David,

Will certainly do the checks. I had planned to drive it to Baton Rouge tomorrow and let my son check out the things you suggest. However, it sounds like that might not be a good idea.

FYI, I tracked down my old mechanic thru the Internet this morning. He closed his shop here and moved to Orlando, but I managed to call his mother on the first try at someone with his last name. She gave me his cell phone number. Pretty amazing! His thoughts were the wire from the battery to the buss that you mentioned or the ignition switch itself. Sounds like you all are pretty much in synch on this.

Appreciate you helping me out.

__________________
Don
'85 500SL (Euro) - 186,000 w/a complete restoration and engine rebuild at 154,000
'95 C280 - 174,000