Save me from this affliction!.. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

halman2228 · #1 11-10-2005, 08:58 PM

I must be ill:

I'm going to look at a 78 450SEL tomorrow. Known fuel problem (seller thinks the pump), front seats gone (upholstery shop lost 'em...?) and needs hood painted. White over black. Spent most of last four years in inside storage, ran fine when put up. Too cheap to mention ( I know - the most expen$ive MB is the cheap one!!!)

Worse Yet:

Spoke to a seller out of town (3 hours from here) who's selling a 67 250SL California edition (means no rag top - hard top or open only). Some records of recent maint including repaint a year ago. Going to see it Saturday. About $9 grand. Gotta do some more reading up on the 113 (I know rust is a biggie and parts are $$$ when you find 'em...)

If you can't save me, any particular advice (on the 250 SL - the 450SEL is so cheap, I spent more $ on line today on my 500SL than this will cost - at worst it sounds like a good parts car from which you guys will be able to get parts from me).

Is there any hope for me?

Kevin

300SDog · #2 11-11-2005, 06:49 AM

If the fuel pump or fuel regulator fossilized during 4 yr storage it might be recoverable if you can clean varnish deposits from the innards before the FP motor burns itself out.

And they make a harness/pulley system for raising and lowering Pagoda roofs that becomes a permanent accoutrement in the home garage.

You should probably buy both cars and then look for another one too.

meltedpanda · #3 11-11-2005, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240DieselDog

You should probably buy both cars and then look for another one too.

I would drink to that

I could not agree more

and Kevin
You violated the first rule of working on ol Benz's, you are trying to use logic and common sense, check those fine characteristics at the garage door

halman2228 · #4 11-11-2005, 10:45 AM

could I go for such moral support?

Should we start a BenzAnonymous group?

Kevin

ctaylor738 · #5 11-11-2005, 11:06 AM

Be careful of the 250SL - there is a reason that it's selling for almost its value as a parts car. Especially on these, you do better starting with a good car.

Here is a very good forum on these cars.

http://www.sl113.org/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

Tomguy · #6 11-11-2005, 11:15 AM

If all the 450 needs are seats and a repainted hood, you're gonna be one lucky dog.

Who says any of us are in our right minds? Anyone who was would have scrapped the rustbucket I have long ago. But then again, if they drove it, well... then they might be as nuts as me!

halman2228 · #7 11-11-2005, 06:11 PM

Really sad...

Front sets definitely gone as mentioned. Back seat needs restuffing, door panels are good. Dash and wood trim are trashed, entire sunroof assy. rusted (bad!) and non-functional (I could see the whole thing as the roof liner was mostly down/trashed)..

Rust on rear wheel arches and around sun roof, paint is shot, windshield broken. Milky upper trim, good side trim; all bumpers there, front needs new cover (dings). Good to very good set of Bundt wheels they said were new from dealer in 1999...

Engine compartment really dirty & crusty (totally uncared for - wonder what surprises are inside?). Plate in air flow meter black with tarry soot...

Didn't even look underneath or wait for a charge to hear it crank or fiddle around too much (no sense in getting dirty). She's either a major project that will cost more than its value when done or a parts car. I briefly considered dragging it away and stripping/selling parts but I have too much going on right now to get into it. Its on the east side of Houston if anyone else is interested.

Bummer.

Kevin

P.S. - does the 450SEL W116 have an OVP? If so, where? These guys hadn't even checked to see if they had power to the fuel pump - just assumed it was the pump...