9 years in storage...finally time to get it back on the road.

[97 SL320]

Originally Posted by jplinville

Next up is brakes. I've read some posts that say I shouldn't turn the rotors, and others that claim I'm fine to do so, so long as everything is within specs. Opinions on this topic is quite welcome.

Light grooving isn't an issue as long as there isn't much of a thickness variation as thickness variation is a major cause of peddle pulsation. Rotor run out ( wobble ) is a secondary cause of pulsation but the calipers are reasonably tolerant of this.

I'd be more concerned about rust on the exposed portion of the rotor and no rust on the area where the pads were sitting causing pulsation. Even at that, I'd drive it a bit and see if it clears up. I've even used a new single edge razor blade to scrape light rust off.

Another concern is old style metallic pads that use steel wool. These can rust away and crumble but might do a pretty good job of scrubbing the rotors. In short is it a no loss situation to drive it a bit.

Originally Posted by jplinville

I'm also going to need a set of tires, since the car was stored with tires on the ground, and for so long. The Yokahamas I put on it in 2009 were great tires...held the road on canyon roads very well...so i may stick with the brand on the next set.

“'Good tires,” Bob mused, casually lighting a cigarette, “but certainly not great tires" "good Tires", Bob mused, casually lighting a cigarette, "But certainly not great tire - Pelican Parts Forums ( see post 4 )

Originally Posted by jplinville

I need to remove the drivers seat to remove and replace the inboard pivot shoulder screw...mine has been broken since before I got it. I know I'm going to have hell to pay to remove the broken part, so I've read. Does anyone have a part number for the bolt so I can easily order a replacement?

I don't know this car specifically however I'd expect the bolt to have thread locker on it. Depending on the proximity of flammables / heat damageable materials, warming the bolt with a torch , heat gun , large soldering iron will soften the locker.

[97 SL320]

More on tires.

Contact sheet
"Good tires, but certainly not great tires" - Pelican Parts Forums

Story behind the pics.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/boxers-tr-m/130575-road-track-p-s-boxer-photo.html

tonyrobertson
Rookie

Mar 2, 2013

48

#17
Mar 2, 2013

Here's what I know.
The photo was taken on Glenridge Ave in St Catharines, Ontario Canada.
The owner, (the guy in the photo) was Henry Burgoyne and he'd only had it about a week.
He bought the car from Performance Cars which at that time was on Lake St in St Catharines. At that time Henry's father was the owner of the local newspaper, the St Catharines Standard and I happened to be working for one of their other publications.
So like a dutiful (and naive) employee, I took it to to the editor of the paper, thinking they would publish it. They didn't and about a week later returned the negs to me. At that point it was too late to submit it to another larger paper in nearby Toronto.
So I decided to try my luck with Road & Track, and the rest is history. I had friends who worked at Performance Cars, the dealer where he bought it, and when it published in R&T a few months later, it was the biggest laugh in town. Serves them right for stiffing me originally.

[jplinville]

The fuel filter came in and was changed today...very easy job. with this being my first time underneath, I spent some time checking things out. The flex disk is in great shape at the differential. I noticed some of the plated screws used underneath still had some shine to them...which shows me that it's been well cared for prior to it coming to me. I may eventually address a little corrosion at the rear exhaust joints, but it's nothing to worry about now.

I should have it registered and tagged in a few days. I thought I'd have to wait til next month, but I found a way to swing it this month instead. I'm trailering it to a show tomorrow evening, and driving it into the lot to show.

I've been spending some time working the leather, and its showing improvement.

[jplinville]

It's been on the road for the last two weeks, getting a few miles on the clock with no major issues...just very minor ones. One is the slight stumble at start up...that seemingly becomes less as the engine temp increases. it's not there when I gas her up to 1000 rpm, but is there at 700 or so...not quite sure what's causing it yet. Any ideas?

Second issue is the AC clutch...it cant make up its mind if it wants to run quiet engaged or disengaged. Part of me thinks it just needs more run time to figure it out, while the other part thinks I just need to remove that drive belt and tear into it.