Thinking about a 1956 220S and have a few questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PaJon · #1 06-09-2010, 07:08 AM

I have a chance to get a 1956 220S that runs but needs lots of work. I have my fleet of diesels in good shape now and I am looking for another project. What can anyone tell me about these cars? Are engine parts still available? I can do any body and mechanical work but need to know if I can still get parts. I'll post some pictures later this evening. Thanks, Jon

daidnik · #2 06-09-2010, 12:33 PM

It is likely that many engine parts are available, but you say that the car runs, so the matter of what you need would have to analyzed on a piece by piece basis.

Hopefully this is not an 'automatic clutch' car. It was offered on those cars, but very few cars went out with it. If it is one of these, it will lack a clutch pedal despite the fact that it has a manual transmission. If it has this feature, that would be a tough problem.

The manual trans would probably not be a problem for parts. There are very few parts needed for these in general; bearings & synchro rings would be available, I think.

The u-joints for the drive shaft & the flex disc would be available.

The main thing to evaluate is whether all the basic drive train features work. Does the brake booster work?

If the basic elements work and you can drive the car and confirm this, and you are a person who can do the work on it yourself, then you might b able to do something with it. It's a beautiful body style especially in the coupe & cabriolet and is thus valuable.

You might want to confirm the availability of the subframe mounts; diff mount, etc. Those rubber parts that anchor the suframe to the drive train are sure to be shot and they have a huge effect on the ride comfort of the car.

Don't get the car unless you're really serious about restoring it because I'm sure that it would be expensive even if the core elements are there and work. If you had to do paint and lot's of TLC to get it to look nice and be protected properly against corrosion in the body and did all the work yourself and had some freind who could help with paint to cut costs, though the work would have to be beautiful on such a car . . .

Even with all these 'if's, my rough estimate is that you should plan on having about $15k to put into it aside from acquisition. It would still be a lot of work, but you would have a shot at doing something good with it. It still might not be possible to get such money out of it though, even excluding all the free labor, so I wouldn't figure it to be a good investment opportunity; just a nice car.

If it is a coupe or cabriolet, then it's value is increased further.

daw_two · #3 06-09-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaJon

I have a chance to get a 1956 220S that runs but needs lots of work. I have my fleet of diesels in good shape now and I am looking for another project. What can anyone tell me about these cars? Are engine parts still available? I can do any body and mechanical work but need to know if I can still get parts. I'll post some pictures later this evening. Thanks, Jon

Hi Jon.
PM sent about a ponton that I'm thinking about acquiring.

Also, regarding parts, I just acquired some Vintage parts. Here is the link to "FS --- daw's mega new old stock (NOS) parts" thread.

There are several of us on the Forum that have lots of parts for either sale, trade, or give away.

sokoloff · #4 06-09-2010, 01:16 PM

Parts are generally readily available as is a lot of expertise via our discussion group. We've got over 800 members and there isn't anything that someone hasn't seen or dealt with. Go to www.mbzponton.org to do some reading and link to our IPOG discussion group by clicking on the mailing lists link on that page.

strelnik · #5 06-09-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaJon

I have a chance to get a 1956 220S that runs but needs lots of work. I have my fleet of diesels in good shape now and I am looking for another project. What can anyone tell me about these cars? Are engine parts still available? I can do any body and mechanical work but need to know if I can still get parts. I'll post some pictures later this evening. Thanks, Jon

When you get started let me know, because I have a trailer full of parts removed from 220S cars. Am just sorry I didn't have enough room.

I can also sell you a very complete 1959 220 parts car and engine for $500 if you want everything you could ever ask for. Plus I have multiple BOUND BOOK copies of the 220S original mechanic's service manual. hard bound, not paper cover.

I will be busy the next two weeks as my 20 car5 garage building acquisition completes, but call me in early July if you are serious about a large scale parts acquisition.

I also have three, maybe four ponton diesels to sell. All run, but they need brakes and TLC. Reasonable prices as I thin the herd.

I want to concentrate on my 170D model and make it into a WW II Afrika Corps desert staff car, but with A/C. Then, I shall rebuild Groucho's old Mercedes and my Familiale limo.

wbain5280 · #6 06-09-2010, 09:16 PM

You have 6 Ugly Ducklings? I kinda like the Traction Avant. I also think the DS19/21 were really advanced in their time. You have quite the collection.

strelnik · #7 06-09-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbain5280

You have 6 Ugly Ducklings? I kinda like the Traction Avant. I also think the DS19/21 were really advanced in their time. You have quite the collection.

Yes, I have six Deuches, and two Tractions, having sold the other three.
I will be selling an ID 19 next year after it is completed. This will be a fully drivable car with everything but AC, since they didn't offer it on the ID19, unless you wanted an after-market bolt-on, which is also possible.

I will keep three and sell three. One will become a dieselduck, as soon as I find the right engine and a compatible gear box.

Maybe a 1.6L peugeot, if I can find one.

But now you see why I need a 20 car garage to thin the herd, plus I have 4 trailers of Cit parts and one of Benzes that I haven't opened after they were given to me.

PaJon · #8 06-13-2010, 09:46 AM

Thank you everyone for the help and offers. I'm sorry for the delay, work was crazy last week. He are some pictures and more information on the car.

The owner said it does run but has not been on the road since 1999. It does not have the automatic clutch. The body needs some work but looks ok but will need a complete new interior. The car is two miles from my aunt's house in another state, she is my source for pictures and info for now.

If I get this I'll go next weekend for it.

TnBob · #9 06-13-2010, 11:09 PM

If that 58K is the first time around it looks like a deal.

sokoloff · #10 06-14-2010, 12:15 PM

Please be cautious. Check the buyers guide we have on the Ponton Page I noted above. There are areas on this car that if they are rusty make it a parts car at best.