PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Taking off the weight, what can I do?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech (Post 2561605)

electric windows converted to manual?
convert the auto climate control to manual
put in recaro plastic race seats.

Dune buggies have NO doors.

X2 Joe,
Thats what they did in Top Gear I think. Who needs a trunk lid or hood? Cut out the floor & do a Fred Flintstone. Better still leave the car at home & ride a bike !1

All Adders are PUFFS!

There's also a video on reassembly with alternative materials. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adkgoa1Eeug&NR=1

You can save a lot of weight replacing steel with lighter materials, such as aluminum. :)

Get rid of the AC. Get a couple of racing seats. Polycarbonate to replace glass. Remove rear seat. Put the battery in the trunk for better weight distribution. Spare tire at home. Have fun !

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe (Post 2561587)

Replace driver's seat only with an '04 or newer E-Class driver's seat. The new ones have to weigh less than 30 year old ones.

MB has been decontenting their cars like crazy to CUT THE WEIGHT the past 30 years.

nope. the newer seats still weigh damn near 80lbs each, and you'd need to be an electrical engineer to get the computer that controls the seat to work in the old car. maybe euro manual seats if they exist...
i hope gutting the car is out of the question, just like some of these absurd ideas here...

Change the air in your tires. Air gets dirty after time and weighs more because of the dirt.
Better yet, switch to bald tires. They weigh less since they have no tread left.:D:P:eek:

remove 2 lug bolts from each wheel. Might as well remove a piston or three.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon (Post 2561727)

remove 2 lug bolts from each wheel. Might as well remove a piston or three.

Yes, lug nuts are surprisingly heavy! Less unsprung weight might even improve the ride a bit. I'd leave the pistons though...in my experience removing them hurts performance. :joker:

Chop the top, remove the doors and cut off a couple coils on all 4 springs.

remove the auto and install a 4-spd manual, then remove the starter and push start it.

Charlie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon_SLC (Post 2561683)

Here's a "How too" video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OETj9aTYO2Q

And for those who don't want to watch the video (Even though i'd definitely recommend it myself)

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/368/883w.jpg

The attitude of the rear axle says that car weighs significantly less!

I don't see that very often on an actual driving car.

I remember seeing drivers in Tehran back up at 40 MPH in their Mercedes, when I was a teenager. The way the camber changes, was unique and interesting. Definitely different than any of the American cars I was accustomed too. :cool:

Oh also if you're REALLY serious about loosing weight check out this link....

http://www.nerocam.com/SCC_TAP.asp

They left some trim on the left rear flank and the driver armrest.

And why keep the vacuum reservoir when there's nothing left that uses vacuum? The engine will shut off with straight pump vacuum.

Sixto
87 300D

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBAMG (Post 2561542)

I currently own a 79 4 dr 300d. I am looking to figure out ways to cut weight down. I was also thinking about selling my 300d and getting a 2 dr 300cd. I was told that would knock off 165lbs roughly. I have a complete euro 4 speed change over. Is there any weight savings in converting from auto to 4 speed? I came up with a few possibilities. I wouldn't want to change anything about appearance but less luxury is ok. Anyone got any more ideas? My end goal is to knock off 300-400lbs and switching to a 300cd to knock off 40-50% of my goal is very possible. This would lead to a little more performance out of the engine and better fuel mileage keeping my foot out of it. I drive like a granny normally

Take a/c out.
Euro bumpers
Switch to a 300cd
No sun roof car? Is that possible?
...?...?...?

CLEARLY, MOST OF THESE GUYS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN BEING HELPFUL. but it does sound to me like what you really want is a manual cd. or 240d if you don't care about slower than molasses. but the manual does not waste power like an automatic. if i could afford it, i'd be looking for a rust free cd w/ 5 speed myself. anyone want to trade a rusty 2 tone td for said car?