The Mighty SEC. Pictures, Ownership Stories and Tips.
Discussion
Stegel said:
As an alternative I'm contemplating a switch to 16" fifteen hole alloys from a 129 SL which brings in all sorts of mainstream W rated tyres.
Are you absolutely sure that 129 wheels are a proper fit and offset for a 126? It is a few years since I tried to track down chapter and verse on that but I thought I'd read something to the contrary.If they do go on correctly than I agree the fifteen-holers in 16" would be an attractive option.
Lowtimer said:
Are you absolutely sure that 129 wheels are a proper fit and offset for a 126? It is a few years since I tried to track down chapter and verse on that but I thought I'd read something to the contrary.
If they do go on correctly than I agree the fifteen-holers in 16" would be an attractive option.
I have read a few bits and bobs claiming they do fit, with some indicating 10mm spacers are required on the front. I still have the 13 hole alloys (same size and offset as the earlier 15 hole wheels) which my SL arrived with and have test fitted them front and rear on the SEC - they go on fine and the car goes lock to lock without issue. Some sources mention the wheel clashing with track rod ends on the front (perhaps why spacers are required) but it appears that depends on the make of track rod end. I believe r129SL ran an SEC with SL wheels.If they do go on correctly than I agree the fifteen-holers in 16" would be an attractive option.
It will open up tyre choice massively and put a little more rubber on the road, but the change will be virtually invisible which for me is an important point.
In other SEC matters, if you have not done so, do remove the plastic grille cover to the scuttle (around the wipers) and clean out the area beneath - I don't know how leaves get into that space, given how small the gaps are, but there was masses of leaves and sand matted together with black fluff (where has my car been?) under there, with some light corrosion and a single area where rust had holed the rear scuttle panel adjacent a drain hole. I have removed the wiper mechanism and will give it a good clean and lubrication before putting it back.
Thanks guys. For me, fitting other wheels on a 560sec is a cardinal sin. The car has got such a particular look when on standard wheels, ride height and tyres. This was what made it look so imposing back in the days.
I spoke to the chap at Longstone who confirmed that getting a w rated tyre in the original size is indeed a very complicated problem.
Anyone with a link to any decent fitment would be very appreciated indeed.
I spoke to the chap at Longstone who confirmed that getting a w rated tyre in the original size is indeed a very complicated problem.
Anyone with a link to any decent fitment would be very appreciated indeed.
erics said:
Thanks guys. For me, fitting other wheels on a 560sec is a cardinal sin. The car has got such a particular look when on standard wheels, ride height and tyres. This was what made it look so imposing back in the days.
I spoke to the chap at Longstone who confirmed that getting a w rated tyre in the original size is indeed a very complicated problem.
Anyone with a link to any decent fitment would be very appreciated indeed.
I agree with your points, and would not think of lowering it by fitting non-standard springs etc., but the scarcity of W rated tyres of the correct size is a problem. I spoke to the chap at Longstone who confirmed that getting a w rated tyre in the original size is indeed a very complicated problem.
Anyone with a link to any decent fitment would be very appreciated indeed.
According to wiltheyfit.com a switch to 16" SL wheels with 225/55 tyres will result in a 3mm reduction in ride height, 3mm increase in arch gap and 3mm increase in wheel projection, with a 1.1% speedo error - all things I can live with / not notice. I have now assembled 4no. 15 hole 16" SL wheels which will be heading off for refurb shortly - only one has a (knackered) tyre fitted, but trial fitting it to the car showed that, to me (and I'm a pedant!) the increase in wheel size and reduction in sidewall height is barely noticeable and the other "changes" cannot be perceived at all. It will be several weeks, due to holidays etc., before I get them fitted, but will post before and after pictures if you're interested.
Yay I'm now the proud owner of an 1988 560 SEC! (E936UMS!!!) & I love it! It's mechanical condition is superb!! Infact it's faultless!! 123k miles loads of history !! But she needs a total Respray! But of course it was priced accordingly! Also need rear (LH nearside) bumper chrome. Are there any out there for reasonable money!??
Benjamin-Benz said:
Yes I know they are expensive. But where can I get one from? Any ideas ?? It's the rear left (passenger side trim)
Unless you fall lucky on a breaker car which has had new chromes pretty recently, you'll need to go to an MB dealer - all the bumper chromes are still available, albeit they are pricey. I bought a 500 sec just over two years ago as a bit of a restoration project. I had never really done anything so involved but I had always wanted to have a crack at restoring something and hey there's nothing google and YouTube can't teach you to do these days! Although normally loitering in the TVR section, I had always loved 80s mercs especially the Sec (loved the one in the movie Roadhouse) and thought one would be a worthy addition to the fleet.
Only s two owner car and only 90k on clock, i
It was ok, but looking a "bit" tired and shabby, the previous owner had it out in Greece and it had been subjected to one or two Greek style repairs!
She was immediately stripped down and I got busy, welding and paint prepping.
The usual parcel shelf area needing welding as did a couple of areas under the rear seats and some areas of inner arch. Other then that nothing too serious.
All the welding and painting done, time for the leather interior to receive a recolour....
Using very good kit from leather clinic. Leather rubbed down, filled and prepped. Then recoloured and finished. Results are very impressive....
With the leather done, carpets deep cleaned and everything else buffed and cleaned and back together
Finally all back together, wetflatted and detailed. I bought a set a Penta wheels to compliment the Zender body I aquired along the way.
And here is the result of 2 years of graft! All of it a complete learning curve, incredibly frustrating at times but immensely rewarding.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/2xNyIDaq
It had a full service and MOT (which if flew through) last Friday and finally I got to enjoy my car this weekend.
What a car! Cruising effortlessly with the windows down is an absolute joy. Makes you appreciate exactly why Mercedes got their reputation.
Anyway sorry for the essay just thought I would share a little glimpse into my ownership saga!
And one more with my other 5 litre beast!
Only s two owner car and only 90k on clock, i
It was ok, but looking a "bit" tired and shabby, the previous owner had it out in Greece and it had been subjected to one or two Greek style repairs!
She was immediately stripped down and I got busy, welding and paint prepping.
The usual parcel shelf area needing welding as did a couple of areas under the rear seats and some areas of inner arch. Other then that nothing too serious.
All the welding and painting done, time for the leather interior to receive a recolour....
Using very good kit from leather clinic. Leather rubbed down, filled and prepped. Then recoloured and finished. Results are very impressive....
With the leather done, carpets deep cleaned and everything else buffed and cleaned and back together
Finally all back together, wetflatted and detailed. I bought a set a Penta wheels to compliment the Zender body I aquired along the way.
And here is the result of 2 years of graft! All of it a complete learning curve, incredibly frustrating at times but immensely rewarding.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/2xNyIDaqIt had a full service and MOT (which if flew through) last Friday and finally I got to enjoy my car this weekend.
What a car! Cruising effortlessly with the windows down is an absolute joy. Makes you appreciate exactly why Mercedes got their reputation.
Anyway sorry for the essay just thought I would share a little glimpse into my ownership saga!
And one more with my other 5 litre beast!
Thanks for posting - they sure know how to rust, don't they! It looks really good, and the red leather is rare but really suits the silver. I'm working though mechanical issues with my SEC but the body is a job for a few years hence, so stocking up wings etc.. I've yet to check the rear floor, but the front floor on the passenger side is a little crunchy.
Thanks chaps.
The leather kit was from furniture clinic . co.uk
They have a good website with tutorials. But basically you get a kit comprising of a leather prep solution to scour off the existing finish, a runny flexible filler to fill up the larger cracks, leather binder solution, a specified quantity of your base colour (there will be code for the leather colour somewhere near where the paint code is. If they don't have on file like me, you can send a small piece of leather to be colour matched.) , and lastly a satin/gloss/mat finish.
You will need an airbrush or a small touch up gun to get the best results. Definitely well worth doing for about £120 for enough potions to do the whole interior.
The leather kit was from furniture clinic . co.uk
They have a good website with tutorials. But basically you get a kit comprising of a leather prep solution to scour off the existing finish, a runny flexible filler to fill up the larger cracks, leather binder solution, a specified quantity of your base colour (there will be code for the leather colour somewhere near where the paint code is. If they don't have on file like me, you can send a small piece of leather to be colour matched.) , and lastly a satin/gloss/mat finish.
You will need an airbrush or a small touch up gun to get the best results. Definitely well worth doing for about £120 for enough potions to do the whole interior.
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