WTB: Fintail/MAYBE ponton - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 06-27-2004, 08:40 AM

I've posted before concerning my quest for a fintail, but things happen, etc. Now I'm looking again. I'd prefer an 'S' model. That is the one with the more chrome, and stacked headlights. That would mean either a: 220Sb, 220SEb, or 230S. I also wouldn't mind a ponton, but those usually are more expensive in similar condition. I don't expect much, so long as it is somewhat driveable, or can be with a little work and a pretty good body. I would like the body and maybe the cosmetics to be the car's strong points.
Thanks
David

cth350 · #2 06-28-2004, 11:08 PM

What, you don't want a 300se or 300se/c ? They are the ultimate in finbacks. -CTH

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 06-29-2004, 10:58 AM

I would LOVE one of those. Are you sdtill trying to sell yours? I wouldn't care if it was in primer, but I don't know anything about the air suspension, which might mean it's a good thing it doesn't work so I have to figure it out. I catch onto things pretty quickly.
Thanks
David

wbain5280 · #4 07-01-2004, 06:01 AM

You really want to stay away from that M189 engine. Few were made and fewer still survive. Parts are expensive.

Find a 220S or SE.

Unless you find a 300SE and put in a 280SE engine.

fahrgewehr2 · #5 07-01-2004, 11:31 AM

David,

I dropped by and had a look at that fintail. They are asking $3900.00 for- obviously dreaming.

The car has some rust and is an automatic.

Not a diamond in the rough.

Mike

WANT '71 280SEL · #6 07-02-2004, 06:11 PM

A black 220SE, I would be tickled to death if I could find a decent one. There is one in Chicago (black 220S), it has rust, needs floorboards and has several smaller holes in the rockers. grrrr. If anyone knows of any, PLEASE let me know. I would take just about any color, but black would be best. 300SE fintails are probably TOO cool for me, lol.
Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #7 07-02-2004, 06:53 PM

Here are a few ads in the paper I saw today, their in CT though:

1967 230S, 4 cyl, dual carb, rebuilt eng, new clutch, new radiator, recent paint, all new chrome, 4 spd, $2999 OBO.

Or:

1971 280SEL, 4.5, 51,000 original miles, $1000 OBO.

I will give you the phone numbers if you pm me.

WANT '71 280SEL · #8 07-03-2004, 12:53 AM

A 230S is a 6 cylinder. $3,000 is about $1,500 than I was wanting to pay for a car. Then I have to get it shipped and gotten in good enough shape to drive around the world, assuming the car could float of course. That 108 would be nice, but 12 mpg isn't appetizing at $2.09 for premium. My work is 25 miles away, and I don't make much.
Thanks
David

suginami · #9 07-03-2004, 12:38 PM

Have you considered a W108 chassis 250SE or 280SE?

They would both have the inline 6, and should be more fuel efficient than the 4.5 liter V8.

If you check at collectorcartraderonline.com, you'll find that these cars are shamefully cheap...

WANT '71 280SEL · #10 07-03-2004, 04:53 PM

Yes, I've considered them, and actually that was my dream car. However, they don't have fins. The best part about a 108 is the front-end, the S fintails have the same front and fintails, what could be a better combination? Fintails are also simpler to work on, my lawnmower is probably more sophisticated, lol.
Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #11 07-03-2004, 05:54 PM

I think you should keep your SD. Than buy one to restore on the side, this way you can fix it as the money/time comes along. I can't beleive a 30-40 year old car would be ready for a 25mile a day commute without a tons of work. Plus it would probably rust fast in the winter, not to mention all of the rock chips ect.

But I understand, I really had to have my SDL. Now I'm broke and am thinking about buying a C220 or a 400E.(a V8 would be sweet, the 603 is nice but I love stomping on a nice v8.) Something that won't cost thousands in repairs to drive. Broken parts or things that are less than perfect bother me. Like I will replace a knob because it is faded.

Good luck.

WANT '71 280SEL · #12 07-03-2004, 06:14 PM

I know exactly how you feel. It bugs me that my compressor on button (on the push button unit, 116) is chipped away so you can't read "on" or "off". I would be lucky because a finnie doesn't have as many buttons and knobs. I only work on Saturdays and a few other days a week during the summer.
Thanks
David

Hatterasguy · #13 07-03-2004, 06:27 PM

You need to get another job!

Come on these old MB's need us! I will be working 8am to 5 pm 6 days a week for the rest of July. Plus I will be cleaning 2 boats after work once a week, and maybe a third I don't know if I want another. My summers always seem to get filled up.

I wanted to fish a lot this summer and tinker with the Benz, but no such luck. I also thought that I could study real estate, ha! yeah right.

btw I just got a 1988 420SEL parts car. Do you need any engine parts? I don't know what is wrong with the engine, dealer said a dead cylinder. But the radiator looks almost new, it looks pretty decent under the hood. I will start taking it apart in the next few weeks. I just want the AC compressor, steering box, and maybe the alt. and starter if they will work on a 603.

WANT '71 280SEL · #14 07-04-2004, 12:24 AM

The starter definitely will not work on a 603. Diesel has much higher compression thus takes a much mroe heavy duty starter. If you need one, just take it to a local auto electric shop and have it rebuilt. Are you having problems starting it?
Thanks
David

fahrgewehr2 · #15 07-04-2004, 01:54 AM

David,

The AC compressor switch (the plastic push switch) for type one ACC is readily available. I replaced the one on my 116 car years ago and it cost less than $20.00. Takes an hour or so to replace and the new switch is slightly different from the old. The edges on the switch are sharper.

You will find parts for a finnie to be WAY more $$$. I owned a '73 220 (114 car) and parts were very costly. Many more 617 powered cars on the road.

The 116 SD is a GREAT car. I am seriously looking for one to replace my SE. The 126 car bores me. It is a barge and feels flat-footed compared to a 116 car. My opinion only, 126 car owners.