I finally, after numerous close calls, bought a fintail - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 07-12-2006, 04:51 PM

First of all, I do have to apologize for not getting into this forum for the past year or so. I always came in here because I was interested in the old Benz's, but now I actually have one. Some in here probably remember some of the numerous threads about fintail cars that I was interested in. Well, I bought it on ebay yesterday for $611.55. I have not seen it yet in person, but it is mine and there is no going back now.

Here's a link to the ebay ad...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=270005917066&ih=017&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Like the ad says, he does not have a key so after I get back (hopefully this Saturday) with the car I'll take the title to the MB dealer and get a key made. There will be plenty of work to do before I try to start it anyway, so I am not in too big of a hurry for the key.

Does anyone here have stencils to paint MB hubcaps? The seller said he has none of them and the hubcaps alone will make the car look 100x better.

One last thing, what is involved in disconnecting the driveshaft? I will take a Suburban and tow dolley to bring the car back, so the rear wheels will have to be on the ground with the driveshaft disconnected. If it would take too much work to disconnect the driveshaft, what would I need to do to tow it on the front wheels? I didn't know if the steering wheel would have to be tied or something to keep it straight? Please let me know what you guys think.

Thanks
David

Obnoxio · #2 07-12-2006, 04:58 PM

Thats a sweet looking ride. Good luck with it.

WANT '71 280SEL · #3 07-12-2006, 05:25 PM

One last thing, where can I buy wheel covers for 13" wheels? Adsit wants $99 for the 14" covers! That is ridiculous! Anyways, have a nice day.

Thanks
David

nhdoc · #4 07-12-2006, 06:40 PM

Removing the driveshaft is a bit of a job. It is a two piece arrangement with a center bearing. If you removed the bolts that connect the front shaft to the front flex joint and the rear shaft to the rear flex joint and then removed the center support you could probably drop both pieces at once, but without a lift it would be a job.

Looks like an interesting project...good luck with it!

Why not consider renting a tow trailer from U-Haul and just putting all 4 wheel up off the ground...I have seen them for rent at our local U-Haul location. That would seem both easier and safer than towing with the dolly.

I am sure if you watch eBay those wheel covers will come up sooner or later...something tells me you'll be facing more urgent mechanical needs than wheel covers once you get that baby home!

bgkast · #5 07-12-2006, 06:53 PM

Looks like a great car for that price. I bet you will have it up and running in no time. I second the U-haul trailer.

300SDog · #6 07-12-2006, 10:55 PM

Deffinitely dont want a jury rigged wheel dolley - careful with the front bumper too, it mounts to sheet metal collapsible chamber prone to rust. Then I'd be gettin the keys first thing and diving into the engine compartment, brass brushing all electrical connections, grease gunning the suspension, changing fluids and gettin on top of the zeniths - shootin the passages with carb cleaner. But would be hesitant to tear into em outright, hoping with the car running they will clean themselves. And install an inline filter first thing to catch fuel tank debris.

Outrageous coolness factor the fintail. Everything about that car is amazing, for example the tallest bilsteins you've ever seen; fine tune ignition timing at the distributor for different octanes. Also look for brass handled spickets on engine block and radiator for draining and flushing the coolant. Probly one of the most DIY friendly of all Vintage MB's. Every component on that car will amaze you.

t walgamuth · #7 07-12-2006, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

One last thing, where can I buy wheel covers for 13" wheels? Adsit wants $99 for the 14" covers! That is ridiculous! Anyways, have a nice day.

Thanks
David

my finney had caps. the 14" wheels had the full covers. i always liked the clean look of the caps with the painted wheel showing.

tom w

wbain5280 · #8 07-12-2006, 11:54 PM

Good find. You'll have to change your user id now.

I had a 230S for several years. Pretty simple car to work on. Lots of rubber bits will need replacing. Disconnect the rear flex disc and wire the driveshaft up or remove the rear driveshaft section. Get the older Glenns workshop manual. It has TONS of information.

unkl300d · #9 07-13-2006, 12:35 AM

will wheels covers for the w123 fit??

wbain5280 · #10 07-13-2006, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

will wheels covers for the w123 fit??

his car has 13" wheels. He can upgrade though.

blueeagle289 · #11 07-13-2006, 07:40 AM

My 230S has three keys; one ignition, one trunk and one for the front door locks .... if that is the case for your fintail, you can decide how many of the three you want .... they are about $40 apiece at least.... BC

WANT '71 280SEL · #12 07-13-2006, 02:49 PM

I will call U-Haul soon and see if I can get one as soon as this Saturday. I was hoping to leave Saturday morning. This car will definitely be a project and a half but I am very excited. I was thinking the keys should be about $25 a piece, at least that's what they cost for my SDL.

I think this car should have the full wheel covers like the later 123's, but I don't think they fit though, since the wheels on this car are 13" as opposed to the 14" on the 108's and 123's.

Let me know if you guys have any other suggestions.

Thanks
David

WANT '71 280SEL · #13 07-13-2006, 03:18 PM

Looks like I have a flat-bed trailer to pick up Saturday morning at 9:00AM from U-Haul. I just need to be sure that the truck I'm taking is a class 3 and rated for 5,000 lbs. I would think that on a 2000 Chevy the stock trailer hitch would fit those requirements wouldn't it? It's an extended cab 1500 pick-up. Any ideas if it would work or not? The truck is actually on my uncle's car lot right now and is 40 minutes away so I may have to break down and just drive up to look at the hitch.

If anyone lives between here and Peoria, Illinois I wouldn't mind visiting briefly with a fellow forum member.

Thanks
David

unkl300d · #14 07-13-2006, 10:17 PM

sointly , just take a detour to fog city

Mark DiSilvestro · #15 07-14-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WANT '71 280SEL

One last thing, where can I buy wheel covers for 13" wheels? Adsit wants $99 for the 14" covers! That is ridiculous! Anyways, have a nice day.

Thanks
David

I'm not aware of any one-piece Mercedes wheel covers availible for the 13-inch rims. That car should have small 9-inch hubcaps with separate slotted trim rings. You can try eBay for them. Also, every May the Carlise Pa. import show/flea market usually has at least couple of vendors selling hubcaps.
Or you could upgrade to 14-inch rims, as 13-inch tires that fit that Fintail are getting harder to find.

Happy Motoring, Mark