96 SL600. Need to Break in No Keys
 

Hello

I'm in the process of having a salvage 1996 SL600 transported from CA to CT. Ive just been informed that there are no keys available for the car. So I need to give the transport company a low level of instruction that a moron can follow. I'm considering having them break the window (The car is already a wreck) but I am not sure even with that will they be able to throw it into netral without a key. Can anyone verify if the car can be put into nutral without a key.

Purchasing a key is not an option since the car has to be moved before Saturday and I dont have the title yet.

Any other suggestions would be appriciated.

John Roncallo

I will be surprised if the company will take the car without a physical notarized copy of the title, temp or perm (not a fax). They are kinda careful in this area, for obvious reasons.

The car can not be shifted out of park without the key. If you know what you are doing you can climb under the car and disconnect the shift rod at either the trans or shifter, but that's not something a moron could handle most likely. Even if you can get the car in neutral that way the steering will also be locked and you will have to cut the steering lock out of the car to steer it, assuming that it is in steerable condition to start with.

Depending on your transporter they may not need to roll it. If the transport has a winch they could simply drag it onto the conveyance. A little dish soap on the wheels will let it slide "relatively" easy allowing it to be winched onto the transport instead of rolled. It's not as if you were worried about scraching it.;)

Well

I am worried about it being scratched where it isnt already scratched. Everything past the fenders is clean. Fortunatly the wheels appear to be locked in the straight position. If I just have them drag it I would still like to unlock it myself at this end to get it off the transport. Are there any shields in the way of disconnecting the shift linkage. Is this car capable of being slim jimmed.
Any recommended techniques.

John Roncallo

They havent asked for that. But they are picking it up from an insurance auction.

John Roncallo

Wrecker drivers
 

If its going on a wrecker I would not worry about it. Most good wrecker drivers are used to dealing with severe damage and cars that are not able to roll onto the bed by themselves. Some other tow truck drivers that are used to dealing with illegally parked cars and repossessions are experts at sliding a car up onto the bed of a wrecker with no noise or damage to the car.

Of course if the car is going via transport this is an entirely different thing. Most transport companies require the car to be driveable because they physically drvie the car up onto the truck that is transporting it.

I can verify that it will not shift out of "P" at all without the key. Your best bet would be to go to the dealer and have them make a copy of the valet/Flat key. That would be like 32.00, and it should let you get the car out of park, and into neutral.

We ordered the flat key for the SL600 at the dealer for a whopping $32.00. I would check with your local delaer to see is they can get you a key.

So what the fronts screwed up, they are going to have to paint most of the car anyway to get it to match. You do know the side windows on those things are well over $500+!:D So make sure you have glass coverage before those guys break it.:D

I'd just have them hook up to the tow hook on the front and winch it onto the truck. The tires will be scuffed up a bit thats all.

Thanks for all the replys guys. They were able to get me a flat bed to put it on the truck. It's on its way.

John Roncallo

Whats the story behind it? Parts car or "new project"?:D

This engine and transmision will be going into a 560SL

John Roncallo

Nice project.:cool:

I know the M120 will fit in a W126, has anyone ever done this to an R107 before?

Supposidly this will be a first and it is allegedly impossible. But I hope it come out better than my spelling.

John Roncallo

Mission Impossible good luck!:D When you do pull it off I'd like to see it if you don't mind. An R107 SL600 would be cool!:cool:

I now have lots of motivation. Right now I'm sort of like the Honeymooners in the episode "Sheff of the Futer". I have to pull this off or my wife will say I told you so.

John Roncallo