Best smoker barges 1-5 large [vol11]

Best smoker barges 1-5 large [vol11]

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W00DY

15,467 posts

225 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
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The Scottish lasses will be queuing up when you turn up in this "Aye CATCHER"




http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-5-0-/28...

derin100

5,214 posts

242 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
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W00DY said:
derin100 said:
No....No ....No! Woody, you've got this wrong. It is now that an E31 is IN your budget....soon they won't be!

Now is the time.... "Look into my eyes...Not around the eyes...."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KYVb_OYz6g
True.

Story of my life. So many cars I want that no-one else does yet.

£5k is probably our of reach at the moment, but I'm working hard to change that!
I know...but that's the time to get them. Even if you don't make money on them that's the time to get and experience owning them. Look at what happened to me with E30 M3 and E46 CSL. Would I buy them now for what people have to pay for them now? No bloody way!



cornershop

2,136 posts

195 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
AUdi A8 D2 4.2

Soft close doors!
Massage seats!

S8 clone from the factory ... hmmm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Fun Bus

17,911 posts

217 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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Well the factory forget to fit the correct front grille and added a 4.2 badge to the rear!

One thing that really annoys me: "comes with every possible extra from the factory" - but it doesn't, it's got an aftermarket navigation system for a start nor does it have the solar sunroof.

And, was the D2 A8 available with massage seats? I thought that started on D3s.

r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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Can you sense-check (puke) my thinking about a car? It's out of thread budget but definitely a barge.

Merc, obvs. 1972 w108 280 SE 3.5. Silver blue over black tex. Auto. Somewhat unknown mileage, but likely 150k ish.

Good history. Three or four owners. Interior pretty tidy. Exterior has some very slight paint mis-match, a few blebs of rust appearing at the bottom of some of the doors. Engine smokes a little on the overrun, but nothing bad, valve stem seals required. So far so ok. But it sounds like the current owner hasn't done much with it over the past seven years. Various advisories on the MOT record, such as brake imbalance problems and suspension wear do not appear to have been addressed. It failed its MOT last year on chassis rot and he had it welded, but it has just been plated, not done properly. The tyres have been on since before he bought it.

I had a long chat with the vendor last night and I didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling. Despite owning it seven years, he did not seem to know much about it. When I gave him cues to tells me what a great car it was and how, yes, he knew all about that and it was in order, he didn't (like asking, "These have a funny hydro compensator spring in the rear axle, don't they, is that all OK?"). It was all, "Uh, yes, I think so, that's fine". Very dull and non-specific, no details, no sign of an enthusiast's approach. He was very unspecific about the welding.

The price is pretty good. He would take £9k. But that would pretty much clean me out right now. Straight off the bat it's going to need tyres (£500), the welding redone (£500 at least), rear seat belts (£200), probably a good fettle of the brakes with new discs and pads and who knows what else (£750) and probably bits and bobs of suspension (£500). That's before so-called discretionary spend that makes a new car just so on stuff like proper mats and a period wireless. Next year at the latest I'd have to get it painted and that is going to cost £2,000. At some stage it would need new carpets which will cost £400. It will also need a timing chain, tensioner and guide rails as well as the aforementioned valve stem seals (£1,500).

Now, I really fancy a w108. Silver blue over black is the colour scheme I'd most like. But I want a car I can use. And I only have a limited budget. Given that the purchase cost would wipe me out, given I didn't get the right feeling from the vendor, given the uncertainty about chassis condition, it has to be a "no", right? Right?

PS. Anyone in the Merc Club may know the car and vendor.

Lowtimer

4,286 posts

167 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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It may well make sense to buy it, stick away in a dry barn for a few years and save up to get a proper restoration going, but if that's not the niche in your life at the moment, and especially if you want a car you can use now, it's a 'no'. From your description a restoration owner is what the car needs now, not a driver owner.

It would be better not to do it in dribs and drabs given that the first job should be to get the bodged chassis repair redone properly, and in the long run the best value will come from dismantling as far as it needs to be dismantled and not putting anything back on the car until it's right. That's what will be best for the car and also what will get the cost of the work recognisable in the value of the thing.

Edited by Lowtimer on Friday 24th February 08:40

CharlesdeGaulle

26,099 posts

179 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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r129sl said:
... Given that the purchase cost would wipe me out, given I didn't get the right feeling from the vendor, given the uncertainty about chassis condition, it has to be a "no", right? Right?
On that information, I think I'd be discreet rather than brave.

With that sort of known expenditure (with, inevitably, lots more unpredicted costs once you start poking around it and getting it on ramps), for a 108 (which, inevitably, will always be of comparatively niche appeal), that seems a pretty significant investment in a car that will be much less usable than you're used to and demand of your cars.

Obviously, once seen in the metal it might appeal in that irresistible way that sometimes ensnares, but on your description alone I'd say no.

If it were an SEC on the other hand ...

Lowtimer

4,286 posts

167 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
If it were an SEC I would say exactly the same. You won't be happy driving around in a bodged car, so you need to either buy a proper one or take a salvageable one on as a serious project.

cat220

2,762 posts

214 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
r129sl said:
Can you sense-check (puke) my thinking about a car? It's out of thread budget but definitely a barge.

Merc, obvs. 1972 w108 280 SE 3.5. Silver blue over black tex. Auto. Somewhat unknown mileage, but likely 150k ish.

Good history. Three or four owners. Interior pretty tidy. Exterior has some very slight paint mis-match, a few blebs of rust appearing at the bottom of some of the doors. Engine smokes a little on the overrun, but nothing bad, valve stem seals required. So far so ok. But it sounds like the current owner hasn't done much with it over the past seven years. Various advisories on the MOT record, such as brake imbalance problems and suspension wear do not appear to have been addressed. It failed its MOT last year on chassis rot and he had it welded, but it has just been plated, not done properly. The tyres have been on since before he bought it.

I had a long chat with the vendor last night and I didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling. Despite owning it seven years, he did not seem to know much about it. When I gave him cues to tells me what a great car it was and how, yes, he knew all about that and it was in order, he didn't (like asking, "These have a funny hydro compensator spring in the rear axle, don't they, is that all OK?"). It was all, "Uh, yes, I think so, that's fine". Very dull and non-specific, no details, no sign of an enthusiast's approach. He was very unspecific about the welding.

The price is pretty good. He would take £9k. But that would pretty much clean me out right now. Straight off the bat it's going to need tyres (£500), the welding redone (£500 at least), rear seat belts (£200), probably a good fettle of the brakes with new discs and pads and who knows what else (£750) and probably bits and bobs of suspension (£500). That's before so-called discretionary spend that makes a new car just so on stuff like proper mats and a period wireless. Next year at the latest I'd have to get it painted and that is going to cost £2,000. At some stage it would need new carpets which will cost £400. It will also need a timing chain, tensioner and guide rails as well as the aforementioned valve stem seals (£1,500).

Now, I really fancy a w108. Silver blue over black is the colour scheme I'd most like. But I want a car I can use. And I only have a limited budget. Given that the purchase cost would wipe me out, given I didn't get the right feeling from the vendor, given the uncertainty about chassis condition, it has to be a "no", right? Right?

PS. Anyone in the Merc Club may know the car and vendor.
I suppose it comes back to how much you want a "project." I'd say from the offset your heart really needs to be in it and i'm not picking that up from the post above. Rightly so as the lack of detail from the vendor doesn't exactly inspire confidence. You know more than most how much cash you could spend on getting it to the required standard, with an unknown car that could be costly. Suppose what I'm saying is you want to enjoy the process and not end up resenting it.
I've been looking a lot recently at US cars, they seem to be pretty much rust free and offer decent value, I've not looked at any w108's but perhaps worth investigating.

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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Always go with your gut-instinct. It's rarely wrong.

SpeckledJim

31,608 posts

252 months

Friday 24th February 2017
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I say buy it!

You're never happier than when your Merc has broken, so go straight to delirious by getting one that's completely fked right off the bat.

bob-lad

2,212 posts

104 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
Fun Bus said:
Well the factory forget to fit the correct front grille and added a 4.2 badge to the rear!

One thing that really annoys me: "comes with every possible extra from the factory" - but it doesn't, it's got an aftermarket navigation system for a start nor does it have the solar sunroof.

And, was the D2 A8 available with massage seats? I thought that started on D3s.
My S8 didn't have massage seats.

frown

SpeckledJim

31,608 posts

252 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
In other news, I've sold the XJ40.

It was nice enough but not nice enough to be a keeper and wasn't ever going to successfully compete with the XJS for my affection (and for it's share of the meagre maintenance budget).

There's a real rightness about an XJ40 though. I'll have another, one day.


bob-lad

2,212 posts

104 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
CharlesdeGaulle said:
On that information, I think I'd be discreet rather than brave.

With that sort of known expenditure (with, inevitably, lots more unpredicted costs once you start poking around it and getting it on ramps), for a 108 (which, inevitably, will always be of comparatively niche appeal), that seems a pretty significant investment in a car that will be much less usable than you're used to and demand of your cars.

Obviously, once seen in the metal it might appeal in that irresistible way that sometimes ensnares, but on your description alone I'd say no.

If it were an SEC on the other hand ...
That'll be me then. One of the few Mercedes I'd want in my own collection.
I understand the quandary.

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
SpeckledJim said:
I say buy it!

You're never happier than when your Merc has broken, so go straight to delirious by getting one that's completely fked right off the bat.
smile I suspect there is an element of truth to this.

JF87

686 posts

120 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
CharlesdeGaulle said:
When you have an ad, do let us know where it might be found, won't you?
I will indeed (within the bounds of etiquette).

Sorry r129, I can't bring myself to deter anyone from buying a W108. Any W108.

r129sl

9,518 posts

202 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
tobinen said:
Always go with your gut-instinct. It's rarely wrong.
Thank you all but thanks most of all for this reminder of the obvious. I guess I got rather excited about it but my gut is telling me it is not what I hoped it might be. The reg is AUF 27K for the MOT check.

SpeckledJim said:
You're never happier than when your Merc has broken, so go straight to delirious by getting one that's completely fked right off the bat.
And thanks especially for this helpful insight.

bob-lad

2,212 posts

104 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all

MoT history happy until 7 years ago. An unhappy coincidence of when vendor got hold of it.


If your gut says walk and find another, I'd be inclined to agree. Unfortunately.

derin100

5,214 posts

242 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
r129sl said:
Can you sense-check (puke) my thinking about a car? It's out of thread budget but definitely a barge.

Merc, obvs. 1972 w108 280 SE 3.5. Silver blue over black tex. Auto. Somewhat unknown mileage, but likely 150k ish.

Good history. Three or four owners. Interior pretty tidy. Exterior has some very slight paint mis-match, a few blebs of rust appearing at the bottom of some of the doors. Engine smokes a little on the overrun, but nothing bad, valve stem seals required. So far so ok. But it sounds like the current owner hasn't done much with it over the past seven years. Various advisories on the MOT record, such as brake imbalance problems and suspension wear do not appear to have been addressed. It failed its MOT last year on chassis rot and he had it welded, but it has just been plated, not done properly. The tyres have been on since before he bought it.

I had a long chat with the vendor last night and I didn't get that warm and fuzzy feeling. Despite owning it seven years, he did not seem to know much about it. When I gave him cues to tells me what a great car it was and how, yes, he knew all about that and it was in order, he didn't (like asking, "These have a funny hydro compensator spring in the rear axle, don't they, is that all OK?"). It was all, "Uh, yes, I think so, that's fine". Very dull and non-specific, no details, no sign of an enthusiast's approach. He was very unspecific about the welding.

The price is pretty good. He would take £9k. But that would pretty much clean me out right now. Straight off the bat it's going to need tyres (£500), the welding redone (£500 at least), rear seat belts (£200), probably a good fettle of the brakes with new discs and pads and who knows what else (£750) and probably bits and bobs of suspension (£500). That's before so-called discretionary spend that makes a new car just so on stuff like proper mats and a period wireless. Next year at the latest I'd have to get it painted and that is going to cost £2,000. At some stage it would need new carpets which will cost £400. It will also need a timing chain, tensioner and guide rails as well as the aforementioned valve stem seals (£1,500).

Now, I really fancy a w108. Silver blue over black is the colour scheme I'd most like. But I want a car I can use. And I only have a limited budget. Given that the purchase cost would wipe me out, given I didn't get the right feeling from the vendor, given the uncertainty about chassis condition, it has to be a "no", right? Right?

PS. Anyone in the Merc Club may know the car and vendor.
So this is a restoration project and potentially, due to its age, of a somewhat different proportion to what you are used to? Given that we know the high standards which you always expect and do achieve with your cars I would say that inevitably your initial estimate of costs will be exceeded. You have, for example, made no estimate things like re-finishing chrome-work, seats etc. Once you have tackled all of the fundamental mechanical, chassis work and had the car re-painted you are not going to be satisfied or fully enjoy owning it if the car falls short cosmetically in other areas. You like your cars to be mechanically top-line...but you also like them to look nice? Of all of them you are really going to want this one to be beautiful?

So, like the people they show on that Grand Designs TV programme there is almost certainly going to be a budget over-spend and a time over-run on this.

However, why do something that is 'easy' if having done something that was 'hard' will give you so much more satisfaction in the end? You already know you can do 'easy'...why prove to yourself you can do that again?

A W108 280SE 3.5 is a rare car in the U.K by any description now. Silver Blue over black is your favoured colour scheme. How small a field of runners have we now got that down to?

I would say that you should go for it! It may clear you out at the present but that situation won't last for too long hopefully. You'll have the car then. Put it away until funds allow you to start the project. Don't think about driving or using it. This car will have to be a hobby but the sense of achievement at the end of the project will be immense.

Get the chassis and all of the mechanical side done first. Don't waste money at this stage worrying about carpets and mats etc...put those thoughts to the back of your mind.

I would imagine that with quite a lot of the work needed you are going to have to farm out to mechanics etc? They always take longer to get stuff done on cars than most of us would like. But, if you take a slightly laid-back approach to them and don't pursue them too hard the time delays allow you to build up and set aside funds for the restoration.

From what you have described above, I would suggest that you think in terms of: "Well, if I buy this car now it isn't going to be ready and finished for this coming summer so I may as well make the aim of it being ready for the following summer."

If I were you...I'd buy it! That's not going to come along again in the next 5 minutes.



Huntsman

8,028 posts

249 months

Friday 24th February 2017
quotequote all
SpeckledJim said:
In other news, I've sold the XJ40.

It was nice enough but not nice enough to be a keeper and wasn't ever going to successfully compete with the XJS for my affection (and for it's share of the meagre maintenance budget).

There's a real rightness about an XJ40 though. I'll have another, one day.
Interesting.

Specifically as they are on 15's, how does the ride compare to a S1 XJ6?

The reason I ask, I loved my S1, it was the perfect ride for me, super soft, like flying on a magic carpet, but my X300 3.2 Executive, was o n16's and a little too firm, I wasn't totally isolated.

Does the XJ40 offer total isolation from bumps like the S1?
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