So I finally bought one... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 12-03-2004, 01:41 PM

I decided to buy that blue 220S that was on ebay. We worked a deal out off ebay so I didn't have to worry about auction snipers, etc. I'm going to meet him by I65 in KY. Anyways, he said the car has a manual choke, and every once in awhile it won't hardly hold an idle so he has to pull the choke out a little bit. The car comes with 2 rebuild kits, but wouldn't a '65 have Zenith carbs? It was my understanding from my research that the Zeniths had electric chokes while the Solex's had manual. Also, I think they switched to Zenith's in '63, didn't they?

I decided to buy this car because it's not a terribly expensive car and I don't think I'm getting burned. I understand that ebay isn't the ideal place to buy a car off of, but we'll see how this turns out I guess. You can surely look for me in the near future as I try to get the car worked out.
Thanks
David

Snibble · #2 12-03-2004, 02:38 PM

congratulations.. and I hope the car will be a good one for you!

fintail · #3 12-03-2004, 08:01 PM

It doesn't look too bad in the pics.

It appears to be DB334 blue, which is the same color as my fintail. Great color for the car.

#4 12-03-2004, 08:26 PM

The 220 had the 34 Solex up to 1963 and then 35/40 downdraught Solex till it was replaced by the 230/6 in 1966 which had the Zeniths.
But weren't the Zeniths just a copy of the 35/40 Solex downdraughts?

Mark DiSilvestro · #5 12-03-2004, 09:14 PM

Aside from them both being downdraft twin-throat compound carburetors, with similar mounting plates, the Solex and Zeniths are very different. The Zeniths have automatic chokes and are larger and more complicated.

The 220S had twin compound Solexes until July 1963, when they were replaced by the Zeniths.
So is this car really a '63?

Happy Motoring, Mark

suginami · #6 12-03-2004, 10:05 PM

Do you have a link to the ebay auction?

I'd love to see pics...

Mark DiSilvestro · #7 12-03-2004, 11:05 PM

Check out the thread "How would you rate a '65 220S for daily driver?", on this Forum. The link to the auction and pictures is at the start of the thread.

Happy Motoring, Mark

wbain5280 · #8 12-04-2004, 12:06 AM

It's not a 1965. The flap on the firewall says it's one made up until 1963.

Get in touch with the seller and ask him to chack the chassis number, stamped on the passenger side frame rail close to the front of the air cleaner, or on the radiator support, and compare it with the title. If the numbers are off, get him to correct it before you pay for and take possession of the car. The 'VIN' on the EBAY post is incorrect. It would be 111XXX-10-NNNNNN or a 12 for an AT.

It may also have single circuit drum brakes. Look at the brake reservoir.

It has manual choke solexes.

I can check the chassis number ranges in the morning but you need the chassis number.

Edit:

One you get the chassis number, check here for the production range.

http://www.heckflosse.nl/prod4.htm

What's up with the blue paint on the valve cover?

unkl300d · #9 12-04-2004, 01:49 AM

Way Kool !

WANT '71 280SEL · #10 12-04-2004, 08:52 AM

Dang it, that's what I was afraid of. I'll email him ASAP. I like that it has the Solex with manual choke since it's less to break, but I wanted dual circuit and the updated suspension. Would a '63 have dual circuit brakes or would it depend on the exact date of manufacture. Here's a link for anyone interested. I'm falling in love and I haven't driven it yet!
Thanks
David

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4507995126&indexURL=2#ebayphotohosting

Mark DiSilvestro · #11 12-04-2004, 09:16 AM

On the 220S, Solexes were replaced by Zeniths in July 1963 and NO dual-circuit brakes until 1964. I'm not aware of any suspension differences. If the VIN matches the title and it turns out to be a '63 or earlier, AND you decide to go through with it anyway, you might want to pull the door post trim and see if the shoulder belt anchors are there, before you conclude the deal.

I checked the production figures on the Heckflossen website and, if the last six digits of the serial number provided by the seller are correct, that 220S is an early '63 model.

Happy Motoring, Mark

wbain5280 · #12 12-04-2004, 10:19 AM

You might be able to convert to dual circuit brakes if you get the parts. Get the car straightened out first and then worry about the nice stuff to have.

BTW. dual circuit brakes implies front disk and they require a new spindle to mount the caliper.

There are many other things that need attention, subframe mounts, tierods, flex discs, brakes, RUST.

Good luck and keep us posted.

WANT '71 280SEL · #13 12-04-2004, 02:12 PM

Well, I heard back from him. Here are some pics he sent me of the plates by the radiator and of the master cylinder...

WANT '71 280SEL · #14 12-04-2004, 02:13 PM

one more of the MC...

WANT '71 280SEL · #15 12-04-2004, 02:24 PM

Fintail,
You're good...and right

it is DB334 I remember looking at a pic of your car and specifically thinking what a good color it is. I think I probably even told you then. Could you post a good pic of your that preferably shows it with the wheel covers? I don't know if I shoudl leave the caps plain chrome or paint them to match as they're suppose to be.
Thanks
David

P.S.
According to the chasis number, this car used to be a standard shift.