Sorting a Frankfort 1985 280TE Schwarz Blau

[Adriel]

1985 280TE Schwarz Blau over blue leather.

Delivered September 1984 to Frankfort, Germany.

Options:
A.B.S.
Alloy 15 hole wheels
Automatic transmission
Basic trim interior
Blaupunkt eight speaker sound system
Cargo anchors
Double roller blind (the actual blinds were missing, however, a forum member had one and worked out as still had the hardware)
Electric front windows and rear manual windows
Fire extinguisher (find no mounting brackets or holes)
Green tinted glass
Heated seats
High capacity battery

Three other unknown codes, so this might not be a complete list. Also, the Russian site has "TYPE DESTINATION ON TRUNK LID - ELIMINATION" despite it having a 280TE badge; was there another badge on the rear also?

Then there is "3-POINT SEAT BELT REAR CENTER" which makes no since as no way to have three point belt in the center, certainly doesn't have one.

Came with two Maintenance Books, some records from previous owners, and most of the records from past 19 years. First book shows lived in Frankfort Germany until 1989. From 1989 to about 1995, no information until owned in Seattle Washington.

Can vehical record on location be obtained?

Odometer quit with 205,000, but stated at about 240,000 miles. So, there are a few things to be sorted.

On that list:
Automatic transmission front seal leaks and broken flex disk. Just last Friday (19 May, 2017) pulled the driveline and on Saturday got the transmission to the shop. Don't like him lying to me that was going to call Monday morning and didn't call until Tuesday. Worse, wasn't honest that be best to do a rebuild, wasting several days.

Air conditioning. Have not had A/C in a W123 for four Summers, but now that my dog is older, think be better for her to have it. Big issue is finding the special Sanden compressor, as figure after all the years of not being used, got to start over. Hopefully don't have to find a condenser, as that too is from a kit. The drier hopefully can find something alternative, again part of a kit. Don't have records, but based on a stamp and the humidity in the Pacific Northwest, suspect was put in the early '90s. Not sure how you tell if R12 or R134a, does have a parallel flow condenser.

Exhaust. Can't find a dual in-dual out W123 M110 muffler, so thinking just save the original rather than hack up and put in a custom unit. Not going to go all out, as do want to keep the low end torque, but would like a little more sound when you get on it so folks know what I have.

Horns. Has aftermarket Hella four horns, but not set up right as don't hear a difference. There is a dash switch, but it is floppy and loose, so figure that is suspect also.

Clean the interior. Kind of worn, so don't think detailing be worth it. Though, do want to still clean all the carpets and the leather. Does need Leather Honey, especially since not yet cracked and now in the desert.

Detail out the engine and its compartment. Nothing over the top, but just make it easier and more enjoyable to work on/in. Right now, lots and lots of smutz, get more dirty than the diesel, though has decreased. Just tonight, got most of the intake manifold done, except the underside. Top side is very bright considering casted. Also been working on the engine, going back and forth, but it is putting up more of a challenge.

On the eventual, like to do bodywork. Pretty strait except a dent in the driver's front fender, on the lower part behind the wheel and the driver's side rear fender where a chair in my garage fell on it. Hatch have to be replaced, three long deep scrapes, really odd. Also, the driver's front door have to be replaced as badly, beyond repair, rusted. There is also a hole in the side of the spare tyre well in the outer fender that needs a patch.

Also, the roof needs at least buffing out. If had money to spend, get the roof repainted in either a light blue or anthracite. Any opinions on which be a better color?

Reason like to lighten the roof is because here in the desert, help with heat gain into the interior.

Brings up something else. Plan to put some heat shield up on the roof, but have to be really careful, as almost perfect headliner and man be upset if messed it up.

Over all, considering a "cheap" wagen, very happy with how little work she does need. Also helps having all the service records, which show regular about 3,000 mile oil changes, last one being 2008. Suspect by other factors, hadn't been driven much after that.

Over the last two months:
Got the hood unstuck. (How come every vehical that ahve owned gets the hood stuck?)
Drove it until Tram sent me an urgent email saying the odd noise was a cracked flex disk.
Looking at this blog: http://mercbenz123.com/, decided to go ahead and pull the driveline. Got the engine all disconnected, meaning radiator, fan, belts, alternator, compressor, on and on, removed and out of the way. What was most amazing was the two socket head bolts for the engine mounts came out without any trouble. Soaked those for two days with SiliKroil and then used a 6" hex (helped to get fully into the socket and have room to maneuver). Whole time during sweeting buckets with anxiety. Once out, did a happy dance telling my friends.

Then, about mid January started two classes, one taught by Addison and the other he was helping with the computer programing for the Applied project, then in about early March, abandoned us. Then my retired Service Dog got severely sick, many times thought was going to loose my sweet Golden, love of my life. Went into a severe depression and only thing was doing was every moment taking care of Ember. Thankfully late April, the advising Professor on the Applied Project started meeting with me everyday to help and teach the program Addison was to. Then last week, my backup vehical took a severe nose dive and so peeved, quit working on the Applied Project and instead going after the better vehical. Can't get to University without getting the Mercedes fixed, so am back at it.

To remove the engine, bought a vintage Viking, made in the U.S.A. two ton engine jack for $95 delivered (around here, Harbor Freights going for $200) couple weeks ago. Has 3' foot extensions on the legs and the arm, so can reach about five feet. Does slowly leak down, but still lifted the driveline just fine.