Meet my new Project Car, Saved from the crusher - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chadahar · #1 08-17-2008, 12:48 AM

1984 Euro 500SEC. Lapis Blue/ orion Gray two color

Date of images are incorrect, date/time stamp was not reset, these are a couple days old.

tonkovich · #2 08-17-2008, 01:34 AM

and it was to be crushed because??

Chadahar · #3 08-17-2008, 02:28 AM

Failed Smog. After talking to the PO today, I think he didn't fully understand the the smog program and what one should do to get their car to pass, then I believe he was overwhelmed that the car didn't pass. and one thnig lead to another and so on. I also think the PO had changed directions and that was the last straw. This car has service records back to 1988 (maybe earlier, I just skimmed though the stack this evening), from the owner previous to this PO. This PO had maintained the car well, but I think that he had changed directions.

Here in CA when one retires a car through the CAP program, the car is driven to the dismantler designated by the state and the car is crushed and not parted out. BOO HISS Steps had already been taken to retire the car to the program. So I have some hoops to jump through to get it legally back on the road.

Why do people do things? Who Knows, but I could not let this beautiful car get crushed.
I read the smog tests and I'll have my smog guy look at them and see. I don't think there is a major hurdle there, but I could be all wet. One thing was the Evap was non functional and on this car it's a charcoal cannister. The other thing is it has High NOS, but less than 100 points over max allowed(that tells me new cats Or maybe just the things we do to get our cars to pass. I/E oil change, new plugs Dist cap, Rotor, filters, ).

I told the PO today that I wished he'd have come on the forums and asked what to do to help get a car to pass smog, but then I thought, "Well Charlie, you wouldn't be taking this car home today if he did that", but either way I'm happy to save the car, the PO is happy with the deal

TMAllison · #4 08-17-2008, 11:24 AM

Its a pretty car, would've been a shame to destroy it.

Hopefully the hurdles getting it to run right and putting it back on the road aren't too great.

Lots of good parts there in the event it is, so I expect you'd come out ok anyway.

Good luck.

ScottinSoCal · #5 08-17-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadahar

The other thing is it has High NOS, but less than 100 points over max allowed(that tells me new cats Or maybe just the things we do to get our cars to pass. I/E oil change, new plugs Dist cap, Rotor, filters, ).

I'd look at vacuum leaks causing a lean condition. That'll raise the NOX quite a bit. When I first took my car to get smogged, right after I bought it, it was way under the average on HC and O2, but almost the limit on NOX. After I fixed the vacuum problems, NOX readings were way down while the rest were slightly up.

Although mine doesn't have an O2 sensor, so that made it a more straightforward issue.

Chadahar · #6 08-17-2008, 11:43 AM

I believe that the Smog issues to be minor.(almost the same numbers that happened to my 380SE and I fixed that without too much pain in the wallet.) As to running right, she runs like a Striped A$$ed Ape. The biggest hoop to jump through with the DMV.

suginami · #7 08-17-2008, 02:21 PM

Looks great Charlie. I can't believe someone would give up on such a good looking car so easily, especially given the fact that he had receipts back to 1988.

I see you sold the 380SE that you showed me when we met at Mr. MB Motors.

Chadahar · #8 08-17-2008, 07:35 PM

Paul,
Probably extenuating circumstances, after talking to PO. But save her we have.....so far.
I need to get her down to Enrique to do a PPI(Post purchase Inspection in my case... again!) I pretty well know what she needs by the records and remarks of the last few services done at a MB dealer. What's been done and not.

suginami · #9 08-17-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadahar

Paul,
Probably extenuating circumstances, after talking to PO. But save her we have.....so far.
I need to get her down to Enrique to do a PPI(Post purchase Inspection in my case... again!) I pretty well know what she needs by the records and remarks of the last few services done at a MB dealer. What's been done and not.

What made you get rid of the 380SE?

Chadahar · #10 08-17-2008, 08:32 PM

Paul,
I needed to rebuild the tranny on the 560SEC and a friend pestered me to buy the 380SE, So I sold it to him and used the funds to fix the 560SEC. God I hate being on a fixed income!
I get that little pang of "why did I ever Sell You" whenever I see it in town. It still looks very good. Actually i say WOW who owns that one...Oh yeah it Sweet Abigail" LOL!