Parade video
 

https://youtu.be/gIqPNFImNUQ


The Grand Marshal is seen about one minute into the video.

Compressor bracket
 

I welded and painted the compressor bracket, as well as the two braces. I am a little bummed that I did not notice that the plate was not square with the block before I got it half welded. I may just make another one just in case the belt alignment is too far off. Now I just need to grind the webs off of the upper pan in the car. Photos of before and after painting......Rich

New bypass pipe and turbo housing
 

It has been a month since I have had time to work on the car. I have been wanting to replace the ARV turbo with a standard one, and I finally got the time to do it yesterday. I figured while I had the turbo off, I would replace the bypass pipe. Paul (mach4) made this original one from the flanges of the old trap-ox. I got the fixture from him years ago, and started producing these pipes to sell. I kinda wish I saved one of the stainless steel units I had for this car. I sold all of them, and the pipe bender is reluctant to bend more fore me (busy with major jobs). I wanted to retain the EGT probe in the new pipe, so I cut a slug from a piece of iron pipe, and had my welder friend TIG it on for me. I drilled and taped it for the fitting. I also found a couple exhaust leaks from loose bolts and no gasket. These don't have a gasket between the manifold and the trap-ox from the factory, but I provide one in the pipe kit.
I decided to just replace the compressor housing, rather than replacing the entire turbo. I removed the pipe and turbo as an assembly, as it seemed easier. It probably would have been easier to put the new pipe and re-housinged (is that a word?) turbo in as a unit, but I decided to do it the normal way.

Air cleaner
 

An added bonus for getting rid of the ARV is that I now have plenty of clearance for the air cleaner. The element needed the plastic nose cut off and a flat piece of plastic fitted so it did not rub on the fan shroud.

Turbo Work
 

Nice looking job Rich ! .

Those Ca filters look a lot neater than our conventional one. Seems my bracket often needs repair. Is it feasible to retrofit that type of filter to our non-Ca cars?

OK, I found this discussion. Sounds like it might not work on my 85 with 82/3 engine.

Rollguy - you may be interested in post #4 : https://www.benzworld.org/threads/anyone-have-either-a-ca-85-air-filter-housing-or-a-better-fix-for-the-air-filter.2041737/post-9073553

New filter
 

I finally got a new filter, and did not have to cut the nose off. Evidently there is a filter that looks exactly the same, but larger. I did not know exactly what year/model Ford the filter came from, so I bought one. It was the wrong size, so I did some searching, and found the model and year range for the proper filter. I was in no hurry, so I just ordered one from Amazon, and got it the next day.......Rich

I kind of wish someone would make and sell the metal adapter disc that will allow those Ford air filters to fit the OM617 turbos. But, we know hard it can be to sell enough to make it worth it.

Suspension parts replacement
 

I preparation for tomorrows car show (Mercedes Motoring in Glendale), I started the front suspension rebuild. I only had time today to do the upper ball joints and upper control arm bushings. The right side ball joint was original, so I had to drill/grind the rivets out. The left side was done previously by mach4 (former owner). I replaced it anyway. Next job- Lower ball joints and bushings=FUN!

I attended the Mercedes Motoring car show today, it was awesome! I will start a thread in events and gatherings. Here is a photo of the SLD. It was raining a little, so I brought my shade canopy to keep the parts I had for sale in my trunk dry.......Rich http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/events-gatherings/402446-so-cal-m-b-show-swap-gtg-12-8-19-a.html#post3983982

Looking great! I have to point out how cool the Mercedes support wagon is in the second picture.

ambulance
 

That's a super rare ambulance that Blue towed with his right hand drive S124 - the same car from his and Rich's Europe trip a couple years back.

Was nice to see some forum guys there. The SLD is looking choice, Rich!

I don’t think it would work on most of them. Only the California OM617 cars have the turbo mounted up high. I’m guessing here as I don’t have a 617 in front of me, but I bet with the standard setup it wouldn’t fit.

Polished valve cover
 

I had another valve cover polished and decided to install it today. I adjusted the valves while I was in there. I also replaced the oil cap gasket. This valve cover was the one that came on the car, and had the firing order shaved/polished off for a smooth look. It still has the three pointed star. Before and after photos below......Rich

Looks like you are having fun with that 107 cum 123! :)