I looked through the old Star magazine and I think I got my sheepskins either from RamsHead (800-362-6215) or The Great Sheep Co. (516-431-2165). The magazine is so old that there are no websites, but it looks like RamsHead now has a website:

Ramshead manufactures custom sheepskin seatcovers for autos, trucks and airplanes. Sheepskin slippers too.

I think I went with The Great Sheep Co. because they were significantly cheaper. But I cannot find a website for them so I don't know if they are still in business.

Another piece of information that might be useful to you. If your cruise control does not work, don't mess with buying "refurbished" amps from Adsit, etc. They will work for two weeks and then die. Use General Development Laboratories in CA. His website is here:

General Development Laboratories - Home Page

Otherwise, I think there are people on this site who will fix them as a friendly gesture but I used Peter at GDL about a year ago and he was incredibly knowledgeable on the system. I believe him when he says the amp will never fail again.

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1984 300 SD 384,000 Miles

Also don't buy them from ebay. I've worked with a number of people who've done that only to have purchased the wrong unit for the car or a unit that as mbzjag said only worked for a few weeks. The SD would have came with one of three or four units. 002 545 16 32, 003 545 86 32, 002 545 82 32. IIRC.

But yes I am one of the guys on here that will repair the cruise units. I offer my service to anyone who might be interested. I'm not aiming to compete with GDL or the other repair/refurbish companies out there.GDL's service reputation is exemplary. I've heard bad things about Adsit as well. I think Programma units are popularly sold on parts websites. I've seen Beckmann too but not as much as Programma.

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

MBZ- Thanks for the Sheepskin help. I'll look into those both. YOWZER!!!- Ramshead is $658.00 per pair!!

JD- Mechanic is working through fuse (copper vs. aluminum) issues.

Radio was in-op, but if it is the radio, he has another unit he'll replace it with. The power seats were also intermittent, so once he eliminates the fuses (potentially) being the issue, we'll know more.

I didn't test the cruise when I test drove it over the weekend, but will when I re-test drive later this week.

Thanks again for helping the nOOb.

PK

One more piece of advice...depending on what the mechanic charges you for a used radio...you might consider sending it directly to Becker if it is the original. They can refurbish it. Mine was refurbished before I bought the car in 1997 and it is a great system that has held up well. The guy's name is Ed Ebel and his telephone number is 201-773-0976. Sorry, no idea on the cost of having them do this. They can also add an MP3 hookup to the original system but I would instead recommend you get a tape converter which can plug directly into your Mp3 player.

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1984 300 SD 384,000 Miles

MBZ- I bekieve the discussion was around, that if the original was in-op, that he (the seller) would find another working "original" and install.

I could ask to keep the original, original and send it for repair (I suppose)?

Thanks again for your thoughts and sharing your experience. I appreciate it.

PK

This is a good thread. Do take the advice on the dash wood. I have a wood worker friend & we've tried several adhesives and not been completely satisfied. If someone has a solution, take it. Door wood I've always been able to find in the yard.

The permanent fix is always the best even at a higher price.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

So the guy selling me this car only does it part time, so progress was slow this week......Turns out that the MB mechanic found that the car (also) needed rotors and pads. Obviously, part aren't available on Saturdays, so it'll be another week before the car is ready.

One other observation was that both front seats seem worn evenly, which to me means Ma & Pa were (almost) always in the car together. In my original post I said the guy selling the car bought it through an estate sale in MD.

Seat bolsters on back and bottoms show a little wear, to where the blue leather dye had come off (slightly). Seller has blue dye touch up & is doing that as well. Just found the even wear interesting.......

Side note: anyone ever run a VIN through the Mercedes dealer to see what work may have been done to a car?

Thanks,

PK

MB can give you a vehicle master report (VMI) but you have to prove you're the owner or be chummy with a service advisor. It's unlikely a lot of history will be available for that vintage of car. You'll likely get a list of option codes and a note that there are no outstanding recalls. You might get more from the specific dealer that serviced the car if you're really chummy with a service advisor. Otherwise they'll respect their customer's privacy.

Sixto
87 300D^2

Six,

Thanks for your thoughts. Since the original owner was in MD.(I'm in Boston) and has passed, maybe they'll consider it. However, I doubt "the system" knows he's passed(?)

The mechanic I'm working with use to work at an MB dealer and said it might be possible, since he is chummy with said service department.

Thanks again,

PK