Yeah I must really love these W123, thinking back on all the projects I have done. some out of necessity, and some as upgrades, and some of the upgrades out of necessity.
I must really love this 123 to drag it home 500 miles on the back of a U-haul when the timing chain seperated. then how was I going to pull the engine? finally get over that hurdle, and load up the boat anchor and drive 400 miles to LA and purchase the new engine.
I remember that feeling when the eng was home sitting on the ground by the shop, still in the shrink wrap. I would go out there later in the evening with my flash light to look at it. then the project finally came together, and the day I finally got her started the first time.
The 4-spd swap was another project I jumped into. I wanted a 4 spd, the auto I thought was starting to give me some problems, and it was enough to convince the wife it needed to be replaced.
so I pulled the engine again and swaped them out on the ground. (no way I man handling an automatic trans from under the car. 4-spd weighs nothing when comparing the two.)
I remember the feeling when I finally got that damed clutch bled and backed it out of the shop and took it on a run. probably had a smile on my face larger than when I got my first tricycle
.
the alternator up grade to the AL-129-X 115amp was another hurdle, like, now how this big thing fit in there? read about running some larger wires, and not wanting it to look hacked up. I made a whole new harness with soldered ends and covered it with heat shrink tubing.
everything worked, and nothing smoked, so I felt good about that.
this last major project, replacing the rear sub frame and trailing arm bushings pushed me to my limits, or so I thought.
replaced the bushings, along with a lower milage Diff., trailing arms out of another 85 from PNP. replaced one axle that was starting to crack on the boot.
steam cleaned the parts, scrubbed them down to make sure no oil residue was on them. sanded the parts and painted with POR.
got her all back in, and finally took her down the hill late at night with no exhaust, just the down pipe, and w/o the parking brakes reconnected.
this was another one of those big grin moments
. the rear end is nice and tight. totally different car.
I have a couple up coming projects. swap in the 240D heat and CC system and get rid of that push button type III that is in the 85. soon as I get it taken apart and washed up and find a crack free 123 dash, it is going in.
And the W126 front brake upgrade.
Just about every time Iam under the car, Iam wiping things down trying to keep her clean. I hate a dirty car, so Iam under the hood waxing the paint, wiping down the hoses and wires. trying to keep the Aluminium some what shinny.
Some times these are a love hate relationship. but in the end, I really do love this old W123
Now that I have the 240, a new Love, I hope she doesn`t get jelous and take it out on me
Charlie