1973 Mercedes SLC
Discussion
CharlesdeGaulle said:
ilovequo said:
Have you changed the seals/rubbers around the boot lid?
No not yet. I was pretty sure that wasn't the culprit, and they look in really good condition, but I'm now re-evaluating and it'll be a logical place to start. Then stand back and give the car a good hosing down (arcing the water so it hits the car hard from above. Like rain does.
Then go for a cup of tea.
Then go and get your torch and go outside.
Then go back inside and change the batteries in your torch.
Then go back outside and find the source of your leak.
ETA: Let me help you not repeat the mistakes of the past: The boot should be CLOSED during the hosing phase, and OPEN during the torch phase. Top job.
Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 14th March 11:31
Strela said:
I realise I neglected to action this in December. I am back in late April and will be true to my word, if you can wait until then. I may have to charge you £5 for it to support the increased running costs of my expanded fleet of German exotica, but we can haggle. Will also p/x for signed Ken Dodd CD.
Thanks old bean, appreciate it, and expect to pay. There's no way I'm giving-up my Ken Dodd CDs now. Will you keep the SL as well as the Bitter?
SpeckledJim said:
Give all the possible places a proper dusting with talcum powder using the wife's best make-up thingy. You don't have to pretend to be a famous forensic scientist, or an archaeologist, but you can if you want.
Then stand back and give the car a good hosing down (arcing the water so it hits the car hard from above. Like rain does.
That is a very good idea. I'll do it a) when it warms up a little, b) when I can find my hosepipe post-housemove, and c) when I repair the outside tap that blew off in the cold weather. Then stand back and give the car a good hosing down (arcing the water so it hits the car hard from above. Like rain does.
Thanks SJ, I will give that a try actually.
The SLC got a service today at an old-school garage local to me that specialises in vintage and classics. Their rates are very reasonable and the car park and workshop is worth a browse just to see the interesting stuff parked up. The proprietor is a delightful chap and I feel lucky to have found 'my kind of garage' reasonably close-by.
I'd asked that the MOT be done as well, but he pointed out that I still have two months to run so we've postponed that bit, although he's done all the work and checks so knows it will pass. In addition to the service, I've replaced both rear light seals and the boot seal in an attempt to make the boot watertight.
The chap spent ages drilling out screws that were stuck in place in order to replace the number plate lights. He also cleaned all the fuses, re-wired the horn and replaced the alternator and power steering belts, which were showing signs of wear. The bill was a little shy of £900 in total, so quite a lot but not an unreasonable expenditure since I last invested in it. As always, looking after these old things properly doesn't come cheap.
It badly needs a clean but is looking good and running well.
I'd asked that the MOT be done as well, but he pointed out that I still have two months to run so we've postponed that bit, although he's done all the work and checks so knows it will pass. In addition to the service, I've replaced both rear light seals and the boot seal in an attempt to make the boot watertight.
The chap spent ages drilling out screws that were stuck in place in order to replace the number plate lights. He also cleaned all the fuses, re-wired the horn and replaced the alternator and power steering belts, which were showing signs of wear. The bill was a little shy of £900 in total, so quite a lot but not an unreasonable expenditure since I last invested in it. As always, looking after these old things properly doesn't come cheap.
It badly needs a clean but is looking good and running well.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
"...but not an unreasonable expenditure since I last invested in it. As always, looking after these old things properly doesn't come cheap."
My thoughts also.Just had an MOT and a few bits and pieces done on my E36 but didn't begrudge a penny.
So much better than £399 a month for some anodyne modern item.
Beautiful as ever CdG. The SL's are slowly emerging from their winter slumber and will soon feast ravenously on the fuel pumps of our fair isle.
Mine remains with Edward Hall - we've agreed a not inconsiderable list of items to work on and I should be joining you on the road in a month or so.
A bientot.
Mine remains with Edward Hall - we've agreed a not inconsiderable list of items to work on and I should be joining you on the road in a month or so.
A bientot.
olly22n said:
My 5er has just kicked me in the nuts, and is still terminally borked.
I doff my cap to you boys who run these daily, but I cannae stomach it any longer.
Keep the faith old chap, keep the faith - it will be worth it in the end. What's the problem you have; genuinely knackered or fix-able? I doff my cap to you boys who run these daily, but I cannae stomach it any longer.
The bill was, frankly, higher than I was expecting, but he discovered work that I didn't know needed doing and spent a lot of time on it. There were a couple of hours he didn't charge for too.
I think it goes to show how you need to be realistic and flexible about money. These things can throw reasonably hefty bills so you need a fighting fund, unless you're prepared to apply banger principles and manage some graceful decline, but I think this car is too good for that.
I think it goes to show how you need to be realistic and flexible about money. These things can throw reasonably hefty bills so you need a fighting fund, unless you're prepared to apply banger principles and manage some graceful decline, but I think this car is too good for that.
Zonergem said:
Not a bad price, but Cat D puts folk off. Me included, despite the funky colours. I've let the thread go into hibernation really after some busy months and significant changes to employment and place of residence. In the meantime, the car has been MOTd and a couple of other jobs identified and I plan to get them fixed when I'm back in the UK towards the end of the month. Rather embarrassingly, I've only driven it a few hundred miles this year.
What made me thing of updating the thread was seeing this advert for a car which looks very similar. At first glance I thought someone was selling my car, but this one is later, with a different engine and with that delicious velour. I am rather drawn to the beaded seat covering our vendor favours though.
£13500 seems a decent price for it. In general, I like to see these being advertised and sold at much higher prices!
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1016830
What made me thing of updating the thread was seeing this advert for a car which looks very similar. At first glance I thought someone was selling my car, but this one is later, with a different engine and with that delicious velour. I am rather drawn to the beaded seat covering our vendor favours though.
£13500 seems a decent price for it. In general, I like to see these being advertised and sold at much higher prices!
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1016830
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