PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Red convertable w123 in CL....

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Red W123 Convertible conversion... on craigslist!

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5236175187.html

So much want.....

And yes, I know its not a diesel and I don't care.

blah blah...

"

Quote:

This Euro-spec 1980 230CE with 151,744 miles has been transformed from an elegant coupe into a head-turning convertible. This unique example has also been upgraded with the M102.985 2.3L engine rated at 130 hp @ 5100 RPM and 146 lb-ft of torque @3500 RPM. This U.S. specification engine was transplanted in 1985 from a then current 190E 2.3 and offers improved power, mileage, drivability and emissions over the original 4 cylinder unit. This is coupled to a rare 4-speed manual transmission, which was only offered on the European models and is rarely seen here in the U.S.
In the early 1990's, Driver's Seat Investments of Roswell, GA was contracted to properly transform this sedan into a convertible. This work included reinforcing the frame and installing a full power top mechanism with interior headliner which neatly stows away under a low profile boot cover. The original MB-Tex interior remains in excellent condition, thanks to the high quality of materials used in W123 models and the car having been garaged throughout its life. The air conditioning system is in fully operational condition and all of the gauges and controls work as they should. Other amenities include power steering & brakes, power front windows, dual side mirrors and a Blaupunkt Seattle driven sound system. The red paint shines beautifully and shows very well in the original color, complimented by the black top and interior. As this is an accident free example, the body panels are straight and the rubber, chrome and stainless accents are all in good condition. This Mercedes starts easily with no smoke, it idles smoothly and has great power throughout the rpm range. All maintenance records are available and a recent service this summer included renewal of the fuel injection system and installation of a new clutch. This car only needs some attention to the brakes in order to make it a fully sorted pleasure to drive.

I wish I could locate a a real Crayford Conversion. If I could, I think I would say good-bye to diesels ...

I hope it is as simple as taking a can opener to convert a CD to a convertable but it is not. There will be structural issues to be considered. Should have kept it as an ' elegant coupe'.

my $0.02.

When I was 7 my father bought a 1957 Mercury convertible ... the same type car used as the Indy 500 pace car that year... it had a fully boxed frame from the factory.... non convertibles did not.
I would not trust a unibody car which had been made into a convertible... a model which had a separate frame.... duly beefed up by a professional ... perhaps....

10K to much......Great for prom, parades and a wedding but not something I would want to regularly drive....As I would fear a bump or accident would cause it to fold....

What a cool car. Lots of stuff done to it for sure.
But for that price you could find a 124 E320 factory convertible.
jz

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay (Post 3537417)

I hope it is as simple as taking a can opener to convert a CD to a convertable but it is not. There will be structural issues to be considered. Should have kept it as an ' elegant coupe'.

my $0.02.

From ad:

"In the early 1990's, Driver's Seat Investments of Roswell, GA was contracted to properly transform this sedan into a convertible. This work included reinforcing the frame and installing a full power top mechanism with interior headliner which neatly stows away under a low profile boot cover."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna (Post 3537448)

I could also write "The car was inspected by MBZ which met all the spec of a factory OEM convertible." So gullible, I am afraid. I would not touch it with a 10' pole.

Here's a company in Florida which does conversions. I called them a few years ago regarding the W123. I was quoted "in the ballpark of $100,000." I will not forget that quote for a while. lol.

Either they did not want the job OR it really does take a lot of engineering, R&D, et cet.

Company Profile | Drop Top Customs by Convertible Builders, LLC.

They do a handful of makes and models, and their fees are not too horrible IMO.

Would be interesting to get some pictures of the frame, top etc to see how conversion was done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by greazzer (Post 3537457)

Here's a company in Florida which does conversions. I called them a few years ago regarding the W123. I was quoted "in the ballpark of $100,000." I will not forget that quote for a while. lol.

:eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay (Post 3537452)

I could also write "The car was inspected by MBZ which met all the spec of a factory OEM convertible." So gullible, I am afraid. I would not touch it with a 10' pole.

I'm not saying that I would buy it, I'm responding to your sawzall comments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by greazzer (Post 3537457)

.....Either they did not want the job OR it really does take a lot of engineering, R&D, et cet....

Very hard to properly do a unibody car frame upgrade.... a factory has test tracts and machines to look for soft spots... and feedback from sold cars to use as R and D... but one off customs don't.... very different from a frame and body situation....

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang (Post 3537463)

No doubt. I bet that is why they picked a few popular brands, dumped a bunch of money into those cracking the code, and then sticking to those. Plus, I don't see the W123 crowd spending $10-$15K for a convertible conversion even if the company did crack the code for the W123.

too bad ya can't read the conversion document...

anybody get a better image?