Pre-purchase inspection in Los Angeles?
 

Hi, Anyone know of someone that does Pre-purchase inspections in the Los Angeles area? I'm looking for a 220s Conv.
Any tips?
Thanks

You oughta make list of specifics regarding throwing the car on lift to look for rust, worn out and ragged rubber suspension boots, excessive play in kingpin suspension, suspension sub-frame bushings, etc..... Hell, the list of mainenance items on the 220S (Ponton or Heckflosse) is extremely predictable. Meanwhile a wet/dry compression test and/or smoking with oil consumption will tell the story of the valve seals and if the tranny flares between shifts this can best be found after an extended high speed drive.

As first time poster on this forum, the only other thing is you gotta pay your membership dues to whoever on the forum does the inspection...... say, provide 1/2 gallon of single-malt Scotch whiskey for intelligent survey of the 220S cabriolet in LA. Am certain that somebody here will be happy to test drive the 220S cabriolet for you.

<edit: We just talked about "Fintail FS, what to look for" a couple of days ago: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes-forum/85081-fintail-fs-what-look.html

dog, dog, dog... poor rookie might take you serious --lol

Try Enrique at Mister MB in Tarzana (Los Angeles). Check the forum on this site for reviews on his service. I just started going to him myself and have been very pleased. Good luck!

LA is a big area, where are you refering to. I know of a 220SE Cab. close by that is in excellent condition, just advertised in the Star magazine.
By the way, where are you located?
Ed

Where to look for rust
 

In addition to areas mentioned you will almost always find rust at the bottom of both spare tire wheel wells and at the edge of the rear of the rear tire fender lips where the convertibel top drain is. My 220 was rust free except for those areas.