I had time today to bring the car home, with a short layover at the shop to get it up on the lift and try to figure out some of the noises I am hearing - more about that in the thread in the tech section.
I am slowly piecing things together about that car, but still have some blanks about it's history that just don't make too much sense. One thing I know by now is that the car has sat. And that for a VERY long time. The last oil change sticker I found on the car (and I hope there have been changes since - the oil certainly looks like there has) was from November 1988...at 52k...well, it's 2016 and the car has 61k on the clock. I know 3 years ago the car encountered a deer and received a new headlight, grille and the hood was *somewhat* straightened out. Since then, the car drove another 100 miles.
It's definitely one of the most solid, unrestored W116s I've ever seen. Must have been stored inside always and not driven in New England winters. Car seems to have come out of Virginia originally. Aside from some very small, minor spots of surface rust caused by seemingly a few scratches or dings, all the usual suspects turned out negative for rot, which made Me quite happy. Dash has one very short, minor crack on the edge of the gauge panel, but that's it. Needs all fluids changed, a full tune up, and some things taken care of:
- possible noise from TC
- rear seat has collapsed
- turn signals operate on warp speed
- Aux fan always running
- rear passenger side door not opening from outside
- dashboard illumination not working
- new (used) hood
- windows slow and "draggy"
- replace windshield seal
- just LOTS of general maintenance
The cosmetic stuff will come later, but it's going to come.
Here are a few pics of the new addition. I had a 280SE 4-speed in Germany that I inherited from my grandfather, but since then this is the first W116, and I totally enjoyed the short ride in it today...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/l6NVtF6UtxWfPFxOj4qqNlIQH1UuLoR7r7pCd_qvztFTEcewRv8KDPnR0lOFOAz6spKOOzYsmSSDng=w873-h491-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cMf6kYJp_St8ancSMidpGU5dwfXu9V069I5UqLjcbdr6m4WlDriwO2O9Kkljp6yhGpuxSkNfzsg6yw=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mevyg-rsUZt4zzJG6f9ajJavUaW7vtQXZGayoV7AJyQixMdLc3YUUq27aK_TnMS66ecR-b9QjUOU2Q=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0Ui3Lv7UbPBueFw6HNrqsB_EIHK2qNDtTHsUPCktOZLr96-P8_GxRpYnuD6q5Sg80h7q3RhkWVHfLA=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CRTJlSKhD4Ph0mgYXK3wiZrUCg23zgPkFYTQrC0SWHt1k4MS8CtYZFwCpYi__vAdpCcw5ipzdsrfEw=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tsMmZG8D-wX319JKy-ih91YFwLY6ou8Z1n6GPzIjaAWfCArX8kBN6sroFiGHTj569FZp-oamGTEnLA=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7fEvNySKo7DB8CyC6wgUfriir3qo3NIlgDxQMKoMpZF69FOdg_SaOk92tdo9ir1H9b2FWz2YkY3r1w=w873)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6YHvymB0EUV-v-TMmzeafHmu7B_FdcZK0pmMCVA-dQMy6mGkdeJMVEBd7DrS0bRXTqZw4C0hcFUhug=w873)
Nice one!
Wow that rear seat is the worst one I've seen yet. The pad has completely disintegrated. Quite common.
The quick cycling of the indicator is the hazard switch relay that is toast. Sits in the steering column area below dash mounted vertically. Dash light probably the dimmer. Turn the stalk back and forth multiple times to loosen the rust on the rheostat. I just bridged mine now I have max brightness. Never quite understood the need for dim dash lights :o
Hi daantjie,
thanks for the hints and tips! Good places to start! The rear seat is really a strange one, because it definitely has totally collapsed, back as well as the seat. But the front seats on the other hand are in pretty decent shape!
Yup very common failure . The padding is "horse hair". Spun type plastic/rubber that just crumbles over time. Not sure if you can still get those pads new. I recall a post recently where member Stan (floyd111) had a bead on a stash.
I simply ordered from MB, in Romenia
Hmmm...I wonder if MB Germany still has them in stock, since I go home 2-3 times a year anyway...
Nice clean car, original Becker Radio :) but what on earth have they been doing in the back seat ::) keep us posted on the restoration, cheers
Quote from: Peter on 13 March 2016, 11:17 PM
but what on earth have they been doing in the back seat ::)
Whatever they had been doing in that backseat must have came to a stop, because that things is pretty damn uncomfortable now! Hahaha!
I'll be planning on posting updates to this thread, but it'll be a bit until actual work can start, but in the meat time things like fixing little gremlins here and there and general cleaning that it needs bad will be going on ;)
What's the paint color code?
You know, I never looked - I also silly enough didn't take a pic of the tags on the car before putting it away Sunday, but I'll check the next time I head over. Funny enough, the paint looked faded as hell, like a car that sat out in Arizona sun for years, but then I took a rag and cleaned up around the gas fill, and low and behold, the paint came back with a really nice shine. Took a little wax, and that shine got amazing looking. So, for now I'll touch up the few surface rust areas and buff the car, but at the end of the restoration, it will get a respray in Cayenne Orange. It's a sentimental thing. My grandfather's W116 was that color.
The "horse hair" pads, or excelsior pads, for the rear seat are still available. Bottom is part number 116-924-01-14, and the backrest is part number 116-920-03-16. Both can be ordered and bought through any dealership. Fair warning though, if you try to put the old leather on over new horse hair pads, the leather will not survive.....I tried. It didn't end well.
Bottom is part number 116-924-01-14, $384.80
and the backrest is part number 116-920-03-16 is only $53.28
are you sure that is the correct part number for the back cushion?
If so I'm ordering a back one right away.
Those prices aren't terrible I have to say! Curious about the back also!
My leather seems quite supple still, but then again, who know. I might actually give the leather a full Leatherique or similar rejuvenation before doing anything else to it, which might prevent havoc ;)
Yes, it's the correct one. The price came down drastically for some reason. Let's not look a gift horse in the mouth. ;)
Rear back seat back pad is now NLA. I tried to order 2 of them at that low price and they said they cant get it.
:-[ :-[ :-[
Hahaha, bummer! I guess a few more people saw that price and acted on it ;)
So, back to making my own pad out of layers of foam wrapped in something I guess!
MB Germany still has it listed as available, 275 euro ex VAT.
I am checking whether the data is still valid.
Aren't the pads available from aftermarket suppliers?
I seem to remember that there was an aftermarket vendor for the pads, but I can't think of the name/link at the moment. Cost was pretty much up there though. I think I will for now go after My original plan - multiple layers (more on the raised sections) of somewhat dense foam glued together, and then coated with a liberal coat of plasti-dip, which is one of the applications their products are known for - durable foam coatings for the furniture industry...we'll see how it works out. That's still a bit down the line. Mechanics first.
You might have collapsed springs too. On my 6.9 the pad is largely intact but my spring section is very soft with some collapsed springs. Looking at yours though I would say for sure the pad is toast, hopefully the springs are good.
There used to be aftermarket pads, the last ones from GAHH, who ran out -without a fresh ETA- about a year ago.
I contacted the Classic Center yesterday, there were 6 available in Germany. Now there are 4. $61 each
Does anyone know if they "fold" somewhat easily? Because if there is a way to roll or fold them and stuff into a box/suitcase I'll have one shipped to my parents and grab it next time I'm over there for that price...or wait...does that mean you ordered a couple from the US? I never ordered anything at the Classic Center or so, but did just send them an inquiry since they aren't open yet...
Thanks for the heads up!
your order will be shipped to your US address.
Perfect! $61.20 after Mercedes Club discount and $20 shipping! Thanks for the info, rumb!
And now there are 3.....until Stan buys the rest of them. :o
Quote from: Zaxxon on 18 March 2016, 09:48 AM
Perfect! $61.20 after Mercedes Club discount and $20 shipping! Thanks for the info, rumb!
Haha no doubt!
I checked with germany.
Bottom seat pads are still available at 275 euro ex vat.
No doubt the back rest pads are less of a problem
Still, I'd like to know where those 3 are..
It's for the back rest pad, not the bottom. That would be nice though :P
I talked to the classic center in CA, and they said they were in Germany.
Quick question: Does anyone has a fairly decent picture of the lower seat pad, possibly a view where the profile can be somewhat seen? I think I am engaging in a project to making one from a bit more modern materials so I can test what works and what doesn't...
I applaud the idea, and may I add..
-There are still pads available from MB
-The ones I bought last year still have the production date stamped on it: 1975. Seems they never did a new production.
-GAHH had these pads, and decided -for quite some time- that there isn't enough demand to allow for a new production batch.
Pro's and cons there..
Quote from: floyd111 on 23 March 2016, 09:28 AM
-The ones I bought last year still have the production date stamped on it: 1975.
Picture Stan?
As yours is NOS and not yet installed it'd be a good model for Zaxxon to run his prototype, which the rest of us can potentially follow.
Pictures would be greatly appreciated...and if they would include a tape measure strategically placed on them even more so!
Basically my plan is to use a high quality, somewhat dense, automotive upholstery foam and through glueing multiple layers of it and shaping them coming close to the original shape, and afterwards coating them with a rubberized surface for wear protection. I've done much the same process for boat seats before, but those are structurally very different and don't have any metal frames or springs to deal with. We'll see how it works out.
Thanks for all the help already in advance,
--Zax
That sound realistic enough. Impressive.
Yes, when get back to the warehouse, I'll do measurements and photos.
Here's the pics.
But, that won't help you, really. You need the original in front of you.
This thing has non-geometrical angles on 2 sides.
This thing has thicker and thinner areas in many places, varying from 4 to 7CM thickness.
I have no idea how to transmit that data..
Hello Stan!
Thank you so much for your help with this! I really appreciate the pictures. I hope I don't ask too much, but if you get back to your warehouse next time, is there a way for you to also grab a profile shot of the pad, so I can somewhat see the lower and higher areas? I seem to recollect that the sides are somewhat built up, as well as the front?
Thanks again,
Zax
The pics can be sent, but I am really not sure it will help. In order to do a proper copy, you need measurements..detailed ones. The pads barely allow for that, with all the elevations it has, all of them gradual changes..
I can give you some data..
Distance
A-B, 149CM
G-A, 44CM
E-C, 53CM
i, elevated area 24x16CM, 6CM thick
Striped areas, all elevated, 6CM thick
Non elevated, 4CM thick
A-5, straight line, 15CM, before uneven curve towards the bottom starts.
C-D, 85 CM, straight line, between the side-curved areas, leading to A-left and B-right
OMG!
That is PERFECT!!! Thank you SO very much - this will get this project underway faster than I thought! On to sourcing materials. Luckily a friend of mine has an automotive upholstery shop down the road ;)
Thanks again,
--Zax
Quote from: ZCarFan on 14 March 2016, 06:58 PM
What's the paint color code?
So, guess what? The tag is missing on my car :( BUT, by the way the paint cleans up in the little spot I tried I am now fairly certain that it's 606 Ahorngelb (maple yellow?)
Just received my large box from Germany with 2 rear back cushions. They were made in 2002.
Wow! That was quick! I guess mine will be here soon too then!
Received my bottom cushion yesterday.....
but what to do about the disintegrated "canvas" that sits on the back of the leather (basically between the spring pad and the seat cushion strips?? I know it was sewn to each of the pleats in the seat leather but the leather still looks great from the topside, all the pleats are still intact (down) even without this canvas. You can see whats left of it on the back of the leather at the top of the photo.
Has anyone replaced the rubberized seat padding and replaced their old leather without resewing or replacing the canvas backing? How did it look?
(I use the word canvas loosely, its actually a really thin meshed material)
I would get some white muslin material on put it on top of the pad, maybe spray glue just the edges. that will give the leather something to slide on.
Good idea. I didn't think about the friction between the padding strips and the rubberized pad. Will do.
Thanks
The Muslin has to be sewed to the leather or vinyl top surface, as this is what gives the pleating definition and keeps the felt strips in place. If the Muslin isn't sewed to the top covering, the pleating will flatten out and the felt strips will go askew causing lumpyness and flattened pleating. If your seats are MB-Tex, you shouldn't have any problems sewing, but if they are old leather, it'll probably tear when sewed. It's a risky adventure, but it's also a necessary evil. Worse case scenario would be having to renew the covering.
Places like GAHH and Cabrio.de offer these services, but they can't be held responsible if the leather tears.
Hmm. Its leather.
I guess I am not looking for just an OK result so I better do it right. I will call GAHH tomorrow and see what they can offer.
I was thinking that all the pressure from the new pad will hold the felt strips in place, but I can definitely see how the pleats will flatten out...
I wonder how well a new replacement leather would look/match the existing leather (dark blue with 50k miles) if I were to just replace it?
thanks!
These days there are excellent vinyl sprays available. You could decide to give the old leather 2 coats, and the new leather 1 coat.
thanks for the info, that explains why the old rear seats always look flat. I didn't realize there was a felt strip that provided the cushioning for each ridge.
Well I called GAHH this morning. There technical support guy was very familiar with the problem of the disintegrated moslin backing on the seats however they do not offer any services to repair my back seat cover. He suggested that an experienced auto upholstery shop should be able to do it. So I went to 4 trim shops in town (detroit) today. The first three had no experience or desire to touch it. The fourth said it could be done but did not want to because they could not resew in the same leather holes and rightfully thought it would not look good to lay down a second stitch in each pleat. If they were to do it they estimated a cost of $600!
GAHH will sell a new rear seat lower cover for around $750. (of course then there is the color/pattern mismatch)
I think I will try some other shops out west Ive heard of. Veterans Trim?
I would be thankful for any recommendations or experiences others may have had...
thanks!
And the saga continues...just got off the phone with the classic center, and a new windshield seal is on the way. $112.20 is a great price. Also, in case anyone was wondering, a new windshield is $425 from the classic center, I will however be using my existing one, since it's pretty good, but I got the quote anyways since there was a misunderstanding at first that I would need the windshield and not the seal ;-)
So, anybody have any words of wisdom on removal and replacement? My current seal is basically stone dry and cracked apart into one inch segments or so...
Quote from: Zaxxon
So, anybody have any words of wisdom on removal and replacement? My current seal is basically stone dry and cracked apart into one inch segments or so...
/quote]
That would be this link from just a few months ago:
forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/removal-and-replacement-of-the-windshield-116-280se/msg124666/#msg124666
Search button is your friend!
Below, great video/tutorial done by one of our org members.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM)
Regards
Robert
Lots of great tips here, very interesting video.
Pray when you replace the seal.
Quote from: revilla on 04 April 2016, 03:39 PM
Below, great video/tutorial done by one of our org members.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM)
Regards
Robert
Useful? It's an understatement. But damn, now I understand why so many so called "professionals" botch the W116 windshield install. I am so not looking forward to doing that, but I need to :o
Don't end up like this schmuck. (aka me)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/HarvSVC/IMG_20151209_115636_zpsmrlpaz2a.jpg)
I thought it was you but wasn't sure, Harv! That is the reason I want to try it myself before the "pros" destroy a new OEM seal, windshield, or even worse: the trim... I need to remove the sunroof assembly for servicing anyway (and the roof liner and other interior trim pieces), so I think I'll do everything in one shot. Pray for me!
That video is SO helpful. I have done the procedure on a C123 once before, and it seems very similar. The advantage was that back then I was still home in Germany and a good friend and great mechanic who owned a shop over there helped me with it. This will be my first solo-adventure in it. Well, I will have a helper, but solo as in the one having to figure out how to do it right :P
Thanks for all the input so far! Thing is, I have over the last few weeks read literally every (so I thought) post that had anything to do with the items I am doing to the car in the mechanics section, but definitely missed the one with the video. That was a good amount of work to make, but certainly came out awesome!
--Zax
Quote from: karmann_20v on 04 April 2016, 07:33 PM
Useful? It's an understatement. But damn, now I understand why so many so called "professionals" botch the W116 windshield install.
I can attest to that :)
My restorer followed this video to the tee, and there was no drama involved.
They also mentioned that the new seal is an absolute bitch to get in. Nothing like anything they've seen before.
Without passing judgement on the windshield seal pricing at any location, but, did it arrive in an MB-Box?
Quote from: floyd111 on 05 April 2016, 07:51 PM
Without passing judgement on the windshield seal pricing at any location, but, did it arrive in an MB-Box?
I'll tell you Thursday when it's supposed to be here!
Also, I got to actually drive the car today after hanging out at the lovely DMV forever, as always, and I have to say that I am very positively surprised. Transmission works wonderfully well, tight shifts, shift points feel pretty damn spot on, and all that without adjusting anything so far. Have to take some notes of RPMs when shifting to be sure. Also quite surprised about the nice pick up the old lady has - quite respectable for an almost 40 years old car of that size.
Quote from: Zaxxon on 05 April 2016, 08:07 PM
Also, I got to actually drive the car today after hanging out at the lovely DMV forever, as always, and I have to say that I am very positively surprised. Transmission works wonderfully well, tight shifts, shift points feel pretty damn spot on, and all that without adjusting anything so far. Have to take some notes of RPMs when shifting to be sure. Also quite surprised about the nice pick up the old lady has - quite respectable for an almost 40 years old car of that size.
Yes the 450 sel is very smooth. I always say the 450 sel is an iron fist inside a velvet glove. With the 6.9 there is no glove ;D
Quote from: Zaxxon on 05 April 2016, 08:07 PM
Also quite surprised about the nice pick up the old lady has - quite respectable for an almost 40 years old car of that size.
I did a respectable 9.6s 0-100km/h in mine (euro 450) on a wet road, with a slight uphill gradient.
They can haul ass properly if taken care of :)
The windshield seal came in today - at least I can't find any other manufacturers markings on it. Not even a ÜRO stamp...hahahaha:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/u3NkSmz0gDvYJDpNPF-mP84i-WYAfJJ8z7M71AIGxMLuJswNLWRISpHE57T1zbNeiFfecEPA73Pu09gMhSGwuY2dSuIFykZ3ky07JLcFbbqLzSQ_yhrDdVNa5Gg1LXfgrUsrpbQlm0Ig0fMw60BmbmuL9TkHV8RePqGAZoVcZuPi2Q2p41t3v8kFlJZeBfo5TKNtx9G6QZCFJnn5IaSDqiIp1dxxC8RZQyfir65YB0gzuHGAUeclHw2eclPwhX-O3oecKHgwDfKCcD5FsYaXz_3fO1lOhhugu6BKoi0jFveSPwii9SbE4E2_AA6K4Lg76Ie6VqrtG5-2nXyVCa9R2HxTJsDdhW1QbQXokiO5-PhQkV591MIyzZwCDTP3kJCdG3N0kLy2DtUwtatGRtiWcvIHgCpqYtKSYSWC2JcmEgIINkblB4KGXtq5XexV8bHzA4hlYceTG4P8iQ3ykiVnpfhvc_YeTUvAkhY_3-uG2lS-HMOUKfW2_LSje0LDlb_YA_ZWuxh7T8yT-uewtg8H4o_Ln6Y6ldb85tPGLOpKARoQTYOdeezGKaP-09btci4oH_A8Gw=w683-h920-no)
When the time comes, I'm considering getting this. 15+ years ago I purchased the set for my W108. It still looks fabulous.
http://shop.millermbz.com/rubber-kits/116-450sel-6.9-chassis-rubber-kit/99-0014
I priced it all out separately, that is @ 1/2 of list.
I do not know who makes them, but the previous ones are high quality.
That's a great link to keep in mind...even though I'd end up with a windshield seal for sale eventually, it's still a great price if they are decent quality, and I'll have to do all the seals anyways at some point.
Got to work a little bit on the 450 today - coolant system flush and refill with the right coolant, new thermostat and cap.
Also tinkered around with the stereo a little. I decided for now to leave the Becker in place, but adding a little amp, a bluetooth module and new speakers. The rear speakers didn't come in yet, but the fronts work perfect in the stock locations, aside from the mounting holes that need to be slightly modified. They sound great too! Maybe not to an audiophile, but to me quite amazing, compared to the stock speakers. I need to adjust input levels to the amp a bit, but it's nice that it has high and low level inputs, however, they are both always active, so you can actually play the Becker while something else plays via Bluetooth :P But it's all nice and hidden and not much to give it away...unless you open the glove box...
These are the front speakers:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yhjqxKzeabEA4Bvp1aj0ZVeIC6_JR-XWStPz5223d3pqiSxNxnYper4bBfE13w3WZ_i-iH4gmxEuXmqb2iaJru-lynWSjQpv6UTww_i2RQNt1V-WZ-AtqzNw4pUiOrpKvA68DFCSQ614MLc0PVz3L92vTdwgQjbZu14OVUfVVdpWX_tXSohA94StzDXeGIafeei5HWtLHgV4-Pj9C4xxdDZJRRdGuzIa5bIOeLFsK0lqtLaCqTkjMrqKX-bwaOdN3f_dcQLacs1eYwDEh7fAqDzAXbZxw7pHx4V9cj2BgkM28mOkaxBgZfmMTQLuwIVXa_yl_1J-mO_cAVcahwJsX0PyjnUYjBxOMmROk7P_YogeMz3O4aQjWHh4RPwOavqsIxq-_hAY8ZMjcfZxguMTycVB5QGzCA7g-OVbfYgUwHnWPc_YP9yeYGb_5CqJdjfOh6rdVV2Nzl4pXLGF-l1vrCOy_NRsC2mCofId9pMh5rdCKk9_qCsbPBuMpmWhxQELsHUlBnqbhPJJbJK7_C_T0i6YtQ3k-pIv5JkYci1_uJXRaSC2dTWFt7JsEwMwRUOSQx-HYw=w1299-h964-no)
They fit nicely!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/evyQAIeuGNiDYicjd30flq_FkgdIWOiOzWPQtg6Ioe8EZgxeuiP-Zzs_-TJCuOxUJT9lspmgtB9XUJ7vw41KK_P_ZqnR0BEBALgodG88qOTJ0zJAYLhc8ZlpfaHki0XH6JbQB2-nvG81sluHjtHxrTln43RQIzlGVx0G1naOJXq2ckSbnc2OapVr9oXMX-1F8WeZWd32BhkuXhsYAM4dYM2hQOD3yZzDRFUBLP0GLIs10kFUb97IMqaGf6nvb6Y_pMKt0MF2s_B2AjGfJAWOMxCKCKVZc1e91mwiP2x1CRo9NCKZLPIIyAfc0Epv293U8WBCumsSXCpB9mRTHHrmMpcpW8XYXMCNMd1UATgmqzbA0JUXbTYab4nbthbF9sPDgbbasbMTBPGTMETh_NBuS9S0krxPbMd019DEKhgqjGXGh9l_GpW0INWR6sXlbPrXm1xFW-kFYW2dEYs5_OIIpWet7wxPz4KJKRKq2zAGW-ODOF9gFx-Znjzy6ouUNIONXZSycmL2Lp2nPR1ft17VgY8A15c0l_tBzhPWS72z2oW8pjrdaCpAIW14YC6alPqJwuwIew=w723-h964-no)
And the cover fits perfect with them in there:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I_JM3S1EbQ4tGvmmWwdRpUvMGL_A9pHdU1A0Lwx_YhTcWUe3R6cE_DUJ0QOlTE1yacXcSjjXDXdSUWHW_EifVOLP-2O6ZU4rppuIIP1Q7PYGAqqEPw_Nhe_zTH2YHB0gy-jjkdNMa_basIC5wbClSISDx_x7i9-lVmJ_F3MfRauY-NMsjG1B36jyd6lt5e1Iuh62Tzkwj1zJ1mbBVV2o7LlnbcGUAL4XEJZetQe7rvUQ8AwvC8RV0g2rxwhfoKWyTVf2C6NgH4cYN5B1BY27FnDkPOXdE_jZn8a0CtyPBVJPNTc_oO2ntttHmP_swfnoB_mYNR7xsKEu65gnpWqwBZJlMRgxIzjAKdVdr2ETB59IKZmfunVdT8tATERIrI_rF4POhZwX9nqak_HOXW10GcKO2VYfX-pKalUUg4VaqJK6qS42NNjHbaAIPeb9R5pusLEaGyHYYdpmx1eP8qMB0U-HBC2_-zWC9e1XegBig5E43l7Y0bcQKwzXFpKqDuN7d9vW6u-n1gVqA7APvMh6cBdCkaJyCgdKrWhpcfiNNotSzJjWHU65BoADF91ecfdBWNpz6w=w723-h964-no)
That little $30 or so amp fits nicely in the glove box. Not too shabby. Since the bluetooth module was USB powered, I added a USB charging cable to the glove box as well. Always good to have.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F5YleiOdlLt5GAu6eE4Pn1RXRDjutwx5yyNocSqi1RUWLkfGYJyZLZuX-6zfBs637ZoQuO1Bd7Czkk4CMWdZq2jOlEWbTeLuWJv-ZScVYH8kGtWXM3xeHDpHamvo_VKdyWymbLt6tHlXE6J3E8lhNiJyBvX39xWeRTw8C9-njRTvKnhW0HV83A5yj17tKPD5j0KRqL0ItrpffB1xg4FEW2lgPNlOxfxCZt3krTGi_SkJeFR_4PjDabf3xtl6c-l1VgJGGSi5HW7886P2xSjx4frgL95rw08BT0Q8FZaQiiHj7T3XmdKVh5cx_hkl-ixwBBOGH5czVJ9kD3AsJQEeYgeUfIb_UPR2hSs93HcUjdN1W0vhV1e3KLJMRNZtFTJCA7rGDx3Lj-Jf5mUCgTVkDDnYWoLYq6peqfOWigOZd9hGq6SqSFTy6oENFY15mCHbuTCD2zyKjRY__cz8SZjP1tCr1ATfCuqgdOTFyyRoNpaK2kPhXEGJtCgsO2Xh7-lTh1X4r4z01--zg0UVOJQ_c0th8PkltLjeDVkz16OxvDtuC3PxRC3-AdSTC-LH6O_OEEccig=w1299-h964-no)
Another thing that bugged the hell out of me were those black wipers. I didn't think it would be that hard to find brushed/matte stainless wipers that don't totally look like rice. These work out pretty well - I am not too much about the spoilers attached to them, but it's not terrible. For now it's waaaaay better than those black wipers on silver arms.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ReGns3HisLA0L4_0MXYELzUGKqcVAraue5f8XQ0Uq2KMsJPZr_3zJ41DHKKLF21tVCL1uWetf2XDMIbokOtcl7Wj6OhKEje0qf8fhKU8BDPl0gDgjKeNcVhbiAxF8lxbWftH5wtn3LLXDBwWHbgqtCcHwQfZcxYay1r862MrW0tFsV0uqQsrZeH_0Oz2ekdexgjfuIW7NeythIjS91Jvw5yxJvJzokE7cIcBHsGuRWXiCq_EUatKWMlZsA6Zc6w1xXlVcERsHQXRXaLOHsIZHHqrzH74aBypvINDEtwhhezRgkObD7D1zW6H6rAbmXepaZCOCF69Hap_CT2l1s-n9shwOiUvETw3WBDr3VZF_zcTBxCLgBnLJZPe33CjhCP66sJTNyADjhOLr0XK7d3-DpYJIs1jm6qBE8kAepHYjXCYEusuHnAsMPTdpjmZS_jwW71amp7npH-nNSG5IbFPQuHaPD1OFcsvqAEQIwUj94zFiCXE8feHpXCQLyKzuKwPovd5-7ptYYIPKOOF7hEzr-8jsjrckA8v5OOZQBhpGi0n837Dux_cZteTtK-nOCynNwd7lA=w1286-h964-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/zUWzy4DvVzQFJ79ATWiocQc_Bk0geIBGmkeMakpsewdtHqjrXNev6kbUBPxgiFYqEYwCuFqTE-DfKkatMX5vDHd_cVrtM3xZ99Y9Pt3Hc1vk0ZyBf2U35pVYvhIq9AplevgK0PyZUtj_BXODAM3xKjq3BPQ3N-8yq6Kygkv6jIOgilMsPYaDj1wvRHwsoUIu4RxeEKBTy239_ws9sTNOMFQeodQGXoTpW-1bcrHIvMbevGdKcxuBCowe65c201-XqwgiItcMNjKhFZyDfcUAe8YGt4aNXWrlV3ATkq5QRlvrKg7LPkHyFfelNHdSY3LEW9T1ZkF1CmnxTXTGFqgEVK3EZN27zTA70crR23ybj_-3HGVvFfA4T0JauY5eZY8sJB4JDv4LgUt_FlJVB_J8zQDxWf1o2maXKJllV4XQE9z_zJ0yoBwXIphX0SRTgcl-yvPuvUhGXovqh4rx50tADllFhPVoKgulJxM6oSrBcZd9B_t_gjzXtV9E_Qf8UUlu3e8pVi_g_knzq7KsHWGNqfhwqrgUIhEbItq1gG4D1fZYVh-71Gs95ylEDS5qL6IeJJzhyg=w1286-h964-no)
Oh, and lastly, it's time for a new antenna. Somehow there was a lot of junk in there that blocked the drain tube and it's so badly rusted that no matter what I touched fell apart...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fYzWxa9cnMu22Dcy4MWRCGPrdp0Kr7t2dfXB3hLqTYELDAVGPabkzWYwUn8kPqsZ-RjV1GdYZdw9zyzJ9JZhVyB7N3Hgth-pBUYuAWfv4izrO05f_7vypp9q_ijhpsgKN6Z9BsoD4DhK9hKGY3Q7vv3_UUgoZvDcy5thHcPqMGALA1si6OLW-rk6Ap1ExBMtYLoQCuKvPwxPB9OKDx_8GQIh--UOOEbwWXyNukrMQjGS5JgDDDYOcVhhAexY-Ecqwb8u3ZQKhB4Ge20cYslgDAfNRAoL9qIBHXqAKl0sVVbdiOUF-bRyPpXy72MUf7auuSSDdEHVTTK3TaNocRFqJOlZo4qb-nZZwfVVnliLgbOWItCYINZpePpMa2KKxSdoLOuIB7n6MrRH-PxtKGnAmcvrIQk_iB2ObM1GEujiYN6pLWWMMV-mt9UMcu5g5OmnGyyee9I8EYhugQEoV0TAz7k9ex0bGkgDu78ZwltzcMF3lQOi6qVVXaYNhe_JzngUjIJJJ3c1cZb9PDjJfjiPAj-MYiEHKam4hFdFWHjmS92LAUMdl31AgM99wzBzxVsJgWY1Hw=w1286-h964-no)
Yup every Hirschman antenna I've ever opened looked exactly like that. Good ol' lack of lube and frankly a not too stellar design.
Good thing is they pop up a lot these days on eBay. Where they sold for 75-150usd last year, these weeks I see them 25-75usd.
Guess I'll have to add another search to eBay ;) Good to know!
A few more bits and pieces done last weekend...
- Illumination rheostat was toast. For some reason the windings all came undone inside of the thing. For now jumpered, will eventually be replaced. Cleaned cluster and did some contact maintenance and such. Replaced the illumination bulbs with some newer style COB LEDs that are really not producing any hot spots, even though it looks like it in the picture. Very happy with the result, just wish they had them in warm white. Until then I'll be replacing all the bulbs with this color. Also did interior lights and license plate bulbs with LEDs while cleaning and preserving all the lenses. Haven't found the right bulb for the rear reading lights.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BDSFMiv76g4NuekUnfWiEpCBKJQg30MhLSLzssKBnGBt7EScxWkLXSF9f6gSOHhw6aH8WnyWjAbfhnLRfmD7QlT4D3SJemiviGaNTk1hTNxcwOXGTdlNfTh2ysDKBx8h1Y0B9BX4GRX-WSK768VWGTNaokmYX5cWo48H4cPq2rsMoYNjgk0z7HR9ok0QNN04aZCUZGItbF1nelinUIOLsgSdmkWooTlUNyHCGSKk7WWi1U1KHENsaBPu57vbJ0iylPaBw671ZEqimmtTJo6oIXXE7zkta4SuAq6btmakCcq5uQRkU9ZdTYcZFm5Otckw7IkZrik03L6r0OVln9znIsA8luRbkYnQK-pNbnzxDZtOiJdFNp2YEn8fSjO83B8kWFSPWxdHNc1V5F2DVSG-YO-i5jIgFTK9cXfGXcHr4SnMPYb_u2dWztTeAceZJAYkjiWeIpu9i8dW_51UKZtonlErcr_4U2_-odLXu2-3yxFudIry29nfiOPE_OzH5rkWol0NFxzEBaDGHGEO7DrCOnyWMN45_eiH-_mcQUbp17Af3-HVDzAKkNJLyOepzZ55utMd0w=w1273-h859-no)
Also worked on the Becker Radio. Started disassembly and also finally found the internal fuse hiding on the bottom of the fold-up board. Identified the low level inputs into the pre-amp part of the radio from the tape deck. This should allow me to add a hidden jack and a semi hidden switch to activate the bluetooth module input while keeping the stereo largely original and functional with all it's components, being able to use volume, sound, etc. through the stereo for playing BT music and such. Also doing a complete maintenance on all mechanicals inside as well as a restoration of optics, replacing bulbs and questionable components if available.
I am not someone that needs to keep a car 100% original. My cars aren't trailer queens - they are here to be driven, and I don't see an issue with making them better in ways it makes sense by the use of modern technology. Doesn't mean I want to drop a brand new modern engine into it, but if there are better components that have advantages I don't see a problem with it. I am not a concourse kind of guy - I just enjoy my cars.
By the way - has anyone ever tried a carpet set from this company? Seriously considering it... http://www.automobilia.nl/en/mercedes-benz/w116-1972-1980/interior-carpets/
OH! I also replaced the original antenna for now with a Hirschmann Hit Auta 2050 - perfect fit, looks great and works wonderful aside from the switch in the dash losing some functionality. Minor rewiring required.
Also swapped my flasher relay that had most likely dried out caps and was flashing 100 times too fast with an el-cheapo electronic flasher for now. Made a few adapter cables from some of the pins of the old antenna that plug perfectly fine into the stock socket. Flasher is working perfect and will have no issue with a possible future LED upgrade. I will refurbish the original flasher just because.
--Zax
That's the spirit! Adapt and improvise is the way ;D
Quote from: Zaxxon on 19 April 2016, 07:50 AM
By the way - has anyone ever tried a carpet set from this company? Seriously considering it... http://www.automobilia.nl/en/mercedes-benz/w116-1972-1980/interior-carpets/
They sell on eBay and have pretty decent reviews.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREM-DARK-BROWN-LOOP-MAT-SET-FOR-Mercedes-W-116-350-450-SE-1972-1980-/121957976519?hash=item1c654309c7:m:mKMwZLt0tHSNoDCYmpUsmbQ&vxp=mtr
Quote from: Harv on 19 April 2016, 10:37 AM
They sell on eBay and have pretty decent reviews.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PREM-DARK-BROWN-LOOP-MAT-SET-FOR-Mercedes-W-116-350-450-SE-1972-1980-/121957976519?hash=item1c654309c7:m:mKMwZLt0tHSNoDCYmpUsmbQ&vxp=mtr
Hi Harv!
Yes, that's where I saw them originally, then contacted them to get some more info! I am probably getting a set from them, just not quite sure what color yet. The only velours they have seems to be the tan, but that might actually work really well.
For carpets, give cabrio.de a try too. I'm putting their set into my 450, and it's rather good.
I still have a complete carpet set in stock here, that I don't need. New from GAHH, it came as MB Parchment replacement, in multiloop, but there's a hint of light green woven though, and I can't have that in a Concours car.
692usd at GAHH, for the complete outfit, excluding shipping. I'll let it go for 600usd INCLUDING shipping worldwide.
Quote from: floyd111 on 19 April 2016, 08:48 PM
I still have a complete carpet set in stock here, that I don't need. New from GAHH, it came as MB Parchment replacement, in multiloop, but there's a hint of light green woven though, and I can't have that in a Concours car.
692usd at GAHH, for the complete outfit, excluding shipping. I'll let it go for 600usd INCLUDING shipping worldwide.
That's a great discount, especially with shipping. I think I want to go with a warmer color however - most likely brown or a darker tan! Thanks for the offer though!
Oh, I meant to type 500usd!
Still, I get your point.
Quote from: floyd111 on 20 April 2016, 07:11 AM
Oh, I meant to type 500usd!
Still, I get your point.
That's an even better deal for the right person then - My car has the dark brown dash, and the contrast would just be a bit too much for my taste, especially because the car will end up cayenne orange on the outside.
Short update, no pics today unfortunately.
- Began replacement of vacuum hoses and rubber bits in the engine compartment. SO much cracked rubber. Vacuum lines break like uncooked spaghetti at this point.
- Replaced the two temp sensors. Still having a jumpy temp gauge, thinking there might be a ground issue somewhere. Fan switch now works as it should, and not constant on anymore. Good thing. Still have to pull the thermo-time-switch to test it. I think it may be shot.
- Cap, rotor and plugs replaced. And boy, did they need it. Wires coming as soon as my Bosch connectors get here. Making my own wires.
- Finally finished modifying the Becker stereo - has now all LED lighting, a hidden AUX input connected to a Bluetooth module that can be activated by the OEM antenna switch that I no longer need since I mounted a different Hirschmann antenna without that functionality. Basically you hit the antenna button and it switched from radio/cassette to Bluetooth. Everything installed hidden, no way to tell without pulling the stereo.
- Replaced all bulbs in the HVAC panel with LEDs - damn that thing is bright now. Needs a resistor in line to dim it a bit. No wonder, there were 4 or 5 bulbs just in that alone!
Unfortunate duplicate post - please disregard. :/
Quote from: Zaxxon on 15 May 2016, 03:21 PMBecker stereo [..] connected to a Bluetooth module
Can you share some details on the module you have used?
Quote from: ptashek on 16 May 2016, 11:20 AM
Can you share some details on the module you have used?
Sure! It's a pretty cheap BT adapter from Amazon that I "hacked" to the Becker. It's this one: http://www.amazon.com/SoundBot-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Wireless-Streaming/dp/B00RH29CJO that comes with its own fairly decent 2A USB adapter that I also hacked apart and provides now not only power for the bluetooth module, but also for a charging port for phones inside of the glove compartment.
The module itself is piped into the sound board of the Becker via a detour over a DPDT relay that switches with one side of the OEM antenna switch in the dash between radio/casette and the BT module. Then I pulled out the pre-amp signal that goes to the Becker amp and instead routed it to the higher power amp in my glove compartment. It's nice that volume and sound settings are still working through the stereo that way, and everything looks pretty much stock, aside from the little pod for the BT that is stuck to the side of the center console where it's pretty inconspicuous, yet the microphone picks up fairly well for phone conversations. Together with the Pioneer speaker it sounds VERY nice and definitely amazing enough for me as not really a crazy audiophile. I do have an Infinity powered sub sitting in my shop not being used for anything however - maybe I add it into the trunk at some point. Not sure yet.
Let me know if you need any more info!
--Zax
Since my car unfortunately came without the tag on it, and EPC doesn't have cards that far back, I am still somewhat uncertain what color the car actually is. After looking at a lot of pictures, I am somewhere between 606 Ahorngelb and 681 Weizengelb and I just can't make up my mind. Obviously it's always hard to go by pictures with different edits and the like. The car is a '78, and I think 681 came in '79, but you never know. The car will end up being 406 Cayenne Orange anyways, but I would love to get a little bit of paint do something temporary with the few chips/surface rust spots the car has that doesn't look completely horrible until all the mechanical issues are dealt with and I am moving to body work...any ideas?
Thanks,
Zax
Here is another quick update on the project...aside from a few interior things (wooden shifter handle, wood (plastic) shifter surrround), euro hazard switch I also installed the passenger side rearview mirror and euro headlights which just transform the car SO much. Added some DRL/turn signal LED strips inside of the lights, yellow fogs and switched the US fogs to LED DRLs as well.
No, I am not a purist. I do with my cars whatever I like on them and whatever I feel makes them nicer/better. I can't wait to get the bodywork and paint done in spring, at which time I will also do the window seals, door seals and related rubber. Hopefully I find some time over the winter to replace the leather and the carpeting.