Best smoker barges 1-5 large [Vol 18]

[forrestgrump]

Macron said:

That’s st. Please tell us there was an admission/ to got details etc there and then?

This very thing happened to me last year, I’d stopped and ready to reverse but the van just kept going and scraped the entire side of the car. Admission of guilt at the scene, details exchanged, a week later and the story has changed completely saying I was moving at the time. With no witnesses it was joint liability and it was repaired on my own dime. Hope the same doesn’t happen here!

s

[roy8846]

Asking here as it's the best thread on PH, and I love old barges (so sorry if off topic), really fancy a Volvo C70 as a daily to work and back with bonus of roof down sunshine 3 days a year.

Anyone know the if any big pitfalls or what issues they have?
Want petrol obviously and auto. Biggest spec with low miles around 3.5k is what I'm after

[CharlesdeGaulle]

roy8846 said:

Asking here as it's the best thread on PH, and I love old barges (so sorry if off topic), really fancy a Volvo C70 as a daily to work and back with bonus of roof down sunshine 3 days a year.

Anyone know the if any big pitfalls or what issues they have?
Want petrol obviously and auto. Biggest spec with low miles around 3.5k is what I'm after

Stickleback is your man for these. He'll probably answer here but, if not, PM him. Headline though is 'get one'.

[Krikkit]

roy8846 said:

Asking here as it's the best thread on PH, and I love old barges (so sorry if off topic), really fancy a Volvo C70 as a daily to work and back with bonus of roof down sunshine 3 days a year.

Anyone know the if any big pitfalls or what issues they have?
Want petrol obviously and auto. Biggest spec with low miles around 3.5k is what I'm after

Welcome

Which gen of the C70 are you thinking?

[LetsTryAgain]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Headline though is 'get one'.

Standard thread response.

Off topic post myself but Mrs LTA is now in the hospital.
She had a fairly terrible night from 21:30 and didn't really get any sleep at all.
I can't join her due to the general populations appalling capitulation last March - June, but I'll either be picking her up later today to 'progress' at home or I'll be joining her.
Slightly thread end - the S211 will be doing 'first drive home' duties, touch wood.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 09:21

[BigBen]

Derventio said:

In other news, all these pictures of SLs have really fired up the old brain cells. For those that actually run an R230 SL, how problematic is the roof and how susceptible to iron oxidisation are they? Do they have the SBC system as per the E-class of that era?

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 08:03

The roof is generally fine as long as you keep an eye on the boot seals and don't allow all the roof motors and electronics to sit at the bottom of a lake.

They do rust a bit in particular around the rear arches but not really anywhere else so not too expensive to sort.

The main worry is the ABC suspension which is capable of throwing up four figure bills on a regular basis, the ones without a proper engine don't have this but then you would only have six cylinders which comes with its own set of problems.

They don't have the same SBC as the E-class so you are ok on that score.

Ben

[Macron]

LetsTryAgain said:

Standard thread response.

Off topic post myself but Mrs LTA is now in the hospital.
She had a fairly terrible night from 21:30 and didn't really get any sleep at all.
I can't join her due to the general populations appalling capitulation last March - June, but I'll either be picking her up later today to 'progress' at home or I'll be joining her.
Slightly thread end - the S211 will be doing 'first drive home' duties, touch wood.

Edited by LetsTryAgain on Wednesday 7th April 09:21

Yikes, women down at the moment, hope she's OK and outta there quickly and safely.

[21st Century Man]

Many thanks for all the commiserations.

I was progressing the claim through my insurer, but the third party's insurers have contacted me and are taking responsibility, my choice of bodyshop. I've closed off the claim through my insurer.

Somebody pinch me, it's not supposed to be this straightforward right? Famous last words!

[forrestgrump]

BigBen said:

The roof is generally fine as long as you keep an eye on the boot seals and don't allow all the roof motors and electronics to sit at the bottom of a lake.

They do rust a bit in particular around the rear arches but not really anywhere else so not too expensive to sort.

The main worry is the ABC suspension which is capable of throwing up four figure bills on a regular basis, the ones without a proper engine don't have this but then you would only have six cylinders which comes with its own set of problems.

They don't have the same SBC as the E-class so you are ok on that score.

Ben

Do you know if the the facelift 2008 on V6 experienced the same issues? Have one incoming.

[Derventio]

BigBen said:

Derventio said:

In other news, all these pictures of SLs have really fired up the old brain cells. For those that actually run an R230 SL, how problematic is the roof and how susceptible to iron oxidisation are they? Do they have the SBC system as per the E-class of that era?

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 08:03

The roof is generally fine as long as you keep an eye on the boot seals and don't allow all the roof motors and electronics to sit at the bottom of a lake.

They do rust a bit in particular around the rear arches but not really anywhere else so not too expensive to sort.

The main worry is the ABC suspension which is capable of throwing up four figure bills on a regular basis, the ones without a proper engine don't have this but then you would only have six cylinders which comes with its own set of problems.

They don't have the same SBC as the E-class so you are ok on that score.

Ben

Thanks Ben.

I pondered a five hundred but in reality, I would probably go for the cheaper 3.7 and leave some cash left in the war chest. Although they do have a deficit of cylinders, they are also lacking some expensive possible borkage in the fact they don't have balance shaft issues or ABC. As for performance, I refer back to the fact I've spent the last ten years or so driving four pot diesels. Bodywork isn't really an issue as I have a reliable man to to sort that sort of thing out.

Mrs Derventio and I are just considering whether we could keep the Skoda as the family bus/tip runner/furniture carrier. So far she seems to like the idea of being ferried around in a semi glamorous Mercedes convertible.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Good luck to Mr and Mrs LTA. Exciting times. My first born was collected in an Audi, but she seems to have survived undamaged by the ordeal.

[21st Century Man]

Prinny said:

If you can bring yourself to travel to this side of the Pennines, I can recommend Castleton motor bodies...

...If you decided to use them, you’re welcome to borrow the 7 (or the SL) to use while they’re doing it

Thank you for the offer Prinny, you're a Gentleman.

[BlackStang5point0]

BigBen said:

I can hear the scraping noise in my head as I read that. Truly sorry to see this.

Good luck with getting a decent standard of repair, as far as I know the insurer can't force you to use someone you don't want to.

Just about to post the same absolutely gutted for you 21st Century Man and definitely be fussy about who you choose to perform the repair..

[BigBen]

Derventio said:

Thanks Ben.

I pondered a five hundred but in reality, I would probably go for the cheaper 3.7 and leave some cash left in the war chest. Although they do have a deficit of cylinders, they are also lacking some expensive possible borkage in the fact they don't have balance shaft issues or ABC. As for performance, I refer back to the fact I've spent the last ten years or so driving four pot diesels. Bodywork isn't really an issue as I have a reliable man to to sort that sort of thing out.

Mrs Derventio and I are just considering whether we could keep the Skoda as the family bus/tip runner/furniture carrier. So far she seems to like the idea of being ferried around in a semi glamorous Mercedes convertible.

Actually for cruising around and having less to worry about a six cylinder car makes a lot more sense in particular not having ABC is a bonus (that said ABC is absolutely fantastic unless / until it goes wrong.)

[MercedesClassic]

Derventio said:

In other news, all these pictures of SLs have really fired up the old brain cells. For those that actually run an R230 SL, how problematic is the roof and how susceptible to iron oxidisation are they? Do they have the SBC system as per the E-class of that era?

Edited by Derventio on Wednesday 7th April 08:03

I'm on my second R230 and have the scars to prove it

The first car a 02 SL500 with AMG kit had all the typical issues, roof leaks into boot busting the PSE pump, fuel tank baffles failure, ABC failure was the pump rather than struts etc. Also had an engine ECU failure which was a dealer repair and needed a factory coded unit at approximately£2000! This car was a FMBSH car I was 2nd owner took it from 5years 40k to 7 and 70k. It was out of warranty and despite full mb history there was never any good will. The ABC and baffles I didn't fix as I traded it for a 330i coupé which was perfect. I still see it around.

The 500 was my only car ie daily driver and was great when it was working which wasn't often enough in my opinion.

Currently have a 55 which has so far had the ECU cleaned up as they can get damp but it works fine. Boot handle replaced, drivers side folding mirror motor unit replaced. PSE and SBC replaced. The usual suspension components etc.

The SBC is unlikely to give issues I think I was unlucky but they can sometimes be repaired or it's a low battery issue causing the dash warnings.

Never had roof, rust, engine or transmission issues with either of them. They look great, are practical, comfortable, the roof is a wonderful thing and they drive great.

A good one will still throw issues so just be aware and have the funds to fix. Ideally keep it garaged and avoid power washing around the driver's side windscreen scuttle etc as this can wet the ECU box of tricks.

Edited by MercedesClassic on Wednesday 7th April 10:11

[Phil Dicky]

Sahjahd said:

also sue for indemnity against increased future costs, such as insurance premiums.

Didn't know that was a thing? My last accident, (not my fault) cost me a few bob in increased premiums.

[Rubins4]

Fingers crossed LTA, my second was born in LD.2 so I understand your situation but it all worked out well nonetheless.

All this talk of paint reminded me of this, amazing what can be done...

https://youtu.be/PE9UP2NbIVU

(Project Binky - paint episode).

[plasticpig]

Deal done on this and will be delivered on Sunday.

[Rubins4]

Shotgun dibs on the number plate...

[Biglips]

CharlesdeGaulle said:

Good luck to Mr and Mrs LTA. Exciting times. My first born was collected in an Audi, but she seems to have survived undamaged by the ordeal.

Mine both came home in an Alfa and are beautiful, frequently challenging, and need a lot of money to maintain......