1979 Mercedes 450 SLC
Discussion
I did consider that but it is in a terrible old state. The item I have is sold as a direct replacement so I must be missing something in the manner in which I am trying to get it back into the car. I'll await word from the SL Shop and we'll see what's what.
If I find out anything useful I will post it up for future reference.
If I find out anything useful I will post it up for future reference.
A Sunday evening update whilst the Bahrain GP plays on the TV. Both Red Bulls out already. Hard to root for Mercedes in F1 as they hold a penchant for domination greater than that of Max Moseley. I hope their cars don't have the heating problems I have experienced nor wait for parts as long as I have to.
Blower - Seems I was not going nuts, nor is my mechanical savvy quite as poor as I had feared. The manufacturer of the replacement blower motor had made a schoolboy error. After a couple of emails to the SL Shop they, unprompted, took the time to fit one to their own car and found an error in the manner in which the base had been glued to the blower cover. Not ideal but to be fair they were very communicative, and very helpful. No harm done and I will get another one in the post in the coming week.
My Puma is out of MOT and we had a weekend booked away with friends so was in something of a pickle. The Duchess became the chosen weapon, and we decided to venture on the journey, back to Gloucester again of all places (we forgot we had this upcoming trip when we ventured out that way a fortnight ago), with no heater in place. A couple of blankets for my valued passenger and I am happy to report it was a pleasant and rapid journey. Rain all the way down which again showed no signs in the footwells, but some water in the boot on this occasion. Given the threads I have seen on here I'll check the seals and do the talcum powder trick. Still a happy driver.
This time next week I will be staying in a cheap hotel in Edward Hall's neck of the woods who shall become custodian for the month from Monday morning. In no particular order I am aiming for:
A bulkhead inspection.
Fuel lines/inspect for fumes.
Fitting of a new heater.
Looking over the heater behaviour...when fitted it randomly blew at full blast when the car was warmed up - anyone else had this? Possibly the resistor pack perhaps?
Checking the bushes and replacement as required.
Tracking down the odd draught around the car.
Timing chain.
A little tidy up, for example the cover of my back seat has come away along the full length near the parcel shelf.
Thanks for reading. I will update with anything I learn this month for the greater good.
Blower - Seems I was not going nuts, nor is my mechanical savvy quite as poor as I had feared. The manufacturer of the replacement blower motor had made a schoolboy error. After a couple of emails to the SL Shop they, unprompted, took the time to fit one to their own car and found an error in the manner in which the base had been glued to the blower cover. Not ideal but to be fair they were very communicative, and very helpful. No harm done and I will get another one in the post in the coming week.
My Puma is out of MOT and we had a weekend booked away with friends so was in something of a pickle. The Duchess became the chosen weapon, and we decided to venture on the journey, back to Gloucester again of all places (we forgot we had this upcoming trip when we ventured out that way a fortnight ago), with no heater in place. A couple of blankets for my valued passenger and I am happy to report it was a pleasant and rapid journey. Rain all the way down which again showed no signs in the footwells, but some water in the boot on this occasion. Given the threads I have seen on here I'll check the seals and do the talcum powder trick. Still a happy driver.
This time next week I will be staying in a cheap hotel in Edward Hall's neck of the woods who shall become custodian for the month from Monday morning. In no particular order I am aiming for:
A bulkhead inspection.
Fuel lines/inspect for fumes.
Fitting of a new heater.
Looking over the heater behaviour...when fitted it randomly blew at full blast when the car was warmed up - anyone else had this? Possibly the resistor pack perhaps?
Checking the bushes and replacement as required.
Tracking down the odd draught around the car.
Timing chain.
A little tidy up, for example the cover of my back seat has come away along the full length near the parcel shelf.
Thanks for reading. I will update with anything I learn this month for the greater good.
After a run up to the midlands over the weekend, this Monday morning rolled around which meant it was time to take the Duchess for her date with Edward Hall, as recommended through this forum.
I recall it was CdG and Strela who recommended Edward, so thanks for that. Indeed Strela your name came up and a car in their garage reminded me of your wonderful machine.
What a lovely place to visit, with equally lovely people working there. I met Edward upon arrival and we soon had a look over my SLC, which was in good company.
A full inspection is going to be carried out but some things I learned as a result of his first glance and drive:
Structurally it looked solid to the eye - we didn't get it up on the ramp but at least nothing fell off as Edward prodded around.
I am getting fumes in the cabin, possibly from a lack of seals around the bottom of the boot of all places.
I may be getting more vibration from the engine than I might reasonably expect.
I do encounter a little more wind noise than is usual.
I need a new thermostat as my car runs cool (not in the Fonzy sense)
The car may have been retrimmed in black leather, possibly at the South African factory, possibly later.
My boot leak is likely through the rear window where the sealant has gone hard and porous.
There are after market bolts around the bulkhead, so possibly someone has already done work in there...
I was generously offered a lift to the train station and for now the car will remain with his team for a report in the future, after which we can plan out what work is pressing and what might be done later in the year. Happy to know it is clearly in very safe hands.
So you won't hear from me for a few weeks, at least on this thread, but in the mean time have a look at what was sitting around Edward's premises. That last SLC was beautiful as a result of a full restoration.
I recall it was CdG and Strela who recommended Edward, so thanks for that. Indeed Strela your name came up and a car in their garage reminded me of your wonderful machine.
What a lovely place to visit, with equally lovely people working there. I met Edward upon arrival and we soon had a look over my SLC, which was in good company.
A full inspection is going to be carried out but some things I learned as a result of his first glance and drive:
Structurally it looked solid to the eye - we didn't get it up on the ramp but at least nothing fell off as Edward prodded around.
I am getting fumes in the cabin, possibly from a lack of seals around the bottom of the boot of all places.
I may be getting more vibration from the engine than I might reasonably expect.
I do encounter a little more wind noise than is usual.
I need a new thermostat as my car runs cool (not in the Fonzy sense)
The car may have been retrimmed in black leather, possibly at the South African factory, possibly later.
My boot leak is likely through the rear window where the sealant has gone hard and porous.
There are after market bolts around the bulkhead, so possibly someone has already done work in there...
I was generously offered a lift to the train station and for now the car will remain with his team for a report in the future, after which we can plan out what work is pressing and what might be done later in the year. Happy to know it is clearly in very safe hands.
So you won't hear from me for a few weeks, at least on this thread, but in the mean time have a look at what was sitting around Edward's premises. That last SLC was beautiful as a result of a full restoration.
Edited by paulyv on Monday 16th April 12:00
Taking one's car to a true team of experts results in a long list of things that should be attended to.
Might look worrying but I was frankly thrilled to be told that the bulkhead and main structure is holding up well. Indeed the bulkhead is slathered in sealant. Needless to say this news has saved me a small fortune over the next few years. The following is being placed into 2 lists - one to be completed as soon as possible, one to be addressed as time allows over the coming year. Thanks to Edward for getting truly under the skin of the car.
Grab a coffee, a big one, and take a read and try not to think about your own cars as you are reading:
NSF side light in operative
NSF dip beam inoperative
No rear fog lamps or tell-tale on the knob, plus the knob comes off in your hand
Knobs missing from the controls to the dash vents
Sunroof inoperative
NS windscreen wiper clip broken (secured with tape)
Centre console wood trim loose
Wood trim delaminated
Car pulls to right when driving
Pulls to right when braking
Vibration when driving (engine mounts, subframe mounts, exhaust mount see points later, plus tyres are old)
Heater blower not working and motor worn out & disconnected
Corrosion to NSF wing above headlamp
OS headlamp reflector corroded
Rear screen delaminated at base
Boot badge loose
Rear lamp gaskets leaking
Rear chrome plinth gasket above lights poor and bodged
Boot rubber seal incomplete (causing fumes to enter the car)
All shock absorbers weak
A/C belt missing and A/C inoperative
Battery hold down clamp missing
Various vacuum hoses disconnected/plugged
Engine coolant very dirty and weak
Air cleaner mounting broken
Engine oil dirty
Wiring to cold start injector and thermo time switch poorly repaired
Engine bay bulkhead insulation shrunk
Bulkhead plenum cover broken
Bulkhead chamber heavily undersealed but appears ok - checked from inside where possible - surface corrosion but no holes evident
OSF brake calliper locking tabs not secured
NSF brake calliper locking tabs not fitted
Slight play in both front and both rear wheel bearings
Engine mounts weak/collapsed
Front subframe mountings weak
Radiator leaking
Engine oil cooler lower union has been cross-threaded/leaking
A/C condensor damaged
NSF & OSF anti roll bar mounts have been bent/repaired
Fluid on steering box - possibly from engine above
Column to steering box coupling in poor condition
All lower wishbone bushes perished but no movement - Bolts were loose! We have tightened these up
NS & OS track rods misaligned
Transmission oil leak - cooler pipes to transmission seals
Gear linkage bush worn
Engine temperature low - failed thermostat
Gearbox mounting weak/split and one bolt missing from bracket
Non genuine exhaust fitted - hard mount in centre that probably causing some of the vibration. Rear mounting rubbers perished
Rubber fuel pipes in fuel pump pack perished/cracked
OS inner CV boot leaking (previously repaired incorrectly)
OS chrome sill trim secured by cable tie
Rear brake pads very low (85% worn)
NSR brake pad retaining pin incorrect (too short)
OSF brake calliper outer piston partially seized
NSF brake calliper outer piston seized
Front brake pads unevenly worn (due to above)
Front discs corroded (not serious at this stage)
One bolt in NSR wheel has thread stripped
Remove cam covers to check timing chain stretch, inspect camshafts and sprockets. We believe the engine has been apart before and the chain has been replaced. Chain stretch is 8 degrees which is within tolerance. There is some wear to cam sprockets but not excessive. Camshafts appear in good condition.
Engine oil leak - this is coming from the OS cam cover gasket. Mating surface on the head is damaged (possibly dropped when engine apart?). We may be able to repair the mating surface in situ and replace the gasket to cure the leak.
<Edited to remove expired picture link>
Might look worrying but I was frankly thrilled to be told that the bulkhead and main structure is holding up well. Indeed the bulkhead is slathered in sealant. Needless to say this news has saved me a small fortune over the next few years. The following is being placed into 2 lists - one to be completed as soon as possible, one to be addressed as time allows over the coming year. Thanks to Edward for getting truly under the skin of the car.
Grab a coffee, a big one, and take a read and try not to think about your own cars as you are reading:
NSF side light in operative
NSF dip beam inoperative
No rear fog lamps or tell-tale on the knob, plus the knob comes off in your hand
Knobs missing from the controls to the dash vents
Sunroof inoperative
NS windscreen wiper clip broken (secured with tape)
Centre console wood trim loose
Wood trim delaminated
Car pulls to right when driving
Pulls to right when braking
Vibration when driving (engine mounts, subframe mounts, exhaust mount see points later, plus tyres are old)
Heater blower not working and motor worn out & disconnected
Corrosion to NSF wing above headlamp
OS headlamp reflector corroded
Rear screen delaminated at base
Boot badge loose
Rear lamp gaskets leaking
Rear chrome plinth gasket above lights poor and bodged
Boot rubber seal incomplete (causing fumes to enter the car)
All shock absorbers weak
A/C belt missing and A/C inoperative
Battery hold down clamp missing
Various vacuum hoses disconnected/plugged
Engine coolant very dirty and weak
Air cleaner mounting broken
Engine oil dirty
Wiring to cold start injector and thermo time switch poorly repaired
Engine bay bulkhead insulation shrunk
Bulkhead plenum cover broken
Bulkhead chamber heavily undersealed but appears ok - checked from inside where possible - surface corrosion but no holes evident
OSF brake calliper locking tabs not secured
NSF brake calliper locking tabs not fitted
Slight play in both front and both rear wheel bearings
Engine mounts weak/collapsed
Front subframe mountings weak
Radiator leaking
Engine oil cooler lower union has been cross-threaded/leaking
A/C condensor damaged
NSF & OSF anti roll bar mounts have been bent/repaired
Fluid on steering box - possibly from engine above
Column to steering box coupling in poor condition
All lower wishbone bushes perished but no movement - Bolts were loose! We have tightened these up
NS & OS track rods misaligned
Transmission oil leak - cooler pipes to transmission seals
Gear linkage bush worn
Engine temperature low - failed thermostat
Gearbox mounting weak/split and one bolt missing from bracket
Non genuine exhaust fitted - hard mount in centre that probably causing some of the vibration. Rear mounting rubbers perished
Rubber fuel pipes in fuel pump pack perished/cracked
OS inner CV boot leaking (previously repaired incorrectly)
OS chrome sill trim secured by cable tie
Rear brake pads very low (85% worn)
NSR brake pad retaining pin incorrect (too short)
OSF brake calliper outer piston partially seized
NSF brake calliper outer piston seized
Front brake pads unevenly worn (due to above)
Front discs corroded (not serious at this stage)
One bolt in NSR wheel has thread stripped
Remove cam covers to check timing chain stretch, inspect camshafts and sprockets. We believe the engine has been apart before and the chain has been replaced. Chain stretch is 8 degrees which is within tolerance. There is some wear to cam sprockets but not excessive. Camshafts appear in good condition.
Engine oil leak - this is coming from the OS cam cover gasket. Mating surface on the head is damaged (possibly dropped when engine apart?). We may be able to repair the mating surface in situ and replace the gasket to cure the leak.
<Edited to remove expired picture link>
Edited by paulyv on Wednesday 26th August 10:26
I have received word that within the next couple of weeks the SLC should be ready for collection from the rather nice people at Edward Hall.
Budget demanded that only half of the list above was completed and I believe I still won't have a fully working heater system upon collection, something I will notice far more when I am no longer being choked by dense exhaust fumes at junctions. Not to get ahead of myself but it'll be going back in later in the year to have the dash out and those pesky heater controls properly connected.
It's been 3 months now and I've really missed driving around feeling like Alan Whicker or some such equally admirably coiffured celeb from the early 80's.
Once I clamber back in and head home I shall be sure to post the full list of what has been done and report back on how different it feels/doesn't feel as a result of my hefty investment*.
Budget demanded that only half of the list above was completed and I believe I still won't have a fully working heater system upon collection, something I will notice far more when I am no longer being choked by dense exhaust fumes at junctions. Not to get ahead of myself but it'll be going back in later in the year to have the dash out and those pesky heater controls properly connected.
It's been 3 months now and I've really missed driving around feeling like Alan Whicker or some such equally admirably coiffured celeb from the early 80's.
Once I clamber back in and head home I shall be sure to post the full list of what has been done and report back on how different it feels/doesn't feel as a result of my hefty investment*.
- I might not know what the word 'investment' actually means.
We're still around 
I still have a 450SLC 5.0 sitting in the back of my garage. It was in fantastic shape until the PO drove it into the garage. He then started to take it apart and passed away so I got it partially disassembled.
Inca red with black leather interior. I have an 80 350SLC parts car waiting for so that I can put thing together. I also have an 82 280SL 5 speed project (big project) and an 84 500SL that I pulled out of a field about 10 years ago that runs and drives fine when I drive it. I restored that about 10 years ago when I was at the grand old age of 34 and one of the first jobs that I had to do was replaced the seized blower motor which was full of water and dump about 5 spray cans of lysol through the HVAC vents to get the mold smell out.
I've not driven it in a while as the front end needs a rebuild and both my lifts are tied up. i might just farm the job out in autumn as it would probably never get done otherwise. It's too hot to drive a convertible right now.
I still have a 450SLC 5.0 sitting in the back of my garage. It was in fantastic shape until the PO drove it into the garage. He then started to take it apart and passed away so I got it partially disassembled.
Inca red with black leather interior. I have an 80 350SLC parts car waiting for so that I can put thing together. I also have an 82 280SL 5 speed project (big project) and an 84 500SL that I pulled out of a field about 10 years ago that runs and drives fine when I drive it. I restored that about 10 years ago when I was at the grand old age of 34 and one of the first jobs that I had to do was replaced the seized blower motor which was full of water and dump about 5 spray cans of lysol through the HVAC vents to get the mold smell out.
I've not driven it in a while as the front end needs a rebuild and both my lifts are tied up. i might just farm the job out in autumn as it would probably never get done otherwise. It's too hot to drive a convertible right now.
Greetings from abroad. Currently wending my way towards the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, albeit not in the SLC of course. You might recall it went into Edward Hall back in April, the result being the opinion that I had a solid car, albeit one which had been overlooked for a spell.
Received word that the car is ready to collect after much time being spent on, in and over it.
Let's have a look at the long list of parts, followed by the work that took up the 45.5 hours of labour.
2 Bushing
1 Thermostat
2 Brake Pads
1 Cap
1 Vale cover gasket
1 Brake pad wear indicator
4 Screw
1 Mann oil filter
1 Litre brake fluid
8 Litre 10w/40 oil
1.5 Litre 80x/90 axle oil
1 Boot seal
2 Front brake calipers
2 Rubber buffers
1 Subframe bushing kit
1 Roadwheel bolt
1 Rear brake pad retainer pin
2 Propshaft joints
2 Engine support
1 Oil filter
1 Transmission sump gasket
1 Fuel system hose
1 Fuel system hose
10 Seal ring
4.5 Litres antifreeze
8 Litres transmission fluid
4 16mm Hose bands
3 22mm Hose bands
4 M12 ID Copper seals
2 14100 Seals
2 CV boot/Drivshaft gaiter bands
1 Radiator Recore and test
1 Brake master cylinder
1 Brake pad set
0.5 Litre brake fluid
1 Cermaic fuse
1 H4 Bulb
1 N233 Bulb
1 MOT
45.5 hours Labour, description:
Remove o/s valve cover and carry out a rework repair of damage to cylinder head rear corner, and valve cover face.
Replace worn front sub-frame bushings.
Remove gear shifter - link arm and replace worn out bushes x 2.
Replace failed thermostat in cooling system.
Remove radiator for overhaul.
Renew engine oil and filter.
Renew transmission fluid and filtration.
Replace worn rear brake pads and fit correct retaining pin.
Replace one damaged road wheel bolt.
Renew both engine mountings.
Replace broken air filter rubber mounts.
Drain rear axle and renew gear oil.
Fit new boot seal - partially missing.
Renew engine coolant.
Fit new front brake pads and wear indicator wires
Fit new front brake calipers.
Bleed brakes after renewing brake fluid.
Overhaul fuel pump pack hoses under vehicle.
Renew hose bands and copper seals.
Remove trans., cross member and exhaust heat shields, to access propshaft
Remove propshaft and replace front and rear flex discs.
Repack rear inner CV joints of both drive shafts with new CV lith-moly grease.
Secure boot/gaiters with new bands.
Straighten out heat shields and re-secure properly with correct screws.
Refit original central exhaust mount. Previously loose and insecure.
Fit radiator, fill with water only, as to run up engine to temperature, prior to flushing corrosion from cooling system.
Carry out multiple flushes with water of cooling system until clear. Re-antifreeze vehicle.
Fit customer supplied heater fan motor and test.
Carry out improvised test and isolate fan motor, due to broken control switches in car.
Replace leaking brake master cylinder, clean out reservoir, replenish brake fluid and bleed car again.
Carry out initial road test of vehicle to check brakes and check for any leaks from other repairs.
All ok.
I should have a reliable vehicle after that lot, although my current financial limitations mean I will have to wait a few months to get the heating, ventilation, vacuum and air con systems sorted as it's going to require some dash-out maintenance. I will get a quote for that, and the issue with a slightly delaminated rear screen when I visit the 'car spa' to collect the SLC.
I have rather forgotten what it is like to drive but the list suggests I should be able to confidently pedal it on our open roads.
Received word that the car is ready to collect after much time being spent on, in and over it.
Let's have a look at the long list of parts, followed by the work that took up the 45.5 hours of labour.
2 Bushing
1 Thermostat
2 Brake Pads
1 Cap
1 Vale cover gasket
1 Brake pad wear indicator
4 Screw
1 Mann oil filter
1 Litre brake fluid
8 Litre 10w/40 oil
1.5 Litre 80x/90 axle oil
1 Boot seal
2 Front brake calipers
2 Rubber buffers
1 Subframe bushing kit
1 Roadwheel bolt
1 Rear brake pad retainer pin
2 Propshaft joints
2 Engine support
1 Oil filter
1 Transmission sump gasket
1 Fuel system hose
1 Fuel system hose
10 Seal ring
4.5 Litres antifreeze
8 Litres transmission fluid
4 16mm Hose bands
3 22mm Hose bands
4 M12 ID Copper seals
2 14100 Seals
2 CV boot/Drivshaft gaiter bands
1 Radiator Recore and test
1 Brake master cylinder
1 Brake pad set
0.5 Litre brake fluid
1 Cermaic fuse
1 H4 Bulb
1 N233 Bulb
1 MOT
45.5 hours Labour, description:
Remove o/s valve cover and carry out a rework repair of damage to cylinder head rear corner, and valve cover face.
Replace worn front sub-frame bushings.
Remove gear shifter - link arm and replace worn out bushes x 2.
Replace failed thermostat in cooling system.
Remove radiator for overhaul.
Renew engine oil and filter.
Renew transmission fluid and filtration.
Replace worn rear brake pads and fit correct retaining pin.
Replace one damaged road wheel bolt.
Renew both engine mountings.
Replace broken air filter rubber mounts.
Drain rear axle and renew gear oil.
Fit new boot seal - partially missing.
Renew engine coolant.
Fit new front brake pads and wear indicator wires
Fit new front brake calipers.
Bleed brakes after renewing brake fluid.
Overhaul fuel pump pack hoses under vehicle.
Renew hose bands and copper seals.
Remove trans., cross member and exhaust heat shields, to access propshaft
Remove propshaft and replace front and rear flex discs.
Repack rear inner CV joints of both drive shafts with new CV lith-moly grease.
Secure boot/gaiters with new bands.
Straighten out heat shields and re-secure properly with correct screws.
Refit original central exhaust mount. Previously loose and insecure.
Fit radiator, fill with water only, as to run up engine to temperature, prior to flushing corrosion from cooling system.
Carry out multiple flushes with water of cooling system until clear. Re-antifreeze vehicle.
Fit customer supplied heater fan motor and test.
Carry out improvised test and isolate fan motor, due to broken control switches in car.
Replace leaking brake master cylinder, clean out reservoir, replenish brake fluid and bleed car again.
Carry out initial road test of vehicle to check brakes and check for any leaks from other repairs.
All ok.
I should have a reliable vehicle after that lot, although my current financial limitations mean I will have to wait a few months to get the heating, ventilation, vacuum and air con systems sorted as it's going to require some dash-out maintenance. I will get a quote for that, and the issue with a slightly delaminated rear screen when I visit the 'car spa' to collect the SLC.
I have rather forgotten what it is like to drive but the list suggests I should be able to confidently pedal it on our open roads.
Back in the saddle again.
I collected the car from Edward Hall on Friday immediately prior to a flight up to Edinburgh. It was great to see Edward again and they have done a great job on the old thing. I wonder if it is coincidence that the week I paid my outstanding bill they bought a new ramp and are expanding their facilities. EH has some wonderful cars in at the moment and if you are at all interested the place is well worth a visit when near Oxford. He told me that the LHD manual 450SLC that had been on their website for some time is now sold and is going to be converted to a rally car.
Back to the car. It drives noticeably better, although, as Edward readily pointed out, it looks exactly the same, which is a shame considering how much I have just spent on it
Add to that the fact that there remain a number of outstanding issues which I could not afford to fix:
The vacuum system is all out of whack
None of the heating controls work, nor does the fan despite having a new one fitted
It needs a refresh of the shock absorbers
There's a small leak into the boot via a delaminated rear screen
The interior wood needs relaminating
Timing chain needs changing
Several other smaller niggles
All of this will have to wait until winter as I don't have the funds to plough into it right now, and yet I was thrilled to be back behind the wheel of the car which now drives very differently, doesn't leak oil and doesn't try to gas me whenever I stop at a light or open the window. It's a much more pleasant place to be.
Despite the first refill of the tank being at a BP where standard unleaded was being peddled at a laughable 1.48 a litre I have a few road trips to plan after the summer in that short 2-month period when I can drive it without heating or a fan.
As a sign from the universe that my expenditure wasn't entirely in vain, the moment I parked up this afternoon a neighbour I had not met before came out and offered me 15k for the car. No dice stranger!
I collected the car from Edward Hall on Friday immediately prior to a flight up to Edinburgh. It was great to see Edward again and they have done a great job on the old thing. I wonder if it is coincidence that the week I paid my outstanding bill they bought a new ramp and are expanding their facilities. EH has some wonderful cars in at the moment and if you are at all interested the place is well worth a visit when near Oxford. He told me that the LHD manual 450SLC that had been on their website for some time is now sold and is going to be converted to a rally car.
Back to the car. It drives noticeably better, although, as Edward readily pointed out, it looks exactly the same, which is a shame considering how much I have just spent on it
Add to that the fact that there remain a number of outstanding issues which I could not afford to fix:
The vacuum system is all out of whack
None of the heating controls work, nor does the fan despite having a new one fitted
It needs a refresh of the shock absorbers
There's a small leak into the boot via a delaminated rear screen
The interior wood needs relaminating
Timing chain needs changing
Several other smaller niggles
All of this will have to wait until winter as I don't have the funds to plough into it right now, and yet I was thrilled to be back behind the wheel of the car which now drives very differently, doesn't leak oil and doesn't try to gas me whenever I stop at a light or open the window. It's a much more pleasant place to be.
Despite the first refill of the tank being at a BP where standard unleaded was being peddled at a laughable 1.48 a litre I have a few road trips to plan after the summer in that short 2-month period when I can drive it without heating or a fan.
As a sign from the universe that my expenditure wasn't entirely in vain, the moment I parked up this afternoon a neighbour I had not met before came out and offered me 15k for the car. No dice stranger!
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