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Community => The ORG => Topic started by: WGB on 30 April 2007, 06:52 AM

Poll
Question: How much of your own work do you do on your 116
Option 1: As much Major Mechanical as possible
Option 2: Minor Mechanical and Servicing
Option 3: Interior Trim
Option 4: Electrical
Option 5: Bodywork
Option 6: Paint
Option 7: I write the Cheques and have clean fingernails
Option 8: I drive and someone else pays the bills.
Title: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: WGB on 30 April 2007, 06:52 AM
There is obviously a great variance in what spannering (wrenching to you North American types) members do to their own cars and I would be interested in who actually works on their own 116 and who is more interested in other parts of the whole 116 experience.

Bill
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Mercules on 30 April 2007, 07:28 AM
I will do anything to my car except bodywork & paint - I'd rather pay Stevie Wonder to do it for me... he would do a better job... faster too... plus with that swaying motion he's got there would probably be really even paint coverage.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: mirafioriman on 30 April 2007, 12:38 PM
I try to do everything myself if at all possible.

1) I can't afford to pay other people.

2) In the past I have paid and not always been happy, I'd rather make a mess of it myself than be disappointed and pay for it!
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: s class on 30 April 2007, 02:18 PM
I do EVERYTHING myself.  I get better results that way.  The difference between doing it yourself and paying someone else is the magic ingredient "CARE"

Well OK there are some things I don't do - I outsource assembly of brake hoses and similar, I outsource machining of blocks and heads - but that's about it. 
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Des on 30 April 2007, 05:03 PM
"I write the Cheques and have clean fingernails"

That is so me


;D  ;D

Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Nutz on 30 April 2007, 05:11 PM
Me,from the ground up,no task I'll let anyone do except an alignment and mounting of tires, and even then I just bring the wheels and drop them off and pick up when they call me.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: WGB on 30 April 2007, 08:03 PM
I purchased my car on a whim one Saturday morning as I was passing one of the less Salubrious backstreet Car yards and while I always really liked the 116 from experience as a young man I purchased it as a throw-away practice at doing the mechanicals on a 560SEC.

The car was stickered at$4000 and I sent her in to bargain - a cheque for $3000 and that was the entrance fee.

What I found was a basically sound but neglected car with an unexpected amount of rust - unexpected because I never new that Mercedes could rust like that.

The 560SEC has never eventuated and the last one that I saw that might have been a possibility - "She who must be obeyed" gave her Scottish/English curl of the nose, look of disdain and then stared at me and said "You are joking aren't you".

I continue to enjoy my "Phoenix from the Ashes" experience but will be happy when the paints over - God I hate sanding.

I have noticed on this forum that the same people follow similar threads and obviously derive great pleasure from different parts of the exoerience and I was interested in who actually enjoyed banging their heads against a brick wall by doing their own work - at least it feels good when you stop.

Oh and Patrick - I spent almost twice as long as the average Lawyer at University and I still don't charge as much as either my Lawyer or my Accountant - I just work longer hours and take less holidays.

Bill
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Brian Crump on 01 May 2007, 01:36 AM
Once upon a time I did it all. And then came the dog. And then came the bitch. And then came the puppies. And then came the puppies of the puppy...and so, ad infititum... ;D
And then the cars grew from Lancias to smaller Benzes and then to bigger Benzes and from older Benzes to newer Benzes...and somewhere along the line I lost time and the ability to do anything on cars under warranty. And then I set up my own business and then...well, you get the picture. Time-poor is the problem.
And in the meanwhile I found an Austrian mechanic who does wonderful work at a fair price so long as I wait my turn and so the fingernails stay clean but the mind wants to get them dirty (other than with paint and plaster).
However, I have 2 Lancia Betas in storage and one day soon I will delve into the roof space and drag out my parts and remember that YES, I can still re-build an engine on the dining table...
And nothing goes wrong with the 450SE or the Silver-Spirit and the ML and the CLK are still under warranty.
So does life get better or does it just grow to be different? I still have my tools but my torque wrench (once the pride of my tool-box) has got a thin layer of rust forming... :(
BC

Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Andrew280SEL on 01 May 2007, 01:41 AM
Quote from: Brian Crump on 01 May 2007, 01:36 AM
And then came the bitch.


What or who are you referring to exactly?  :D  ;)


Anyway, I try to do what I can, with the help of my dad sometimes, and whats just to hard and beyond me i have to pay for. But at my age, it doesnt pay to pay. :-\
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Brian Crump on 01 May 2007, 01:55 AM
QuoteWhat or who are you referring to exactly?   
Quilpie. Go to www.banjospitz.com to see my lovely gal.  ;D ;D ;D
Regards,
BC
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: nim205 on 01 May 2007, 02:35 AM
I bought my first form of transportation, a 1942 BSA M20, when I was in high school. I spent more time taking it apart and putting it back together, than actually riding it. later on, throughout my military service, university, internship and residency, I owned a multitude of vehicles that required my personal mechanical input, including the late 280SE on which I successfully replaced a head gasket, two water pumps, re-engineered the wiper mechanism, and miserably failed to sort out the vacuum central locking.

For the past ten years I have less and less spare time and more and more cars (six to be precise), so I have most of the work done professionally, but as Brian said - the mind still wants to get the nails dirty. The last project I did was restoring a 1969 Beetle. I did about 50% of the job myself over 2 years, and 50% was done at the shop in 2 weeks. C'est la vie.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: OzBenzHead on 01 May 2007, 02:48 AM
There was a time when I did the majority of work needed on my cars - except auto transmissions and body metal-work/paint.

Then, when I was overseas and everything was in storage, one of my storage facilities was arsoned.  Fortunately it was the one containing my tools and other replaceables - not the collections of irreplaceables such as old books (often signed first editions).

Although I collected the insurance, I was too disheartened to start again with the tool collection (which included a hoist), so I put the insurance $$ in a little investment account and the interest pays for nearly all the work I now have done by others on my cars.  Besides, I'm getting too old to be bothered with the grunting and cussing, the skinned knuckles, the blood blisters ...
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: CraigS on 01 May 2007, 03:18 AM
I will do as much as I can, with the exception of panel and paint. I have never tried to do it and never will. I will however get my hands dirty with everything else. This is a picture of my 300b that I took from the first picture, albeit with paint, to the second photo in 2 weeks, working literally 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, taking it from the point of the last photo to the completed car with all the detailing took just as long, if not longer.

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n77/Aegeanfoods/Mercedes%20-%20General/DSC01555.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n77/Aegeanfoods/Mercedes%20-%20General/DSC01637.jpg)
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: gregdeklerk on 01 May 2007, 03:54 AM
I do some mechanical, some interior and no bodywork!!
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: oscar on 01 May 2007, 04:02 AM
Craig,

I don't think there's a photo you've posted that I haven't thought "Wow".  Ok, except your datacard. 

How do you know what to do?  I mean, some things are the same for all cars and a point of reference can often be taking notes on how things are put together as you pull them apart, but what about the really technical aspects for an engine rebuild or rewire, what reference do you use for a 300b?  We know there's plenty of W116 material about, have you got workshop manuals as reference for electrical and engine?

FWIW, I'd like to do the whole lot but currently do minor servicing and trim and electrical.  I'm restricted by the lack of correct tools and know-how.  A few more $$ wouldn't go astray either.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: CraigS on 01 May 2007, 04:33 AM
I have parts books and workshop manuals, so that helps. I also spend an extraordinary amount of time researching each car that I own. When I pulled the car apart, and this is the first one I have done such a complete restoration of, I put all the parts into small clear plastic boxes and labelled everything. What I didn't do was to document HOW these things came off, and in what sequence. I found out when I tried to put it all back together ! I did several things twice or three times - quite frustrating, but my own fault. When I was putting all the engine bay back together, which is not so easy as the inner/outer guards need to go on as one piece, I found out that the water pump had seized through sitting for 2 years. The water pump is located at the side of the motor and driven by the generator. The only access to it is with the guards removed. By the time I had the water pump rebuilt and reinstalled it 3 times due to water leaks caused by misalignment, I knew it pretty well ! Each time, the guards had to be removed and reinstalled so I probably spent the best part of one entire day on this part alone. For anyone contemplating anything like this, take as many photos as you possibly can BEFORE you disassemble anything and try and document how things come apart. It is not easy to do this in your haste to get it apart. At the beginning, I thought I would have it all back together in 6 months, but 2 1/2 years later ............

I guess it helps having worked on my own cars since I was 15, and it was a matter of necessity in those days because you couldn't afford to go to a mechanic so you learnt as you went. My brothers are also into hot rods and the like so it must be a family thing, although my father never did much to his cars. Patience is probably the biggest thing you need, and a thirst for knowledge. I don't see it so much about the money - for me it is the challenge of doing it and learning about it at the same time. Some things you have to rely on the experts for - that's why they learn their trade, be it a mechanic, lawyer, or whatever. Each of us has specific skills, and passions, and no one should get frustrated that they can't do certain things on their cars as I'm sure they have skills in other areas.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: CraigS on 01 May 2007, 10:00 AM
The advantage of having your own business means that you can devote as much time as you want to either your business or your hobby. I could, and probably should, spend more time on the business, but I am not greedy for money, so as long as I have enough to have a good life, buy more cars, and travel the world, I don't need anything else !
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Grant V on 01 May 2007, 12:27 PM
Craig - your 300 is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

I do most of the work on my cars myself. However, I have my limits when it comes to electrical and bodywork. I haven't upholstered seats yet, but have upholstered door panels etc.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: 116.025 on 01 May 2007, 01:18 PM
Quote from: Grant V on 01 May 2007, 12:27 PM
Craig - your 300 is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Indeed, that's the closest a car has ever come to eliciting salivation... ::)  Simply stunning, makes me wish I had one.

I do as much of my own mechanical/electrical as I can, though I do get tempted at times to pay someone else.  Though I find the more of my own stuff I do, the less I can stand someone else touching my car, period.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: gregdeklerk on 02 May 2007, 12:13 AM
Your 300 looks really good, Craig!
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: Martin 280s on 02 May 2007, 05:31 AM
I'm great with mechanics and bits and pieces but don't go near electrics or bodywork. And here's a good PS. I recently did somemore work on my Solex carb (increased 1st stage jets etc.) and the now the car seems to be more economical! I'm getting 7-8 KM/L.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: gregdeklerk on 02 May 2007, 06:49 AM
Quote from: Martin 280s on 02 May 2007, 05:31 AM
I'm getting 7-8 KM/L.

That sounds about right. I am getting that too.
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: James R on 02 May 2007, 06:57 AM
I'd love to be able to do everything myself. I worry about my lack of patience but its really a case of simply not having a clue about which parts do what. What on earth is a solenoid ?

That said, I am currently having a craving for buying an Ultima and building it myself. If you believe the hype, complete novices can build them.

See : http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/ (http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/)

James
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: WGB on 02 May 2007, 07:45 AM
Quote from: James R on 02 May 2007, 06:57 AM
I'd love to be able to do everything myself. I worry about my lack of patience but its really a case of simply not having a clue about which parts do what. What on earth is a solenoid ?


James

You've got 40 or so mates here who will point you in the right direction with only a pleasant word and a few photo's.

You need some patience but more importantly you need persistence - even though time can turn into years.

Persistence = lots of little bits of patience x time

Bill
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: James R on 02 May 2007, 07:49 AM
Thanks Bill !
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: s class on 02 May 2007, 08:47 AM
Ah yes, I didn't mention upholstery.  I will not try redoing a leather seat, but that's about all I won't try. 

Speaking of spannering, I have a 'to do' list, as I'm sure many others do :

It is as follows (focussing on BIG stuff, not the inbetween smallies)

a) Remove engine, trans and suspension from 450SL, fix all rust, spray engine bay, bonnet, front fenders and underside.  Detail engine and replace a lot of gaskets.  Refit.

b) Rebuild engine on W140 S500

c) repaint 280SE - either citrus green or dark metallic grey, haven't decided yet but I've got a while before I get there. 

At least this should give me a bit of variety for the next couple of years. 

Oh well.  Of course I'm hoping a 6.9 will arrive on the property amongst all this. 

Oh and inbetween - note to self- I need to be more disciplined about driving these cars at least once a month. 

Wife has agreed to extending my workshop for space for a hoist ... watch this space...

Ryan
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: oscar on 02 May 2007, 09:31 AM
Quote from: s class on 02 May 2007, 08:47 AM

b) Rebuild engine on W140 S500


Such a short statement, must be an easy job.   ;)  It reminds me of my Haynes manual when it'll direct the reader on some basics in great detail then say "Now remove engine"   :D  Ok, not a direct quote from the manual but there's similar utterances.

But rebuild the S500 engine.  I'm looking forward to reading your posts when the time comes. :)
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: gregdeklerk on 02 May 2007, 09:40 AM
Oscar, you have hit a nerve!! S Class and I were discussing this very topic on Saturday afternoon!!!! :D
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: s class on 02 May 2007, 10:12 AM
Indeed Oscar,

The other favourite Haynes line is "refitment is the reverse of removal" - a single line that equals hours of work.

Greg - nah - the 500 engine is not a sensitive issue, its just that there isn't much help out there - there just isn't a W140.org like this place.  I'll be pretty much on my own and that's a little scary. 

As we all know the W140 is a love it or hate it car, and at this weekend away I found generally favourable comment - many people loved the sound of my dual free flow, but there is always the odd guy who has negative things to say - that's fine, let them.  I shall recline in my W140 listening to the brilliant (but worn  :( engine), dreaming of future completed projects. 

Ryan
Title: Re: Who Spanners their own cars?
Post by: WGB on 03 May 2007, 03:50 AM
Quote from: oscar on 02 May 2007, 09:31 AM
Quote from: s class on 02 May 2007, 08:47 AM

b) Rebuild engine on W140 S500


Such a short statement, must be an easy job.   ;)  It reminds me of my Haynes manual when it'll direct the reader on some basics in great detail then say "Now remove engine"   :D  Ok, not a direct quote from the manual but there's similar utterances.

But rebuild the S500 engine.  I'm looking forward to reading your posts when the time comes. :)

I'd rather rebuild the 500 engine than paint a car anyday.

Bill