Mercedes SL320 R129 - Part 2
Discussion
The plastic windows have been opaque since I bought the car and the splits in them have been getting progressively worse.
Mid March 2020 I took the car to the local trimmers. I agreed a price to get the three plastic windows replaced and they said they would let me know when they had the materials in.
Then Covid arrived.
Over a year later I finally managed to get the car booked in to get the windows replaced.
I went with a very slight green tint which matches the side windows very well.
It's not perfect but is a good job and it is a lot better to be able to see behind me, especially when reversing.
I don't have any good pictures of the old windows and regret not getting some "before" shots however, here are some after shots.
After this I gave the top a good wash, dry, vacuum and then re-treated it with Fabsil Gold.
Mid March 2020 I took the car to the local trimmers. I agreed a price to get the three plastic windows replaced and they said they would let me know when they had the materials in.
Then Covid arrived.
Over a year later I finally managed to get the car booked in to get the windows replaced.
I went with a very slight green tint which matches the side windows very well.
It's not perfect but is a good job and it is a lot better to be able to see behind me, especially when reversing.
I don't have any good pictures of the old windows and regret not getting some "before" shots however, here are some after shots.
After this I gave the top a good wash, dry, vacuum and then re-treated it with Fabsil Gold.
Hi jke11y,
It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
It was Baillies Car Trimmers in Linwood. It took me quite a while to get it in there as they appear to have plenty of work.
The plastic windows for convertibles are not a great idea, especially as they fold every time the hood is used.
I suppose it has to be accepted that they will only last so long and will need replaced from time to time.
I've just been looking at some of there work on their Facebook page. Some very smart work.
Edited by Yogioes on Sunday 2nd May 19:24
I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.
If you have read through the thread you will know that I didn't get off to a good start with the car and tried to move it on.
However, over the last 2 1/2 years and 6,000 miles I have done quite a bit of work on it and spent over £4k.
Apart from the windows, the wheel refurb and a wheel alignment pretty much all of that spend has been on parts.
It is a lovely car to drive and there is no doubting the quality of the design and build with the possible exception of some of the plastic trims.
But, I must have some kind of illness as I always seem to want to change my cars.
It's just as well I have limited space as I think I would be one of those people with lots of cars lying around.
I regret selling several cars that I previously owned and I suspect the R129 will be in that category.
I briefly considered a Cobra kit car as toy but ruled it out. The opportunities to use it would be limited to a few perfect days. Not really suited to Scotland in my opinion. Having said that, I have a fond memory of seeing a guy following the Scottish Rally in one some time in the mid 80's including parking it in fields.
The SL is certainly suitable for most weather around here although I doubt the air con works but that would only be required on a rare very hot day and where traffic was not moving.
A Chimaera also appeals but I'm not sure i want something that loud. The SL is very quiet.
So the current options are....
An MX5 Mk3.75, that last of the NC version. Should be an easy, low risk ownership prospect with very little tinkering required.
A 4.2 E Type Mk 1.5 or 2. 2+2 Coupe. Probably a harder, high risk ownership prospect with quite a lot of tinkering required.
I think I need to go and look properly at a few E Types which I think we are now allowed to do.
If you have read through the thread you will know that I didn't get off to a good start with the car and tried to move it on.
However, over the last 2 1/2 years and 6,000 miles I have done quite a bit of work on it and spent over £4k.
Apart from the windows, the wheel refurb and a wheel alignment pretty much all of that spend has been on parts.
It is a lovely car to drive and there is no doubting the quality of the design and build with the possible exception of some of the plastic trims.
But, I must have some kind of illness as I always seem to want to change my cars.
It's just as well I have limited space as I think I would be one of those people with lots of cars lying around.
I regret selling several cars that I previously owned and I suspect the R129 will be in that category.
I briefly considered a Cobra kit car as toy but ruled it out. The opportunities to use it would be limited to a few perfect days. Not really suited to Scotland in my opinion. Having said that, I have a fond memory of seeing a guy following the Scottish Rally in one some time in the mid 80's including parking it in fields.
The SL is certainly suitable for most weather around here although I doubt the air con works but that would only be required on a rare very hot day and where traffic was not moving.
A Chimaera also appeals but I'm not sure i want something that loud. The SL is very quiet.
So the current options are....
An MX5 Mk3.75, that last of the NC version. Should be an easy, low risk ownership prospect with very little tinkering required.
A 4.2 E Type Mk 1.5 or 2. 2+2 Coupe. Probably a harder, high risk ownership prospect with quite a lot of tinkering required.
I think I need to go and look properly at a few E Types which I think we are now allowed to do.
S8QUATTRO said:
This is the kinda R129 I want to buy. If you ever decide to sell, let me know. My 1990 B3 Audi 80 Sport will be getting sold soon and I’ve always wanted one of these..
S8QUATTRO - Please get in touch if you are interested in buying the car. I don't think I can email you through PH but I think you can email me.The cam covers and breathers is a fairly straight forward job. The worst part is getting the old covers cleaned up and perhaps a bit of nerves trying to pry off the old breather covers.
Yesterday was lovely and a bit warmer than it has been of late so I did a 200 mile round trip to catch up with my motorhoming sister in Fort William.
Sorted a couple of very minor issues on her van and drove back home through some glorious Scottish scenery.
Yesterday was lovely and a bit warmer than it has been of late so I did a 200 mile round trip to catch up with my motorhoming sister in Fort William.
Sorted a couple of very minor issues on her van and drove back home through some glorious Scottish scenery.
This cars story continues .....
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
As this is reputed to be the best time of year to sell a convertible I have advertised it on Pistonheads, Car and Classic and on eBay.
I'm not a big fan of the hassle of selling privately.
So far, I've had -
Two low offers.
A lengthy chat with another R129 owner who may be replacing his.
A call from a collector who buys these sight unseen to store away.
No actual car viewings although I did get an email through C&C from someone fairly local who wants to see the car but when I tried to respond I get a failed email delivery message.
So, Calum, if you read this, please try one of the other contact methods.
I recently used Gumtree to sell an exercise bike for my sister. There were a lot more scammer contacts than there were actual buyers!
Still reflecting on what to do next.
Part of the reason for buying a convertible was as an alternative to the motorbike but I've probably done over 700 miles in the last week on the bike and didn't get too wet!
An MX5 would still be a good option for that purpose.
I've pretty much done all the tinkering I want to with the R129 which is where the E Type option would be good as I'm pretty sure any one of them that I buy would need some work.
Scottish Motor Services have one in green but I don't want something that tidy as it looks too good for regular use.
My time with this SL is over as the car has been sold.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
I had mentioned that I do not enjoy the hassle of selling a car privately but this one has been a pleasant experience.
There were a few messages from the eBay ad, mostly offering low prices but the two gents that actually came to see the car were a pleasure to deal with.
I accepted slightly less than I paid for it but it would appear to be in safe hands with the new owner.
When I told the other prospective purchaser that it was sold his response was "Gutted" and he told me that he was going to be calling me that evening with an offer slightly higher than I had accepted. I felt a bit sorry for him as he liked the car.
It was a bit sad to see it drive off. I have put more time and money into this car than any other I have owned.
I'm also a bit concerned as the new owner has bought it to replace one that he sold previously! I hope this will not be added to the list of cars I regret selling.
Jings!
That’s a wee bit concerning!
I had quite a few fords when I was younger and at the time they seemed fine.
However, I had looked at some at a car show after getting the SL and had become aware of how cheap and simple they were.
I know they were built for a different market and purpose.
One of the things I appreciated about SL was the build quality and engineering.
That’s a wee bit concerning!
I had quite a few fords when I was younger and at the time they seemed fine.
However, I had looked at some at a car show after getting the SL and had become aware of how cheap and simple they were.
I know they were built for a different market and purpose.
One of the things I appreciated about SL was the build quality and engineering.
Well, I suppose it’s possible that at least one person was wondering if I replaced the SL…….
Maybe not?
I had narrowed it down to an MX5 or an e type.
There were a couple of 1966 E Types in Perth that I liked the look of. US imports so LHD but despite several phone calls, left messages and an email I got no response.
An MX5 was the sensible option and I started to include the ND as an option.
So, what did I do…..
I went to Amore Autos and drove three of the Chimaera’s they had that I liked.
Great setup and well worth a visit if your looking for a TVR.
The first one was a 500. It was a bit of a brutal assault on the senses.
Second was a 400 that seemed a bit tame by comparison.
They had just got in a red 450 which hadn’t been priced as yet. I liked this one and it’s history.
But I decided to leave it and headed north via Durham to see a fourth one. Another 450.
I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I bought it.
Currently on my way home with it, stopped at the services to rest my ears and my ankle. Couldn’t find the cruise control button ;-)
Picture to follow as I don’t know how to reduce the picture on my phone to allow upload
Old duffer apparently.
Me. Not the car.
Maybe not?
I had narrowed it down to an MX5 or an e type.
There were a couple of 1966 E Types in Perth that I liked the look of. US imports so LHD but despite several phone calls, left messages and an email I got no response.
An MX5 was the sensible option and I started to include the ND as an option.
So, what did I do…..
I went to Amore Autos and drove three of the Chimaera’s they had that I liked.
Great setup and well worth a visit if your looking for a TVR.
The first one was a 500. It was a bit of a brutal assault on the senses.
Second was a 400 that seemed a bit tame by comparison.
They had just got in a red 450 which hadn’t been priced as yet. I liked this one and it’s history.
But I decided to leave it and headed north via Durham to see a fourth one. Another 450.
I still don’t know what I’m doing, but I bought it.
Currently on my way home with it, stopped at the services to rest my ears and my ankle. Couldn’t find the cruise control button ;-)
Picture to follow as I don’t know how to reduce the picture on my phone to allow upload
Old duffer apparently.
Me. Not the car.
Edited by Yogioes on Wednesday 4th August 16:48
I suppose I need to stop posting on this thread as this new car has little in common with an R129.
As an aside, I had to stop myself looking at adverts for R129's. Who knows, maybe someday I will return. Good cars.
Anyway, pictures of the TVR on the journey home.
The obligatory petrol station shot
This was at the side of the A66. The road was closed for a while and I was getting roasted so I pulled off to the side for some shaded shelter and waited until the traffic started moving again.
It looks like it is basically the same car as TR4man's
As an aside, I had to stop myself looking at adverts for R129's. Who knows, maybe someday I will return. Good cars.
Anyway, pictures of the TVR on the journey home.
The obligatory petrol station shot
This was at the side of the A66. The road was closed for a while and I was getting roasted so I pulled off to the side for some shaded shelter and waited until the traffic started moving again.
It looks like it is basically the same car as TR4man's
Ok, so for anybody interested in where I go with the TVR ......
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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