1973 Mercedes SLC
Discussion
By way of a small update, there have been some fairly significant changes for KNJ.
After an early summer MOT some work was required to replace a damaged rear brake hose and to repair a blowing exhaust which was beginning to sound more fruity than a grand cruiser deserves. The local garage also waxoyled the whole of the underneath. Total cost was just over £400 which seemed reasonable enough.
The car then sat rather forlornly, unused and exposed in all weathers as I was in one country and it in another. That was clearly far from ideal, and my house on the Continent has an underground garage, so the rather obvious solution was to drive it across the Channel and last weekend that's exactly what I did.
I'd timed it in the hope that I wouldn't need to use the (pretty poor) lights, on a dry day so that I wouldn't need to use the (pretty poor) wipers, and before the winter sets in so as not to have to rely on the (virtually non-functioning-in-any-delivery-of-heat sense) heater. Luckily, it sort-of worked; it rained for only some of the journey and the day was warm enough for me not to get hypothermia on the trip.
The prospect of a 500 mile trip inevitably tests ones confidence, especially as the car had only been lightly used this year. In the event, it ran perfectly (well, as perfectly as it ever does) for the entire journey. It still surges slightly when cold, there's still a slight misfire/stutter under light load around 70-80 mph, and it takes a moment to engage drive when reverse is engaged, but it's a delightful thing to drive.
I was too scared to work it out exactly, but economy was pretty poor, and it took 2 tankfuls to get here. This is rather offset from now on as I get cheap petrol, so on the first working day I filled it up with Super 98 or whatever it is at 58 Euro cents a litre. Result.
Yesterday was a lovely day in Luxembourg so I took it out for an end of season spin to make sure that it's fully dried out and in good order before it hibernates for a bit. Lux may not seem a natural choice for a vacationing road trip, but some of the roads around here are brilliant. The quality is good and there is some very lovely scenery. A long series of wooded sweeping S bends at some speed proved most enjoyable, and the old girl can still provide a rewarding and pretty sporty drive. Those big fat (inside-out whitewall) tyres help keep things nice and smooth too.
Some photos. I should perhaps make it very clear that I reversed up to the one way sign, I hadn't driven it the wrong way!
The plan is to largely just garage it here. I won't get it Lux-registered but will maintain it UK-legal. If there are beautiful winter days it may get a run out, but I'm really keen to keep it dry as much as I can.
I really like this car.
After an early summer MOT some work was required to replace a damaged rear brake hose and to repair a blowing exhaust which was beginning to sound more fruity than a grand cruiser deserves. The local garage also waxoyled the whole of the underneath. Total cost was just over £400 which seemed reasonable enough.
The car then sat rather forlornly, unused and exposed in all weathers as I was in one country and it in another. That was clearly far from ideal, and my house on the Continent has an underground garage, so the rather obvious solution was to drive it across the Channel and last weekend that's exactly what I did.
I'd timed it in the hope that I wouldn't need to use the (pretty poor) lights, on a dry day so that I wouldn't need to use the (pretty poor) wipers, and before the winter sets in so as not to have to rely on the (virtually non-functioning-in-any-delivery-of-heat sense) heater. Luckily, it sort-of worked; it rained for only some of the journey and the day was warm enough for me not to get hypothermia on the trip.
The prospect of a 500 mile trip inevitably tests ones confidence, especially as the car had only been lightly used this year. In the event, it ran perfectly (well, as perfectly as it ever does) for the entire journey. It still surges slightly when cold, there's still a slight misfire/stutter under light load around 70-80 mph, and it takes a moment to engage drive when reverse is engaged, but it's a delightful thing to drive.
I was too scared to work it out exactly, but economy was pretty poor, and it took 2 tankfuls to get here. This is rather offset from now on as I get cheap petrol, so on the first working day I filled it up with Super 98 or whatever it is at 58 Euro cents a litre. Result.
Yesterday was a lovely day in Luxembourg so I took it out for an end of season spin to make sure that it's fully dried out and in good order before it hibernates for a bit. Lux may not seem a natural choice for a vacationing road trip, but some of the roads around here are brilliant. The quality is good and there is some very lovely scenery. A long series of wooded sweeping S bends at some speed proved most enjoyable, and the old girl can still provide a rewarding and pretty sporty drive. Those big fat (inside-out whitewall) tyres help keep things nice and smooth too.
Some photos. I should perhaps make it very clear that I reversed up to the one way sign, I hadn't driven it the wrong way!
The plan is to largely just garage it here. I won't get it Lux-registered but will maintain it UK-legal. If there are beautiful winter days it may get a run out, but I'm really keen to keep it dry as much as I can.
I really like this car.
alabbasi said:
About a decade ago , i bought 4 SLC 5.0 cars from an estate sale. An Ikon gold 79 450SLC 5.0 painted thistle green, Inca red 80 450SLC 5.0 (badged as a 500SLC), an 80 Silver blue 500SLC and an anthracite 81 500SLC that was painted black.
What a trial that must have been! Nice back-story you have there. Do make sure you finish the refurb. paulyv said:
A new chapter in the car's life story. If this results in it getting used, more smiles on your face, and more photos of your trips I am all for it. So pleased it managed the journey. My wipers are poor too although I do need some new rubbers at some point soon. Keep checking in from time to time CdG.
Thanks paulyv. I hope yours is coming along nicely? paulyv said:
... Big romantic dreams for a big romantic car...we shall see.
May I ask - did you hear from Strela at all?
Car looks great, and some perfect road trips planned by the sound of it.May I ask - did you hear from Strela at all?
I didn't hear from Strela; I mailed but no response. All his posts except those that were quoted have gone from here too.
I have you to thank Zonergem. I've never once cursed you for not doing enough to put me off!
I suspect the car won't ever really be hibernating properly. I'm near the Moselle and fancy a spin along there on a nice sunny day. The only real constraint is the lack of much in the way of heating, so doing much over the coldest winter months is unlikely unless I man-up to the temperature or man-up to pay for getting the heater fixed. Buying more clothes might be cheaper!
I'm certainly up for an Essen trip, especially if there might be a 107 convoy? Do give me a shout if you (or anyone else) ever comes this way, especially if there's a self-indulgent car-themed destination to look forward to at the end of it.
I suspect the car won't ever really be hibernating properly. I'm near the Moselle and fancy a spin along there on a nice sunny day. The only real constraint is the lack of much in the way of heating, so doing much over the coldest winter months is unlikely unless I man-up to the temperature or man-up to pay for getting the heater fixed. Buying more clothes might be cheaper!
I'm certainly up for an Essen trip, especially if there might be a 107 convoy? Do give me a shout if you (or anyone else) ever comes this way, especially if there's a self-indulgent car-themed destination to look forward to at the end of it.
r129sl said:
paulyv said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Thanks paulyv. I hope yours is coming along nicely?
* Obviously, I refer to driving an old classic before the NP&E nutters descend.
Almost exactly a year to the day after parking the car up in my underground garage and sticking a battery conditioner on it, it saw sunlight once more.
It's been a fairly 'interesting' 12 months for all sorts of reasons, but with decent weather and a relaxing of the lockdown over here on the Continent, it seemed about time it saw some 'essential' use. I checked and corrected tyre pressures, checked the oil level, and lay on the floor to check that nothing was amiss (not that I'd have known what to look for anyway unless something was obviously hanging-off) and then turned the key. It started!
After another quick check I set off pretty gingerly on the first trip the car had done in a year. I was slightly concerned that a long lay-up might have caused problems, but there was no sign of any drama. About 20 minutes into the drive I did get worried about a fuel-type smell, and when I stopped to have a check I saw smoke coming from underneath the bonnet which focused the mind somewhat! There is clearly a slight oil leak somewhere as I'd had to put paper under the car when it was parked-up, and I am pretty sure that it was old oil burning off as the engine got hot. Oil pressure and water temperature were both spot-on, and everything works.
I returned home and washed it, and then took a friend out in it again. Cheap petrol offsets the utterly dismal fuel economy and I have to say that it performed faultlessly. Even looks pretty shiny now the storage dust and cobwebs are off it.
I have booked it in for a service at an old-school garage in the city that I have used once before for my other car and was impressed with, and I'll get them to give it a proper appraisal. I also need to get the heater fixed.
I'll ask them to cost-up the work needed to get it through the Controle Technique (MOT equivalent) with a view to registering it over here, because at the moment I'm running it as a UK-legal car on UK insurance, but I fear I may be on dodgy ground. If getting it through the CT is too complicated, I'll need to either find a UK insurer or consider selling it. Difficult decisions ahead. I still really like this car, and it got lots of smiles and thumbs-up during the drive. I'm hoping to be able to keep it.
It's been a fairly 'interesting' 12 months for all sorts of reasons, but with decent weather and a relaxing of the lockdown over here on the Continent, it seemed about time it saw some 'essential' use. I checked and corrected tyre pressures, checked the oil level, and lay on the floor to check that nothing was amiss (not that I'd have known what to look for anyway unless something was obviously hanging-off) and then turned the key. It started!
After another quick check I set off pretty gingerly on the first trip the car had done in a year. I was slightly concerned that a long lay-up might have caused problems, but there was no sign of any drama. About 20 minutes into the drive I did get worried about a fuel-type smell, and when I stopped to have a check I saw smoke coming from underneath the bonnet which focused the mind somewhat! There is clearly a slight oil leak somewhere as I'd had to put paper under the car when it was parked-up, and I am pretty sure that it was old oil burning off as the engine got hot. Oil pressure and water temperature were both spot-on, and everything works.
I returned home and washed it, and then took a friend out in it again. Cheap petrol offsets the utterly dismal fuel economy and I have to say that it performed faultlessly. Even looks pretty shiny now the storage dust and cobwebs are off it.
I have booked it in for a service at an old-school garage in the city that I have used once before for my other car and was impressed with, and I'll get them to give it a proper appraisal. I also need to get the heater fixed.
I'll ask them to cost-up the work needed to get it through the Controle Technique (MOT equivalent) with a view to registering it over here, because at the moment I'm running it as a UK-legal car on UK insurance, but I fear I may be on dodgy ground. If getting it through the CT is too complicated, I'll need to either find a UK insurer or consider selling it. Difficult decisions ahead. I still really like this car, and it got lots of smiles and thumbs-up during the drive. I'm hoping to be able to keep it.
Captain_Morgan said:
Sorry I forgot to post the link
https://www.stuartcollins.com/
Thanks for that. I'd heard of them before but never tried them. I'll get a quote and see how it compares; insurance is expensive here anyway so it may well be a feasible option. https://www.stuartcollins.com/
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Captain_Morgan said:
Sorry I forgot to post the link
https://www.stuartcollins.com/
Thanks for that. I'd heard of them before but never tried them. I'll get a quote and see how it compares; insurance is expensive here anyway so it may well be a feasible option. https://www.stuartcollins.com/
I'm hoping someone might be able to offer some advice.
My car is RHD and I am considering getting it Lux-registered. That is no mean feat in itself, and I'll need to switch the beam of the headlights. The obvious options are new lights, but these are much spenners.
I was wondering whether new lenses might work; does anyone know? Is it the glass or the reflectors that angle the beam?
I have seen these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Headlight-Lens...
Will they do the trick? Any other thoughts or suggestions?
Or these US-spec-looking ones? Ugly, but they might do the job.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R107-Headlight...
My car is RHD and I am considering getting it Lux-registered. That is no mean feat in itself, and I'll need to switch the beam of the headlights. The obvious options are new lights, but these are much spenners.
I was wondering whether new lenses might work; does anyone know? Is it the glass or the reflectors that angle the beam?
I have seen these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Headlight-Lens...
Will they do the trick? Any other thoughts or suggestions?
Or these US-spec-looking ones? Ugly, but they might do the job.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R107-Headlight...
AlpinaB5 said:
Two years ago I registered my Golf in Trier. Yes I needed to get new headlights but also in Germany you need a manufacturer 'Certificate of Conformance'. I work in Luxembourg as well but not sure if you need that here too?
I understand that a Certificate of Conformity is not needed for classics but is, as you note, for more modern cars. I needed it to get my other car registered.If I can't find a sensible solution for the lights I fear I may have to sell the car. Alternative is to keep it UK-legal and registered and just keep it herr with occasional use, but I really do want to be legal and the end of EU reciprocity will only complicate matters.
alabbasi said:
I believe that the cut off is in the lenses and not the assembly and you might be able to get away with swapping lenses. I can't promise this however. The US spec lights will bolt right in but you might have to do something with the wiring as I remember having to do so when I converted a couple of cars to Euro lights.
Thank you. It's certainly something to investigate if all else fails, but I confess that I am rather dismayed by the looks. paulyv said:
Worth getting on the specialist forums and asking if anyone needs to swap their headlights the other way - there will be someone out there trying to do just that.
Thanks for that. I think you're right about the specialist clubs, I'll join and engage. A swap may indeed be possible. I'm sure that some of the continental-based owners and folk must have ideas that cost less than 800 euros per light!
nigeleyre said:
I've always like the SLC but interested in your comment, "That there is a lot of wind noise" is this a problem with them or is it something you've cured? I loathe wind noise so this alone if its something they suffer from would put me off. Look forward to hearing, thanks.
I don't think it's a problem with them in general, but door seals and poorly-aligned windows make many old cars noisier than we're used to I guess. I had my windows properly set-up and don't find the residual wind noise in any way excessive, but it's certainly noisier than its Lexus stablemate! I really wouldn't let it put you off as they are terrific cars. I really enjoy mine, although may be soon putting it up for sale because I've bought a LHD 124 Spider of similar vintage. A RHD car over here is a little inconvenient, but the alternative to just keep it in my garage is a tempting one too, although it offends me to have a car that I rarely use.
The thread popping-up again reminded me that I'd neglected to update after the recent service. Usual fluid changes, plus the oil leak and the heater fixed. The garage have neglected to bill me yet but are on the lookout for headlights. Concurrently, a colleague has arranged an appointment with a classic garage-iste over the border in Germany who has it on good authority that new headlight lenses will get the car through the CT. I'm going to take it to him tomorrow afternoon for him to have a look.
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