Mercedes W123 240D - Yet another addition to the family

[bikertillidie]

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Welcome to the wonderous world of the W123.

Obviously these cars have a phenomaly good reputation for lasting for ever. In reality that's more on the mechanics then the chassis. They rust badly! I was very surprised when I started looking into buying a W123 how big a problem this really is. Having owned Italian and English cars from the same era, I thought I was pretty familiar with rust, but the W123 is particular prone to rust in multiple places.

Indeed, it's a true rust magnet.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Will you be doing some additional rust proofing, such as Dinitrol or similar when you're finished welding?

I am planning to use a smearing of grease/used engine oil to protect the body from rust. So far, it has worked really well on all my cars, except for the mess this causes.
The mix of grease/oil dribbles and needs to be wiped off with a rag from time to time.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Just noticed an image of some work done on the trunk. I noticed two large presses/jacks sort of pressing the two sides of the car apart? Why was that, is there a problem with structural intergrity of the car at the rear?

You are right. Turnbuckles were pressed into service while the rear structural members were being repaired. Else, the body would have been warped out of shape.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Good luck with the project. I enjoy folllowing it!
Jeroen

Many thanks !

[bikertillidie]

Updates from 23rd October -

A tray was fabricated to replace the corroded section of the cowl.



It was riveted in place as we didn't wish to remove the dashboard from the vehicle for welding it in, and introduce additional delays in the process.



Waterproofing measures were adopted in advance.
Half measures, agreed ..




Damage to the firewall seams was also attended to.



The cowl was welded back in position after riveting the tray.







All gaps/sheeting joins were sealed using seam sealant.





Corroded sections of the bumpers were repaired and would be sent for electroplating in due course.

The car also needs to be properly cleaned before being sent to the paint shop.

[salilpawar1]

Any update on the build, Sir?

[bikertillidie]

Originally Posted by salilpawar1

Any update on the build, Sir?

Yes Salil, I will try to share a few photographs tomorrow.

[bikertillidie]

Updates as of 28-Nov-17

The sunroof was removed from the car and the drain outlets were checked for blockages. All of them were found clogged with leaves, mud.










One of the drain outlets had completely disintegrated and leaked water even after a thorough cleanup and had to be replaced.




Pictures of the body being prepped for paint.









One coat was applied to check for surface imperfections/undulations.








Underbody coated with primer.

[bikertillidie]

Updates as of 16th December

The agonising wait for getting the car painted continues.. Javed has been swamped with work lately, and quick accident repairs are being given higher priority.

Meanwhile, the seats have been reupholstered.



I have also got hold of some waterproof membranes for lining the floor pans.


The insides of the fenders have been coated with 3M rubberised paint.

[james]

Originally Posted by bikertillidie

I have also got hold of some waterproof membranes for lining the floor pans.
Attachment 1706937

If i understand correctly, this is to completely seal off the floor and protect the carpet from getting wet. IMO this is a bad idea. It traps moisture(due to condensation etc..) between itself and the floor. The carpet does a great job in remaining damp. It will start rusting within 2yrs! I would NOT suggest this on an old car unless you put in something to completely arrest rust and protect the metal under the carpet- Primer and zinc oxide just wont cut it! Speaking from experience here..

Keep the updates coming! I love your restoration threads!!!

Cheers!

[sanju]

Originally Posted by bikertillidie

Updates as of 16th December

Meanwhile, the seats have been reupholstered.
Attachment 1706920
Attachment 1706921

Hi,
Can you please let me know what material have you used as upholstery on the seats? Looks really good
1)Is it breathable and cool during summers?
2)Availability
3)Rate

Thanks in advance for your reply. Is it possible to catch up with you in Pune around 2nd Jan 2018?
Great job on the W123

[bikertillidie]

Originally Posted by james

If i understand correctly, this is to completely seal off the floor and protect the carpet from getting wet. IMO this is a bad idea. It traps moisture(due to condensation etc..) between itself and the floor. The carpet does a great job in remaining damp. It will start rusting within 2yrs! I would NOT suggest this on an old car unless you put in something to completely arrest rust and protect the metal under the carpet- Primer and zinc oxide just wont cut it! Speaking from experience here..

Thanks for this input.
The previous owner had pasted heatlon sheets to the floor and incessant water leakage from various sections plus shoddy repairs had accelerated the corrosion process, since the combination of damp carpet and damp heatlon is very difficult to dry off completely.

I intend to use rubberised paint both above and below the floor in an attempt to seal it off completely from moisture. The membrane would be stuck onto the layer of rubberised paint, to add a bit of sound dampening.

The carpeting material available locally is no match for the factory original. The flimsy carpet plus the membrane should feel a bit more "substantial".

At least, that's the intent.

Originally Posted by sanju

Hi,
Can you please let me know what material have you used as upholstery on the seats? Looks really good
1)Is it breathable and cool during summers?
2)Availability
3)Rate

Thanks in advance for your reply. Is it possible to catch up with you in Pune around 2nd Jan 2018?
Great job on the W123

(1) I certainly hope so
(2) It is easily available
(3) It costs a pittance compared to the original MBTex, which is hard to find these days

We can certainly meet up during January, during one of the weekends.

[bikertillidie]

Updates from 20th December, 2017

At long last, the car has been painted. There are a few areas which still require attention, but at least we have made a start.

[bikertillidie]

Updates as of 23rd December -

Anil has started sorting out the electricals starting today


Also met fellow bhpian kevinephraim, who had come over to check out the car in person. Nice meeting you in person, Kevin.

[bikertillidie]

Updates from 24th December

Preparatory work on the trunk mats.

12mm plywood should be able to withstand a few suitcases. Plus, one should be able to easily lift the whole contraption to gain access to the spare wheel.




Engine being buffed by Arbaz.

[bikertillidie]

The engine and gearbox were brought to the bodyshop using Javed's tow truck.

After hosing them down, Arbaz has left them to dry.







Gearbox mount would also be replaced.

[bikertillidie]

Updates from 25th December

The engine and gearbox were finally mounted on the car.

Took quite a while, but it was really satisfying to witness the entire process (over a long weekend).

[bikertillidie]

Updates as of 29th Dec, 2017

The electrician Anil has decided that it's not worth his while working on my car.

Hence, I have decided to handle the task myself (similar to my 118NE and Premier Padmini) over the long weekend.

A snap of the replacement oil pump before it was bolting on.



Hope to work on the engine bay tomorrow and have the engine running by end of day.