Dash is out, what should I replace? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KAdams4458 · #31 10-05-2010, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonleefreeman

My fall back is the parts car. I have organized parts and fasteners in such a way that I think I can get it back together. If not, I'll pull the parts car apart enough to see. The only place I expect to be challenging is the dash. All those wires and heater controls need to work right when it's done. The headliner is also on my worry list, even if a shop does it.

I have to admit, some visual stimulation can be helpful, even with a great memory. There's also the issues that arise from having a car that has seen close to 500,000 miles of use - things have been worked on by previous owners, and frequently assembled incorrectly. Having a parts car to compare things to would be great, but with my main car being an early '77 and my parts car being an '83, things can be pretty different.

jasonleefreeman · #32 10-05-2010, 10:56 PM

Here is one of the 1st pics of the rear end. This is going to slow down once I have to start chasing trim clips and various other fasteners. Next will probably be the sunroof, though I'm not thrilled about that part.

KAdams4458 · #33 10-06-2010, 01:18 AM

That's a fine looking rear end.

I'm curious how it is that your rubber trim looks so good. Was it just always that nice, or are you doing something special to it to dress it up a bit?

jasonleefreeman · #34 10-06-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

That's a fine looking rear end.

I'm curious how it is that your rubber trim looks so good. Was it just always that nice, or are you doing something special to it to dress it up a bit?

Clean with WD-40 and wipe with Armor All. Another suggestion was to clean with carb cleaner spray but that doesn't seem to work as well as the WD-40.

jasonleefreeman · #35 10-22-2017, 10:14 PM

Wow, I can't believe it's been 7 years since I last visited here! It's a miracle that I even remembered the username and password.

The short story behind this project is that only a few months after getting the car back to 80% assembled or so the engine decided to up and quit. It took me 5 years of not-so-committed looking before I found a donor engine and then about 2 more years to get it put in to the car. Life just took over for a while there and the Mercedes took a 3rd seat back. Finally decided to take it head on again since our firstborn twins are just about to start driving.

Well, now that the engine is in, it's able to move under it's own power for the first time in over 7 years. But... there's something wrong with the engine. It's got a massive amount of blow-by and it's pushing oil out from under the valve cover gasket, enough so that you can watch the oil moving across the head. I figure that a compression test is in order and then a leak-down after that. I'll be searching here for more direction but if anyone can point to some other threads that would be much appreciated.

Regards all,
Jason

Clemson88 · #36 10-23-2017, 09:35 AM

I'm almost two years into putting a diesel, 84SD engine into an 85SE body. After getting the mechanical, engine transmission, drive shaft and electrical, glow circuit, cruse control and engine vacuum stuff finished I decided to restore the interior.

I have the entire interior out save for the headliner. I painted all the vinyl and plastic including the dash with SEM paint.

I have the carpet out and will paint that when the sun comes out again, Lord willing. After that I'll make an attempt at restoring the gray leather seats. The SEM color seems a little darker than the original but you know how most of Benz interiors seem to be a shade lighter after 30+ years. I like the darker gray.

After the interior refinishing is complete I'll try the vacuum system under the dash and get it good to go. Then it's downhill, right?

I was quite impressed with all your focus on the body work. I've had to learn all this stuff on the fly, so to speak and it's taking me much longer than I imagined. I appreciate how you feel.