Opinions wanted

[bracurrie]

I am not fixated on originality. However, I do not wish to deviate from the designer's original vision. My '71 W108 280 SE base is a US model.
I am fixing some corrosion places that will require that the entire car be repainted so I am thinking about removing the side markers and the front turn signals and install some over under euro spec headlights with amber turn signal and leaving the front plain as in the B&W shot. But the large fog lamps are also kinda cool looking.
Opinions?

[Benz Dr.]

Looks like you have a 4.5 At least the amber signal lights tell me that.

One way to get better lighting with USA style head lights is to switch to halogen conversions which work quite well.

[MTUpower]

The model looks plain without the inner lights of some type. I also like the slightly aft turn signals. I put LED bulbs in my rear brake and turn signals and like the result.

[Tomas7]

I love the side markers on my car, they twinkle so cool at night. I also like my fog lights but I like them white and not amber. Side markers offer a little bit of safety as driver's who lack awareness can catch you with their peripheral vision when they execute lane changes.
My car is very different than yours, I have a 76 280C. I like your vintage better.

[801mbz]

I like the clean side marker free look. I hake a1967 250se 4spd like that.

[bracurrie]

Originally Posted by Benz Dr.

Looks like you have a 4.5 At least the amber signal lights tell me that.

One way to get better lighting with USA style head lights is to switch to halogen conversions which work quite well.

Its a base model which is the 2.8 M180 6. The convertsion would be to halogens no matter what.
Brad

[bracurrie]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

The model looks plain without the inner lights of some type. I also like the slightly aft turn signals. I put LED bulbs in my rear brake and turn signals and like the result.

I am also converting all bulbs to LED. How did you solve the blinker load issue?
Brad

[bracurrie]

Originally Posted by Tomas7

Side markers offer a little bit of safety as driver's who lack awareness can catch you with their peripheral vision when they execute lane changes.

My lenses are in rough shape and I do not believe I can reasonably replace them.
Brad

[JMela]

If taking the repaint plunge, I'd lose the side reflectors (they aren't illuminated on my w108).

Adding modern lamps (such as Hella H4s) and perhaps amber outside signal lenses (as done in your bottom photo) will improve both safety and appearances for not too much $.

[Mike D]

Originally Posted by bracurrie

I am also converting all bulbs to LED. How did you solve the blinker load issue?
Brad

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Compatible-Electronic-Flasher-Signal/dp/B06XS8VX2W

[bracurrie]

Originally Posted by Mike D

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Compatible-Electronic-Flasher-Signal/dp/B06XS8VX2W

Was it plug and play? Also, where is this located on the car?
Thanks
Brad

[Mike D]

If you have the "push button" style of flasher unit then it's a pretty much "plug and play" with the replacement. You may need to solder a short length of wire with the corresponding end connectors.

If you have the "pull knob" type of flashers, the easiest way (least intrusive) is adding a resistor to the signal lights.

https://www.ebay.com/gds/Load-Resistor-Use-With-Automotive-LED-Bulbs-/10000000010793386/g.html

[JeffreyNMemphis]

Hi Brad,

I like the way your car looks. In my opinion, the black and white pictured car is missing what you have. Upgrading the bulbs does not detract from originality.

[bracurrie]

Originally Posted by JeffreyNMemphis

In my opinion, the black and white pictured car is missing what you have.

Jeffery -
Furthering the discussion, my counterpoint would be that Paul Bracq's original design didn't include side marker lamps or the separate turn signal lights.
Here is the rub: I am having trouble finding new lenses for the turn signal lights and side marker lamps at reasonable prices. Because the car is white it is already highly visible so just a small drop in side visibility. (BTW I remember a study done by DB in the late sixties where the visibility difference from white to ANY other color was dramatic.) So I am leaning toward the clean design as envisioned by the designer. Besides as I am intending to use the car there will be very little to no need for fog or driving lights.

[Rook]

I think you should suit yourself first of all; nothing you propose is sacrilage to me. I don’t know if there’s any legal problems with it but it seems like so many of the changes over the years with lights and bumpers were due to legal impositions. Probably not a real problem though I’d bet.

I think the b&w photo version does look cool. One thing though, I have nearly fifty years of stone chips on those areas between the grille and headlights and having a light there tends to make them less noticeable. I hope.