order, but the owner can not find the maintenance booklet anymore. Bit of a shame, but you can't win'm all.
I have a brand new booklet and since the mileage will be brought back to 0 on the clock, hopefully it won't be a big obstacle.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 August 2016, 01:09 AM
After chasing large NOS parts for this long, I find myself left looking for smaller ones.
These popped up this week, still in the old 70's packing.
Some for the accessories-cupboard, some for the restoration project video.
Love that vintage wrapping.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 August 2016, 01:14 AM
BTW.. does this video link work?
This is the workshop that has my cars.
https://www.facebook.com/Sandwichscinemaproduction/videos/516543285209102/

Look well, and you'll find my W116 in the background, stripped.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Beastie on 29 August 2016, 01:28 AM
The video works and I did see your car. I think only a W116 expert would know what it was from that glimpse because it's so stripped down. The workshop looks like it produces some nice cars. I like the BMW 3.0 that they working on. Saw a few old BMW's in there.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 August 2016, 11:55 AM
Little update on the ashtray-quest.
There's been a lot of comments and opinions about the cigar lighters for the W116.
Today I started sorting all the parts that make up the 9 W116 ashtrays that I collected over time and I saw that I have 2 types:
One type that has a long cigar lighter tube/holder connected to the chrome flat top, and the other type, with the very same chrome top, this time connecting a short tube to hold a short lighter.
The difference in both tube-types is about 1 cm, and there is no way the lighters that are for either type are going to be interchangable.
They will either stick out, or they will not make electric contact if wrongly installed.
There are 2 types of ashtrays, for 2 types of lighters.
I doubt this is a vinyl vs wood thing, but that is all I got so far. Could be a VIN split, a chassis thing, or a Euro-USA thing.
While I await useful data on this topic, I sure need to go dig up the NOS lighters I bought over time, and see what types I actually bought/received.
When all is done, I will have 5 ashtrays, out of which 3 ashtray units for sale, restored and all, and hopefully I'll be able to supply the right lighter with each one of them.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 29 August 2016, 12:41 PM
Can you post side by side pics of the two ashtray types?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 September 2016, 04:20 PM
Found some small things, one of them a electric window lifter repair kit..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 September 2016, 02:13 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 29 August 2016, 12:41 PM
Can you post side by side pics of the two ashtray types?

Here are the photos of the ashtrays and the lighters.

The old stuff:
Built-in ashtray sleeve, 42mm and 47MM types. Old lighters I have are 30MM depth. Can't tell which belonged to which.

The new stuff:
Note how 2 different lighters carry the very same MB number..
The actual lighter depth is the same, 30MM.
The sleeves that were supplied with the 4 new lighters are all the 42MM type.
I am still awaiting 3 more lighters. Not sure what type lighter or what type sleeve. Will post updates. They might be 47MM.. who knows.
For now, I can not test any of them, since I have no functional car available to me at this moment.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 September 2016, 02:52 AM
I have some items that may be sold, stuff that's clearly not for my car, and overcomplete stuff.

NOS stuff:
MB Keyfob, leather, black and burgundy available. 10usd a pop. (30 on ebay)
Here they're offered for 89usd. Pretty insane. I have those old MB bags, not the modern ones in photo 1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Mercedes-key-wallet-burgundy-1970s-W109-W115-W116-W123-W126-VINTAGE-NOS-/302072512508?hash=item4654ecbffc:g:-A8AAOSwKtlWoViq&vxp=mtr

And these: 4x injectors 0437 004 002, 75usd each
Fits:
1972   Mercedes-Benz   280SE   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1971   Mercedes-Benz   280S   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1971   Mercedes-Benz   280SE   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1971   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC 169Cu. In. l6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1971   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1970   Mercedes-Benz   280S   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1970   Mercedes-Benz   280SE   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1970   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC 169Cu. In. l6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1970   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1969   Mercedes-Benz   280S   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1969   Mercedes-Benz   280SE   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1969   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC 169Cu. In. l6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1969   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1969   Mercedes-Benz   300SEL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   250   Base   2.5L 2496CC 152Cu. In. l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   280S   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   280SE   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC 169Cu. In. l6 GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   280SL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated
; Qty needed per veh...   1968   Mercedes-Benz   300SEL   Base   2.8L 2778CC l6 GAS Naturally Aspirated

A1248002148, pump, central locking system, 150usd
Fits:
R107 SL Class, W124 E Class, W126 S Class, W201 190 Class

Also available:
0 280 150 007 Bosch, D-Jet injector, 90usd, NOS
Shipping and/or PP fees are extra.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 September 2016, 01:52 AM
It was a good week.
After a hit and miss involving a NOS rear windscreen with heating (shipping issues) I was left a bit deflated but within hours appeared a nice pick-me-up.. Remember the NOS key/lock outfit that Ptashek grabbed before I could get my hands on it?
A bit desperate, I picked up the last on on the shelves at MB, leaving me with a big bill, and short 1 obligotary second set for my own daily driver.
That missing second set finally appeared online and I got it for half the list price. Awesome!

The day after appeared a properly rare item. Not a trace of it online, anywhere.. A set of windvisors for all side windows, not plastic but polished stainless steel!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 September 2016, 03:36 AM
If anyone knows the origin of these parts, please share. There is an engraved little penguin on each part, but no name or number.
It is said to be a limited batch for the US market, but no confirmation there.
They must have made more items than just this W116 set.

I also got lucky in the fender area.. One of my suppliers in germany, who has been sitting on a few pallets of mine, still had 2 sets in stock. Not new, but good ones.
I'll have to take his word for it and I won't find out till they get here, which will be at least 2 months from now.
The left boot floor I had bought NOS from Holland arrived, but turned out to be a right boot floor.
Looks like my car will be catching dust for a while.. What else is new..

Good chance that the boyz will not pick up the work on my car anytime soon, since the whole company is moving to a large factory building nearby. Once there, in January I will have my own designated area for my cars, and my parts and that is a good thing. The delay is not. :-\
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 14 September 2016, 04:23 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 14 September 2016, 03:36 AM
The add was taken down so fast, no time to copy pics in full size..
I'll post better ones when I have them.

I've seen that ad, and was betting you're going to go for it. I guess I won :D
I'm not sure who made these, but they don't look very appealing from the pics I've seen in the ad.
Weird shape for a wind deflector, as they seem to protrude to the side quite a bit.

Nice catch on the lock outfit, you finally got it :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 September 2016, 04:40 AM
Thanks.. it was traumatic, but I prevailed! ;D

I think the sun visors look awesome, at least in the larger pics I had. Real elegant, especially the front part with it's long sharp point downwards.
They would have to be pretty disappointing, for me to put those back on the market. If I didn't own them, I would have not been able to prove their existance. It's like they all vanished from the planet..if there were more.
Could they have been a one-off from some metal-smith somewhere? The engraved logo suggests a brand of some sorts, not a private party..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 September 2016, 06:24 AM
Hope you didnt pay too dearly for the shades, you can buy them new here: or at least a version of them.

http://autocables.com.au/autocables_secure/results1.asp?CategoryID=17&CarMake=MERCEDES%20BENZ

Found them with this link:

http://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/side-window-visors-wind-deflectors/


or here is another modern version

http://www.weathertech.com/mercedes-benz/1977/450sel/side-window-deflectors/
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 September 2016, 11:57 AM
Those are all plastic.
These here are polished stainless.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 14 September 2016, 07:42 PM
All your new parts reminds me of the 300SL built entirely from parts:

http://www.scottgrundfor.com/the-zero-mile-gullwing-by-dennis-adler-scott-grundfor/
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 14 September 2016, 08:50 PM
Quote from: rumb on 14 September 2016, 07:42 PM
All your new parts reminds me of the 300SL built entirely from parts:

http://www.scottgrundfor.com/the-zero-mile-gullwing-by-dennis-adler-scott-grundfor/

Great story!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 September 2016, 02:25 PM
Great story indeed, and the first time I read about the appreciation that exists for a car that was assembled from new parts only.
A 0-miles car.. It is indeed what I am planning with both cars, bar the chassis and engine block. That type of part replacement is simply not of this world anymore. Buying a new chassis, really? Where? eBay? ;D
I had a brand new engine offered to me recently but I let it go because it would mess with my data card. I decided that a full engine rebuilt with new pistons, bearings and all would be better, whilst keeping the original engine number. I hope that was the right decision.
I wonder whether that "best SL in the world" got criticism for having mismatched engine and chassis numbers..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 September 2016, 12:02 AM
BTW.. looks it was just sold:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/371575588631?vxp=mtr
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 September 2016, 07:24 PM
Stan, for what it's worth, I think new chassis are still available for purchase on the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I and Shadow II models.  They don't ever sell any due to their price, and probably due to the fact that a really nice low mileage example can be had for under $15,000-$20,000....stateside, anyway.  Thought that was a good tid bit of information for the RR enthusiast.  :) 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 October 2016, 08:28 PM
Little change of plan. The Spanish first-owner 280SEL I had prepared to buy for the last 4 months has been officially cancelled. It's just too much money to shell out. The very morning I was gonna wire the money, the wife woke me up from those delusions and she was right. With shipping and taxes included, it would have been an extra 9000usd before it would have reached my front door. It's just too much.
With 2x 280SE, 1x 280S and the upcoming 6.9 in stock, it makes better sense to work with what I have, rather than to add another boat to the -still redundant fleet of W116's.
I am still going to do my daily-driving full-option 280S first and see what the reactions are at the expo's here. If there are serious takers, I could decide to sell it and continue with the SEL project afterwards. If there is no interest in that price class, I can do a much cheaper 280SE with the NOS parts I have here and retrieve the bulk of the donor-car investments  involved. It would not have all the bells and whistles of a fully optioned car, but it would be sound, and allow to be sold off with 2 years full warranty
That one will surely sell, and hopefully free up some cash for the SEL project.
Snag: The full-option SEL will not see the tarmac for another 2 years.
Advantage: I get to avoid shelling out more doe and my daily driver would not be delayed due to finances.

In the meantime, my daily 280S chassis that was in the body shop has been moved to storage, awaiting fenders and bumpers that are still in Germany.
With 99% of all parts sourced already, it looks as if there will be no more movement on this blog until the parts container gets here and work can be restarted.
With the Chinese New year holidays in February, I sure hope the parts get here early January, or all of it will all get bumped forwards into March 2017
"La nuit de noce est encore loin.."
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 15 October 2016, 09:38 PM
Finally found! Catalog C! The illustrated glove compartment catalog, not the parts catalog Ausgabe A or B
Talk about a lucky shot.. These booklets, one would expect, should be available all over the place. They aren't. It's incomprehensible.
Found only 5 of them in 3 years, 4 of which I bought. A, B, C and D, and the fifth one on eBAy, last week. Catalog B that may still be there.
BTW.. the Parts Catalog Ausgabe B is on eBay.de, not for 2-300 euros like some madmen sellers, but for 34 Euros. Looks mint.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 15 October 2016, 09:41 PM
Came across a seller with 3 headlight switch bezels, all of them undamaged, with still mint print on them Took all 3 of them, just to be safe. These may not seem valuable to many, for sure, but nice ones are surprisingly hard to come by. Have not seen an NOS one for 1.5 years.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 16 October 2016, 08:18 AM
That's a W123 bezel on the pic, and won't fit a W116. I got one, brand new, with my 350 as a spare and have it lying around.

They correct part is still available cheap enough from MB of memory serves.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 October 2016, 02:41 PM
You serious?  Damn! If so, I'd love to buy yours, and I need to go cancel this 3-bezel ASAP.

Ho do you tell a 123 from a 116 bezel?
The part number they listed, 1075450530, seems to be W116/R107 allright.
This is a 350SE..
http://www.iauto.lt/mercedes-benz/Car/350_SE_144/ELECTRICAL_EQUIPMENT_AND_INSTRUMENTS_683

I also see the same number here, for W123 280C
http://www.iauto.lt/mercedes-benz/Car/280_C_212/ELECTRICAL_EQUIPMENT_AND_INSTRUMENTS_6748&EPC_SubGroups_ID=118880

Found more sites, listing this bezel (not the knob) for both cars. The knob is clearly car-specific, the bezel is not and will fit all.
Can anyone confirm?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 16 October 2016, 04:34 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 16 October 2016, 02:41 PM
You serious?  Damn! If so, I'd love to buy yours, and I need to go cancel this 3-bezel ASAP.

The one that came with my 350 is the exact same part. It doesn't fit.
How to tell it's not the right one? That decal at the bottom, ours don't have that one. The other decals, and inner diameter, are different too. I'm pretty certain here, as I've tried to fit the spare on my 450 :)
It may fit the R107, I wouldn't know though.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 October 2016, 04:45 PM
I went all around the block and then some getting to the bottom of this.
I found all 3 cars have the same bezel number, but different knob numbers

Can anyone else chip in here?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 17 October 2016, 01:07 AM
Stan, from what I can tell, for the 280S, from chassis number 105934 there is a black plastic oval backing plate that covers the entire area/recess of that headlight switch area. (part number 116-545-01-30)  It also has a hole in it for the parking brake (LHD cars).  The 280se and 280sel use the same backing plate from chassis number 120720.  The round bezel you are inquiring about will not work for cars that have this piece, as there are no provisions for it. 

Only the early cars use this round black bezel that is the subject of interest here.  More specifically, all 280S models up to chassis 105933 use it, and all 280se and 280sel models up to chassis 120719 us it, as well.  In EPC, is lists only one part number for all three chassis that you have, which is 107-545-05-30. (old number was 107-545-03-30)

Regarding the actual knob, the early cars used part number 107-540-02-83.  It was essentially the same knob as the later one that replaced it, (part number 601-540-00-83) but it was different in that it had a green tell tail light in the middle of it, and the later one that replaced it has an orange tell tale light in the middle of it.  And you're right about the knob being correct for all three chassis of R107, W116, and W123. 

Here is where it gets complicated......in the W123 chassis, the series I bezel (part number 123-545-01-30) was replaced by the bezel you're making mention of (107-545-05-30).  BUT.....there is a footnote that states that an additional part has has to be ordered so the replacement part will work, which is yet another knob (part number 201-540-01-83....replaced by 202-545-00-81).  Mercedes was basically doing two things.....using up old stock parts and mixing parts in order to achieve the first goal.  What this means is that in the future, we'll likely see W116, R107, and W123 cars with a headlight switch knob in them off of a C class.  :-\

In conclusion, the bezel part number you make reference to (107-545-03-30) is correct for your cars, but only up to the chassis numbers referenced (early cars, basically) and the later cars would not have the bezel since they used a whole backing plate with the cut out made into it deleting the need for the bezel.  For the knob, since there is no VIN break as to which ones used the green lit knob or the orange lit knob, you'll just have to use what you feel is appropriate for the car(s).  And remember that if you change your mind they're easy to switch out since they simply pull off.       Does any of this help? 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 17 October 2016, 03:15 AM
That's some serious investigative work right there! Isn't picking parts for our cars fun? ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 October 2016, 08:32 AM
It is.
Is everyone sure there's no Euro-US split there? Some bezels have "lights" written at the bottom. Guess that's US-spec?
Then, there's a different bezel when there's headlight adjustment as an option.
No confusion there?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 November 2016, 08:10 AM
Boy oh boy do I have news..
The garage that has been handling my cars seems to be no more. Staff stopped showing up last week, probably due to the lack of a salary and it sounds like the place is up for sale now.
The mechanics I found abroad.. well... One is back in the UK on holidays, and the other, the German chap is slated to be fired, I guess.
Not good.
I do not want my cars and my priceless NOS collection to become part of a bankrupty deal!

I have secured a building in the mountains, near the land I bought and I will have to move all 3 cars there on flatbeds ASAP.
Problem: the last piece of mountain road barely allows for a truck that size. Too steep, too high, too narrow.
May end up having to tow them to the top of the mountain with a tractor. aiaiaiai..
It means I will need to rebuild that mountain cabin, removing all internal rooms to create enough space for 2 cars.
That means getting diggers and bulldozers to that same mountain top. aiaiaiai..

Advantage is that the place comes at a monthly fee of 50usd and it's absolutely safe.
My British mechanic will hopefully agree to come back to Taiwan and work for me directly.
Can anyone think of yet another obstacle to complicate restoring a Benz? I was already quite alone on this island. Now this!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 30 November 2016, 03:44 PM
Stan, with the amount of drama you're seeing, I'd honestly give up a long time ago already and cut my losses short. No W116,  Taiwan or elsewhere, is worth that kind of stress or expense.

For what it's worth, I'm still cheering from the sidelines regardless. It felt great to see my own, equally as economically pointless, project cross the finish line and I hope you get there too.

But heck, you may get Hollywood knocking for film rights any time now...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: marku on 04 December 2016, 01:59 PM
Best of luck in dealing with the bankruptcy. Had occasion to try an extract goods from a company that had gone bust. They had deliberately run up inventory before pulling the plug and eventually some directors bought the company, with the help of a friendly liquidator, minus the debts at a knock down price. You have to prove absolute legal title, with no liabilities, and without it your stuff is gone. Best is to get in before the official declaration and get everything out. Cannot understand how such people sleep at night.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 December 2016, 06:21 PM
It seems that the shop-owner used up another of his nine lives and found the means to re-open once more.
Everything is up and running again and last week's talk of the end of times apparently never happened :o
I'll have to see what all that's about in the coming weeks. Without foreign mechanics with E-type know-how, how are they gonna restore their 4 E-types?
Word is they'll keep them on, but the question is more whether they themselves want to stay on..
For me it is simple. I'll go where the mechanics will go..if possible.
It's all very unnerving..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 04 December 2016, 08:07 PM
Probably a daft question, but anyway - how much of a big deal would it be to export those cars temporarily to have them restored abroad, and then re-import when ready? Is there anywhere else around Taiwan where this could be done, or would the restrictive import laws render this pointless?

Honestly, if those guys are pulling off stunts like this (and not the first time, correct?), I'd be running as if my a** was on fire. Nothing good can come of that.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: marku on 06 December 2016, 02:25 PM
If they have 4 E-types then they are worth big money. Used to have a '65 4.2 roadster and have always regretted selling it. You will be lucky to get one under GBP50K in need of complete rebuild. A completely rebuilt one with history can fetch GBP200K. Having said that MB All Stars site has a W111 cabriolet for Euro450K. It seems not that long ago that I looked at one going for 60K.  And on a more relevant subject the dear old W116 continues to slowly increase in price.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 December 2016, 02:48 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 04 December 2016, 08:07 PM
Probably a daft question, but anyway - how much of a big deal would it be to export those cars temporarily to have them restored abroad, and then re-import when ready? Is there anywhere else around Taiwan where this could be done, or would the restrictive import laws render this pointless?

Honestly, if those guys are pulling off stunts like this (and not the first time, correct?), I'd be running as if my a** was on fire. Nothing good can come of that.

It's not a new idea, but the paperwork would be a nightmare. Plus, shipping a car in and out of here starts at 1600usd, one-way.
Next up would be a location in another country where I can only get to by plane. Keeping up with the restoration would thus be another nightmare. Finding such a location another task.
Guess I am stuck here. Need to hope for the best.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 January 2017, 09:32 PM
Heard no more new disaster stories about the garage, so that's good.
What hasn't been good so far is the shipping of my parts-pallets in Germany and the US.
For 3 months I have been trying to ship them, but only recently has there been any news about a planned pickup.
Several drama stories of lackluster shippers causing delay after delay. The good people of VDH MB Germany have been walking circles around my 4 pallets for 6 months!
Part of this, naturally, is my own doing. Import is what we do by profession, but it's always 1 seller and always new goods.
This lot comprises of 5 pallets at 2 pickup locations that need to be shipped together to Taiwan. One surely saves money that way, but it opens up all kinds of new logistical problems. Had to crack that one first.
If that were not enough, all pallets contain new MB items, NOS MB items and used parts mixed together. That is a Clearance complication, apparently.
Took a while to sort that.
Wanna hear how it can get even more difficult to ship parts?
The goods on those pallets were sold by several sellers.  nr.1 company  is actually a society/club, but they do have VAT. The nr.2 seller is a proper company, but they do NOT use VAT for NOS parts. Cargo companies do not like that.
All pallets on both locations also contain eBay-bought parts from different sellers.
Some invoices were on my name, others on my company's name. Not good!
And, naturally, none of the sellers had means of weighing my pallets, so no data there for the cargo guys.
Oh, apparently, anyone offering a pickup address for cargo, seller or not, needs to have an export license, or some export form.
None of my sellers normally ship abroad, and sure weren't happy to have to fill out forms, after all the delays and inconvenience.
I am quite sure both Wenner and VDH will not sell me parts anymore after this debacle. Terrible shame, but I can't blame them.
I really did not think this through, back in the beginning of 2016, when I asked them to gather parts and stack pallets for me.
Just presumed that these pallets would ship as easily as a pallet of Ohlins. Man, was I wrong!

Still waiting for confirmation from Germany as we speak, telling me my stuff has finally been picked up!
At the same time there has been no word from the US-pallet lot. Stuffed in a shared container (with a 6.9), The 6.9-owner has not yet been very eager to actually ship his car.
Had I been able to use that car for my projects, I would have pickup up all the bills myself, but it seems I will have to wait for my friend to make up his mind and proceed  to have this container picked up.
Sure, when all goods are finally here, I will have saved a few thousand dollars in shipping fees. However, considering all the delays and excessive paperwork, I would not recommend these methods to anyone.

Next up -in a few months- Customs Clearance.
I already dread the day. Those Customs idiots have no respect for NOS chrome.
Last time around, when the Australia pallets arrived, I lost 50% of my costly chrome due to rough handling.
I am pressing my shipper to arrange me being present at Customs, when they start unpacking, checking and repacking.
Hopefully that will be allowed!

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 January 2017, 10:00 PM
It is surprising to see how -finally- I have little left to find and purchase. The seemingly endless years of Parts and Options searches did pay off, and the list of to-find items has shrunk from a toilet roll to a Post-It memo.
Basically, I still need an MB-Frenzel, but if I can't get one in the next 2 years, I have 2x 1980 MB-Engel trunk fridges in stock that are in very good shape, era-correct, with MB manual. Not perfect, but close enough.
Also still on the lookout for car-curtains, but I believe these can -eventually- be found at a reasonable price. I see them pop-up in the wrong color and at the wrong price, so it should be a matter of time only.
The 4-suitcase set I have apparently needs no 5th suitcase, like I thought for a long time. Mine was sold as a 4-case set by MB, so it's complete and original. That's another issue stricken from the list.

Here's a few pics of what I did pick up over the last few months.
The rear seat pad is yet to arrive, with thanks to HiHo-Greg, who contacted me to notify me about his find.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 January 2017, 10:06 PM
bTW, the speaker covers in cream are NLA at MB. so if you can pick up a nice set somewhere, it may not be a bad idea to do so.
It's quality plastic. If they're not cracked, they clean up very nicely with sponge, brush and soap, as good as NOS.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 01 February 2017, 04:18 PM
Hi Stan, good to hear an update from you and I hope all the import dramas work out. I went searching for those palomino colored speaker covers a few months ago but found out that they are for 123/126 only and was told on good authority that all 116's had the black covers. Personally I prefer the palomino color as its matches nicely with the carpet on the parcel shelf.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 February 2017, 10:33 PM
Tried to research and confirm that one, but every source I tried came up short. Nearly no data.
Maybe the guys here on the forum can solve this?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 February 2017, 05:36 AM
Little addition to the library..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 03 February 2017, 06:09 PM
http://www.ebay.de/itm/mercedes-w116-amperemeter-70-70-amp-/282330405871?hash=item41bc341bef:g:i5cAAOSwNnRYf6ap

I think you were hunting for this a few months back Stan 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 February 2017, 08:47 PM
Yes I was, but I have 2 of them now.
BTW, not only is this price insane, but it's the same guy who screwed me over with my suitcases.. He just changes his ebay name every so many months..
Still, thanks a lot for thinking of me!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 February 2017, 10:20 PM
Just to illustrate we should not feed the NOS monsters by offering them top dollar for their finds..
The Minimax PU1, once offered to me for 800 euros.. picked one up yesterday in eBay Klein for 15 euros, including a perfect halter.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 05 February 2017, 11:22 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 05 February 2017, 10:20 PM
Just to illustrate we should not feed the NOS monsters by offering them top dollar for their finds..
The Minimax PU1, once offered to me for 800 euros.. picked one up yesterday in eBay Klein for 15 euros, including a perfect halter.

The guys in Germany seem especially not shy to charge outrageous prices :o
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 February 2017, 09:30 PM
I had given up on this one, but finally got it, against all odds.
The original Radwechsel-set. ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 26 February 2017, 12:13 AM
Ok, I give up...what the heck is it???

Looks like a wheel chock???

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 March 2017, 02:25 AM
yeah, it's a gizmo to stop your car from rolling away when it's on the jack..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 March 2017, 11:53 PM
Another one found, and on it's way: ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 March 2017, 11:56 PM
And this one, internally identical to the MB Unfallmappe, picked up for a few pennies, to complete and improve the MB set already here.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 March 2017, 09:49 AM
picked this up for a breeze this week. It needs a bit of TLC, but it's from the 1930's-40's and fits the Sterling silver cigarette case I found 2 years ago.
I am expecting to find a Sterling stamp on this as well, when it arrives here
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 March 2017, 09:59 AM
This popped up as well. A "must-have" for a collector, just sorry it did not have the original box anymore.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 March 2017, 10:03 AM
And while we're at it.. the original dealer-folder with all the car care accessories of that era. Can't wait to open it and see what's inside!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 March 2017, 10:17 AM
and another Unfalmappe, with the wrong camera, but a perfect box and the correct accessories. 3 Together make for 2 mint MB sets and a third, other one to sell off cheaply
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 March 2017, 12:45 PM
BTW, the 110 format Kodak Verichrome film used in those accident folders is renowned for its longevity. Properly stored in a freezer it's known to be usable even after 40+ years, with near perfect results.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2017, 03:16 AM
These were missing still, found now:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2017, 03:23 AM
And this one is on it's way.. the first price list (nr 10) with the W116 on the cover, and awaiting answers regarding the last of such, nr 27 (Thanks Ptashek)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2017, 08:03 AM
pressin hard help at times. Seller agreed to a steep discount, and it's one for the books!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2017, 08:18 AM
Besides all that micro-shopping, there's been  some developments as well.
Yes, my car is catching dust, re-plastered, re-welded with just 2 front fenders in waiting in order for the chassis to go to the paintshop. No news there.
Yes, my Germany pallets are also catching dust in Germany, as is my USA NOS pallet in Atlanta. including the 2.5 tons of W116 NOS sheet metal, 1.5 tons in R107 NOS parts and a 500 dollar 6.9.-in a container. No movement there neither.
Means I am at least 3 months away from assembly..optimistically speaking.

The issue with the workshop bouncing in and out of bankruptcy is another matter. I decided to tackle that issue and I have been gratuitously bombarded to shareholder and interim CEO, on a quest to move house, lighten the load, re-organize the system, streamline the finances and get the company back into the black again.
Tomorrow is the first day in office. Let's see whether I can make a dent.
There's a bunch of modern Euro-cars in stock and they need to go first. Regrettably, re-exporting them will be impossible, so that leaves the Taiwan market only.
Also, no restored classics in stock, so those will be parked for quite some time. Focus is on the E-types and Jag XK140 to be finished first, after which my W116 and the Lambo Muira P400 are next in line.
My German mechanic is still there, and carefully hopeful, and my British man seems to be coming back to check things out beginning of April.
Anyways, a million things to do. I'll post updates when there are any worth mentioning
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 09:55 PM
Last night wasn't an easy night. After a 3 month near-daily cooperation with KWE Cargo Taiwan, and KWE germany, in order to get all the paperwork in order to ship my pallets, Germany mailed me because they found out yet another piece of data was missing, in order to ship my goods. -The weight per box, and the quantity of boxes on these pallets.
The very thing I have been unable to provide, and the very reason KWE was hired, for they promised to have a way around this when they were engaged.
3 months down the drain, and with these delays, my pallets have been moved to paid storage, for which now I am paying 225 euro per month.
You would not have wanted to see the email I wrote to these incompetent, negligent #$%! I completely lost it.
I had the sanity to delay hitting the "send" button for 30 minutes, telling myself to think ahead, think solutions, rather then curse to hell a bunch of nitwits and their ancestry going back 10 generations.
Then I picked up the phone instead, and called KWE Germany. By then, it was merely a tad easier not to wish horrendous diseases onto their offspring, but at least it resembled a conversation.
This massive failure of KWE Germany to be unaware of German export and shipping laws was a tough one to defend, but they gave it a try still, something that did not go down well with me.
In the end I told them I would not be looking to have the responsible people outcasted, and that a quick solution was more important.
They said they would try and work around these issues and get back to me today.
I am now thinking of actually flying to Germany, armed with scales and a calculator, to personally unpack, weigh and count everything on these pallets.
The costs involved would completely negate all the discounts I managed to get on all these parts I collected for 2 years. I really do not want that.
Let's hope for miraculous news today.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 10:43 PM
On a positive note, I did a bit of a stock-take of my future vintage showroom content. Some stuff is in storage, though, and I need to bring those back to the office one of these days, to do a proper group photo.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 10:50 PM
The original showroom, and some of the items I have tracked down that are visible in that original cabinet. Not visible in the photo are the Minimax (storage), Mr. Sicher Tow-bar (storage), First-aid box (storage), Center console Kissling cassette box, (storage), Oris roof rack (storage) and Oris AHK (storage)
Found the vintage Car Care Kit, but let it go because of the poor condition, the price, and the fact it was a USA-edition. Still looking for the right German kit.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 10:52 PM
part II
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 11:06 PM
Missing from the previous 60's collectables pic is this book:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 11:09 PM
And here is the collected paperwork.
Note that I started a little thread on the Shop section where I cheaply offer all the stuff I don't need, w116 and non W116
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 11:12 PM
Most of the paperwork will be known to you all. Little trophies are the Webasto heater manual, and the Bellino manual. Rare as can be, as far as I know.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 May 2017, 11:13 PM
Not shown in the photos are all the parts manuals (Ausgabe A, B, and Sonderausstattungen), the workshop manuals (ABS, Body and Chassis I+II) the maintenance manual 1972-1980, the blue parts fiche booklets A, B, C and D and the creme M110 Motor booklet.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 01:54 AM
In the options section, I have gathered these items thus far:
Engel/MB trunk fridge
Reading lights
Oris tow-bar
Oris Roof rack
Webasto standalone heater with manual
ABS system
Becker telephone system with kathryn antenna and Hirschmann antenna amp.
Hirschmann electric radio antenna
Becker radio with amp
Bellino spare tank with manual
electric rear seat with controls
Non-original, but a perfect fit, the rare hollow W126 front armrest with lid
Seat heaters front and rear, with the rare rear protruding switch boxes.
mid console cushion
telephone-specific mid console ashtray
new speakers front and (not yet) rear with fader
Ammeter and outside temp meter for mid console
becker Kurier zebrano bracket to fit the webasto button.
rear seat belt outfit
rear head rest outfit
rear foot rest cushions
new luggage nets on front chairs
double front mirror
chrome pedestal for front mirror
right side mirror
Minimax with halters
Parking pennant with light inside the MB decal on top
Original 4-piece suitcase set
Center console Kissling cassette box
Side window chrome wind deflectors
New instrument panel with RPM counter for M110
new cruise control system
Becker AM selector for glove box
Becker standalone Cassette player for glove box
sunroof wind deflector
venetian blinds rear window
double brake lights rear window
Zebrano steering wheel
chrome exhaust ends
Stainless door opening floor pads. (not really an option)
Copper coolant reservoir (not really an option)
Complete tool kit, new, uniquely Matador-only in the 7-wrench  department (standard option, but hardly ever in this brand configuration)
Bosch Fanfare double Horns (country/city)
electric window lifting system, 4x, new.
Head light wish-wash-wipers
radiator bottom protective baffle plate
engine bottom protective baffle plate
Hydraulic wheel jack (for bullet-proof w116)
adjustable orthopedic front seat pads
lockable fuel tank lid
Gray sheep skins for the front seats inc head rests
aluminum power steering pump
6.9 bottom front engine baffle protector
Aluminum bonnet and hood
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 02:04 AM
the last of the showroom cabinet items
That completes 3+ years in daily searches, globally, in countless languages, several hours every day.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 02:18 AM
and the Kissling..

I also have a Mercedes domino game from the 70's. I will post that pic later.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 02:34 AM
Now all I need is a car.. :-\
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 23 May 2017, 07:48 AM
You have an amazing collection!  I would go so far as to suggest the best in the world!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 10:04 AM
Thanks. We aim to please, haha!
Mortality is a bastard. I am not having it, -for now.

By now, what would really help me sleep is to finish this collection. Few items only, but these have proven rather impossible to get..
-The original W116 bulb box, nr A0005801810
-The dealer-supplied red Hella bulb box
-The item in the left top corner of the original MB cabinet. Not even sure what that is.
-The Frenzel trunk fridge
-The Car Care kit, model 1 and 2, partial kit and full kit, in cardboard box and plastic transparent suitcase.
The red/white 70's Pannengurt, a flat, nylon towing rope.
-Ptashek's touch-up paint stick in 70's MB box.

The fuse replacement box and fuse replacement tool. Still available from MB, but I am quite unsure it's the same as the 70's version.
Haven't ordered it yet to find out.

Another section not  even disussed is the option list of audio, telephone, refrigeration and airco-related options offered to those with a separating wall between front and rear seats.
Hypercool stuff, but so rare that I have not even heard about anyone planet-wide able to buy any of those items.
I can conveniently state I don't need any of those things, since I do not have such a separated cabin car. ;D
Hell, I can not even find a separating panel..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 23 May 2017, 01:11 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mercedes-Silver-Make-Up-Compact-and-Comb-Set-NEW-Germany-/302053885718?hash=item4653d08716:g:69MAAOSwdzVXwKZA&vxp=mtr
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 23 May 2017, 05:14 PM
Good luck with the export from Germany Stan - I can understand your frustration.  >:(  These are Mercedes parts not bloody plutonium !!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2017, 08:55 PM
Quote from: rumb on 23 May 2017, 01:11 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mercedes-Silver-Make-Up-Compact-and-Comb-Set-NEW-Germany-/302053885718?hash=item4653d08716:g:69MAAOSwdzVXwKZA&vxp=mtr

Thanks Rumb!
If you look well, you'll see that I almost have the same one. The pics in ebay are color distorted. The comb is seems gold. The powder box is said to be silver, but I am not sure. The black velvet pouch for the powder box is missing. If it is silver/gold, this is not the right combination. The comb in this kit is supposed to be a stilletto. This one isn't.
I'll check it out, see if I can get better pics. If it is a double-silver kit, it may have been a different edition. That would be interesting.
I think I contacted this person before I found this set elsewhere. It was selling for 400usd, and they wouldn't take a 150usd offer..
Still, all tips are welcome! Please keep'm coming if you will.
Stan
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 31 May 2017, 12:23 AM
Stan, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mercedes-W123-W116-W114-W115-Caravan-Zusatzausenspiegel-Zusatzausenspiegel-NOS-/311859588816?hash=item489c47aed0:g:9csAAOSw7XZXhltu
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 May 2017, 10:19 AM
Thanks for the tip, Peter,

As you can see from my photos, I have a set already. Nice price, though.
FYI, your set is a later issue, probably early 90's.
Please keep any tips coming!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 May 2017, 10:23 AM
A very carefully optimistic update.. KWE Shipping seems to have found a solution, and they were optimistic enough that my pallets were officially picked up and moved to Customs in Hamburg.
That only took 13 months.
Now let's hope they make it through German Customs, and onto the ship.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:30 PM
This one arrived today:
Notice on page 2 how it's the not all the same accessories as in the -then- dealer showroom photos?
Apparently, more then 1 type offered  regarding the road warning lamp.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:41 PM
I found a pic on an auction from this 70's collectible..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:43 PM
and a day later, this one popped up on eBay
It's on it's way here now. 8)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:45 PM
Here's Rumb's golden tip, soon to arrive.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:47 PM
Also in the mail, the original 70's accessories booklet.
The very left and very right booklets are 80's, I presume. If so, I'll offload them soon.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:51 PM
And then there were 3..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 June 2017, 11:53 PM
And last, the 1961 MB Chronicles. Notice how the cover of this dated book perfectly confirms the era of the collectibles?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 June 2017, 01:42 AM
Some new arrivals..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 June 2017, 01:43 AM
and these..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 June 2017, 01:51 AM
and these..

The paperweight photo isn't very good. It's actually a pristine piece.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 June 2017, 02:02 AM
Then there was this item. Have not been able to date it properly, but I thought it would at least make for a fun camping tool for my little son. Maybe it is indeed 70's.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 13 June 2017, 07:25 AM
This is sheer madness Stan, but of the positive kind :)

Anything of interest in that tempomat brochure, or is it just marketing materials?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 June 2017, 08:03 AM
I was think about maybe scanning and uploading pages of these folders.. It's just a matter of getting around to. -And yes, there are some interesting pages, facts and photos here and there. A way of getting the facts right, at least in the German territory.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 June 2017, 11:26 AM
I think I just had the best news in over 1 year.
My 4 pallets have made it through German Customs and are in the docks, awaiting to board a ship for Taiwan.
KWE, knowing that they had dropped the ball quite seriously in the past, made good, and found a way to bend the impossible German cargo export rules.
In a couple of weeks there'll be part II: getting the goods into Taiwan.

Now there's still that container in Atlanta with a car, and another 2 NOS pallets. See if we can get that one to move soon as well.
I know I haven't arrived yet, but today was a big step!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 June 2017, 11:30 AM
Makes this little find look very insignificant: a real 70's  German parking disk. You'd think they'd be all over, with millions of them made, but no.
These get tossed and bought new all the time. This one survived.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:08 AM
Best guess is that within the next 3 weeks, all my NOS pallets from Germany and the USA will have made it  past Taiwan Customs. Then, finally, work on my cars can continue. In the meantime..
For my collection, an original MB Germany road map from the 70's
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:09 AM
An MB  ice scratcher from the 70's.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:09 AM
A give-away item from the 70's, a jumping rope for kids.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:10 AM
An MB car document thingy.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:11 AM
Original MB driving gloves from the 1955-1965 era, made by Van Raalte
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:12 AM
The Becker hifi manual for MB's from the 70's
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:13 AM
After buying the wrong 80's booklets, the correct ones have arrived. Upholstery and paint sales manuals
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 28 July 2017, 01:36 PM
37 pages and still no picture of the car, must be something of a record for the forum.  What's the status of the car?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 28 July 2017, 01:37 PM
Quote from: s class on 28 July 2017, 01:36 PM
37 pages and still no picture of the car, must be something of a record for the forum.  What's the status of the car?

Haha too funny  ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 July 2017, 04:13 PM
Yeah, yeah, very funny.. Waiting this long isn't easy, let me tell ya. If it wasn't for the fact I keep myself distracted, I would have set fire to all 3 chassis long time ago. In photos, there is literally nothing to show, compared to 3 years ago. 1 car 80% stripped, and 80% welded and plastered. Front and rear window are still in, and the car is still on wheels. Work was stopped when fenders turned out to be beyond saving, and new ones ended up stuck in Germany, for 18 months. Now it just stands there. The other 2 cars are untouched since I bought them, under a tarp in storage where I can not reach them myself, without the boss making time for a drive there and being present on site to open the gates.
My engine is in 100 pieces in a few boxes, ever since look-like-a-mechanic Ed Osborn took it apart and then f-ed off back home with all the photos. My collected parts used to have a storage room to themselves, but having lost that private space, now are also stored in 20 places in boxes.
My USA pallets are stuck in TW Customs
My Germany pallets are somewhere on a container ship in the Pacific
The boss has shifted his all his attention to -successfully- designing, producing and exporting Porsche 911 conversion kits in order to pump more money into the garage.
Half his TW staff has moved on, and re-hiring new (foreign) staff has been renegaded to the back burner these months.

So we wait, hoping all pallets will make it to the workshop these next 4 weeks or so. Then we hope there will be staff, and time to recommence work on my first car. Once the chassis has been fully stripped, there may be some use in making a few photos again.  For now, the look of the car just hurts the eyes and the absolute lack of progress for this long makes me feel rather frustrated.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 28 July 2017, 08:13 PM
Wow, with the time/money/effort and frustration invested is this project even worth it? If my 116s were not at least driveable in the summer I would have been on a different project long time ago. Starting the V8 up and driving away every weekend of the summer is what keeps me committed.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 July 2017, 10:40 AM
You are right, and had I lived on mainland somewhere, I would have long switched projects. Problem in Taiwan is the absolute absence of classics. It's 80% modern faceless plastic Japs here and 20% run-off-the-mill Euro cars.
I can't stand looking at them and with the Euro-cars being twice the foreign market price, that leaves only the odd modern exception here and there, all of those absolutely affordable.

An 80's 3-series or a W123 is as old as it gets here. There are a handful of 70's Japanese coupes here, but it's always the ugly ones and they are not cheaper to buy as a W116, and even more difficult to restore, considering the absence of a commercial classic infrastructure.
Buying a pallet from MB is way easier then buying a pallet of 70's Mazda parts, and finding a mechanic for it is as hard.
So, there's only W116, if one were to want a classic that's 70's, good looking and not made of paper. 50 were  sold to Taiwan back when. 5 of them still on active plates. Only 2 or 3 are remotely road-worthy. I know of only 1 weekly driver.
Luckily, I  have adored the W116 since I was a kid, so I am happy I have at least this option.
But yeah, a 5 year logistical roller coaster is part of that package deal.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Delibes on 31 July 2017, 07:54 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 24 July 2017, 03:11 AM
Original MB driving gloves from the 1955-1965 era, made by Van Raalte

Dear Lord, I am so jealous! I need a set like these to drive our dealership's vintage Ferraris...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 August 2017, 01:52 AM
The gloves can still be found, but it's a drag looking for them. I paid less then 10usd for them, but they only popped up after 10 weeks of daily searches in several territories. Often poorly described, it's not an easy road, for sure, but all it takes is time, and not money. Be smart with your keywords, and don't be afraid to sift through a 2500 hits eBay listing once in a while. If I find another set, I'll let you know
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2017, 06:07 AM
EUREKA! My Germany pallets passed Customs without much of a hitch. Had to drive to the port to explain a few things but they only asked me to open 1 out of 4 pallets, and the guy in charge waved me through only 5 minutes later. They'll be on a truck tomorrow, being offloaded at the Workshop later that afternoon.

Still need to get an update on the Atlanta pallet, but no news is good news, -I hope-, and with a bit of luck they'll be at the workshop already.

Next up is to build a storage room with shelves on site (styrofoam lego), after which the long process of inventory taking can start.
I would also presume that work on the thus far missing fenders can start right away, bringing us to the point where we can start preparing the car for a spray job.
Finally, windows and wheel trains can come off, and at that point I can start taking some pictures.
We have movement.. finally.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 September 2017, 12:03 AM
I would welcome anyone with ideas as to how to google photos from 70's Mercedes dealerships, especially the interior of 70's dealerships. I tried in all possible ways, but have not come up with anything worth mentioning. Would welcome any links or help, relating to any and all countries worldwide.
Your help, (especially in German) is greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 October 2017, 06:48 PM
I wonder when I can finally post some updates about actual progress..
It's not happening.

The workshop is going to move house again Jan 1, a location that's twice the size of the old one, and half the monthly cost.
Sounds great, for it means that I'll have cupboards and shelves again, my own bridge, my own working area. It will allow me to arrange and sort all the thousands of parts and make a proper inventory list.
Great.. if it weren't for these other few changes that coincide with all of this.
My British veteran mechanic has long returned to the UK, and my young German friend has returned to Germany some 2 months ago.
I am waiting to find out when and if he comes back.
With half the local staff having left 6 months ago, this is now a massive garage with a massive list of waiting customer-cars, all the space and tools one could wish for, containing 2 panel beaters, 2 spray people and 1 general mechanic.. Nobody there that is capable of dismantling a car carefully, and even less people on the horizon capable of putting a classic car back together without a crow-bar.
Add to that the 3 CSI's, the 3 E-Types, the XK, the Lambo, that are all awaiting re-assembly, and you have a lovely recipe for personal therapy.
So, breaking news: Stan needs a mechanic..

Very frustrating all of this, considering there is now a short path to having my first chassis finished for re-assembly around New Year, and nobody available to turn it into a car.
Boss has made arrangements for all engine refurbishments to be outsourced to a specialized local company.
A fine solution, but without staff to re-assemble cars, it's a very non-sustainable queue of cars that is now forming.

Any new mechanic will be hired, paid and working for me by directly, for the workshop boss has no funds to pay for extra staff until somewhere halfway 2018.
Eeeh.. help?  :-\
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 October 2017, 07:40 PM
Well, the workshop move is still underway, but I just found out that my young German mechanic is not coming back. The local resident-American guy that was destined to start there several months ago has changed his mind as well. He is sticking to teaching English instead.
I am gonna start recruiting online again, be it that this time around, flights and such will all be mine to carry,-and hopefully retrieve that in the form of a job well done.
Will be continued! 8)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 October 2017, 08:02 PM
2 more items arrived, once from the 1975 MB dealer showroom
The original Hella alarm lamp in OVP
The W116 anti-theft system
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 December 2017, 09:20 AM
It looks like we may have some movement in my project soon.
I have given up on my old workshop. It's been years, and like I said before, they haven't even had a mechanic for the last 4 months, with no hope at the horizon.
Been active on social media again, trying to hire someone from abroad. This time around there were a lot more reactions, probably because I am the employer now, and it's presented as a one-off project, all expenses paid.
Among the reactions a mail from an Englishman living in the capital, running a carshop annex part-time restoration shop. Nothing big scale, but focused and, by what I have seen, really up to standard.
We have talked and entered the orientation stage where he will try and get the complete picture of what to expect in work and payment, and how to prepare logistically for moving 3 cars and a dozen pallets of parts from one city to another.
Yes, it will not be as cheap as I was hoping for at my old shop, but all of that talk really has turned out to be talk-only, since so little has materialized over all these years.
I'll be making my way to my chassis soon, making detailed photos of where and what work was done  one it, and from what exact point the next guy will be taking over.
Decided that I won't even be waiting for my chassis to be sprayed there. I am all out of trust. Remembered the complexity of getting not only the spray job done properly, but also the different protective coatings. And, I don't dare spray the car because I am not sure all the sheet metal is up to spec plastered and straight. I want new eyes, new hands, new recommendations, and the new guy has been asking all the right questions, making all the required preparations to get informed in detail, and is not at all head over heals to take on this project. I find that comforting.
What I do not find comforting is the idea of having to move all of my shit 200KM on trucks and trailers.. Still, better done sooner then later because I have had it with all the stagnation. I would really feel better knowing all my stuff is on shelves, categorized, clean, safe and dry. To be continued
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 11 December 2017, 11:11 AM
Stan, how close will this shop be to your home, as in how easily can you visit the shop on a regular basis?
In Afrikaans we have a saying (which you might get as you are a Dutchie ;D) - "Ver van jou goed is na aan jou skade".  Which for our English speaking friends roughly means, if you are far removed from your possessions you are that much closer to damage/loss to and of these things ::)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 11 December 2017, 04:36 PM
If you're using "concourse" and "plaster" / "bondo" in one sentence, that's already pointing at a problem. Tin or brass brazed weld joints Stan, filed by hand to shape. Insist on it :)

If done right, filler primer will do the rest in a much thinner layer.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 December 2017, 05:58 PM
Yes, distance will be an issue, but now I find myself not visiting my "close" workshop anymore for unclear reasons neither. I guess it's some form of trauma, or fear of trauma. That can't be right. Plus, the alternative is a massive jump into an unknown abyss, where I have to invest in a mechanic from abroad again with all the expenses involved, and still no guarantees. If I use the old workshop for the work under my own flag, as was offered to me, whatever new guy arrives might feel it's too far from the metropolitan life he is accustomed to. It's quite a rural location for a newbie, with little English spoken in the area. I would still be 40KM away from daily business and with a mere 50% success rate on 4 imported mechanics, I am due for a statistical disappointment again.
With Line, Skype and FB I should be able to stay on top of things in Taipei, and the new guy has insisted I am to be part of this built with know-how backup whenever that is required. I prefer that by far over a guy that simply goes it alone. I have all the time in the world to look for detailed data on bottlenecks and luckily the guys on this .org have more of that to offer then I ever will be needing.

I gotta check on those weld joints! Thanks for the tip. Other tips are most welcome.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: 1783pictures on 21 January 2018, 01:08 AM
Dear Lord in heaven, I just read some of this thread. You, sir, are one brave man.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 March 2018, 12:41 AM
Today was a funny day. Tired of thinking and doubting, I called the foreign-owned car shop in Taipei that seemed willing to assemble my first car. Told him I had decided to have the car shipped, and get things done.
He told me such was not possible right now since his neighbors, who own the access road to his workshop, had blocked that road in order to force another tenant out. Sorry!
He's now engaged politicians and authorities to get the right of evacuation, at least, but no updates there as of yet.
Might be months in court... Ah well.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 March 2018, 09:25 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 26 March 2018, 12:41 AM
Today was a funny day. Tired of thinking and doubting, I called the foreign-owned car shop in Taipei that seemed willing to assemble my first car. Told him I had decided to have the car shipped, and get things done.
He told me such was not possible right now since his neighbors, who own the access road to his workshop, had blocked that road in order to force another tenant out. Sorry!
He's now engaged politicians and authorities to get the right of evacuation, at least, but no updates there as of yet.
Might be months in court... Ah well.

You really are in a bind Stan.
Seriously, just ship the work out to somewhere in Europe and be done with it.

I'd recommend my guy (he's currently finishing a Pagoda 230SL, a W108 280SEL 4.5 a couple ISOs and a Monteverdi 375), but you'd need someone who speaks Polish on-site to liaise for you.
The last time I've checked they charged something along the lines of 80EUR/h + VAT.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2018, 05:17 PM
No such legal provision in the law here for such a venture. Once shipped out, I lose my license plates, and can not get new ones at re-entry.. On top of that, re-exporting all my thousands of my formerly-Taiwan--import-taxed NOS parts into the EU, and then paying full 100% import taxes on the rebuild chassis+parts at re-entry in Taiwan.. I think you can calculate the impossibilities here. :(
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 May 2018, 06:08 PM
After all these years of obstacles and struggles, I had a refreshing idea.. I am going to buy a fourth W116, this time a 280SEL ;D
Found a guy that has 4 M110's for sale. I am yet to find out where the hell he has been hiding these cars all these years, for I had never even heard a rumour about anyone owning 4 of them. Naturally, none of these cars are likely to make it across the road, if at all they start. But still, I was well-impressed to find out. he's only got 1 280SEL, and it's in blue 904, the exact color I wanted my future SEL to be. I want to give it a quick round of mechanical repairs and just drive it. Drive that, while I wait for my newly found work shop to get legally unblocked by his neighbors.

I know it all sounds silly, and it is, in many ways, but there's a volvo xc70 I own with a dodgy gear box that will be dodgy for life because these gear boxes can not be properly rebuilt by anyone on the planet, just like many other Volvo's between '01 and '08. I paid way too much for the car back when, and I could sell it to the next guy for too much money as well. Can't bring myself to do it, it's too bloody wrong.
So I found a way to trade the dodgy Volvo for an absolutely dodgy W116, wallets closed. And yes, it will not be a perfect deal. For one, the W116 seller thinks this is the deal of the century, for he knows his car is the worst 4-wheel nightmare in Taiwan that money can buy. He'll trade anything sell-able for that W116, especially a modern Volvo. He does not share my principles and he's going for the kill.
He is getting the Volvo he deserves, for promoting the W116 as a great car for 7000usd. Me, I know I am buying someone's nightmare, but I do not fear the beast. I am driving up there next week. I might actually take photos for once, haha!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 12:57 AM
There's been a lot of additions to my collectible MB automobilia since last time I updated this thread, and I will list them all eventually.
However, this one is the find of the decade.. or should I say "these"..
I still can't believe I am actually holding this stuff in my hands!
Found them the same day, in 2 corners of Germany, complete miracle.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 12:58 AM
the box is mint, the photo is not..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: tcj on 30 May 2018, 01:18 AM
Hi Stan,
as I owe these lamp boxes too: are there additional pages of this "mercedes benz Aktuelle Marktmitteilungen"?

Thanks,
Thomas
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 02:34 AM
I will post pics..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 10:09 AM
pic
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 10:25 AM
so happy with my 2 finds..

But, this week another one appeared, and disappeared. It's the yellow Osram version that the dealer sold, with MB part number. See pic.
I am stuck searching for it. Can't track the source, tried every IT trick in my tiny book. Only have a photo. Reverse-check didn't help. I am now at last resorts, thinking it may be a continent/server/IP issue. I have the photo and the name of the JPG. It is hosted by Pickclick.de. Seen it 1000 times, sold or not, if there's a pic, there's a page somewhere.
I know it's a massive chance that someone may end up buying it for him/her self if one were to find the source, I just really want to try everything, longshot or not. The 1975 showroom would not be complete without at least one of them on the shelf.  The one I just bought belongs in the car... maybe. I suspect that is the one MB supplied as a standard in the boot goodies. The design is all MB-style. The yellow Osram is an regular Osram with an MB sticker. My money is on that one being the dealer-supplied version.
Or, VIN related, or Euro/USA related.
Who here actually has that original lamp box in the trunk? TCJ does.. anyone else?
70's OSRAMs maybe?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2018, 10:28 AM
In the meantime I am counting days, hoping to go see that 280SEL..trade it for my XC70
It's the blue one in the middle
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 July 2018, 01:39 AM
Well, My Volvo gearbox, famously unfixable, according to the forums worldwide, was fixed, and I made my way to the south to check out the 280SEL. If ever photos were deceiving! An absolute  write-off rotten piece of a wreck, worse then you'd find on a Florida dump. Cheap, though, haha! Where normally the license plate alone would sell for 5000usd-7000usd, this time around the cost was a mere 2000usd.
I was tempted, but it means importing a 280SEL for another 8000usd, and hammering fake numbers on engine blocks. I can't go there. I have 3 W116's already, and I need to get at least 1 of them back on the road before moving on or expanding. It's a bloody shame of the very costly adjustable rear seat I have here, but it will have to wait to find a new recipient car, years maybe. No choice, for anything else would be too mad, even to my standards.

On the positive side, if all is well, I have a drivable Volvo again, meaning I did not lose 10000usd by having to dump that car without a gearbox.
It also means there is now really nothing that I can use for an excuse to delay moving my 280SE chassis to the next workshop, and pay them a retainer to start assembling it.
Means that I also need to move forward with refurbishing door panels, wooden dashboard paneling and figuring out how to create a new cable tree.
Anyone with any suggestions, tips and tricks related to creating or buying such cable trees?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 22 July 2018, 07:15 AM
cable tree?  does that translate to wire harness?

The entire harness in the engine bay of my car was a baked and cracked mess. I stripped good wire from another harness so I had the correct color striping.  I cut the harness off near where it goes thru the firewall, but every wire I cut about an inch longer than the next. I used non insulated crimp barrels as they are  hardly larger diameter than the wire and used shrink tubing to seal them in.

The whole fun of rebuilding the harness is you have to disassemble each branch from it's end - take connector apart and desolder the pins.  then start back at the splice end putting the plastic sleeve on up to each branch and then sleeve again to the end and then solder back on the pins.

sleeves, the 2-3 digit of the second set of part number is the diameter of the tube.
040621-005200   insulating sleeve
040621-007201   insulating sleeve
040621-008202   insulating sleeve
040621-012203   insulating sleeve
040621-016204   insulating sleeve
040621-022205   insulating sleeve


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 July 2018, 09:02 PM
If there's no miracle anytime soon, in the form of some professional help, I think I may have tom throw in the towel, and I'll need to accept defeat. It's too much, too big, and the wrong country. Hell, it's even the wrong continent for this project, made up of 2 billion Asians with a genetic incapacity for learning, adapting or even considering any challenge or complication. 50000 car mechanics in Taiwan alone, and by the looks of it, all of them suffering from the same genetic retardation. -if they haven't serviced a certain car before, they won't touch it, bar being held at gun point. Myself, I might go blind any day, and even if I survive that, I am not a mechanic. I can't do this job myself. I have never been trained. It's been 4 years trying, and tried everything in my power. I have been a fool of epic proportions, trying to own the car of my youth-dreams. 50-75.000usd lost, as well as 4 years of my life, trying to make this work. I really do not know what's next. Imported 4 mechanics from abroad, and got fucked over by 2 of them. The other 2 were good guys, but they never touched my car coz I got fucked over by the workshop owner who had them work on other cars. What else is there... Man, I am depressed beyond belief.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 23 July 2018, 10:22 AM
I feel for your frustration. Surely there must be a custom body shop that you can at least get the chassis repaired and painted. 

Maybe advertise in Hemmings or the MBCA Star - or the euro counterpart for you mechanic? 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 July 2018, 10:37 AM
Yes, there are body shops, and the chassis is pretty much done, ready to be sprayed. Sprayers can be found as well. What can;t be found is a workshop or mechanic to assemble the car with new parts, out-of-the box.
I'll need to keep looking, I know. The alternative is a massive W116 NOS bonfire party, live-streamed on Youtube..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 23 July 2018, 12:16 PM
Maybe it's time to take stock and sell your stash to recoup some cash, and call it a day. If it hasn't happened in 3-4 years, what are the chances? Is it really worth the time, effort and stress? We both know financially it made no sense from day 1, just like my project.

Given you've pretty much bought out all the relevant NOS stock, you have a bargaining chip.

Just don't be like those two French brothers :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: daantjie on 23 July 2018, 12:30 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 23 July 2018, 12:16 PM
Maybe it's time to take stock and sell your stash to recoup some cash, and call it a day. If it hasn't happened in 3-4 years, what are the chances? Is it really worth the time, effort and stress? We both know financially it made no sense from day 1, just like my project.

Given you've pretty much bought out all the relevant NOS stock, you have a bargaining chip.

Just don't be like those two French brothers :)

Agree 100%.  You can leisurely offload parts via ebay and such, unless you are in a hurry get rid of it all.  Indeed, those French assholes with the 1000%+ markups on their parts really leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, but I guess they have no morals, sadly very common these days.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 July 2018, 06:53 PM
yeah, I think all of us at the forum feel that way. It just ain't right to be super-charging like that.
Still, it's not time for throwing towels yet. I am gonna give it a few more weeks, go through the Taiwan web with a fine comb, hoping  for the best.
The wife and me have discussed maybe switching to an R107 as a bandage to the wound. Not sure it's smart at all, have not thought it through. There re quite a few of these around, actually driving around in "OK" nick.. Just wondering how many parts they share with the W116 in real life, besides the M110 engine.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 23 July 2018, 06:58 PM
This is how I feel with my 1967 fintail wagon project. The body is too rusted to restore, but with a donor sedan, the wagon sheet metal parts could be transplanted onto it like the coachbuilder did. I can't even acquire a decent fintail sedan because I don't have the money. But maybe one day, if the desert heat doesn't bake the nearly perfect interior by then.

Quote from: floyd111 on 23 July 2018, 06:53 PM
Just wondering how many parts they share with the W116 in real life, besides the M110 engine.

I look at it this way these days--if the part isn't NLA, then it must also fit the R107.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 July 2018, 10:10 AM
Well, just when things looked darkest, something popped up. I have known about an odd dealership at the foot of our little mountain, a friendly guy that sells cars, but always the weird ones, cars that other dealers would stay clear off. Thought I'd pay the guy a visit, coz weird cars need mechanics, and thus he must know of such a mechanic. Turns out he's got a repair shop next to his dealership, and it's jam-packed with even weirder cars, like a maserati 228, a couple of old 12V Jaguars, and some US-made towncars. His mechanic adores challenges, and I have accepted the 228 as absolute proof for that theory, haha! He's smart as chips and is very eager to do my W116. Whilst discussing details he managed to fix my CRV transmission issue within 5 minutes, where 10 shops could not do so in 2 years. The idle pump was the culprit. Never even knew I had one. He did. Tomorrow there's gonna be more talk, but I am pretty optimistic again (what else is new) All may not be lost yet!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 August 2018, 05:11 AM
Finally been out to go see my cars. Had not been there in almost a year! The restoration shop has been transformed into a supercar-importing and exporting business, and there's lambo's and Ferrari's all over. Restoration work is now limited to regular parts change and metal work. The end. They are doing very well now, though, but that is not anything I can be cheerful about. This guy hd me dig a big hole, based on promises, and all I have is mountains of parts and 3 cars that won't drive. Talked to the shop guy, and we're preparing to part ways. He sure wants me to go, as I am one of the few reminders left from his last 8 years of broken promises and failure. There's issues to check, though. The bill, for one. Have not seen a calculation in 2-3 years, and he wants to have me leave "as-is". I need to check whether all my chrome is still there, and unscratched.  Can't check that until after the move, when do inventory all the NOS parts at the new workshop.
I am not just gonna take my stuff and walk awau quietly. I told him I need to have my chassis painted in and out, before I can move on. It's been fixed and primed already for over a year, so it's about bloody time. He was gonna reluctantly schedule me months from now, but I said no. Not this time around, after being in queue for 4 years. He agreed, and scheduled me 3 weeks from now. Means 5-6 weeks from now there's gonna be a sprayed body. 516 Middle Red, cellulose.
Do I dare get excited in anticipation? Not yet, coz there's bridges to cross yet.

Hope that the new shop will have room around the time the 280 is ready to go onto the flatbed. Sure dread doing the NOS stocktake. It'll be a bloody miracle if everything is still there, and undamaged. Already found busted dash paneling and tar-stained foot pillows for the rear seat floor. Trying not to think about it for now. Keep my Zen.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Tiago Morgado on 25 August 2018, 04:57 PM
Crikey Stan - respect! Just read this thread from start to finish (or today to be more precise) and I have to say it's been one hell of a story. Hoping things turn around for you soon.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 August 2018, 10:41 PM
Looks like we have a chance now. Seen pics of welding going on last week, the old workshop doing the last bits in front of the car. I should be in queue for spraying any day now, and the new workshop is awaiting the departure of a Maserati to make room for my car and it's re-assembly. With the car around the corner of my home, regular pics would finally be an option. In the meantime, patience is required..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 04 September 2018, 09:00 PM
To answer the question from the SHOP section:
actually, I haven't posted any updates for a long time. The collection is vastly bigger by now, growing at a rate of 1 or 2 items per week, since last I posted a collectible.
But I don't really collect everything. I am tempted daily, but till now, pretty disciplined.
For one, I don't buy MB jewelry that once was for sale in the showroom, or anything else that was for sale in that department. All goods need to be German-issued, that's another limit. There needs to be original packaging .

1. The MB give-away gifts from 1920-1980 are all really such dealer gifts, and 90% has the original box. I am now hunting empty boxes, and indeed found a few. Amazing to see how many dealer gifts were issued in Germany-only over the years. I have almost 75 of them now, but there may be 25 more. They are now getting increasingly hard to find, since I bought each one available online worldwide, and spend at least 1 hour per day in several languages, hunting them down. Prices are going up fast, and I am now forced to keep track of 3-4 auction houses, as well as ebay and sorts. This is my favourite collection, by far. Love them things!

2. The other collection was W116 car-install options. Those are pretty much complete. I wated a Becker/frenzel fridge, but at 3000 euros, I am out. And that's the only actual offer I have seen in 5 years. So I bought 2 first gen 1980 A-type MB/Engel fridges instead. Think I have 100 car options now, many of them bought twice. That's enough.

3. The W116 NOS collection has also ended, over a year ago already. I am not shopping for more till the car is in assembly-mode, and I know what is missing.

4. What's left is the 1972-1979 german MB showroom copy. Still need the cleaning products from back in the day. Have not been able to find a single bottle. That's a big gap. Besides that, the MB accessory-cabinet is complete. Got every dealer-offered acc. besides the "pannengurt", a towing rope.
But that's just the cupboard-contents. Still need to rebuild the cupboards like they used to be, and have them stickered with the 1971/1972 logotypes.
Now it gets interesting. Tables and chairs and lighting. I have the matchbooks, the ashtrays, the lighters for ON the tables, but at some point I will need the 70's showroom furniture. Think I will write to the Classic center and see if for once, they can be of any use and send me some 70's showroom stock/press photos. See what that furniture needs to look like.

We are now waiting for a building permit to come through, after which we can finally build our house in the mountains. Been waiting 5+ years. In the Lego scale model that I built (140CM x80CM x50cm x 40kg) I have reserved a nice portion of space for a man-cave type space under the house, the 70's showroom, where I can simply park my W116, when the day comes. It won't be that big, maybe the size of 3 cars, 4 at best.
But, if MB Taiwan wants to buy that showroom, or the giftbox collection, at a good price and install it in their own, modern showroom, as a "classic corner" I would go for that. It deserves to be seen by more then just my farmer neighbor. Same goes for my own 0-mile car, once done. I can build a second one if I succeed in building the first.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 October 2018, 06:28 PM

In this week's episode: Our man can be seen in amazement in front of his screen, faced with fresh pictures of our old Workshop-gone-Tradesmen repairing old cars, once more. Hark! Are these the Bells of Hope I hear in the distance?
Once more, Ravens were sent and meetings were held. Apparently, there should be a sprayed chassis 3-4 months from now. Let's be optimistic and presume that -for once- there will be no Evil Landlords. Could it be?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: irvine on 14 October 2018, 03:50 AM
just finished reading the whole thing, amazing work collecting everything and keeping a calm head with the problems faced.

neil.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 October 2018, 07:59 AM
Thanks! I don't even know anymore why I keep pushing this project at this stage.. Not thinking about it helps a lot.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 December 2018, 10:56 AM
This weekend I got this weird phone call. Someone told me my car was completely ready, plastered, welded and sanded, and asked if I could come to the workshop to pick the spray color of my choice.
Where for over 4 years I would have cracked the champagne to celebrate, I found myself quite blase, unimpressed by the long-awaited news. After ..well, it's there for anyone to read. It's been a bit of a ride to get here.
Still not sure what assembly is going to look like, but restored, and sprayed.. It's as underwhelming as it is overwhelming. Got a few pics already, but will pop over to the workshop this week to snap some more pics..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 16 December 2018, 02:38 PM
It's progress!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 December 2018, 07:54 PM
oh, and if at any given time you find error or doubt in the pics and descriptions from now on, I am ready and demanding to be pestered with opinions and statements, so I may have a better chance of getting to the end of this with as few catastrophes as possible.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 December 2018, 11:04 PM
Does anyone have important advice as to what primer or paint to use? I want cellulose 504 Mittelrot, besides that, I don't know much.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 17 December 2018, 06:02 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 16 December 2018, 11:04 PM
Does anyone have important advice as to what primer or paint to use? I want cellulose 504 Mittelrot, besides that, I don't know much.

Good to see some pics, after so may years :D
Fingers crossed!

As for primers and such, anything these guys make will do fine: http://classiccar.novol.pl/en/
It's a Polish company with a very solid and reliable product line, and a member of FIVA which I guess still stands for something these days.
The guy that did my car has used their products for years and is well pleased. No idea about availability down your neck of the wood, but I can give them a ring and check.

And the other layers on mine are listed here: https://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/color-for-underside-of-body/msg131967/#msg131967

Base and top coats on mine were Glasurit from factory so I went with same, but check your options plate as there were two suppliers (G = Glasurit, H = Spies Hecker, if memory serves). Glasurit online colour finder is at https://www.glasurit.com/en-int/color-online
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 18 December 2018, 07:48 AM
If it was me, I would stick to one of the big-name paint lines, PPG, Glasurit, Spies-Hecker, Standox, DuPont
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 December 2018, 11:16 AM
Well, sure appreciate that input. I will check out what s available of those, but in general, big brands like those are rare in Taiwan. The workshop has cellulose paint available from Wurth. I think that's Fuchs in some other countries?
They can make the Mittelrot 516 for me, and I have been shown a sample on metal. It's lush!
Any reason I should avoid Wurth as a principle?

Went to see the car today, and I have heaps of pics. Soon here.
My worries about getting overexcited by all this good news were just and fair. When I got there to check out the work and pick a color, they had already taped up the car for spraying. Since I needed photos, I needed to see the naked car without paper. Guess what was under the paper? 4 wheels still on the car with wheel arches, still in the original coating.  Inside the cabin I found that the black insulation on the rear floors was still there, while the rest of the cabin was completely skinned and primed as it should be.
There was a bit of a heated talk about work and price agreement that ended in me agreeing to pay more for the arches and floors to be done as agreed. Yes, not fair, because things were discussed and agreed upon in much detail before hand. But I know in restoration it's risky to hand people fixed quotes. They still did, and did not judge the work correctly, finding out the hard way that if they did not cut those 2 corners, it would automatically turn into a 3 month job, rather then the 2 months they had calculated, and quoted.
I want it done as it should be, so there'll be another 2 or 3 thou on top of the 7500 for restoring and spraying the chassis. It also means another month delay, something that nobody is happy with, but everyone will have to accept. Kinda think that there will be no more delays then strictly required on the workshop's side, which is a good thing. They really, really want to move on and get me and my cheap cars and my cupboards full of parts out of the way to clear the path for real, paying customers with supercars.

The timing of all of this is interesting as well. With a bit of luck, in January we will start building an proper farmhouse in the mountains, and that means there will be room under the house for all that stuff, when that day comes that I need to evacuate the workshop.

Oh, then there is this question.. Now the chassis is available to work on, There are there spots where I should drill drainage holes before assembly, not? Can anyone list them for me..with pics, maybe? Or links? Pretty please?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:20 AM
pics
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:28 AM
Some more..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:32 AM
And some more.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:33 AM
And there are these..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:34 AM
And these are pretty good.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:36 AM
And I gotta keep talking to avoid the spam filters to block the posts..it seems
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:37 AM
So I type another line.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:39 AM
Here are some other pics
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:41 AM
Thought I post these.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:42 AM
It's the wife who took the pics.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:45 AM
Some of them are a bit non-descript. It's a multitasking thing, photos and breathing..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 December 2018, 08:48 AM
The last ones for now. It's clear that there's still muck on the rear floors, the arches and the boot.I don't have the eyes required to judge the work like a pro. Maybe anyone here can point things out, besides the issue with the drainage holes I need to ensure are open, or drilled new.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 19 December 2018, 02:31 PM
I'm surprised the body isn't stripped of all parts and on a rotisserie. It's good that you're getting pictures along the way so you can see exactly what's going on and stop what you don't like before they go too far.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 19 December 2018, 03:40 PM
just a note on trunk color

000-986-67-33     Until 20.03.1982 tiefdunkelgrau matt 7164 rocker panels, trunk
000 986 86 33            from 20.03.1982 galinitgrau matt 7129 
and
inside of bumpers    RUSTOLEUM Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x Almond Gloss

the bottom of car (driveline tunnel, etc) were gray, and the shultz should be tan colored - but note exactly where schultz (3M 08874) goes and doesnt go.


001-989-37-51-09    grease for window regulators



Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 19 December 2018, 04:32 PM
I second what SD said. At the level of pain and effort you've put into this project, I'd definitely want all the parts off of the body for paint, and the underside stripped to bare metal. That PVC underseal can hide some serious rust demons. It looks like they have left the old sound deadening in a couple places too, like rear edge of trunk floor, and rear floor pans. These are known to hide rust as well, especially if cracked.

Is that the daily driver, or the concourse one? If I recall right, you wanted one of each?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: karmann_20v on 19 December 2018, 08:11 PM
Yay, progress!!!

I hope you will be happy with the end result, as I have a feeling the cost will be pretty hefty all said and done.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 December 2018, 12:51 AM
Quote from: rumb on 19 December 2018, 03:40 PM
just a note on trunk color

000-986-67-33     Until 20.03.1982 tiefdunkelgrau matt 7164 rocker panels, trunk
000 986 86 33            from 20.03.1982 galinitgrau matt 7129 
and
inside of bumpers    RUSTOLEUM Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x Almond Gloss

the bottom of car (driveline tunnel, etc) were gray, and the shultz should be tan colored - but note exactly where schultz (3M 08874) goes and doesnt go.


001-989-37-51-09    grease for window regulators

Sorry, but what about those 1982 dates? How does that relate to 77-79 cars?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 December 2018, 12:54 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 19 December 2018, 04:32 PM
I second what SD said. At the level of pain and effort you've put into this project, I'd definitely want all the parts off of the body for paint, and the underside stripped to bare metal. That PVC underseal can hide some serious rust demons. It looks like they have left the old sound deadening in a couple places too, like rear edge of trunk floor, and rear floor pans. These are known to hide rust as well, especially if cracked.

Is that the daily driver, or the concourse one? If I recall right, you wanted one of each?

At this point, I should not even think about nr 2 This one needs to be as high a spec as possible, simple. It so seems a massive waste of effort and money to not do a 100% chassis fix.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 December 2018, 12:58 AM
Quote from: karmann_20v on 19 December 2018, 08:11 PM
Yay, progress!!!

I hope you will be happy with the end result, as I have a feeling the cost will be pretty hefty all said and done.

Yeah, costs would always have been high, but way lower than anywhere else, I presume.
Lucas sent his car to Poland, trying to beat the system, and no doubt he did well, compared to the regular US/Germany cost of a 0-mile rebuilt, no doubt well into the 100.000 euros per car. I should stay well under 50% of that cost, if things end up costing a bucket more then expected. So, in that light, not too bad, but the logistics and obstacles I faced here are just ridiculous, compared to the US/Germany.. or Poland service.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 January 2019, 06:09 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2548970511784719&set=pcb.2548970595118044&type=3&theater

Couple of last-minute pics from the spray cabin. Now waiting for the call to come do a final inspection before spraying.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 January 2019, 09:59 PM
Quote from: rumb on 19 December 2018, 03:40 PM
just a note on trunk color

000-986-67-33     Until 20.03.1982 tiefdunkelgrau matt 7164 rocker panels, trunk
000 986 86 33            from 20.03.1982 galinitgrau matt 7129 
and
inside of bumpers    RUSTOLEUM Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x Almond Gloss

the bottom of car (driveline tunnel, etc) were gray, and the shultz should be tan colored - but note exactly where schultz (3M 08874) goes and doesnt go.


001-989-37-51-09    grease for window regulators

Might you remember how much of this stuff is needed per car? I need to start ordering soon.. Apparently, the car has been sprayed by now.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 22 January 2019, 08:00 AM
The tiefdunkelfrau a quart would be enough

The schultz is quite a bit  @16 cans

you also need seam sealer, I would just get 3M, the MB stuff is hard to apply and shrinks a lot.

weatherstrip adhesive Teroson SB2444

000-986-72-70-10    cavity sealer
000-986-42-70-10    wax preservative
I have no idea how much of these

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 January 2019, 11:48 AM
Thanks a mille! Every bit of the puzzle helps.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 22 January 2019, 06:26 PM
My advice would be not to use the MB wax. There's much better stuff on the market.

- Normfest Bottom Guard Wax for the underside - sprayed liberally on *everything* (except exhaust, engine and tranny) underside (see all that brownish stuff in this pic (https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/zv9485.szmit.eu/resto/pics/full/full_ZV9485_01503.jpg)). Water just bounces off of it, and when fully dried it also doesn't attract dirt.

- Mike Sander (http://www.mike-sander.de/) for all hollow sections - if done right, that stuff just creeps in everywhere. Not the easiest to apply though. It came second in a 5-year long test (https://www.oldtimer-markt.de/rostschutztest) done in Germany.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 March 2019, 04:44 AM
Yeah, there's updates.. Who'd thunk it?
My car has been sprayed in and out, except for the wheel arches. I went to have a look and it's awesome!
The color, Mittelrot, acts very strange. It's a very dark burgundy in the shadow, unrecognizable, and almost a Ferrari red in the bright light.
The work done is excellent. The body panels are absolutely straight without blemish or wobble and the paintjob is flawless.
The rear floor insulation that they left last time was cleared as well, and sprayed.
If Aaron or Lucas would have a look, they'd no doubt be able to find small spots in hidden places, but all in all I am quite amazed. It's big restoration thus far, at the total cost of 10 thou usd thus far. I think that's good by any standard. I don't mind paying a bit more to have the arches done as per spec.
I now need to get the materials for the wheel arches and bring it to them, for none of this stuff is available here, except maybe some stuff from Wurth and 3M.

Re-assembly is another chapter that may have a solution now. Apparently there's a guy specialized in RHD/LHD conversions for fancy cars. They are said to achieve stock standards, leaving no trace of any conversion. I guess that's a good start. Hope to meet the guy soon for a sit down.

One thing is for sure.. Life has suddenly become very stressed with a freshly sprayed shiny chassis, not yet assembled. Very frustrating, and the first time I really have a sense of urgency, lacking all further patience. I want to drive that thing today!
I'll post some pics once my wife and her phone are available again. :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 25 March 2019, 08:08 AM
That's great news.  The 3M is what you want to get, it is the correct tan color. beside the wheel arch most of the underside of car is also sprayed tan and is not painted.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 25 March 2019, 11:02 AM
QuoteIt's big restoration thus far, at the total cost of 10 thou usd thus far. I think that's good by any standard.

I'm moving to Taiwan!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 March 2019, 05:30 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 25 March 2019, 11:02 AM
QuoteIt's big restoration thus far, at the total cost of 10 thou usd thus far. I think that's good by any standard.

I'm moving to Taiwan!

You're very welcome, but consider the obligatory, arduous 4.5 year journey to achieve that specific ticketing fee  :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2019, 06:33 PM
Next time l'll do the pics myself.. I was too busy drooling in despair at the time
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2019, 06:35 PM
Not a lot of space to take good pics, but I hope it shows a decent bit of it all.
O yes, it's still missing the final clearcoat, in case someone noticed. They will pick up the work again after I supply the wheel arch stuff.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2019, 06:38 PM
Guess she forgot boot pics. The complete boot floor was rebuilt, recreated from scratch in exact stock detail at high cost, while a brand new NOS floor unit was in the air on it's way to Taiwan.. Ah well. The job was amazing, so that's there, and now I have a boot floor in stock for later. Sorry about all the dust and the bad lighting. Was parked in a rather dark corner of the garage..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 March 2019, 10:47 PM


inside of bumpers    RUSTOLEUM Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x Almond Gloss


Got a bit of an issue here. This is flammable oil paint in a pressurized can. Impossible to ship. Been looking for a "canned" version, but that is only available in acrylic.
I would sure like some advise as to how to obtain a similar, canned product that is as good, that I can ship normally..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 28 March 2019, 11:44 PM
Haha, it looks hot pink in the pictures! Congratulations on getting to this stage. I could only dream about getting fresh paint on mine.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 29 March 2019, 06:27 AM
Wow, getting to this stage is a huge milestone!  Congrats. I'm still just dreaming of getting where you are.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 29 March 2019, 04:40 PM
Slowly, but surely. You're about to hit the home straight Stan!
I'm not sure I like this hot-pink though ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 29 March 2019, 07:24 PM
Top job Stan, I also see three different colours in the photos, hot titty pink, English red and purple  ;D so much for the technology in mobile phones!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: gavin116 on 30 March 2019, 04:36 AM
Hi Stan

Coming on nicely. I cannot remember, how many more chassis you have to go? Was it three cars in total? What colour are the other cars going to be?
I sure remember that feeling when first seeing the chassis painted, the paint work had such depth that it looked like liquid glass. It's going to be amazing as you put all those new parts on the car that you had been buying up.

I was unhappy with state of rust on the headlight bowls (I had to replace that entire front slam panel and headlight bowl assembly for a new one, see the last picture in this post: https://forum.w116.org/test-drive/my-first-w116-here-at-last/msg125816/#msg125816 (https://forum.w116.org/test-drive/my-first-w116-here-at-last/msg125816/#msg125816)) and behind the bumpers (the surface rust cleaned off well, and the surface was treated to multiple new layers of paint, see the second last picture here: https://forum.w116.org/test-drive/my-first-w116-here-at-last/msg125817/#msg125817 (https://forum.w116.org/test-drive/my-first-w116-here-at-last/msg125817/#msg125817)), so we put a layer of "protective wax" in these vulnerable areas. The "wax" has stayed put despite the car making a trip to Germany when there was a 40º C heatwave. So if you cannot get Rustoleum, this could be an alternative.

Good luck with the rest of the build!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 April 2019, 06:42 AM
Thanks for the friendly comments!
The color really is like this, in regular light. They did get it right, despite my first 60 seconds of fear, lifting the tarp in the shadow. :
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 April 2019, 06:47 AM
Quote from: gavin116 on 30 March 2019, 04:36 AM
Hi Stan

Coming on nicely. I cannot remember, how many more chassis you have to go? Was it three cars in total? What colour are the other cars going to be?


I bought 3 chassis', 2 with plates from Taiwan, one from Holland for it's Pergament interior and it's spare parts. However, I dare mot look that far ahead anymore, given the time it took to get to this stage with car nr 1!
I am gonna need that Dutch engine, I expect, since much of my Taiwanese engine has gone missing after the imported wannabe mechanic Ed decided to disappear overnight, leaving my engine in pieces over 2000m2 of workshop surface on 3 floors.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 July 2019, 08:56 PM
It's not been a happening year, but finally an update. Bought a 35 year old NOS engine, M110 280S. It still has the original blue spark leads and has run a mere 18KM whilst mounted on an educational table.
This is going to be such a relief, since my own 280S engine is scattered all over, with no doubt, most of the engine parts missing by now.
This will be so much easier. Got a great deal as well, half of what a regular overhaul would cost.
At the same time, the workshop has finally made time to finish my wheel arches, so with a bit of luck, the chassis will soon/finally be ready.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 July 2019, 09:58 PM
Normally, when it's silent like this, it's because everyone thinks the same thing and nobody wants to say.. like someone's plans of lowering a 6.9 and leading the exhausts out through the bonnet ::)
Did I make another bad decision here? I know there's a risk of old seals and gaskets, but isn't that still worth it getting a 18km NOS engine?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: revilla on 11 July 2019, 12:06 AM
Right
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 11 July 2019, 07:21 AM
Only time will tell Stan. Anything NOS at this point is at least 20+ years old. If the engine was stored dry, I would expect it needing a replacement of all gaskets at least.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 11 July 2019, 08:51 AM
I would think the engine is fine. There are very few rubber gaskets on it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 11 July 2019, 12:36 PM
Great find on the engine!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 July 2019, 07:33 PM
 ;) That's more encouraging!

The engine was not stored dry, but was kept in running condition over the years. I would expect an actual dry engine to have rusted shut over such a period, let alone be faced with dry rubbers.
Indeed, we'll see, but for 5 grand this is a steal, even though it feels I just regurgitated a kidney.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Peter on 12 July 2019, 09:10 PM
Wow thats a hell of a find, great looking engine and I hope to see a tonne of photos when it arrives.  ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 July 2019, 03:01 AM
And today..
Remember the pic I have been using for years, the red W116 that inspired me to build mine?
Just bumped into the actual car. It's been for sale for years.
It's a non-restored original, with sheep skins and all the options I wanted most. 10 grand with 113000km on the clock.
O my, if only I had known.. I could have been driving his car years ago, and saved... ah well.

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/mercedes-benz-280-se-w-116-originalzustand-fast-unberuehrt/1159422804-216-16478
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 November 2019, 01:56 AM
Well, exiting times are coming soon. Actually, they're here. Found an overqualified classic car mechanic in Britain who wants to come live here. I will take him in.
At the same time I have rented a massive building in the middle of nowhere, with a ground floor big enough to restore 3 cars at the same time.
I am trying to kick my old workshop into first gear, and they make actually be doing my wheel arches and the clear coat now. Before New Year, all my cars, all my parts and the new mechanic should be living in-house. 
My NOS engine has also arrived, made it through Customs cheaply, and will be delivered to my new house tomorrow.
Tony, the new guy, says building a W116 is a breeze after 40 years of restoring actual classics. I am getting very hopeful so suddenly!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 08 November 2019, 08:42 AM
Stan, that's great news.  Only thing you need to set you new mechanic straight that w116 are real classic cars!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 November 2019, 09:17 PM
Yeah, that didn't come out right! ;D That's not what he said as such.. it's what I rephrased in a semi-Freudian fashion.. I think the W116 is a classic but I know the world outside isn't very impressed, last of all places, here in Taiwan, where but 1 in 100.000 people could possibly  tell a W123 from a W116, and wouldn't notice that W123 unless if there's an flashing police light on the roof. Even then I am not sure. The countless other car fanatics here are often beyond rich with cars that are by definition super flashy and super expensive. "Vintage" and "Classic" are not words in the national vocabulary.
Then there's a guy like Tony, who's done countless cars I'll never ever own and was already idolizing 30 -45 years ago.
Yesterday I received a message from them suggesting we keep the old tar on the boot floor, "for it is in such good nick after all." , despite the fact that I pretty much stopped an inch short of using curse words on video chat with the workshop. 6 years now, and even paid a year ahead of works, and still no actually finished chassis to show for.
In 3.5 years  I found 3.5 foreign mechanics, shipped them  to the workshop, and none of them were told to do my car, except Ed Osborn, who scattered my engine over 3 tables,  which, thanks to the absence of any organisation or oversight, ended up on 10 tables in 3 buildings in 3 different city locations over a 3.5 year period.

Still, we're hopeful. Worst case scenario, I got to find a local company later on to do the arches... I shutter at that idea as well.
Anyways, it's gonna get done in the end. I just know it..I think ::)




Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 November 2019, 07:47 PM
Sent off the photos I received here from the boot area. Thanks for those! I will await the readied rotisserie before diving into the wheel arch discussion with them. No doubt it will require more pics, and the 6th time I have to explain it to them.
Tony and I are booking flights now, both of us eager to make this work.

I am going to be calling the workshop on a weekly bases now, keep the pressure on for the coming months. In the meantime we are a few weeks away from being able to ship all my parts and 2 out of 3 chassis',  to the southern tip.
Still a bit of delay there because the building we just rented needs a full renovation. For almost a decade it stood empty and the 1 homeless junkie in our county has lived there and hase pillaged it. No wires or plumbing anywhere. A leaky roof and multiple typhoons had ravaged the house even more.
No water piping to the house. No electricity lines neither.. One corner of the steel structure is sinking into a cavity underneath. It's an adventure!
A yet economic full renovation of an 1800 square feet building is not for the weak of heart, let me assure you, and we're right in the middle of such a venture. Insisting to live in this spot, there was but 1 building to choose from. A bit like the choice of buying a W116 in Taiwan, now I come to think of it.
We have a 5-year-no-rent/fees-deal with the landlord, or it would not be done.
Everything goes in volumes these weeks. 22 screw taps, 16 mix taps, 8 flush installations, 22 seals, 8 shower sets, etc etc. Everything seems to come on trucks these days and up to 4 construction-related cars parked in front of the house, haha! Makes it feel like we're commandeering a highrise!
After having fired -literally- a dozen workers in as many working days, we now have 3 good people that are cracking on quite well.
Never expected that finding workers would be the bottleneck. Always thought it was a renovation fee problem. I should have known better.

I am slowly starting to imagine an actual workshop under my feet. I can see a 1975 MB dealership, a little MB Museum, the ultimate man-cave and my car(s) parked in the middle.. That was always the far-away dream but Tony and I are talking about a continuing saga of a cooperation in the downstairs workshop, doing up cars on a daily bases. I am game, and can make it work, but my wife isn't quite there yet. So, we'll take it slow and will keep these decisions to handle in 2020.
This is the location, via google streetview
https://www.google.com/maps/@22.0387335,120.8172082,3a,75y,210.15h,90.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYd8vnzbXPHwCTuIT66Bz9w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
The building has been orange since 2013.. This view is 2012.

Still, with the second floor done at the end of next week, the new -ground floor- workshop will start to take shape real fast.
Question of the day is whether tony should ship his garage stuff by container or just buy new here.
He has a vintage K-Jet tuner/tester. Apparently it's very big, and almost a dealmaker here, between pallet or container. Are there easier alternatives on offer that could replace such a big machine?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 17 November 2019, 10:55 AM
Your fortitude never ceases to amaze me.  I took a drive down the roads on googlmaps, nice countryside. I found in amusing that the nearest town has 7-Eleven stores.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 17 November 2019, 02:46 PM
Madness  :D

As for tuning a K-Jet, I was under the impression all you need is a set of pressure gauges to setup all the working pressures, and an exhaust gas analyser (or just a CO tester) to setup mixture.

There's no computers or lambda sensors to fiddle with.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 November 2019, 08:58 PM
Quote from: rumb on 17 November 2019, 10:55 AM
Your fortitude never ceases to amaze me.  I took a drive down the roads on googlmaps, nice countryside. I found in amusing that the nearest town has 7-Eleven stores.

Yeah, 7-11 is everywhere, highest density in the world. It is considered a line between city life and country life, depending how far you're from a 7-11. We're 5 minutes away or so, which is considered unacceptable to 99% of the people. I used to live 8 minutes away, so we're moving up in society!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 November 2019, 08:59 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 17 November 2019, 02:46 PM
Madness  :D

As for tuning a K-Jet, I was under the impression all you need is a set of pressure gauges to setup all the working pressures, and an exhaust gas analyser (or just a CO tester) to setup mixture.

There's no computers or lambda sensors to fiddle with.

Good to know!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 January 2020, 02:46 AM
Days are ticking away, finally getting closer to the finish line.
Naturally, the old workshop has still done nothing to finish the clear coat and the undercoating, but at home, things are moving forward nicely.
The ground floor is nearly finished, ready to take a car lift or 2, and my British mechanic is back home, preparing boxes of tools and whatnot awaiting the arrival of the shipping container, carrying all of that to Taiwan. (including a Lotus 7-type chassis and 3.0 V8 engine)
Our soon-to-be classic car restoration company will be rather glorious, counting by the already stunning looks of the interior.
Paints and decorations have been carefully chosen and applied, and it already feels like a fancy German MB garage from 1975. Stylish wooden/chrome tall standing lamps every 6 meters, all around the hall. Antique drawer cabinets all over, with more than 160 drawers in total. It's now time to start scouting for a 70's customer seating area, all in line with the design of the workshop. Been cataloging my vintage MB gift collection, that will be displayed spread over 8 long cabinets along the walls. Pushing 200+ items now, after I bought somebody's similar collection from Germany, adding over 50 items in one go. (His grandpa was a test-driver at MB HQ!)
Half open-plan kitchen in the back, ready to be serving coffee and tea to visitors.
Bit of patience still.. I will post before/after pics very soon, the moment all the construction-clutter has been disposed of, and we have a clean working floor to show for. Tony, the mech, should be back here within a month, and around that time I will ship all my cars and parts to my domicile, and write that slow AF workshop off good'n proper. Exiting times, and not too soon neither, coz I've been running out of breath for a long time now, ready to throw in the towel!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 11 January 2020, 06:22 PM
Clear-coat question..
Is the workmanship involved in clearcoating as essential/imperative as the sand and spray job?. What about the material quality?
if it's easy, I could chance it and see if I can find a local company to do that, avoiding the wait for the old workshop.. But if it's very sensitive, I'd be reluctant to find someone else.
Your opinions are welcome here..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 11 January 2020, 08:53 PM
There are different grades of clear coat. you want the higher grades. You also want at least 3 coats because your block and polish efforts will remove a bit. I found a nice water fed sander that will be perfect for blocking clear with 1500,2000,3000 grit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PYNX1Z9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Before spraying clear coat lightly sand the base layer with @1500 grit to knock nibs off of base coat. This will give a smoother clear coat buildup.  3m Perfect it polishing compound is the cat's meow for polishing.

Dont wax the new paint for at least 60 days to allow it to fully cure properly.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 12 January 2020, 06:42 AM
Better quality clearcoats ave better UV protecting qualities, they also lay down better, actually requiring less skill than cheaper paints.  THe better ones will also have better resistance to yellowing, and better abrasion resistance. 

But... generally one would choose one manufacturers system for both base and clear coats to ensure chemical compatibility.  The usual process is to lay down the base coat, and once its flashed off (15-20mins) immediately proceed with the clear coat.  If the base coat is completely dry before putting on clear, you will run the risk of clear-coat-lift, were the two dont bond properly and the clearcoat peels off.  Most manufacturers will specify a re-coat window, which is the maximum time that may elapse before the clear must be applied.  Usually the recommended window is 4 hours, with 24 being a maximum.  I think some brands may even allow 7 days. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 12 January 2020, 06:44 AM
If you are out of your re-coat window already, then you must flat the surface before painting.  Be aware tat you cannot flat a metallic base-coat without damaging the structure, so you will need to flat, re-shoot the base, and then the clear.  If its a solid colour base, you might get away with flatting the base wit 2000 and then applying clear, but with critical lighting you will probably still see the flatting marks.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 12 January 2020, 06:46 AM
The standard practice with clearcoat is to apply two full wet coats with only a flashoff time between.  But as Rumb commented, this leaves you wth very little margin for error when wetsanding and polishing, so 3 coats is safer.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 12 January 2020, 09:44 AM
OK, because you asked about clearcoat, I assumed you were using a base-clear two stage system. Is this the case, or have you used a 2k single stage colour system.

The colour coats of a two stage system are not catalyzed, while the colour coat if a single stage system are catalyzed, and do not require a separate clear coat as a second step.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 January 2020, 06:23 AM
 :o.. I need to read all of that a few times...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 January 2020, 09:35 PM
Dare I conclude that this clearcoating is a process in stages, that each time can be improved upon? Unlike a paintjob, that has a more detrimental, final character if not done properly>?
Thus, a job I could trust a local spray company to do properly? -(and maybe improove upon after inspection?)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 14 January 2020, 12:52 AM
No.  You basically have three classes of paint systems -

a) single stage - where the colour is applied and has its own gloss.  This product is catalysed if it is a 2K, or not if it is a cellulose or acrylic.  This class is usually limited to non-metallic colours

b) two stage solid colour - first stage are the colour coats which are not catalysed (and dry matt finish) , second stage is the clearcoat which is catalysed if it is a 2K system

c) two stage metallic - first stage are the colour coats which are not catalysed (and dry matt finish), second stage is the clearcoat which is catalysed if it is a 2K system

The steps of painting are :
1) bodywork
2) primers and prepping (a whole other discussion topic)
3) final flatting
4a) (if single stage) - apply 2-3 colour coats, with no flatting in between, only flashoff of 15 mins - max 4 hours
4b) (if two stage) - apply 2-3 colour coats, with no flatting in between, only flashoff of 15 mins, then after a 15-20 mins flashoff (max 4 hours), apply 2-3 clear coats with no flatting in between, only flashoff of 15 mins - max 4 hours
5) allow paint to dry (not cure hard) over night
6) if desired - colour sand (1500-2000-3000) and polish
7) allow paint to cure (28 days)
8) apply wax
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: s class on 14 January 2020, 12:54 AM
If you have interrupted 4a) or 4b) such that you are out of the recoat window, then you must flat again before continuing.  But looking back at your photos, the car appears to be shiny - meaning this was probably a single stage finish.  So why do you want to apply clear coat?  You can in theory, but its not the way the paint systems were designed?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 January 2020, 02:24 AM
I think I need to write the LAYMAN part in capitals again, haha! makes me sorry i even asked, coz I understand less than i did before.
Guess I need to stay away from this part and wait another year for the slowest garage in Asia to finish that clearcoat.
All  know it's a cellulose, and that the clearcoat has not been done.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: TJ 450 on 21 January 2020, 03:17 AM
Cellulose is a bit old school, it would've been 2K on the 116 originally surely?

Tim
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: TJ 450 on 21 January 2020, 03:35 AM
https://www.standox.com/content/dam/EMEA/Standox/HQ/Public/Documents/English/Classic%20Cars/STX_classic_guidelines_MB2.pdf (https://www.standox.com/content/dam/EMEA/Standox/HQ/Public/Documents/English/Classic%20Cars/STX_classic_guidelines_MB2.pdf)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 21 January 2020, 11:47 AM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 21 January 2020, 03:17 AM
Cellulose is a bit old school, it would've been 2K on the 116 originally surely?

Tim


No.  Originally, W116 cars would have had a single stage enamel (for solid colors).  The metallic colors after 1974 were a two part base/clear, but before 1974 the metallic colors were also a single stage, but in an acrylic lacquer. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: TJ 450 on 22 January 2020, 07:09 AM
Interesting, yes my W109 has the acrylic lacquer, 180 Silbergrau.

Tim
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 22 January 2020, 03:14 PM
Mercedes used single stage enamel paints (for solid colors) up into the mid 1990's, too.  There is something to be said for the single stage enamels.  They'll always outshine/outgloss the two part base/clear.  However, they're a bit more upkeep. 

Funny story........about 4 years ago I restored a customer's W126 560sel.  This was a $50,000+ adventure, so I used the best of the best for everything. including paint.  The car was originally black on black, and always has been.  When it came time for paint, I specifically requested that the body shop (at my local Mercedes dealership) use Glasurit 22 line in Mercedes 040 black.  (Glasurit 22 Line is the most modern, up to date single stage paint)  After all, we were restoring the car back to original, and there was no way I was going to cheap out on paint by using a base/clear that would never look as good the original single stage.  Well, after paint I reassembled the car and sent it back to the body shop for repairs of a few dings/chips from reassembly.  They had it done on only a few days.  They called to tell me the car was ready, and I said I'd just have to owner pick it up since it was done.  However, the owner was out of town for 3 more days, but I was unaware of this.  Well, three days later the dealership's body shop calls me and asks me to please take delivery of the 560sel, that it was causing problems.  Naturally, I inquired!  Apparently, the 560sel had been parked next to a customer's brand new S550, also painted black.  The owner of this new S550 was LIVID that this 30+ year old 560sel shined/looked sooooo much better than his brand new $90,000+ S550 with base/clear paint on it. haha  It seems that even Mercedes has cheaped out on paint. 

So, use that story as you will when choosing paints.  Just be aware that single stage is a little more upkeep.  It likes to be fed Carnuba about 3 times a year, and you cannot use regular car waxes on single stage enamel due to the petroleum distillates in modern waxes attacking the enamel. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 January 2020, 05:08 PM
So, use that story as you will when choosing paints.  Just be aware that single stage is a little more upkeep.  It likes to be fed Carnuba about 3 times a year, and you cannot use regular car waxes on single stage enamel due to the petroleum distillates in modern waxes attacking the enamel.


That's good to know! :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: TJ 450 on 22 January 2020, 08:11 PM
It's still 2K though right? I used a Dupont single stage 2K on my 6.9 which is 903. Shouldn't be any issue using typical waxes / polishes on these.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 22 January 2020, 11:28 PM
The Glasurit 22 Line is a 2K paint.  However, 2K (2 Komponent) only means that the paint needs an activator, sometimes referred to as a hardener, to stimulate the chemical reaction that causes the components of the paint to cross-link and bond to the surface of the car.  2K has no bearing on whether or not a petroleum distillate based wax is safe or not.  Each manufacturer of 2K paint uses different chemical make ups.  Glasurit does not recommend using any petroleum distillate product on the 22 Line paints. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 January 2020, 08:21 PM
Seems there was a heap of miscommunication for some time, and apparently the clearcoat was done months ago. I squeezed out multiple confirmations from the workshop, so somebody did not know left from right there..
Means that we now have an actual ticking clock, with either Tony and his tools arriving here in a container in a month or 2 to finish the wheel arches, or the old workshop would have done it by then, with their new rotisserie also in a container already on it's way to Taiwan.
I offered to take back the car now, get a refund, and finish at my own workshop, but they were adamant wanting to finish it themselves. That's a first..
So, we have a 2-month ultimatum going now, with an actual alternative if it fails on one side.Interesting..

In the meantime, our house renovation and the creation of our "MB Germany 1975" workshop downstairs is moving along nicely. I have some preliminary pics from several of the 20 stages house restoration that are already finished. So much has been 95% done, and we will  see the 100% marker being reached for several stages each day now.
It's a lot of house pics, and this thread should be about the cars, so I'll post an FB link each time a section has reached "100% done" Naturally, the downstairs garage is most interesting to some, but even though the infrastructure has been done, we are still gathering 70's furniture, tools and and machinery. Few weeks, maybe a month.. In the meantime, here's section 1 completed, the outside of the house, in 2012 (blue), 2019 (orange) and (2020 white/brown), and section 2 completed, the 1st out of 5 bedrooms done from beginning to end.
Section 3, the 2nd out of 5 bedrooms, the master.

S1: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163492961535001&type=3

S2: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163493644080001&type=3

S3: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163498055060001&type=3

S4: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163499132025001&type=3

S5: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163499504465001&type=3

S6: https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs/media_set?set=a.10163499504465001&type=3&uploaded=19



Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 January 2020, 02:19 AM
Here's a preview of the garage.. far from decorated, but it should give you an idea..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 January 2020, 02:23 AM
New glass facade where there was but a hole and steel shutters.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 29 January 2020, 07:33 PM
Quite a transformation. Your hillside erosion control looks like a massive project. How many yards of gravel? Interesting In a habitat where nature quickly reclaims everything.  Shop is looking nice.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 January 2020, 07:48 PM
So you see, except for infrastructure having been restored with a lick of suitable MB "blue" and some 70's browns, we're but at the beginning of turning this space into a era-correct garage.
I found 12 bright orange velours 70's showroom chairs and hexagon tables in good nick, that would require but a light re-spray of their slim frames in black to achieve a perfect match. Hard to remember how popular orange was in 1975, haha! Between 25 and 35% of all furniture was orange, back then. So, with some small, added blue back pillows and some original blue plastic MB ashtrays on the tables, that's a wrap.
Got 6 antique drawer cabinets that will all end up in blue blue with unpainted wooden drawers. (1 visible in the pic)
Found a full height car lift from the 80's that will be resprayed in it's original orange.
Found a large Siemens workshop wall clock (train station clock) from 1970
Got 9 unpainted wood+chrome standing lamps to make the whole lean more towards showroom than workshop.
That's about it. Got the MB gift and w116 accessory collection, but nothing to put them in yet.
The accessories are quite large, some of them heavy,  and they are supposed to be in plexiglass or glass cabinets with 70's MB stickering.
The MB gifts deserve a series of custom made glass showcases, but the volume of glass required may be beyond my budget. Still checking 2nd hand sellers.
Unconventional and nonpretentious, they could also end up in 1-drawer-each in the wooden cabinets. They'd be safer from UV there, and free of dust, but completely invisible unless you open a drawer. Not sure that's a good plan.
If anyone has ideas or suggestions, pics of easy-to achieve 70's workshop detail-tricks, I'd love to hear it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 January 2020, 07:53 PM
Quote from: rumb on 29 January 2020, 07:33 PM
Quite a transformation. Your hillside erosion control looks like a massive project. How many yards of gravel? Interesting In a habitat where nature quickly reclaims everything.  Shop is looking nice.

Yeah, that gravel project is on the other side of the country, some jungle-mountain land we have been developing for 6 years now. It's 6000m2, and I think we covered over 4000m2 with geotextile, geocell and white recycled concrete gravel. In a few weeks we'll -finally- get a license for 2 small buildings there, so that's coming soon. Would be nice to finish this workshop thing first, before returning to that old land project. I'm getting old, and this stuff starts weighing quite a bit.
We moved 5000 tons of soil in 6 years in 4 week-long digging sessions. Turned an overgrown 300m2 piece of overgrown flattish land into a footballfield sized piece of flatland in 2 levels, by digging down and pushing soil sideways. The gravel, 250 tons of it, had to be shipped from the city, all the way to the foot of my mountain, loaded onto 3-wheeled ships-engine home-made trucks in small batches, and driven up a 400meter high mountaintop. The road is on a  20-25 degree inclination, and it's narrow. Diggers and bobcats both at the foot and on the top of the hill, and a small army of Vietnamese boys to move all of it downhill into the thousands of cells.
That bloody mountain is now visible from space, haha The only bright white mountain in an otherwise uninterrupted green jungle. And it's all legal and green. It stops the jungle from reclaiming my property to a degree that 1-day-per-month is all that's needed to keep the bad weeds -and the snakes- out
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 March 2020, 09:17 AM
Brief, we are now building a 1978 Mercedes dealership. Not a copy of Stuttgart HQ, but a version you would have found in a smaller German city, more rural, those without the funds to transform their home into a full spec Bavaria dealership. There were quite a few of those back then. I am building workshop, waiting room and sales desk, with the historical "MB Customer Gift Museum" as a red thread, glass showcase all around with some 300 official MB-germany-issued gift articles issued between 1916 and 1986. So, the waiting room and the sales desk would have been specced to sell w123, R107 and W116. Can't afford 3 0-mile cars in the showroom, but just 1. That still means I need to have the other cars stuff as well, in the cupboards..and on the walls.

We're decorating the downstairs now.. hunting stuff down, gathering all of those hundreds of little items that used to be in a german MB dealership in 1979. it all has to come from germany-proper.
The brochure cabinet needs work still, a thing that Rumb just reminded me of;

I pretty much have all of the special informative brochures, but I still need to get the most common W123, R107, 350/450, 6.9 brochures. Always been focused on the hard-to-get ones, and everything M110. Was first planning to do a 1975 showroom, before the 6.9 was introduced. a thousand little reasons have moved that line to a much more realizable 1979. So yes, it may be time to ask the forum for help, someone that might have most of those needed here. It would be great to have a booklet for each type.. 200, 200d, 240D, etc. But, i would start with a booklet with all the R107's, a booklet with all the W123's and one that covers 350SE to 6.9. Everything else would be a big bonus. I can't be paying 25 usd on ebay for each specific model.. would end up costing 1000 bucks..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 May 2020, 09:41 PM
Tiny update.. I am building an FB site for the museum, with the first 4-5 posts already done.
If you're bored or interested, have a look, and get an idea of where I am taking this..
https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 May 2020, 04:29 AM
Today I received the delivery of all the thousands of parts I been buying the last 6 years. The truck almost tumbled off the road when he maneuvered himself backwards and drove one of his front wheels off the road, on top of a hill. A proper nightmare.
Long story short, with a dose of pain killers and a few hours work, all pallets were -manually- pushed uphill into my garage downstairs. It was a sight to behold.
Naturally I could not wait for workers to come tomorrow and sort everything in cupboards and boxes, and I pretty much opened each of the 50 boxes for a quick look.
What very quickly became clear is that I set a new bar for what should/could be called "megalomanic insanity". I am not even a mechanic. What on earth have I been thinking? All those parts! Without even opening everything, I found 4 sets of front chair luggage nets, all new.
4 sets? really? For what? The effort it took and will take to finish just 1 car, and I bought 4 sets.
4 sets of seat heaters, 2 full sets of locks and keys, a dozen front and rear light assy's, hundreds and hundreds of bags with parts I do not recognize. All of it NOS and no idea where they need to go. Dozens of items I DID recognize and remember. Memories of Australia shipments, boxes full of NOS chrome that ended up twisted and mangled on the back of a muddy fruit truck, winging it as a part time courier. Parcels that were sent from France to germany to Holland to Taiwan. Minimax's that were bought in Holland, shipped to Bulgaria, loaded into the back of god-knows what car, into a container, smuggled into taiwan, moved house 4 times with the restoration workshop moving house 4 times, just to finally end up here, after nearly falling off a mountain during delivery.
There is no end to the hundreds of stories that accompany each of those hundreds of parts.
And my restored chassis? No word. Did they spray the aluminum bonnet and trunk I shipped in from the USA? Nope, coz those are right here, and my chassis is not.
Also shipped here, all the rotten fenders and doors that should have been tossed in the kipper.
And somehow I have 4 bonnets here, some in colors I do not recognize.

I think I might need therapy, or a religion. I definitely need a mechanic. :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 24 May 2020, 07:04 AM
I'm sure a lot of us will be more than happy to relieve you of the parts you won't need, at reasonable prices of course ;) (unlike the guys we all know as "frenchies")
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 24 May 2020, 08:17 AM
For you at least a big step has been realized. Your storage racks will become a bit of a museum to see.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 May 2020, 05:48 PM
Yeah, I was already planning some of that. First let's have a look-see and hope I have built enough cupboards. I kinda don't think so.
Getting workers here is famously difficult and my DIY days are gone and may not return.
Think I am gonna start with getting rid of as many cardboard and paper boxes -but keep the part number- to save space, of those parts I am gonna keep. All the second-hand stuff that came off chassis 1 was also shipped here. Gotta throw out all the rusty doors and fenders, Then all the used door handles and window lifter mechanisms.-keep the motors. Gotta toss out al the bonnets, and just keep the aluminum one.
Looks like I have a lot of interior vinyl.  There's 2 full sets plus everything that came in bits from abroad. I know there's 2 more full sets on the other 2 cars I got stashed away. I found the vinyl spray I smuggled into Taiwan years ago, so I could start selecting the best pieces in any color to get a full set, in any color, since they all gonna get re-done  in 1 color at some point
Frustrating that there's 2 sets still on those other cars!
Saw a bunch of hat shelves sticking out of pallets, one more pathetic than the other. Sure hope there's at ;east 1 decent one among them. (I must have found at least 1 over the years)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 May 2020, 10:30 AM
And today my workers decided not to show up. A depression of sorts, they explained, and I shared their feelings right after they told me such.
I found that each time I walk downstairs and see the garage filled with pallets and parts in chaos, my neck vertebrae lock up and I climb right back upstairs to do 5 minutes on the orthopedic traction bed. I'm gonna  try again tomorrow. I am glad that the 2 full bumper sets I bought new are still in their safe, sturdy packaging, but all the other NOS chrome is all over the place. My NOS grille assy is without packaging, clamped in between seats and interior parts.
You can imagine I'd want to unpack them as fast as possible, with the other half of me trying to delay the very likely pain that will come seeing some of those hard-earned parts scratched.
Fingers crossed that i get lucky.
I also hope that what's not been lost when they disassembled and misplaced my engine is on that pallet, as well as the gear box and the differential, all of which I have yet to find buried somewhere..IF they are there.
The there's the unobtanium 6.9 front spoiler, and both baffle plates that I have not yet found.
Scary days.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 May 2020, 06:32 PM
(copy)  I am going to have to address the rear seat spring unit issue.  Much has been said here about welding and foam inserts. My  workshop must have stored mine under a leaky ceiling. Just saw the once OK covers are wasted away on the sides, and the internals are completely rusted. I have new pads, luckily, but I am no doubt faced with having to get decent or new rear sets springs.
is there any news, updates, about these being back on offer at MB?
Any way to obtain a new-ish one, NOS, refurbished or whatnot?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 26 May 2020, 04:40 AM
Rear seat spring frames haven't been available for many many years.  I don't expect Mercedes to ever again offer anything like this for a lowly (to Mercedes) W116.  I suppose the best thing would be to source some good used ones from Europe.....but then there's that issue of shipping, customs, sneaking in through the back door, transport on the back of some horse drawn buggy over mountains in crappy weather, and then on small fishing boats across the Black Sea, Caspian sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, down through the Arabian sea, Laccadive Sea, through the Bay of Bengal into the Andaman Sea.....at which point it may end up being allowed to pass through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam, finally into the South China Sea on to Taiwan.  (This is all assuming that China won't allow transport across their land) Once there the crap starts all over again.  Or.....you could buy from the U.S., and it would only have to cross the Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea after leaving some port on the southern coast of California.  :) 

I can't even imagine the hell you go through with shipping.  I don't envy you. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 26 May 2020, 09:41 AM
One of our members has had an entire W116 dashboard shipped in the hold of a passenger jet from UK to South Africa, checked in as sports equipment. Nobody seems to have cared enough on the bulk luggage x-rays. If there's a will there's a way.

Maybe find someone who's travelling to Taiwan ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 May 2020, 06:26 PM
''travelling to Taiwan"  That WOULD be a great option. Tony, my mech will be coming this direction at some point, and he could check in a spring seat as oversize luggage.-maybe. For now, he doesn't feel like being locked in a hotel for 2 weeks in quarantine after arrival, but that stuff should end at some point.
BTW.. shipping is an issue all over, no matter what country it's from. It's pretty much not getting IN. Strangely enough, everything that is shipped in by companies on pallets -like my Ohlins air-pallets from Sweden- is getting in without delay. Business first, I guess. it's couriers, everything small and private that is not, or hardly getting through customs.
So, worst case scenario, there is still the pallet way. It's just very costly, unless I can get Ohlins Sweden or Ohlins Thailand to add a spring seat to my shock absorbers pallets. Sweden is very official, and thus a long shot. Thailand is a bit more forgiving, but go find a -decent- spring seat from Thailand!
So, long way round, asking Tony to carry one would very much be the best option.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 June 2020, 07:57 AM
Sad days..
Been opening more and more boxes, just to find more and more damaged parts.  Costly shiny NOS trim, scratched, spread out over countles pallets, often unprotected. Broken left mirror glas, scratched hydraulic armored car jack, NOS RPM counter with the needle come off, because it was simply tossed in a box unwrapped. The list just keeps getting longer. Workshop guys just keep asking when they can rid themselves of my cars and wash their hands in silence.
It's a disgrace. i'm looking at damage in the thousands.
Gonna end up having to re-plate all the NOS trim, something I spent so much money on as to avoid by buying mint NOS.
Hopefully things will look up again later. For now, it's not good.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 02 June 2020, 11:35 AM
Hopefully some of it will be salvageable.
For instrument cluster stuff, if the faceplates aren't damaged, and the shafts unbent, re-attaching the needles isn't an issue. Heck, some people even take them off when restoring, so I wouldn't loose any sleep over it.

Trim you will likely just need to live with. I don't think anyone has trim that is 100% perfect. It wasn't perfect from factory either :)

Think of it this way - you're likely to have the only road going, restored W116 in Taiwan when (not if!) this project is finished.
Try to find something positive in a world of cargo misery :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 June 2020, 08:04 PM
Thanks for the kind words. i  do, I try and will, and have been doing so for a long time. So long.. In the last 6 years I have only missed 2 days in regards to my online searches, mails and investigations. For more than 3 years it was a good 6 hours per day. The rest of the years it was/is 3-5 times 15-30 minutes, every day. It is relentless. especially for someone like me who doesn't even own a mobile phone.

Last week I found myself needing a warm shoulder to laugh-cry in, haha!
I found a soft-copy of the 70's MB dealer accessories folder, with all the detailed photos. I only had a group-cupboard photo till now, and thought I had managed to track down most of the available accessories of yesteryear. The folder showed me how far i yet have to go. I have collected only 35-40% thus far, and many of of the missing items I have never even seen on offer anywhere!
As far as the W116 NOS parts are concerned, I was pretty complete, if it wasn't for the recent damage.
In regards to the "100 years of MB Customer Gifts" collection, it is now 'raining" newly found additions, where I was convinced recently -again- that I was "pretty complete"
My word, these MB boys have been busy coming up with new gifts. It is mind-boggling. I have long stopped posting all my new additions here on my blog, just because it's too much to keep up with.
I am so tired. I need this to finish, but it just keeps coming. I am not even addicted anymore, I am just running on routine, determination and discipline.
Worst thing is, not a single person I know in this country even cares about anything i am trying to do here, not even my wife, haha! I must be mad.

Thanks to Marku here, I can keep on making payments to those without paypal, and thanks to TJC here, my (almost) daily parcels can be shipped to a safe location in Germany during Covid, or I would have been climbing the walls in despair, seeing my mission evaporate.
Also, thanks to the warm assistance from so many helpful and supporting members here, or I would never have been able to get this far! :)


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 04 June 2020, 08:31 PM
Stan, do you have any stationary like this?  It would look lovely in your museum!  I bought two of them.  I'm actually using one, but this one is unopened.  I didn't know if you could use it or not. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 June 2020, 02:04 AM
wow! Never seen one of these! Are they hard plastic boxes, or a pile of paper sheets?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 June 2020, 08:00 AM
And while we wait for Aaron's stationary..some news here.
The workshop is shipping 2 out of 3 W116's to me tomorrow morning. Luckily I have the space for them outside.
Oh, and of course it's the 2 W116's that I was NOT waiting for!.
Inside the large garage downstairs it's an ocean of boxes, parts and whatnot. A mountain of vinyl parts, another mountain of chrome, a big pile of rubber, a mountain of sheet metal for W116, another pile for R107 and another pile for W108. (The latter 2 piles are totally up for sale. All NOS sheet metal and a big bag of small NOS parts.)
There is a mountain of seats, and a mountain of used parts, a pile of new FEBI and Meyle, and a pile of lights and reflectors. There's a pile of GAHH and a pile of W116 accessories. There's a pile of W116 options and a huge pile of everything that never should have been shipped here to start off with. Those are 2 piles.. rusty garbage and a pile belonging to other people.(!)
Even though it satisfies my OCD to sort this chaos into  order, there is a constant shadow over all of this, and that is the shadow of damage and loss.
I haven't even sorted the chrome, nor the thousands of small parts, and already I am 20-25000 in damages and losses.
Massive items are missing, even brand new windshields and rear windows. the NOS instrument panel, ORIS towbars, my high end Focal and JL Audio speakers.. the list goes on and on.
That instrument panel is absolutely nowhere to be found worldwide. tried for hours in a row. (Can only be built with seperate parts, that sell between 500 and 800usd (x3), plus the casing and shipping.)
My brand new 4 front seat spring units apparently have been standing in water for a long time, and are rusted. Those now cost 1000usd a piece on ebay to replace.
There is so much more.. I can't even bear to write it all down here.

Been talking to the workshop manager for 2 days, listing missing item after item, just to find out that he didn't even call the boss, so wasn't even aware of these insane issues.
I just had him on the phone, and he is convinced the missing stuff is still in his garage, while the manager says all was shipped out.
To be continued tomorrow.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 05 June 2020, 01:43 PM
Stan, they're just a pile of sheets of paper with the MB logos painted or stenciled on. 

When you get some time would you please let me know what kinds of W108 parts you have?  I have interest. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 June 2020, 10:46 PM
Well, both cars arrived. The formerly nice Dutch car with formerly mint white velours interior was transported AND ifited off the truck with steel hooks in my Bundts, so they are gone. The doors had been removed and without a tarp it was brought here in the pouring rain. Dash cracked, mid console ripped out  violently, as was the dash-wood, carpets and chairs rotting, covered in fungus. The engine might still turn, after standing idle for 5 years.
The other older W116 somehow had it's wheels removed for no apparent reason whatsoever, at the workshop and was transported and lifted off without wheels, with hooks around the axels, effectively crushing that car on the sides and and also crushing the bottom when it was parked, crushing wheelhubs, exhaust..the lot, even breaking the sils .
Brief, both cars together now have barely anything on them to harvest, or to save. .The older car/engine has been standing in the sun for maybe 10-15 years. so that must be a write-off. There is but some glass panes in there, and maybe I can re-plate some of the scorched window chrome. But that's about it.
Good news is that I found a NOS boot seal hidden deep inside the trunk that I bought ages ago. So, instead of a 30000usd loss, it's only 29900usd loss.
There's always an upside!
Still, I now know why there are laws against firearms in most countries.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 06 June 2020, 05:21 AM
Stan, have you got any legal standing against those people? Like a contract or something...

What you're describing would likely qualify as criminal damage here, but I've no idea what the laws in Taiwan are like.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 June 2020, 09:19 PM
No, no legal options.. this is not that type of country, unless you have a long expensive breath.

In the meantime, more sad news.. I ran a search on taiwan's 2 main auction sites, and after years of nothing ever popping up for W116 -coz there are no such cars on the road here-, suddenly we're drowning in NOS parts for W116, often disguised as w123 parts,-of which there are almost none, and surely nobody buying NOS stuff.
Indeed, thoses are all my parts. I recognize them..all of them missing from my pallets.
This has been going on since 2017, some offers coming from the same village where my stocks were kept. NOS air filter housing for W116, NOS luggage rack for w116, NOS chrome trim for w116.... Dozens and dozens of items.
Somebody has been carrying items out of my stock room on a daily bases, for years.
Sometimes they were using photos taken in the garage, showing a dozen items, so you could put in orders-to-steal. They wouldn't even steal them first, just steal whatever would be ordered. My expensive JL Audio and Focal speakers are gone as well, and sooo much more.
Also, I heard they fired a Mr Lin for stealing parts, and I found a Mr Lin online selling my parts.. They just failed to tell me.

Today I am driving north to see if I can find back whatever was accidentily not shipped, but there's little hope.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 07 June 2020, 01:13 AM
Thievery and greed often go hand in hand.  As painful as it is to go through this know that every bit of this will come back to bite this person in the A**.  If you can in any way prove these parts are your's I'd definitely go forward with some type of action.  Don't be afraid to use a little persuasion, either!  ;) 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 07 June 2020, 06:35 AM
I remember seeing that auction where it was rooms of parts.

This all must be so frustrating.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 June 2020, 07:48 AM
I guess much of my dream has been crushed. There's no way and no money and not enough time left for me to do this hunt one more time. After emptying several continents, including every major source you could think of, day and night, for years, and remembering four massive pallets with MB boxes coming in from VDH and Wenner, I have once fruitbox left  with original MB box packages/items. Another fruitbox with Bosch, Pierburg and such. Even with my arthritis, I can carry both boxes up the stairs myself, in one go. That's all there is in original packaging. Everything else that's left is small parts that fit another 5 little fruitboxes. 4 fruitboxes with Febi/Meyle shit, a pile of rubber, and who knows what that pile of chrome looks like after checking. 75% of everything I ever bought is gone, and it may be 85% as well.
I dunno what's next..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 08 June 2020, 01:59 PM
It's heart wrenching to hear how you have been taken advantage of. I cant imagine discovering that all your hard work has been stolen by thieves like that.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 June 2020, 03:35 AM
It's both their and my luck that i have spent the last few years managing one disabling scary disease after another, and keeping my wits has been the main thing. So, I dropped a few tranquilizors to keep my temper and my blood pressure down, and drove north to see what's what, and tell the workshop guys what's what.
I first commandeered some workers to help me go through their very small storage room, just to come walking out with a NOS rear light,  a box of NOS door seals, an NOS alternator, a NOS sunroof wind deflector and a pair of headlight protector grilles. They also  found my gear box.
That was it. No more other stuff. A massive building with just 1 box of items.

We then had a decent sitdown where i spoke and they kept mostly quiet. Anyone familiar with this thread can imagine what i had to say after all these years of neglect and abuse. -and near total loss.
It was just that.. A long string of neglect, abuse, disrespect for my property, and a thief-mechanic who literally managed to drive a 20 foot container's  worth of NOS parts out of their property without anyone noticing.
Against all odds, I believe it wasn't management that did that. I guess i also could not have lived on normally if I would have thought that.

Brief, they copped to all of the  neglect and ensured me i would be compensated in full.
That means that they technically now own everything that is left and that i present them a bill of every penny i spent on anything W116 related since 2013.
When that check has cleared, I will probably buy my chassis back from them for the agreed price, ship it to my place, get Tony to come over to install my -still present- NOS w116 engine, and build a car, as good as possible with the parts I have left, and  parts harvested and restored from the Dutch W116 in front of my door.

But, before that now lies the task of backtracking all my moves, and find out how much i spent on this whole project, before I even HAVE a bill for them to pay.
That'll be happening first now. I am already on it.
Then we  have to see  whether they will actually pay.
Luckily, they do seem to have a decent business now, and a business to lose, so that chicken to pluck may not be an entirely plucked chicken that one can not pluck.
They are not gonna like that bill, i am sure. I hope it won't go into the 6 digits..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: marku on 09 June 2020, 11:23 AM
When you said "Robbed blind" I didn't think it was on that scale. Must be really depressing and my comment about moving on didn't help. Even the compensation offered does not remotely come near to the true cost in time and effort. There is no way the parts can be recovered but there might be some satisfaction in seeing the perpetrators locked up. No chance of joint action with workshop? Surely they will not want to or even be able to write the cost off?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 June 2020, 06:32 PM
Yeah, I am still in shock, and denial. I am really worried about losing my temper, and doing things I am surely going to regret.
Worst thing for now is the unbearable bitter taste in my mouth, every time I see one of the few W123, R107's and W116's in Taiwan, while browsing the net. I see these car gatherings and all I can think of is how those car owners are smiling, showing off their shiny engine bay, with what are no doubt MY stolen parts. There are suddenly 3 clearly drivable, partially restored, shiny W116's on the Taiwan roads now, and they have parts on them that I know they couldn't possibly have sourced themselves. Every one of those owners could have been the commander-in-thief, or even the thief himself. It's a sickening level of paranoia that I do not yet know how to shake off.

I found a shiny 280SEL for sale, and I told the workshop guys to drive to Taipei, bring equipment, check the shiny metal for hidden welds, rust, and plaster, and if it passes, to buy it for me, as an advance to what's owed. It's a 10 grand car.
Maybe that way I'll get to drive a w116 before my health  will no longer allow for it, because whatever is left of my project, is not going to be finished anytime soon. 

Tony is eager to come still, but no-one is allowed into the country for now, and no end-date given to the national lockup yet.
I also haven't told him about the drama yet.

And, as if this couldn't get any weirder, the workshop boss is eager to give Tony a well paid job as their in-house mechanic.
Man.. i believe Elon Musk is right. This world of ours is a virtual video game, and the actual players are really taking the piss.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 June 2020, 06:52 PM
The guy that "restored" that 280SEL I am looking at, has a bunch of videos on youtube. Guess what picture he uses as his "logo"? MY w116.org "black and white "Mitterand-with-armed-guards" avatar photo...
I am seeing things.. I am sure.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 June 2020, 08:48 AM
Trying to move back to the bright side now.. :D
I am lucky that I never kept my MB customer gift collection at the Workshop, so that's all still there to become the core of the little museum I am building downstairs.
I am lucky that, except for a roof rack and a road alarm light, all my original W116 accessories were also always kept at home, so those are not stolen.
I am lucky that not ALL my NOS parts were stolen.

While I wait for the emotional storm to settle a bit, I am still re-sifting through the leftover boxes of stuff, seeing what's still there, trying to memorize what's still there, so I can get an idea of what options still lie ahead, that won't involve a new, triple-price secondary NOS hunt for 5 years to come.
My restored chassis is now being finished to the tee, I am assured. I told them I don't want to see any weld-cement filler anywhere, like I have seen used in the restored cabin, hiding under the new paint.but strictly lead-fill, with a fresh coat of paint on top. Wheel wells, and undercarriage can now be done because they will have it on the new caroussel before the weekend.
With a bit of luck, that will become a new chassis at the cost of 13000 usd, already paid.
The NOS engine I have here should be a treat, after I have Tony redo the gaskets and seals, just to make sure.
The Dutch W116 has all the simple metal parts on it that I need, and those can be refurbished.
I still have boxes full of door seals, and all kinds of rubber-steel parts, most likely sufficient in a way that buying what's missing should be a doable task.
There is still a bunch of Febi and Meyle stuff left, and that will help as well. (They did steal a bunch of that stuff as well, I found out)
I got lots of air filters, oil filters, and I think a gearbox filter and gasoline filter left.
Got a bunch of hoses, and I think I can find what's missing on ebay.
I have the old radiator that can be re-cored, a NOS oil cooler, but no airco radiator. Would be nice to see if anyone got links or other data to share regarding this item.
I have airco dryers, and the main hose. There's a small box with electric items, hopefully enough.
The central locking system parts are missing for like 60%. I think that can be overcome.
I have interior panels coming out of my ears. All of the old stuff is still there. Tons of it. The NOS stuff is gone, but the old stuff can be resprayed. Still have the paint!
Still have much of the bumpers i bought at MB, including the rear main one. Lost a lot of NOS corners and stuff, but I think I have at least a full set.
Still gotta get through the pile of window chrome. It's no mystery  whey I have been delaying that part. It's a bastard to figure out what's what, and even worse to find it scratched or dented.
No idea whether I have a full set yet. It may as well be 5x the left side at times.
Still got 4 out of 8 front seat spring units and my GAHH outfit, including 2 rear excelsiors.
Got 2 front chairs to mount that stuff one. The rear bench and leaning units are probably too far gone. Will have to find both the spring units.
Got some window switches left that were hiding in a strange box, and found 9 out of 10 window lifters. Guess they didn't want those. In large moving parts, there seems to be one of each left. Alternator, window wiper motor, and other stuff.
Got side windows, but no fronts or rears anymore. Been talking to Retrolunas, and they can provide them.
I found the parts for the tempomat system, probably complete.
I have no dash or mid console. It's al ripped, broken, cracked and rotten. That will be an issue.
I could sure do with a NOS instrument panel for M110, either R107 or W116. If anyone knows of anyone... please let me know. Building one with NOS eBay parts is possible, but it'll set me back 2000usd(!)
Brief, I am literally picking up the pieces, to see if there can still be a decent car coming out of all this work, and drama.
It won't be 0-mile, and it won't be 2 cars for sure, or 3. That ship has sailed. But maybe 1, something iike Ptashek's Goldie? I'd be cheering if I can still achieve that much in the end.
In the meantime I sure hope that dark blue 280SEL has good metal on it, so it may make a decent daily driver, so at least I can have some fun with that while we wait for the next episode.. ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 June 2020, 04:27 PM
QuoteI don't want to see any weld-cement filler anywhere, like I have seen used in the restored cabin, hiding under the new paint.but strictly lead-fill, with a fresh coat of paint on top

It's not possible to not use any filler, that's some urban myth :)
Compared to what my dad had to use 30-40 years ago in his workshop, modern fillers are fantastic and nothing to fear.

Lead, or rather tin alloy, filling alone won't produce a perfectly smooth surface. Close, but not close enough.
At the very least, a high-fill primer coat will be required.

From factory, a lot if not all of the outer body welds (sills to A/B pillar, rear quarter panel etc.) were brass brazed instead.
Below is an example how the guys did it on my 450 (that's the rear quarter panel, just under the rear windscreen) - that whole yellowish line is a brass brazed weld.



Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 June 2020, 10:59 PM
Right, I passed on that update to the workshop. They should be relieved hearing that.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 June 2020, 06:45 AM
The car that was shipped without wheels, and crushed as a result..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 June 2020, 06:47 AM
The car that was shipped without doors, and was flooded. -after having been left to bake in the sun for years.
That was a white-velours Dutch MOT car.. once
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 16 June 2020, 06:52 AM
In the meantime i am still doing the count, backtracking the endless lists of parts, expenses, and whatnot. Already passed the 100.000usd mark now. That's just Paypal 2014-2017 and the 3 car purchases, including workshop advances.
Still gotta do Paypal 2013, the international phone calls and bank payments made to the various NOS suppliers over the years..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 16 June 2020, 08:57 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 16 June 2020, 06:52 AM
In the meantime i am still doing the count, backtracking the endless lists of parts, expenses, and whatnot. Already passed the 100.000usd mark now. That's just Paypal 2014-2017 and the 3 car purchases
Still gotta do Paypal 2013, the international phone calls and bank payments made to the various NOS suppliers over the years..

The next time ANY of you complain about having to sink a couple of thousand dollars in your W116 for a repair you will forever be referred to this above commentary, and you will be harassed endlessly for being so cheap.  ;) 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 17 June 2020, 03:40 AM
Yeah, that's funny ;D
But before you gonna get people hating on me because of this warped comparison, let's ensure that it is understood that these are the material costs of building 2 NOS cars with over 100 factory options and  a full cabinet with actual 1972-1989 German MB dealer accessories, better stocked than most such dealerships back in the day..
It is an obsessive concept worthy of a prolonged psychiatric observation. :-\, and hardly a "car repair"
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: UTn_boy on 18 June 2020, 08:58 AM
Oh I'm aware of the differences between what you've done and an actual repair.  Even so, it was worth stating simply because so many W116 owners refuse to spend the necessary money on repairs only to let the car further languish in the yard out of spite. 
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 18 June 2020, 09:59 PM
I feel really, really bad for you. Experiences like this make you realize how horrible people tend to be. It's fortunate that good people exist. I hope you're able to press forward and have a happy ending.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 19 June 2020, 07:00 AM
Thanks for the kind words, again.  ;)
.. I am adjusting to the new reality. Luckily I had worse stuff happening to me in the past, or this would have been a breaking point for sure, haha!
I just hope I am not going to bump into my parts at some half-baked 90's car meeting with a random W116 stealing the show. That one really gets under my skin, enough to lie awake about at night. I just tell myself that won't happen, that, s the easiest way.

I am focusing on being happy that so much is still there, especially my "useless-to-others" MB gift collection, and the many accessories I gathered. It makes little sense to anyone to collect these, but I really take some rather inexplicable joy from that collection. You can't mount them on any cars, one could only fill the boot with them! ;D But, they are such a typical representation from the times of yesteryear, and I guess that fits my mid-life crisis.
There's so many of them by now, enough for a decent little museum, and all of them illustrate an epic history from the brand we are all so crazy about..
It's a bit like that TV series, Michael Apted's "runner up", where 20+ people are filmed each 7 years, from elementary school till age 63. If you haven't watched it, you've got something absolutely wonderful to experience when you get around to it.
MB, and heir founders Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler have run that Customer Gift program since the early 1900's, all the way till today. They kept principles, methods, continuance, packaging, in a way that can be recognized and has been consistent for almost 100 years.
Others, like Ford or Renault, who have been around forever as well, never did that. All other brands had a "whatever" attitude, even Rolls Royce, when it comes to customer gifts.
Funny thing is that none of the millions of automotive writers in millions of books and articles have ever addressed that unique history.

Anyways, that's just me.

The workshop sent me a photo of them building the rotisserie, so wheel wells and underside of my car can finally be done.
I still believe they will end up finishing the chassis..one day. ;D


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 June 2020, 12:01 AM
Another bit of progress..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 30 June 2020, 11:35 PM
 ;D I am telling you, it will be done! -Eventually.

ready to start the underside.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 July 2020, 11:37 PM
I decided to delete both the downstairs kitchen as well as the connected pantry, and turn the lot into a double size storage room for all the parts.
My (female) carpenter built all these cupboards, in all kinds of sizes, on purpose.
Much hasn't been shelved yet and is still spread around the garage floor, but 90% of all the small NOS parts have been sorted labeled and boxed, awaiting the return of my mechanic from the UK, Tony.
Word is that flights will slowly resume in October..
Guess by now I have gotten used to waiting... so we'll wait some more!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 July 2020, 11:44 PM
It seems I have way too many NOS door handles, too many NOS bumper parts, too many NOS window lifter motors and then some.
it is clear now that that thief regularly blindly grabbed completely random boxes, and maybe all of it was randomly taken in 1 go, during one of the 3 venue moves that the workshop made around their city. I can not see an intelligent pattern to the theft.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 03 July 2020, 07:55 AM
It is hard to have enough shelving. Looks like you can make it easier to find thing once they are all put away.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 July 2020, 11:12 AM
Well, the way I overstocked head lights rear lights an blinkers is now more visible then ever.. I have 4 to 5 NOS ones of each left and each right. Too many mirrors as well.  And airco-dryers.. and door rubbers..And fan clutches.. I really went into one, I have to admit now.. :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 July 2020, 12:48 AM
 >:(
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 15 July 2020, 12:42 AM
Work is still underway..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 August 2020, 08:21 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 21 January 2019, 09:59 PM
Quote from: rumb on 19 December 2018, 03:40 PM
just a note on trunk color

000-986-67-33     Until 20.03.1982 tiefdunkelgrau matt 7164 rocker panels, trunk
000 986 86 33            from 20.03.1982 galinitgrau matt 7129 
and
inside of bumpers    RUSTOLEUM Painters Touch Ultra Cover 2x Almond Gloss

the bottom of car (driveline tunnel, etc) were gray, and the shultz should be tan colored - but note exactly where schultz (3M 08874) goes and doesnt go.


001-989-37-51-09    grease for window regulators

Might you remember how much of this stuff is needed per car? I need to start ordering soon.. Apparently, the car has been sprayed by now.

Don't shoot me, but I gotta revisit this..-again.
Ptashek confirmed it's the right 3M Schutz number, and I got that number.

About the color.. is gray considered tan? Coz it sure looks gray to me. In Goldie's pics  it seems as if the schutz is nearly the same color as the gold.

About the quantity.. I got 9 small cans, more than was suggested here, but the workshop tells me I should get way more coz they need to do multiple layers to get near the thick, wavy structure of the original.
Workshop tells me a single layer will not offer enough protection in the long run.

About the SOP..
I understand the original car has primer, chassis paint and then Schutz.
The workshop tells me there may be better adhesion of the Schutz directly to the primer, eliminating the need for the chassis paint underneath.

Your opinions and facts are most welcome, more so even than usual!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 07 August 2020, 09:13 AM
I gave the 3M product because it is tan color. - At least mine is.  The MB one is gray.  Goldie has wax coating over the shutz I believe.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Rocker-Schutz-Coating/?N=5002385+3293241997&rt=rud  says beige/tan.

I think the MB gray lays down better so you can use it for the rocker panels that get painted anyway.

Correct spray is schutz over the primer. On the bottom of car the tunnel is not shutz, just primer(could be some sort of gray paint since actual primer is not a good finish material)  as well as some other areas above the rear axle. The entire bottom of the car is not painted at all. I'm not clear on the back part of the spare tire well - it's possible that it got some black paint.

The wheel wells front and back are body color paint over the shutz.

9 cans is easily 1/2 of what you need.

The front fenders from factory were installed before shutz and paint. It may be easier to paint them off, then install and spray more shutz along the top joint to seal all of that in and then retouch with paint. The bolts holding it on also were painted with the fender on car.

The factory painted car with doors on. The bottom of the door often had poor coverage.  The door check strap got painted body color.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 07 August 2020, 01:51 PM
I'm reasonably certain I mentioned Goldie was covered with Sikaflex/Sikagard, not 3M, and that one is tan(ish):
(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/zv9485.szmit.eu/resto/pics/full/full_ZV9485_01117.jpg)

The orange/honey hue is the wax coating on top:
(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/zv9485.szmit.eu/resto/pics/full/full_ZV9485_01503.jpg)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 07 August 2020, 02:07 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 07 August 2020, 08:21 AM
About the quantity.. I got 9 small cans, more than was suggested here, but the workshop tells me I should get way more coz they need to do multiple layers to get near the thick, wavy structure of the original.
Workshop tells me a single layer will not offer enough protection in the long run.

I don't have the exact quantity in my records, but I think it was 8+ litres total for the underbody, and wheel wells.
There's none on the sills or the lower front valance (chin), but that was my choice not how they came from factory.

Quote
About the SOP..
I understand the original car has primer, chassis paint and then Schutz.
The workshop tells me there may be better adhesion of the Schutz directly to the primer, eliminating the need for the chassis paint underneath.

From factory it was bare steel, primer, schutz, then body colour in certain areas like wheel wells.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 07 August 2020, 02:09 PM
I'm testing a new product over the weekend on my W124 - Novol Gravit 600: https://professional.novol.pl/en/product/135/gravit-600-antigravel
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 August 2020, 01:51 AM
 :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 August 2020, 01:52 AM
 ;)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 08 August 2020, 01:54 AM
Thanks for that even more elaborate input, gentleman. I clearly got the right stuff.
Have sent all data to the workshop. That'll be a relief for them as well.
So, having bought 9 KG of stone guard, that is sufficient? In regards to original, wavy, bumpy look, and durability?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 August 2020, 04:08 AM
The final texture with Schutz type coatings is a function of spraying pressure. Lower pressure means more texture.

If 9kg is enough depends on how thick they lay it. And more is not always better in this case.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Taha on 08 August 2020, 03:55 PM
Hi Floyd,

May I ask why you don't sandblast the underneath? How about using grinder and wire brush? Removing those thick layers with scraper looks very tough. Is there any point to do like this? Thanks.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 August 2020, 04:48 PM
Good luck sandblasting the factory Schutz off :)
And the problem with a steel wire wheel is twofold - it melts the Schutz, and then throws hot melted bits of it around the place. Total carnage.

The guys that did my car went the heat gun and scraper route too, and it was a bloody chore (quite literally, too).
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 08 August 2020, 06:19 PM
I used a steam cleaner that has a 1" wire brush at the end and added simple green to the water.  A horrible chore of countless hours that results in covering everything below with drips and chunks of the tar based "undercoating" that had been applied over the factory shutz. This left behind virgin shutz that I then scrubbed with solvent.  Anything loose I removed and then resprayed everything with new shutz. I did not see the need to remove to bare metal. The black tar based undercoat actually did a good job protecting the bottom of the car.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 August 2020, 03:16 AM
Quote from: ptashek on 08 August 2020, 04:48 PM
Good luck sandblasting the factory Schutz off :)
And the problem with a steel wire wheel is twofold - it melts the Schutz, and then throws hot melted bits of it around the place. Total carnage.

The guys that did my car went the heat gun and scraper route too, and it was a bloody chore (quite literally, too).

<that s what I asked, and what the workshop said as well.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 August 2020, 11:48 AM
Looks like we're ready to apply the stone guard now!
Gotta say, these incandescent lights in the ceiling really bring out the worst in this chassis color. Looks dark purple! In other photos it looked horribly pink. It really is a lovely bordeaux in regular daylight, but you wouldn't think so looking at all these workshop pics.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 14 August 2020, 12:50 PM
Isn't it amazing how quickly they started to move on this once the parts theft came to light? It's almost as if they were taking the p... the last few years.
There's a big bright light at the end of this tunnel. Not long now :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 August 2020, 07:47 PM
Oh, make no mistake.. They HAVE been taking the piss for years. Not maliciously, but with criminal levels of neglect and delay, due to the absence of a logical, intelligent, efficient, management-enforced schedule. Their financial house-of-cards system was always collapsing faster than they could rebuild. In the process, pancic and pressure each time forced them to concentrate on the biggest clients and cars belonging to coming-and-going company-co investors. Everyone was duped because of this, but the biggest swinging dicks often had the best chance of getting their work done.
The owner..well. He's still a mate, despite of it all. My gut always told me was not a bad guy, but a hopeless company manager. I also found out why.
The answer? Full-blown undiagnosed adult ADHD. It's way more rampant than people think.
I felt sure enough about my diagnoses that I arranged for a specialist appointment, and I was right. His family also has it, but unfortunately, my man was the only family member unaware of this condition. The other ones reacted with a "yeah, duuh" attitude when they were asked.
So, now he is on a daily dose of Ritalin, and he is experiencing calm and order for the first time of his life. He now has to start processing his many impulsive and often catastrophic decisions of the past. It can't be easy. On top of that, there is my 143.000 dollar damage bill.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 August 2020, 08:02 PM
quick question about the sills.. I see that -in stock photos- they always seem to be black. What is the spraying procedure  for those? Primer, chassis-spray, black spray, but no stone guard? Or the most logical way: primer, stoneguard, black paint?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 August 2020, 11:02 PM
well.. the sills already are primer-stoneguard, so I hope the logical answer is the one.. The guys jumped the gun a bit there..
And on that note, most of the bottom, if not all, has  a stone guard cover now.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 21 August 2020, 03:16 AM
Factory look was Schutz, then paint. Can't remember the colour code right now, but it's the same black that goes in the trunk.

Personally I've gone for the non-schutz look, and the sills don't seem to have suffered because of it.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 21 August 2020, 07:08 AM
wasn't the trunk tiefdunkelgrau?. That s the black I am seeing on other W116 sills?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 21 August 2020, 08:18 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 21 August 2020, 07:08 AM
wasn't the trunk tiefdunkelgrau?. That s the black I am seeing on other W116 sills?

Could be. The details (name and code) are buried somewhere towards the end of my resto thread.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 21 August 2020, 09:12 AM
The sills look good.  It couldnt hurt to pile more shutz on any and all underbody joints. MB really piled it on in most corners and such. The driveshaft tunnel is correct without any.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 12:59 AM
If this would be Holland, I could and I would. Snow, salt, rust, and Schutz in the shop next door.
Here in Taiwan, there's no rust on cars, unless you park your car ocean side for a decade or 2. And I am out of Schutz. Would need to import more 3M from Italy, 6x cheaper than Taiwan prices, but with 8 weeks delivery time now there's Covid.
Add to that the fact that I am 300KM away from the spray cabin, and we land were I am today. :D
I do want them to spray wax in the cavities when they're done.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 09:16 AM
Good advice on the schutz, clearly, coz it was exactly enough.

It's getting real now.. an actual refurbished chassis, ready to assemble?
Considering the workshop moved house 3 or 4 times I am hesitant to pop any bottles yet.
Would be great if they could refurbish the suspension parts as well, before putting the thing on wheels again.
They definitely need to hang the doors.
Since they sprayed the wrong bonnet and trunk lid, they will need to finish the correct, aluminum ones, and mount those. That won't be this week, I bet.

Those 2 pieces are really featherlite, compared to the iron ones. may be as much a 75kg difference, added together.
There's also the weight of all that tar and schutz that came off the chassis.
I compared the power steering pumps as well, the aluminum and the iron one. Big difference.
I wish I could find another dozen ways to replace iron with aluminum.
I am not expecting a lot from that 280, but shaving off all those kilos should make the car just a tad more nimble.
I wonder what the weight diff is on 4 iron wheels vs 4 Bundts. That can't be much I'd say.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to shave off some more kilos?
The Yorke only comes in 1 type, as far as I know.
The air filter is just insanely heavy. What on earth were they thinking?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 22 August 2020, 12:46 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 09:16 AM
I wonder what the weight diff is on 4 iron wheels vs 4 Bundts. That can't be much I'd say.

The original 14" bundts are 7.7kg (1050EUR/each), and the 14" steels are 9.1kg (250EUR/each) + 0.6kg per hubcap (360EUR/each) if you want them.
So the bundts are a saving of 9.4kg total over a full set of five steels and four hubcaps.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 22 August 2020, 01:29 PM
You could also install the alloy wheels that look like steel wheels and accept full face wheel covers. Those are SUPER lightweight (I think 11 lbs/5 kg each), much lighter than bundts. I have them on my 300SD. However, they won't be "correct", but correct-looking, and no one will see them behind the wheel covers or know the difference. There are both 5 1/2" and 6" wide versions available, and were originally intended for the W123 chassis. However, if you go this route, you'll need the special wheel cover clips with nylon tips for the best fitment and to avoid gouging the wheels.

Also, you can save weight and horsepower by installing a Sanden compressor. York-to-Sanden adapter brackets are cheap and plentiful. Is it correct? No.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 11:29 PM

[/quote]
The original 14" bundts are 7.7kg (1050EUR/each), and the 14" steels are 9.1kg (250EUR/each) + 0.6kg per hubcap (360EUR/each) if you want them.
So the bundts are a saving of 9.4kg total over a full set of five steels and four hubcaps.
[/quote]

You gotta love this forum, haha! Where on the planet do you people that "just happen to know" such things.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 11:35 PM
Quote from: Squiggle Dog on 22 August 2020, 01:29 PM

Also, you can save weight and horsepower by installing a Sanden compressor. York-to-Sanden adapter brackets are cheap and plentiful. Is it correct? No.

yeah, that one..
That's been on my mind, and it's a tough one. I love the look of the Yorke, and I have 3 of  them, 2 of them fully refurbished, like new.
If I could sell them at a proper price, I would consider the Sanden.
is it really so much better than the Yorke? Same airco power with less HP?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 11:42 PM
Quote from: Squiggle Dog on 22 August 2020, 01:29 PM
alloy wheels ......5 1/2" and 6" wide ......the special wheel cover clips with nylon tips

Since the workshop isn't answering me regarding the US Bundts, I smell an issue. They may have not yet ordered them.
In that case, could you please elaborate, send me pics and/or URL's related to these matters?
Sounds like this may be a big enough option to consider.
But, even though I have NOS wheel caps, they're all in 14" getting the 15's..well, we just spoke about those here. Bloody costly.

But, there is a company in Britain, who makes NLA wheel caps all day long. saw them on Top Gear. They showed a set of 4 that sold for 300 BP. Even if that's double now, that would still be a bargain.
Gotta see if I can find that back.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 23 August 2020, 07:16 AM
Quote from: floyd111
You gotta love this forum, haha! Where on the planet do you people that "just happen to know" such things.

The dealer I buy parts from lists their weight in the catalogue. No black magic or some über-expertise here :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 23 August 2020, 01:55 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 11:35 PM
yeah, that one..
That's been on my mind, and it's a tough one. I love the look of the Yorke, and I have 3 of  them, 2 of them fully refurbished, like new.
If I could sell them at a proper price, I would consider the Sanden.
is it really so much better than the Yorke? Same airco power with less HP?

I believe the Sandens use 7 HP less than the Yorks.

Quote from: floyd111 on 22 August 2020, 11:42 PM
Since the workshop isn't answering me regarding the US Bundts, I smell an issue. They may have not yet ordered them.
In that case, could you please elaborate, send me pics and/or URL's related to these matters?
Sounds like this may be a big enough option to consider.
But, even though I have NOS wheel caps, they're all in 14" getting the 15's..well, we just spoke about those here. Bloody costly.

But, there is a company in Britain, who makes NLA wheel caps all day long. saw them on Top Gear. They showed a set of 4 that sold for 300 BP. Even if that's double now, that would still be a bargain.
Gotta see if I can find that back.

Were you to use the steel-look aluminum wheels, they only take 14" wheel covers (but be sure they are later production stainless ones, as the very early steel ones have a different profile which makes mounting the nylon-tipped clips impossible). The nylon-tipped clips are part number 1234000027 and list for $8.50 each before any discounts, though you have to buy 16 of them, so it adds up. The part number for the 5.5" wide wheels is 1234001302 (typically found on the W123 240D). The 6" wide ones are much scarcer and more expensive (typically found on the W123 300TD wagon).  The part number for them is 1234001502.

The factory service manual states:

In my FSM it states:

Light Alloy Rims.

5 1/2 J x 14 H 2
Rim offset, 30mm
part no. 123 400 13 02
Model, 123.123 (USA)

6 J x 14 H 2
Rim offset, 30mm
part no. 123 400 15 02
Model, 123.033 (USA), 123.130 (USA)

Wheel bolts for fastening wheel
For steel plate and light alloy rims.

Part no. 110 401 01 70,
Threads M 12 x 1.5,
Length 21
Note; end of bolt head is recessed with MB star imprinted.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 August 2020, 08:29 PM
 :D <applause emoji.

Thanks a lot for that remarkably detailed data.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 23 August 2020, 10:19 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 August 2020, 08:29 PM
:D <applause emoji.

Thanks a lot for that remarkably detailed data.

You're welcome. Should you decide you want to use 6" wide steel-look aluminum wheels, I know a person in California, USA who has a set he would sell. He has experience selling them and is pretty much the authority.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 August 2020, 12:37 AM
I'll do the showroom W116 with a Yorke, and I am very much looking for a 280SEL somewhere, and plan to make that my daily driver, with everything light weight where possible.
Gotta have more thinks about them wheels.
i feel the showroom car should have 15" Bundt's, and I'll be looking for lighter wheels when I have found a 280SEL
I do have a little spark of hope that maybe the showroom car will one day find a fanatical buyer. If none of that happens within a few years, I'll be looking forward to driving it when I please.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 August 2020, 04:04 AM
About the underside of the chassis..
It's primer, then Schutz, but does the underside get another coat of chassis color on top of the schutz?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 26 August 2020, 03:03 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 26 August 2020, 04:04 AM
About the underside of the chassis..
It's primer, then Schutz, but does the underside get another coat of chassis color on top of the schutz?

Not on the W116. Or at least not on mine :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 August 2020, 08:12 PM
Eh, what? Please don't confuse me, haha!
is there or isn't there.from factory?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 August 2020, 03:38 AM
I have been trying to find out online, but naturally, just when I need to, I ca't find any convincing pics, haha!
So if anyone could tell me for sure, that'd be great. The workshop is keen to finish, go figure. ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 August 2020, 05:15 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 26 August 2020, 08:12 PM
Eh, what? Please don't confuse me, haha!
is there or isn't there.from factory?

I meant that neither of the two W116s I've had the opportunity to dig deep on had body colour on the underside.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 August 2020, 05:17 AM
 ;D OK! Understood with thanks, as usual!.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 August 2020, 05:41 AM
My favourite source recently has been the assembly line video: https://youtu.be/K_NKoMF3k38?t=322

At 5:22 you can see that Schutz was applied before paint. At 6:25 and 11:57 you can see the wheel wells and underside are not body colour either, but later on the wheel wells are painted in body colour and the underside is black. So likely this was done by humans after the automated paint shop line and initial bake. Unsurprising, as they'd have also done the inner spaces this way too. Paint shop robots weren't advanced enough back then to do this.

The natural colour of factory Schutz was light grey tan(ish).
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 August 2020, 06:28 AM
mm. but if the underside in the video is black, and the Schutz is gray.. how is the underside black?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 August 2020, 07:48 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 27 August 2020, 06:28 AM
mm. but if the underside in the video is black, and the Schutz is gray.. how is the underside black?

"[..] likely this was done by humans after the automated paint shop line and initial bake [..]"
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 27 August 2020, 08:45 AM
I dont think the original schutz color was gray. On my 1977 car it is tan color.  I had read somewhere that the MB supplied was originally tan but currently it is gray.  I used 3M which is tan for that reason. Here is a picture of the underside of my car showing uncoated drive shaft tunnel and tan schutz.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 27 August 2020, 08:52 AM
deleted
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 27 August 2020, 09:23 AM
Quote from: rumb on 27 August 2020, 08:45 AM
I dont think the original schutz color was gray. On my 1977 car it is tan color.  I had read somewhere that the MB supplied was originally tan but currently it is gray.  I used 3M which is tan for that reason. Here is a picture of the underside of my car showing uncoated drive shaft tunnel and tan schutz.

It's hard to tell by the colours in the video, but I think we've covered it before and the consensus was that it is indeed tan(ish), not grey. My bad :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 03:00 AM
wait what?
The underside is tan Schutz, not gray schutz?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 03:29 AM
Right now, the underside has a layer of this: 08874 gray
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 03:35 AM
and I guess it needs a coat of this:
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 03:43 AM
I don't get i! It's the same part number! Have I made a terrible mistake?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 August 2020, 10:52 AM
You're OK Stan. Nothing is ruined. Remember - once you cover it with cavity wax and underbody wax, nobody will ever see the Schutz colour again until they go scrubbing. Also, do you really care if it's tan or grey, if it keeps the car rust free for the next 20 years?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 11:13 AM
It's not so much the color, as the product I was worried about.
Is it the same product, these 2 cans?
I am so confused. In what world does a company like 3M have 2 identical numbers for 2 different colors or products? I do parts for a living, and in 10 years, I have never seen this happen, dealing with countless big and small producers..
I heard 3M is a Taiwanese company. maybe that explains things. ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 28 August 2020, 12:12 PM
It is the correct product, as in "correct for this application".
There is a heavier duty one, 3M 08964, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter as the car won't drive a lot.


https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/305143O/revestimentos.PDF
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 August 2020, 12:31 PM
 :) That's a relief.
I really am in over my head with this project at times.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 September 2020, 01:57 AM
Ok, it's time for the underbody wax.
Would  this be a good one?

https://shop.wurth.ca/rust-proofing-rust-remover/underbody-protections/wax-underbody-protection/WAX-UNDERBODY-SEAL-BLACK-1-L/892.0791/
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: AndreasF on 01 September 2020, 05:25 AM
Hi Floyd111,

Würth products in general are good, but I have no experience with this product.

Carblast in Stuttgart (http://carblast.de/ (http://carblast.de/)) cleaned the underbody of my W116, welded it, painted it and then sealed it with Teroson Unterbodenschutzwachs hell (underbody protection wax light). Was their recommendation and I am satisfied up to now (7 years later). The light wax also has the advantage that you can see damages to the underbody better.
I hope you can buy Teroson in your part of the world?

Cheers Andreas
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 September 2020, 10:56 PM
I will check all of that out. Thanks, man.

In the meantime, dare I say it? More disaster. Partially, the correctable type, but boy oh boy..

Remember how I was waiting for the Schutz? That was done, be it in a too dark a shade.
But, Like Ptashek pointed out, could be resolved, because after the protective wax, it would all blend in fine. Very specific instructions were given to the workshop, and OK'd
I also still needed to have my inner wheel wells done with a layer of red chassis paint, before that wax job would happen.  Very specific instructions were given to the workshop, and OK'd, so I was waiting for that.
Yesterday I asked for photos, and behold, the wheel wells were done in red, like I asked.
I then looked at the next pic and behold, the complete underside of the car was ALSO sprayed in red chassis paint.
trying hard to not pop essential veins in my head, I called them, just to find out that the spray guy personally decided it would be better to do the whole thing, "because he had found some blue paint under the car, and therefore the original car MUST have had the complete underchassis sprayed in chassis color"
Either that, or he was too lazy to do a masking job, or he had simply forgotten, or he was simply never properly instructed by the boss. Who knows.

So, now I am at crossroads. What to do? Sand the whole underchassis back to bare metal, and start over?
-Leave it and simply add transparent wax?
-Leave it and simply add colored wax? I found a British company that does custom colored waxes, and in that way change the color to what it supposed to be?
-Spray the red with beige chassis spray and then add transparent wax?

Most of these solutions make me fear that pebbles and rocks may and up chipping the coating and reveal red paint.
Staring over also does not appeal to me, not so much because of the time involved, but because I am afraid the sanding may affect welds and stuff.

Guess what? Your advice would be appreciated. There's a surprise, eh?
I am telling you.. if this were holland, this would be baseball bat territory..
What to do..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 02 September 2020, 03:39 AM
I'd say leave it be. It's the underside, nobody ever looks there twice, it gets dirty with time and an extra layer of paint may keep the red cancer away for a little longer.

As for further protection...
If you can get it shipped to Taiwan, I would strongly recommend Mike Sander's for all box sections. Failing that try Bilt Hamber Dynax S-50. These aren't waxes as such, but best for closed profiles.

For the outside, Normfest Bottom Guard Wax or Bilt Hamber Dynax UC are good choices that I'm familiar with. Both are translucent brownish colour when applied.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 September 2020, 09:06 AM
Thanks for that info, as usual, my friend :)

In the meantime I have spoken weighty words with the shop owner, and he explained that, by sheer coincedence they had not yet applied the clear coat and the red can be easily blasted off the stone guard, which is what they have started doing.
After that, they'll do a second coat of W116-color-correct stone guard.

So, it looks like this was more of a shock, than it was an actual drama.
But boy, Murphy's Law is alive and well in Taiwan..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 September 2020, 07:20 AM
I think I may have succeeded in recreating the 1978/79 showroom brochure cabinet.. finally.
I wasn't going to pay 25-75 bucks per catalog, and more often those are the prices these days.
So, it took quite a bit of time and effort to complete the lot in an affordable fashion.
I think I'm complete. All the booklets are actually printed in 78/79, and in German.
I don't think I'll go as far as getting all the "Sales Arguments" brochures for each model, coz that's more of an internal use booklet.
These are the main W123 brochures to boot.
I'll post the w116, The G and the R107's batches later.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 September 2020, 07:34 AM
And the last W123-specific brochure, the turbo-booklet.
There are, off course things like Fire truck and Ambulance booklets, but those are not booklets -or customers- you'd find in a German countryside MB dealership in 1978.
There's also all the option booklets and such, but those aren't W123 specific and I'll list those in a different section later.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 September 2020, 07:17 PM
Seems we're up and running again!

this is the second batch of catalogs, the W116 specific.
Need to add that germany in 78-79 had changed the cover of their 70's car catalogs, and they didn t have the 1-car-oer catalog system like f.e the gorgeous W116 ones from the UK.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 September 2020, 07:20 PM
G-Model 1979.  Just the one. Not even sure whether it actually made it to the showrooms the year of this catalog, but it was  announced, for sure.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 September 2020, 07:51 PM
Incomprehensible, but MB never bothered to revamp their R107 brochures in Germany. The SL's and the SLC's in the showrooms were all, what could be called the pre-78 look. They only released a separate, new-type one for the 450SLC 5.0
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 26 September 2020, 02:20 PM
Downstairs things have started moving a little, finally. My wife has taken an interest in sorting, cleaning and numbering the many parts that have been partially in cupboards, or partially heaped in groups on the floor.
It's mostly chrome and vinyl parts, and there's a lot of it.
Since the PMR and Arthritis stop me from crouching, kneeling and sitting on hard floors myself anymore,, I am happy that she is doing it.
Removing all the stickers, glue and dirt from the NOS chrome parts is a monk's job. She seems well into it.
At some point all of the NOS chrome is going to the anodizer for a new coat, together with some 2nd hand trim, some of it still on the parts cars in front of the door.
The vinyl is getting a baking soda and soap cleaning, and after sorting through 5 sets of interior, The best 2 sets will be selected and primed for re-spraying with the spray cans I smuggled in the boot of a friends car in a container from Bulgaria to Taiwan, a few years ago.
Once the working floor is empty, I can proceed ordering the exhibition cabinets, and start decorating the place, turn it into a museum, decorated like a functional 1978 MB garage.

The loss of so much material in the robbery has taken a bad toll on me, and besides promises and paperwork about getting compensated 2 years from now, it's been a tough time.
Insomnia, anxiety disorder, and a pharmaceutical quagmire.
To kick myself into butt, and boost my dopamine levels, I have bought 2 professional go karts and I have taken up racing. One 30hp long wheel base 125/2 stroke for me, and one 7hp/2 stroke short wheel base for my wife and 9yr old son, who seems to be a natural.
The physical beating that comes with trying to compete with racers, 2, 3 times younger than me, in a kart with no suspension, going 120km/hr through the bumpy corners, is impressive.
2x 8 minutes of it required 3 days of rest and healing. The second time I did 5x8 minutes, and I am looking at bruised ribs and blue spots all over. This time around it might take 10 days before I can race again!
It's the most painful mid life crisis one could come up with.Even laughing hurts.

I am now waiting for the workshop to get moving again. The chassis is done, but the aluminium bonnet and trunk have not been done yet. No pictures for a while now, so I take it they have been doing other things the last month.
Guess I will have to pressure them again, so all of it can be finally be shipped here and I can finally be in charge of things myself again.

On the museum front, the exhibition/collection is still growing at a nice speed. Lots of people in Germany and Austria have way more time on their hands now, cleaning out attics and basements, and I have been on top of all of it, snapping up item after item, sometimes several per day. but in general, it's a couple every week. Nearly all new purchases are still sent to Thomas in Germany. That pile is slowly becoming a pallet. I can foresee a new adventure there, moving all of that to Taiwan. But maybe I'll be lucky!
BTW, my FB page gives a good impression of what the museum will be like:
https://www.facebook.com/stan.deegs
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 March 2021, 02:36 AM
It's 2021.. Another year into this project.
What to report? These are the silent days, for sure. Developments seem frozen in time.
My restored chassis is still in storage, but at least the workshop boss has dropped by and assured me he'd refund the amount in losses I asked for. -in a little while.
Well, considering he had to drive 600km to tell me in person is a positive, I hope.

Slow is also the movement towards regular flights. Until then, no UK mechanic, and no assembling the W116.

Slow seems to be the word since Covid. Even on eBay, where either everyone is too depressed to bother listing stuff or I have indeed managed to corner the market for vintage Mercedes customer gifts.
Whatever the case, eBay feels  like there's a war on. Me, I definetly have been hit by ebay fatigue.
First time in 8 years I have suddenly taken distance from the incessant, obsessive collecting that was easily taking up a third of my life.
Fair to say it's time for another stage. Since there's no mechanic for some time still, the W116 thing is on hold, but the little museum-thing need not be.
in a few days my workers will be available again.  The weather being great,I am looking forward to some movement there. Decorative panels with 70's wallpaper, tacky lighting, a giant mirror cube as a pedestal for the w116 suitcase set. Double B3 technical catalog pic blow-ups on the walls. Orange waiting room seats, orange phones, orange mechanical vacuum cleaner, orange phone call timer, blue desks, blue beams, blue flags with the old white star. Still looking for an orange 1978 hifi set. But, we have the obligatory German ceramic billboards and warning signs, the 1978 MB brochure cabinet, the 2 large oval display cabinets with all the '75-80 MB Accessories and Car Options.

In the end it all fits in that small garage with room to spare, even though well displayed. It makes me wonder.. all that work and effort?

But, all of the above is just museum decoration. The actual museum consists of a collection of some 500 avant-garde gadgets that Benz, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz gave away to German customers between 1900 and 1986
i kind of calculated i was going to fit it IN and around the garage, that would firstly be an active workshop and waiting room. The museum stuff would be tucked away in dead corners. That kind of idea.
Imagine my surprise when I did the math with real numbers, and found out i'd be needing nearly 50 tall showcase cabinets, or I'd be stuffing the cabinets.
Brief, that is an issue! The cost of that many cupboards will be a shock, but will not compare to the space they will take up. There'll be no room for an active workshop with 50 cabinets taking up all the floor space.
So, that 50 cupboard design needs revision, but even if the number is cut in half to 25 units, the secondary problem remains unsolved.

Now, I can add a metal wing to the building, just long and wide enough for 2 w116's side by side. Any bigger and i might draw attention. So that s about it.
With the parts storage already being taken care off and the parts-wash cabin as well, do you think one could properly assemble a w116 in a garage twice the size of the car? Would it hold all the required tools?
(must not forget ceiling height vs lift height during design)
Your opinions are welcome as usual.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2021, 05:56 AM
A few first glimpse of where I am with the museum.  Still have a long way to go, but at least it starts to look like we might arrive one day.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2021, 05:57 AM
 :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2021, 06:25 AM
Maybe, in a few days, the doorman's desk and the customer desk should be done. For now it's scrubbing tiles, lots and lots of tiles, splattered with decades-old paint, grease and dirt.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 12 March 2021, 06:26 AM
I am now looking for a suitable brochure cabinet and tv-table, one that suits the 1973 Sinodyne Xantos from Italy, a TV that was years ahead of it's time, but does not seem to work.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 12 March 2021, 09:10 AM
You maniac, Stan :)
Congrats on the progress! It's coming along.

So will this be open to the public eventually?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Braminator123 on 12 March 2021, 07:17 PM
Hello Stan,

I am like Homer Simpson salivating over your museum collection!

I can appreciate the time and effort spent in gathering this collection.

Well done.

Cheers Bram
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 13 March 2021, 08:00 PM
Yeah, I am happy with the progress as well, be it that all of this is still part of the interior decoration, and there still isn't a single customer gift on display.
Nothing was supposed to take that long.  Passion is close to obsession and can easily can evolve in to a burn-out, as I have noticed.
However, not arriving at any goals, -despite an obsession- is worse.
I am sure there's a clinical expression for all that's wrong with my head :).

Yes, we'll be open to the public, but only by appointment. Neither the wife nor I would not want to run a  daily-type of business. Our present retirement status is already doubtful, considering we're still regularly involved with our supposedly out-sourced company.

Thus, I am thinking about a fixed fee to open our doors for a few hours, and in return I'll offer a custom-built lecture, depending on the visiting group. The character of all these customer gifts that were issued between 1900 and 1986 is such that are a range of angles is possible, each time using the same museum collection for different talking points.
Marketing students would receive a different version from industrial design people, different from economy, history, business or people that are just crazy about the brand.
Could do a "light" version for those with attention deficit issues and woke version for Millennials. ;D

Just like there are 1978-issued German Marks in the 1979-issued leather MB wallet in my 1979 W116's glove compartment -once all is done-, I was planning to play recordings of 1979 German public broadcasts on the 1973 TV in the 1978-style garage's waiting room, -if I can get that TV fixed.
I also thought of playing Kraftwerk and German schlagers over an obviously low-fi 70's hifi system in the garage.

But, this week I bumped into some rather mindblowing footage on Youtube that gave me all kinds of ideas.
We all have seen black and white footage that was later colored-in manually, or digitally.
Footage, filmed 75 to 120 years ago, B/W, no resolution to speak of, variable speeds, terrible lighting, damaged and withered over time, -but with some color. That isn't it.

What is new is that now there is technology to turn that ancient, archaic footage into HD.
If you haven't seen any of that, go check it out. It makes 1890 look like it's a place you can visit today. Zeppelins really looked like out-of-place CGI-designed alien ships . Hitler looks like an 'acceptable' madman that could decide to run for election next year. It all looks so real, and recent. So much more recent.
Brief, there is a lot of such HD remastered historic footage from Germany and other countries. I would imagine it would make for the eeriest experience to see that footage projected onto 1 or 2 walls in the museum, in or out of tandem with the lectured tour.

Have a look at this 1902 footage. the Flying Train in Wuppertal. How "out of place" is that?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQs5VxNPhzk

There also is a 1902/2015 side by side video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TqqdOcX4dc
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: marku on 14 March 2021, 10:54 AM
Congratulations a real achievement. There really is nothing like collecting.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 15 March 2021, 08:00 AM
I think I must have supressed my obsessions for a long time. I never collected anything in my teens or thereafter. I think I may have caught up now.

Got the floor done today. Next it's going to be a 100 odd jobs, paint touch-ups, and finishing the customer desk's 2-tone paint coat, a thing I have been trying 5 times now, with poor results. Might have to send the 3-piece desk to a car body shop to get her done. By now I might personally have caused a hole in the ozon over Taiwan with all them spray cans I wasted.

The many leaflets and brochures I collected, belonging to the various accessories and options were finally joined in place today, which was very satisfying :D
Still waiting for them workers, though. Until now, it was just me ploughing on.
Might consider doing the decorative panelling myself now. Can't be as hard as a piano finish on a customer desk?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 15 March 2021, 09:52 AM
Stan, awesome work!  I hope to visit one day and see myself.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: 90077merc on 17 March 2021, 10:54 PM
What is it about the W116 that attracts you?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 March 2021, 05:57 PM
 ;D If I had all the choice of the world, maybe it wouldn't have become a W116.
In Taiwan there are no classics worth mentioning. Not if you want a license plate.
It was either a gorgeous but totally dodgy Citroen CX, a really common w123, a 35000 euro R107 wreck or a 8000 euro wreck of a W116.
Thus a very short list. Everything else (still very little) would be 80's
For me, when I was a kid, the w116 6.9 was a supercar, and with it, its looks.
I am still in love with both it's nose and its ass. :-*
That feeling remains today, be it that I can do without the massive 6.9 engine.
I tend to live in countries where such big engines are illegal(Taiwan), or in places where you will get crippled by fuel and taxes.

The lack of a classic support structure here was another factor.
Even a regular Volvo of any sort can cause crazy problems if there's an issue.
Only a handful of garages for newish volvos, all of them standing ready with scalpels to remove essential organs. I have a 10.000 euro V70 here that's been standing for nearly 3 years, coz I can't get an affordable gear box fix that costs less than the car.
Thus, MB's are the safest choice, and with "safe" I mean it takes a lifetime to restore one, but at least it is mathematically possible.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Jed on 31 March 2021, 10:00 PM
stan,

Wow!

amazing, truly.

well done
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 01 April 2021, 06:42 PM
This one came out very nice. The mechanic's reception desk at the front gate.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Fergus on 02 April 2021, 05:15 AM
Stan

What a wonderful collection.

I love the wellies!

Fergus
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 April 2021, 09:36 PM
 :D Finally, the rarest of MB dealership items from the 70's: The disk-shaped slide price list.
I wasn't sure to ever be able to find one, but there it is!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 April 2021, 09:41 PM
Things are moving along swiftly now! Floors scrubbed and cleaned, which took 4 days. The countless window panes were painted blue, and with that, the color spectrum that dominated the MB showrooms at the time is now correct. Light blue from the early and mid 70's, as well as the late 70's introduction of the dark blue with white.
All that repeated rebuilding and decorating, moving stuff in and out, as well as the irritating water leaks i had to fix have caused  a lot of damage to the freshly painted walls, so I'll have to re-do a couple of sections. That's a job for this week.
I keep underestimating the scale of things. It's not even such a big garage, but even a quick floor mopping takes several hours!
I am already having visions of weekly cleaning ladies ;D

I also found a car spray guy in the town nearby that was willing to professionally spray the 3-piece customer desk, since i had failed at doing that myself. Would be epic if I could indeed achieve that piano finish that way.
He charged 300usd for the 3-unit job, with a dozen shelves and drawers for free.
I think that's a great deal, considering a similar desk would set me back at least 3000usd if bought new. I only paid 100usd for the lot to start off with.
He WOULD take his time for that price, he said, so no desk or photos for at least another month.
Still, it sure is something to look forward to, and it gives me the time to go look for a company that can produce a 100CM long transparent MB logo sticker, to fit into the lit display on the front of the desk.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 April 2021, 09:47 PM
Meticulously restored, a Leifheit mechanical hoover from around '75.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 02 April 2021, 10:00 PM
2 original Mercedes boot fridges, made by Engel for MB early 1980, including the MB manual.
One flown in from Brazil, the other from Germany or Australia. I forgot.
I got 2 of them, in case I need a donor some day.
The 1980  "A" edition is the rarest of the Engel fridges, so I am not counting on ever finding a spare anywhere.

Indeed, not a Becker/Frenzel, and a few months too young for a 1979 showroom, but I have to forgive myself for that one sin.
The Frenzels remain unubtanium, unless I am ready to shell out 3500-5000 euros, which I categorically refuse to do.
Technically, the Engels were available for the last of the W116's, so it's still a fit, I think.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2021, 07:49 PM
Oh, joy of joys. I finally found one and bought one. the original Gradulux w116 Venetian blinds. :D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 03 April 2021, 08:35 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 03 April 2021, 07:49 PM
Oh, joy of joys. I finally found one and bought one. the original Gradulux w116 Venetian blinds. :D

Am I the only one to think that these blinds instantly turn a perfectly nice car into a pimp mobile?  ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 03 April 2021, 08:41 PM
Stan, here's the antenna I've mentioned earlier
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 03 April 2021, 09:27 PM
Interesting! I already tracked one. let's see . thanks a lot for the tip!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 April 2021, 04:42 PM
Quote from: ptashek on 03 April 2021, 08:35 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 03 April 2021, 07:49 PM
Oh, joy of joys. I finally found one and bought one. the original Gradulux w116 Venetian blinds. :D

Am I the only one to think that these blinds instantly turn a perfectly nice car into a pimp mobile?  ;D

I think they were corny back in the day, but really bring home the style of the era when looked upon today.
But more so, the scorching summer sun here in Taiwan would make mince meat of my rear shelf and seriously raise the cabin temp as well.  They will serve an important service, these blinds.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 05 April 2021, 04:47 PM
Meanwhile, a close-up of the 70's MB shopping bag that was used to bag sold accessories. They show a number of commonly sold MB accessories of the time, and how lovely is it to actually have these exact items on display!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 April 2021, 10:09 AM
Not quite finished yet, but here's a pic of both the GSM-2 systems (B-Netz) that were sold to very, very rich W116 clients. Also visible are the Hirschmann antenna amplifiers and the Kathryn telephone and radio antennas.
In the end there should be Becker, kathryn, Telefunken and Philips logos on the wall behind the display.
I calculated that one could buy an apartment in Taipei for the price of one of these phones, back in the 70's.
In 1976, a basic W116 cost the same as 5 houses in Taipei(!), so that kind of fits. Mind you, we had/have more than 100% taxes on those already overpriced cars.
The rarest parts here are the special lighter and horizontal ashtray that one would need after installing the 25KG telephone set.

The rest of all the Becker products, the AM fine-tuner, car radio, glove comp cassette unit,  and the amplifiers for hifi, as well as the fader knob will all get a seperate joint display.
I did a long search for original ceramic or zinc billboards for these, but these Becker signs from the 70's are either unaffordable or simply not to be found.
i will have to be content with repro's made locally.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: 90077merc on 08 April 2021, 01:10 AM
Ptashek,

What were those antennas used for on the car?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 08 April 2021, 03:49 AM
Quote from: 90077merc on 08 April 2021, 01:10 AM
Ptashek,

What were those antennas used for on the car?

It's just a goofy aftermarket radio antenna, with a W116 on the box. Nothing special about it :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 09 April 2021, 08:29 PM
Not really.. they are Kathryn telephone system antennas, the original MB.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 10 April 2021, 06:00 AM
Quote from: floyd111 on 09 April 2021, 08:29 PM
Not really.. they are Kathryn telephone system antennas, the original MB.

I think the question was about the antenna I've posted a page earlier.
But if not, then yes, the ones you've posted are pretty special :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 12 April 2021, 02:45 AM
You probably have this one already Stan?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 April 2021, 03:27 AM
 :) No, not yet, but it's in English, so off limits in the little museum, haha!
The Classic center in Fellbach were nice enough to send me free books from their archive, covering this part, and then some.
But as always, thanks for the tip!

In regards to the silly FUBO aftermarket antenna, that deal fell through, so I am on the lookout again. Right now there aren't any affordable ones, by the looks of it.


This week was all about details and decorations, all those little things that tie together the room, hopefully creating that real German 70's feel.
Every item has to be iconic, and that's not always easy and affordable!

Big problems choosing a hifi system.
1979 is where all the big German companies started collapsing under Japanese pressure.
Design went out of the window in the mid-seventies since they were trying to copy the Japanese techno-look, desperate to hold onto their multi-billion market share. They failed.

Boomboxes were the new fad, and Stereo was the standard of the future.
I have been unable to find a good looking German Boom Box. They were ugly and expensive, and still are today. No Icones to be found till now.
All the good looking stuff was built between 68 and 72, and they were mono, with only 4watt power. No good in a large garage., but very, very good looking.
The real lookers, like Nordmende Spectra Futura, worth the poor sound quality, have skyrocketed in pricing.
I guess that the era-correct hifi system in a German garage in 1978 was a Japanese system. Pretty sad!
Here's a pic of what I'd like, but can't afford:

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 April 2021, 03:30 AM
and this is the best Germany had to offer in 1978, be it 'made in Portugal"
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 April 2021, 03:34 AM
While investigating all of that, i did find a couple of affordable iconic items:
First, the Neckermann Radio X 150, to hang on a wire above the mechanic's pit.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 April 2021, 03:43 AM
The Coffee Corner:

Melitta pretty much ruled their coffee-tea machine market for 2 decades, nearly all their stuff instant plastic classics.
I am close to having purchased all the must-have Melitta tea/coffee accessories. It's what millions of Europeans had at home in AND at work. And Melitta  are still around today.
BTW, them green/red filter holders are now 20 times more valuable then when bought new, and seems to be getting worse. If you have one, hold on to them!

In the cafetiere-area the Moulinex Futura coffee machine won the contest. A proper classic.

Extra items for the coffee bar are these coffee, tea, cookies, sugar and milk containers.
In real life, nobody would have all of those in 1 brand, so I also did not.

last on the list, the Maybaum water cooker. Made to last 100 years, people bought them and kept them for life.
It is a fine example of how planned obsolescence is evil beyond words, for Maybaum is still kicking around in 2021
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 14 April 2021, 07:31 AM
The bathroom:

Not easy to find the balance between a 70's business toilet and a 70's hippie toilet, famously louder than an army of megaphone-wielding Floridians in Aloha shirts.
Slowly trying to pick some era correct accessories, resisting the temptation to go all out orange!

The most iconic  must-have is probably the space age Siemens hand dryer. Got one of those.
A red oval mirror and a bog roll stick has to be as well. 
Haven't found the correct wall-mount bog roll holder yet, and we're still sifting between oceans of vinyl flooring and proper 70's wallpaper, the latter being quite difficult to find.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 April 2021, 11:16 PM
I think I might have broken some dubious record, after having now spent the better part of 4 days looking for a proper 70's bog roll holder on ebay and other sites.

I'm taking a little break now, allowing some time to show some of the Kundendienst area articles.
The main desk, a trilogy in bulging blue and white, is not yet back from the spray guy, so that one will have to wait.
But the desk accessories, and the stuffing for the ordner-cupboard behind the desk has all been sourced.

Arlac was the one to corner the German market with well-designed sturdy plastic desk-gadgets.
Lots more Arlac pics later.
Also in the bag, the first button phone that was availaible to the German public, '76 upwards.
It was a fad that people hated, resulting in a costly,  short production era.
Those that made the switch went back to the old dial phones.
That could very well have been the end of the button phone, but for some mysterious reason, public apprication for the button phone saw a revival in 81, and the rest is history.
Lovely side-kick was this egg-timer-type minute-counter (in the picture)that came out around the same time, for phone calls were still quite costly.

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 20 April 2021, 07:45 AM
Just when you thought there couldn't be yet another rediculous twist to this "now in it's 8th season" restoration soap opera, there's more!
remember my once mint Holland-imported 280SE for 8000usd that was meant to become my 2nd princess, that was THEN  left untarped with the doors out for years, that was then shipped back to my house, now baking in the sun, rotting? That one?
It's now gonna go back to the workshop, because they need parts for my 1st princess, standing there naked, restored and awaiting assembly.
Not just some parts, but the complete undercarriage.
That is because the complete undercarriage belonging that same restored 1st princess is missing.
So they will need to remove all the "rolling parts" from that one in order to  roll my chassis to my home-garage, where it will then await my man Tony, who is still in lockdown in Britain, and Taiwan airports still on lockdown indefinetely.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 20 April 2021, 09:08 AM
Must be frustrating at times living in a country of thieves.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 20 April 2021, 10:51 AM
Remind me again why none of those guys are in jail yet?
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 24 April 2021, 03:58 AM
If only it were so simple. Not a country of thieves, luckily, but the lowest crime rate planetwide here in Taiwan.
The fact my NOS parts were stolen is an exception, and only possible because the actual boss in charge did not pay his staff..-again- and one of them took off quietly with a truck full of stuff, including much of my stuff.
My missing undercarriage is part of that fiasco, as well a part of the incompetence of that same boss,. who got into deep water again, needed to move house and dump lots of old stuff in storage belonging to dozens of cars, and mine got tossed along with the rest..
What can you do? Break his legs? That isn't gonna get me paid..
But, on that same note, I don't like that last alternative, shipping the Dutch car back to the workshop.
I think I'm just gonna ship the new chassis here, in whatever fashion possible, and quietly await the arrivel of Tony and the end of Covid. or vice-versa.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 18 May 2021, 04:41 AM
And just when things started looking up with that vaccination wave abroad, hopefully allowing Tony to fly in and assemble my car, now we've got Covid in Taiwan as well. Schools nationwide closed, etc etc. All because some idiot did not arrange for ample quarantine rooms for airline staff, pushing them into a 5 star hotel instead. Instantly 200 infected. 48 hours later it's 2000+
It's gonna be a heated 2 weeks, as we wait for either a containment of these sudden 2000 cases or we will see the floodgates open like everywhere else. That would truly suck.
The scorching summer is about to start, the country is suffering from unheard of draught with large parts of the country already under water rations.
Are we gonna spend this summer in lockup without a daily water supply? We'll find out soon enough, I guess.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 May 2021, 12:17 AM
Small miracles sometimes do happen, it seems.
In 2020 I found a very rare 1920's Mercedes manicure set. Very elaborate, leather, with dozens of tiny items still in their place. I was quite ecstatic, for the item was only 35 bucks and super rare. Something you find but once in a lifetime of obsessive searching.
Paid, shipped with PayPal and insurance and tracking. And then it never arrived. Germany being Covid-ridden, all I got was a refund.
The loss of that thingy had me nauseous for months.  It's so difficult to find pre-war customer gifts. Each one of them could/should be worth 10x that price.

But, I suspected the item must have arrived somewhere in Germany. I tweaked my search bots and kept at it till last week, when finally my rare 20's manicure set popped up in the results.
Purchased and paid for, it is now once more on it's way.

The seller, who charged me twice what I paid before is adamant the item has been in the family for 50 years. I would bet this is is a 1 in 10 chance, at best. Still, I'd love to be proven wrong about my conviction that it's the very same item, and with some luck I'll be able to find out for sure and have my faith restored.

Funny thing: Just as I wanted to add a pic, the advert got deleted. The pics I have on my computer are on a disk that broke today. Copies of detailed photos in mails all seem gone as well.
Good thing I always have a backup disk, or I might have considered upping my reality meds!

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 10 August 2023, 07:53 AM
I'm back!
 :)  :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 10 August 2023, 09:25 AM
 :) looking forward to an update!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Nabstud on 11 August 2023, 06:57 AM
I was recently thinking about your part storage and theft issues. Hope you have gotten a break....
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: ptashek on 16 August 2023, 03:21 PM
Quote from: floyd111 on 10 August 2023, 07:53 AMI'm back!
 :)  :)

Welcome back Stan. Looking forward to a status update :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2023, 01:41 AM
He Lucas!
It's been a while!

Been around the world with the family for 1.5 years, trying to escape the global madness, trying to find a new paradise somewhere else.
I did not find it.
But, we did find sanity all over, and my little girl finally recovered from her mask-induced incurable airway infection/inflammation, or whatever that was that the doctors could not cure.

So, after a 100 amazing and rather unbelievable adventures in Zimbabwe, South Africa, France, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Costa Rica and Nicaragua we're back in Taiwan, slowly picking up where I left off.
The stuff we had to do here, and have done already is nearly too much to list, since the tenants had completely neglected and abused the house as well as the property around it.
Still, the museum is getting back into shape, with everything renovated, unpacked, re-sorted and redecorated.
I'll be posting pictures soon. Hope it's going to be ready in a few days. Took weeks to clean and repair!

The renovated chassis will arrive her next Wednesday or Thursday, and I may just have enough parts in storage to build 1 NOS W116. But, for that I'll need to find a mechanic to assemble the lot. Where have we heard of that problem before? Right! 5 imported mechanics ago!

I was also in Stuttgart, at the MB Museum, where, early morning I parked myself in the lobby, asking to see the Curator/boss.
Told them I'd wait till closing time if required. I did wait that long, and in the end, he appeared. We had a chat where I explained my project to him, and my suggestion he buys my gift-, accessory- and 70's MB workshop interior, for the Stuttgart Museum.
I had seen a W123 Combi in the museum, with lots of era-correct daily items spread around the seats of the car. His idea.
Thus I knew that my project was right up his alley.
I am almost done with my catalogue, after which I'll send it to him. See what he says.

Not counting on anything, I proceed with my Museum build, and now that ALL the items that were gathered and stored at Thomas's place in Germany for 2+ years are also finally in Taiwan, it is all very complete.
Yes, they are finally here. Along the many travels I ended up in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, in places not far from Thomas, and also not far from my expeditor in Brussels.
It was a lovely day trip to Thomas, where we had had lots of talks, and we also unpacked and repacked the endless amount of items in a fashion that would fit my SUV, as well as my family.
We drove back to our rented cottage in Belgium, unpacked the lot, repacked and listed them on shipping manifests, and then drove them to Brussels, while on our way to Amsterdam.
We also ended up having to send customs pics and tax codes of each item, before it finally left Brussels. Never again! Do not try this at home!

Anyways, we're back, trying to pick up from where we left off.
I still need to check whether Tony, my last mechanic from the UK is still alive, and willing to come back to Taiwan. He was very busy keeping up with his boosters, and with his 350lbs weight he may not have survived watching the BBC for 4 years.

I also noticed that the last few pages of my "Dairy of a layman" thread have been disappeared..
I sure hope that we won't have more of these episodes, now most of the world has come to their senses.
There were pics in there that I no longer have copies of, which kinda hurts.
It also creates a clear gap in my thread, that by now is almost fit for a novel. ;D  ;D

Here's a few new pics, a teaser of what is to come.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 23 September 2023, 01:50 AM
Also hi to Rumb!

Looking forward to getting back up to date with the daily ongoings on the Forum!
I hope everyone is still alive and kicking!

Here's some more pics..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 September 2023, 04:49 AM
And what a restart of this opera this turns out to be.
Today the chassis arrived, 2 days early. Joy of joys. It's only been 10 years.
I had the big Mercedes flags hanging from the roof, as a salute to this milestone, the end of an era, the beginning of a new one.
Imagine my horror to find the right rear fended dented. both horizontal folds included.
I called the workshop guy and tore him a new hole.
I could write pages full of obscenities here, and it would barely scratch the surface of what I want(ed) to express.
I'll refrain from all that, but you get the point.
10 years, out of which 5 years of daily searches and back-braking shopping and shipping issues in 5 languages in 10 countries.
Close to 130.000 euros spent. including 2 W116's destroyed, the third one missing ALL parts but the chassis.
Half my NOS parts missing, and now the renovated chassis finally arrives with a really nasty dent.
The trunk bottom scratched and dented as well, as is the tank lid, and the trunk scratched.
The interior was filled with garbage and parts belonging to other cars. Big scratches in the interior metal.
When is a man allowed to weep, I ask myself?
When is a man allowed to go out and put someone in the hospital for a very long time?
"Peace, Mercutio, peace..."

After an endless series of phone calls, lies, excuses and attempts by the workshop guy, Steve, to wave it all off the table I succeeded in forcing a solution, but only since I refused to have the chassis offloaded, and the long-distance flatbed costs ticking away, on Steve's dime.
Tonight, a very friendly local with connections is coming to have a look, so it can be shipped and fixed professionally, locally, on Steve's dime.
With that guarantee, I allowed them to roll the chassis into my little museum.
I'll post pics in a bit.

What is new as well is that Steve has screwed over dozens of people over the last decade, and quite a few have come to see him, in the must pressing of fashions.
By now he has lost his company, his cars, his big bike, his house and his wife.
Not an easy chicken to pluck, which really adds to the despair!

I wonder what the next chapter is gonna look like. There must still be events that have not happened yet.
Maybe a global currency crash? The big Quake? A volcanic outburst?



Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 25 September 2023, 07:20 PM
Some pics from yesterday.
At the end of the week a friendly local panel beater is going to visit to have a look. he seems confident it can be fixed locally, and Steve even told them he'd pay for it.
That'll be the day.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 26 September 2023, 07:10 AM
Stan,
What a journey!  At least your car is in your possesion now and can finally move forward with assembly. Also sounds like a good world tour with your family. Glad your daughter is better now.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: Nabstud on 26 September 2023, 10:08 PM
I was expecting the back end to be half ripped off!!! I reckon the damage is pretty light, easy fix for a panel guy, just gotta match the paint perfectly...

What a location though, beautiful view!!!!!!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 September 2023, 09:35 AM
It still feels as if the back end was ripped off! :-\
Every time I walk past the car I catch that horror in the corner of my eyes, thinking it is a first, a new dent. Guess that's the PTSD talking, haha!
It just kills me that this could happen after all that came before.
I also found some other spots, while carefully washing the chassis. Luckily, most of it inside the cabin, invisible after the interior goes back in....one day.
I wonder if the scratched boot floor is an easy fix, with the protective undercoating, AND the spray paint scraped off in 2 spots.
How does one fix that?

The local panel beater would be able to tell me if that car even received a proper clear coat, or whether it should have a second clear coat, or just a proper polish. One fender doesn't feel as smooth as the other. Good thing is that the doors, fenders, all that metal is maybe even more perfectly straight than it was when it came out of the factory, bar the big dent.

Right now only one display cabinet is left to arrange, and that would be the vintage accessories and apparel displays sorted.
After the weekend the NOS W116 engine will receive a toothbrush cleaning, before being moved to it's designated spot in the showroom.
Would there be any risk using brake cleaner, you think?

Monday I'll check out the options available to have all the XXL original 70's MB dealership posters framed, to stop them from aging. They all are exceptionally pretty. R107's, W116's, W123's and some related posters. I would imagine they could be set in glass with aluminum framing.
They will be hung in all the right places, just like they were, 50 years ago in Germany
May as well check if there is a similar-ish way of preserving the costly pile of dealer brochures and catalogs.
Normally, brochures should be visible to clients at a dealership. Hiding/storing them is missing the point. But, Taiwan sunshine and humidity is gonna kill them quick, if I don't watch out.

I still need to find 70's(-looking) spotlights as well. I couldn't find anything affordable 2 years ago. Maybe better luck this time around. Fixing them onto massive I-beams and/or thick corrugated steel plates is yet another challenge.
The present tubular lights are an eyesore.

After all that is done, we'll have a quiet think about how and where to install a car lift, and how to obtain a basic, affordable tool and garage equipment outfit.
We may build an extension/work-garage outside, a lean-on, or we'd have to dig down into the museum tile flooring, since the ceiling is pretty low, just under 9ft.

On top of all that action, I have also returned to eBay! I can't help myself. I am back to browsing 5000 ads a day again, looking for vintage additions. Must say it is a little bit better than 2 years ago, but still only very few, and very moderately interesting items there.

I did see this thing, which I will not be buying, due to it's condition and price:

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 September 2023, 09:37 AM
Quote from: rumb on 26 September 2023, 07:10 AMStan,
What a journey!  At least your car is in your possesion now and can finally move forward with assembly. Also sounds like a good world tour with your family. Glad your daughter is better now.

Thanks, Rumb!
Yes, it is a step forward.
Now I know why Steve had 100 excuses for years, why not to ship the chassis before! It was these dents.
Let's hope that the local shop can make all the booboo ok again ;D
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 September 2023, 04:22 AM
This how small that set is...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 27 October 2023, 06:52 PM
It took a while, but I have some videos to show for. :)
This week I received my framed dealer posters, hung them, and now it finally looks the way I visualized it.

The actual museum artefacts are still i storage, so this is merely the 1979 MB showroom rebuild, the environment created for those customer gift display cabinets.

Enjoy!
Part 1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kVlXpAYT2UE
Part 2.https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ibXAC0wgfY

And yes, I still need to install the right lighting, and connect the 3 multimedia spots. An LCD screen in the 1979 TV, and 2 projector with screens, that all will be playing MB commercials from the 70', Schlager music and some powerpoint presentations of all the historic MB advertising posters and campaigns that were issued between 1900 and 1990.
It is a work in progress still.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 29 October 2023, 01:17 PM
Looks fantastic!  Those tiny books were the rage back in the 60's or 70's.  I have a tiny book about Abe Lincoln.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 31 October 2023, 09:47 PM
I ll do a detoiled series of vids the coming days, where each item in the museum intrrior  is highlighted. This afternoon I m gonna go to town and see if I can find a company that can make the glass upside down aquariums displays for me. Acrylic is better, no doubt, but the prices are through the roof for that material, especiallly considering I ll need 3 dozen of them, or more. I ll store the airtight aquariums with content in a few open cupboards, and lift them onto trays on wheels when there,s need to exhibit them.
I ll still revisit the idea of suspending them from the ceiling on hoists, whi,e having the displays double up as garage lights when up high, but the weight of these things really require pretty heavy duty rollers, wires, hoists and stuff. Again, it quickly gets very expensive that way, and very bulky as well.
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 29 January 2024, 08:48 AM
Detailed videos of the museum interior., parts 1, 2 and 3.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvr2e0n317WHwX8uF_mo_2ZIts5cf__9Z

Still no Gift Collection on display, though. Low on cash, after the big robbery..
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 February 2024, 12:02 AM
How time has flown...
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 February 2024, 01:24 AM
Even though I still have no money for my exhibition cabinets, I did finally find the time to create a slideshow series containing 98% of the Customer Gift collection.

Here you go. Hope you enjoy.

Part I, 1900-1950
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1zRUTXWIcY

Part II !950-1972
https://youtu.be/gFAwh5ZX_RA

Part III 1972-1976
https://youtu.be/T6PeIBZSRcM

Part IV 1976-1982
https://youtu.be/R--5DHQK8h8

Part V 1982-1986
https://youtu.be/Y9a8Wysu8-8

Part VI 1986-1990
https://youtu.be/s6ule_CtbXc

Part VII MB Accessories and Apparel 1975-1979
https://youtu.be/s6ule_CtbXc

Next up:
Part VIII MB Dealer Interior 1975-1979
Part IX MB Posters, Calendars, Manuals, Matches

Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 06 February 2024, 07:25 AM
Even though every possible force of nature seems to have worked against me, I have not yet given up on my dream.
The fully restored chassis is not going anywhere any time soon, nor will the NOS engine, or most of the NOS parts I have gathered over the years.
For sure, I will need to wait for better times with more finances -and a mechanic- before I can hope to assemble the lot.
Finances that may or may not be returned to me, that is to be seen.
At the moment I am a single dad with my 2 little ones, and apparently NOT the co-owner of a massive distribution company.
I found out the hard way that my wife of 18 years did not list me on any of the company registration paperwork -in Chinese-, when she abruptly and silently disappeared to Spain to go live with another man, and HIS kids.
And with her, all the company bank account access, leaving me with my lovely kids and an empty debit card.
When I ignorantly showed up at the office with the kids, we were removed by the police and pushed into the street.
Yeah, that happened.
After getting robbed blind by my MB workshop a few years ago, losing half my parts stock and a clean W116 imported from Holland, now this.
13 years of building, running a multi-million dollar company, just to see it legally disappearing into a cloud of smoke, just like my wife disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

So, in order to ensure we can all eat in 2024 and to make it to the end of a slow divorce with no money for a lawyer, I need to offload some stuff pretty fast.
I was forced to sell my MB gift collection to a friend a few months ago and now I am helping him to sell that stuff to MB Stuttgart , and if they don't, maybe some international auction.

So, if you need any NOS W116 parts, let me know. I also have a big FEBI and Meyle stocklist that is substantially cheaper. In MB, lots and lots of chrome/aluminum trim, bumpers, complete lock sets, rubbers, window lifters and so much more.


Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: rumb on 07 February 2024, 09:33 AM
Sorry to hear your challenges. Your son looks like a fine young man!
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 07 February 2024, 11:04 PM
 :)
Title: Re: 280" Concourse; Diary of a layman
Post by: floyd111 on 28 February 2024, 04:55 AM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IWD2hHkbh5w&feature=youtu.be

Here s a video of the NOS aluminum and chrome trim. Pretty much everything is for sale.
There are 3 or 4 used items in between, but they are mint as can be and will not be sold as NOS. Some NOS items have signs of aging and some have tape-glue residue. Most of it is absolutely mint. The wheel caps are 10x mint without a scratch or dent in the metal and 5x with a microscopic scratch or dent. Detailed pics can be supplied of every item. The paint is to be removed. There are no sets of 4, 5, with the same color anyways and the paint is not immaculate. Please consider that this is not a dump sale. I paid market prices for most of it and I expect offers that reflect that. Please check the internet to see about other NOS offers, if any, and then consider what the value is anno 2024. I am OK selling beneath those prices, but within reason.