You're Bored and Want to customize the cosmetics of the benz just a little.... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

suginami · #16 03-09-2002, 01:15 PM

What kind of steering wheel did you put on your car?

Ashman · #17 03-09-2002, 04:36 PM

Well mine was hard, not soft, and the leather had some sort of chemical reaction to my skin, and basically got gooey..

So I just happened to find a used one on ebay in much better condition, off a 1993 300ce convertible, and I got it for $15.00 plus shipping.

I used leather condition on it and cleaner, and it is soft and not bad looking at all.

I want a wood one, but would rather do other mods first.

Alon

Pete Geither · #18 03-09-2002, 06:16 PM

We painted the complete grille and all the chrome on the bumpers and the chrome in the side mouldings smoke silver to match the car on the 97. I think it looks very good.

#19 03-09-2002, 11:33 PM

I saw a photograph of some big MB engine with a chrome air cleaner that looked pretty cool. Does chroming the air cleaner, and/or valve covers, add much weight? Does it adversely affect anything, such as making the engine hotter? Also, would powder coating be any better? And, does anyone know how much this would cost and where to get chroming or powder coating done in LA area? Thanks

mikemover · #20 03-10-2002, 01:06 AM

Whether cosmetic changes are "upgrades" or not is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. Maybe I'm old-school, and I mean no offense to anyone, but I prefer the classic MBs to look pretty close to original. The larger wheels, low-profiles, body kits, lowering, de-badging, etc. look good on some of the newer models, but I think they just look too forced and out-of-place and "rice-like" on the older cars.

Just my opinion. I'm all for everyone doing whatever makes ya' happy with your car.

Mike

Ashman · #21 03-10-2002, 07:03 AM

Mike, Classic benzes, I like factory 100 %. I agree with you there.

Newer ones are a different story. I like to make mine a bit more personal to me. Little changes that I do, however subtle, I know are there, so I know my car is different than others.

I think that the only changes to a benz like your siw ould make, cosmetically, would be Euro lights.

mikemover · #22 03-15-2002, 12:18 AM

I'm undecided on the Euro lights...They look nice, and I know they provide better illlumination and many prefer them, but I'm pretty fond of the round US-spec headlights too....the twin lamps on each side remind me of an old Impala or Corvette or something...

I think the only exterior change I plan to make on the SD is to find a nice set of polished alloys, just like the original ones I have, but chromed/polished. I know I could give the ones I have a DIY polish, but I've heard it's a real pain in the ass...

Mike

Ashman · #23 03-15-2002, 12:22 AM

I think they made round euros for that car. I've seen round ones that were Euro befor eI think, but I may be wrong.

Anyone confirm the round euro's for the 123 chassis?

Alon

mikemover · #24 03-15-2002, 12:29 AM

116.

I always thought the Euros were square...I dunno.

Mike

Holson Adi · #25 03-15-2002, 12:45 AM

I never saw round Euro's for the 116. However, I'm pretty sure that the older W123's come with round lamps (a'la american headlights), and I think they only offered the rectangular beam headlights for the 280 + models until a certain year where they were offered in all W123.

The US lights can make big bucks if I sell 'em back home in Indonesia. Maybe I can find someone to swap his Euros.. but I think I'll just keep these lights... I'm used to 'em now. They don't look that bad on the W123.

Cosmetic changes, I would love to get a new windshield and all the rubber seals changed....
The most I'd modify my coupe would be 16" wheels with Z-Rated tires..

Otherwise, I'd rather make sure that everything works or improve it on the inside.

I do think that the W124 looks good when it's made up a lil'... I myself didn't like the clear corners so I found someone who wanted 'em badly and gave mine and got the amber ones back.
I did change the wheels and exhaust though (16s and a Lorinser Muffler)

If cosmetics inside count, I'd love to have a Nakamichi CD-45Z receiver complete with high quality speakers, etc.
If I could find someone to do it, I'd love to replace all the zebrano wood trim with burlwood...

Ashman · #26 03-15-2002, 01:27 AM

I also prefer the US round headlights look on the 107 SL's.

Some times the worse lighting actually looks better thant he Original Euro design, but light output and look on the newer cars, 201/124/126/140/202 etc, all look much better if you ask me.

Alon

mikemover · #27 03-15-2002, 01:29 AM

Agreed.

Mike

Ashman · #28 03-17-2002, 03:23 AM

Here is my latest upgrade on the front...

I added some slim lights from pep boys, like $20.00 for the set. I cut out a slat int he bumper cover on each side in that same position. looks great I think. The lights were mounted behind the bumper cover. they actually look like the fit there too

.

Check my muffler post for the muffler upgrade pics.

Alon