Mercedes 129 titivation
Discussion
Zonergem said:
Double breasted waistcoat and a proper collar (I suppose barristers are predisposed to detachables) - I didn't think it was possible for you to rise any higher in my estimation but, well.
What on earth have I missed? Damn my errant browsing habits for having failed to keep up with R129SL's threads often enough!
paulyv said:
Lowtimer said:
what... what is going on there???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azJKG4VNt3oAnd the plinky '80s cheesy Nintendo-style sound-track was a proper trip down memory lane.
A bit more on the repair. I went down there today and we discussed the further little blebs and defects I want dealing with. I have never really been happy with the finish on this car. The bonnet suffers bad floatation and all over it is orange-peely. There are some tiny blebs on the front wheel arches, the trailing edge of the bonnet and the screen pillars. There is a colour difference on the rear end. All of this is going to be dealt with and the car will be stripped and painted and properly flatted and lacquered. More expense but I want it right.
There is a crack in the screen, too. This will be a result of rust in the aperture. So a new screen will be put in. It has been ten years and 150k miles, so it could do with one anyway.
There is a crack in the screen, too. This will be a result of rust in the aperture. So a new screen will be put in. It has been ten years and 150k miles, so it could do with one anyway.
I'd look down the back of my sofa on the hunt for change to send, but am currently totting up the cost of a respray to mine this winter as well as sorting the heating system on my SL. Not to mention new suspension and clutch on the Puma, so on this occasion I will send mere encouragement that you are doing the right thing - I can't wait to see the finished item.
Am I reading this correctly - the end result of this repair and other minor jobs is going to be a complete repaint?
After all the other work on suspension etc over the last year or 2, the car must be getting close to being mechanically and cosmetically as good as it was back in it's first few years on the road?
Certainly better than any other one in the country that's done even 1/2 the mileage.
After all the other work on suspension etc over the last year or 2, the car must be getting close to being mechanically and cosmetically as good as it was back in it's first few years on the road?
Certainly better than any other one in the country that's done even 1/2 the mileage.
And so it begins again...
There was a bit of rust on the bonnet, so that is off to be stripped and treated. The Saccos are all off. There is very little trouble. A little rust hole in the front chassis member where one of the wheel arch liner attachment studs ought to be. Otherwise no disasters.
I am in two minds about this car. We can use it as a family for short trips but it is insufficiently comfortable in the back to use it on long journeys. I don't know whether to sell it and buy a 124 coupé or whether to keep it, lay it up in winter, and buy a 124 coupé. Or whether to grow a pair and make use of one of the other cars for family trips; they just lack a little style.
There was a bit of rust on the bonnet, so that is off to be stripped and treated. The Saccos are all off. There is very little trouble. A little rust hole in the front chassis member where one of the wheel arch liner attachment studs ought to be. Otherwise no disasters.
I am in two minds about this car. We can use it as a family for short trips but it is insufficiently comfortable in the back to use it on long journeys. I don't know whether to sell it and buy a 124 coupé or whether to keep it, lay it up in winter, and buy a 124 coupé. Or whether to grow a pair and make use of one of the other cars for family trips; they just lack a little style.
I really like JOB's 300 CE, smoke silver with anthracite velours, factory A/C. It's an early car, generally regarded as a good thing, but it is missing cruise control and heated seats and it has to make do with only 188bhp. Which is probably more than enough. Except one of the things I really like about my SL500 and E430 is the power. It is also £5k for the asking. Plus £230 for the tax. Plus £500 for the insurance. And I only have one garage but could rent another for £50 a month. Except I am spending far too much money on cars. Hmm.
The 188bhp W124 300CE only weighs 1400kg compared to the porky R129 at 1750kg or more depending on engine.
Mine is the 'Superleggera Corse' version with A/C, cruise and heated seats deleted for extra, extra speed. Umm, probably.
I still think 500E might be the way to go. Style, speed, space and Sacco...
Mine is the 'Superleggera Corse' version with A/C, cruise and heated seats deleted for extra, extra speed. Umm, probably.
I still think 500E might be the way to go. Style, speed, space and Sacco...
Thank you. The next trip I have in mind is to the Pau GP Historique next May. That's why I fancy a coupé. The 124 and the 210 aren't really suitable for such a trip and the 129's rear quarters may just be a bit too confined for the children. Unfortunately, it may not be possible as half term and the ferries from Portsmouth to northern Spain don't quite align and I'm not sure a two day hack down France will be much fun for anyone.
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