[GTO]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

I said the car did not need too much work, but it did - if one wants it in showroom / OE condition

Get the drift ??

Though it wasn't directed to me, yup, I got the drift

Can totally understand where you are coming from. I pondered (and still am) over buying an ol' Merc. If I do, I'll do what it takes to bring her back to showroom condition. When one half of the brain said "Why on earth would you spend 2 - 3 times the book value of a car on repairing / restroring / repainting it?", the other *sensible* half replied "Buy a W124 for 2.5 - 3.0 lakhs. Even if you spend 5 lakhs on it, that's still a way superior car to any new 8 lakh rupee sedan".

No logic, just pure petrolhead thinking. Congrats on the car & the project, Ricky. I can't wait to see the end product.

[Ricky_63]

Thanks GTO !! I think you got the "drift" spot on. You pretty much said it all, let's see if it meets expectations on the final "unvieling"

The idea is to get the car back to OE / Factory Spec. I am leaving no stone unturned in the process, and I do hope what I am trying to do comes out how I want it to. So far we seem to be headed in the right direction.

Sharing some fresh pictures. The bumpers are on, the alloys are fitted with Yokohama 195/65/15's V550 decibel series. Trying to match the character of the tyres with that of the car !! The new tail lights are on. Now we need to finish off the interior stuff. Trying to get the windows back to winders as the "power windows" were an after fitment.

The one departure that I plan is putting in Rainbow Speakers, in OE stock locations. Apparently Rainbow is the only company that does decent aftermarket speakers to direct fit the W124. The headunit will be a simple one. The original "becker" will just remain there for cosmetic reasons (if at all)

That is the story - thus far !! Keep tuned in for the last few final laps before the chequered flag !! LOL



Cheers

[star_is_here]

Lovely progress! I like the W124 as much as I love my W123 300D. Those cars would outlast you and me

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by star_is_here

Lovely progress! I like the W124 as much as I love my W123 300D. Those cars would outlast you and me

Progress is fine, but I sure hope the car does not "outlast" me or should I put in on my Will - just in case it does outlast !!!!!




Cheers

[n.devdath]

Hey Ricky, one question man. Is it still possible to get spares for the W124 like tail lamps, dashboard parts, ashtrays, trim, mudflaps, lights you know the specific parts?
If yes, then it shouldn't be too long before I go for my dream car as well because just like you, I too will bring it to top notch showroom condition irrespective of the cost to do the same.

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by n.devdath

Hey Ricky, one question man. Is it still possible to get spares for the W124 like tail lamps, dashboard parts, ashtrays, trim, mudflaps, lights you know the specific parts?
If yes, then it shouldn't be too long before I go for my dream car as well because just like you, I too will bring it to top notch showroom condition irrespective of the cost to do the same.

Getting parts for the W124 is relatively easy. Worst case one can import them. Though most of what you need would be available, as the W124 was sold in India as well.

Important thing is WHERE you get it done.

All the best, let us see the WIP pics, they make understanding things easier When do you intend to start ??



Cheers

[Ricky_63]

The headlamps were opened, lens washed & cleaned and they look as good as new. Surprising to see this in a 18 year old !

[Ricky_63]

# Trunk in OE trim.
# Side cladding coming back on (in white) prefer the white to the light Grey that they were in originally.
# New windscreen installed
# The opened up headlights before they were cleaned
# Complete side trim installed

The pictorial story thus far !!

[evo]

Whoa,just read through the whole thread. What a wonderful feeling. In one of the first pics with just the primer, the car looks quite rakish and modern. Just another indicator of its timeless design, I suppose.

Great Stuff!

[diesel_maniac]

Congratulations Ricky !! The W124 is simply stunning and it shows how much care you've put into the project already. I am sure the finished product would be great !! Wish you many decades of enjoyable driving in your dream car.

[n.devdath]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

Getting parts for the W124 is relatively easy. Worst case one can import them. Though most of what you need would be available, as the W124 was sold in India as well.
Important thing is WHERE you get it done.

Thanks Ricky, that gives me a lot of confidence to being looking for my dream too.
Coming to the question of WHERE, going by the quality of work that I have seen at your w/s, it will almost certainly be there.

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by evo

Whoa,just read through the whole thread. What a wonderful feeling. In one of the first pics with just the primer, the car looks quite rakish and modern. Just another indicator of its timeless design, I suppose.

Great Stuff!

Thanks evo Yes, I have always maintained that this car has a "timeless" design. It can be with classics or with the modern cars & still get more than a look. In terms of drive it can compete with cars worth way more. So basically it is a great car IF it is well looked after.

Originally Posted by diesel_maniac

Congratulations Ricky !! The W124 is simply stunning and it shows how much care you've put into the project already. I am sure the finished product would be great !! Wish you many decades of enjoyable driving in your dream car.

Thanks diesel_maniac, yes it has taken some work & quite a bit of time, but at the end of it. It seems worth it. But then the test of the pudding is in the eating, so let's see how it stands upto the test.

Originally Posted by n.devdath

Thanks Ricky, that gives me a lot of confidence to being looking for my dream too.
Coming to the question of WHERE, going by the quality of work that I have seen at your w/s, it will almost certainly be there.

You're welcome n.devdath
As for getting the car done here in Delhi /Gurgaon - sure thing. I think I should qualify for a discount for references





Cheers

[Ricky_63]

The final fittings of the exterior are in progress today.

The door handles, lights, wiper, the central locking vacum pump switch are some of which I remember.

The window glasses have been shifted back to manually wound ones as were in OE. The electric window setup was coming to close to 60k so decided that some excercise may not hurt afterall

All oils are being checked & changed or topped up, as needed. All filters are being replaced.

The Aircon gas will be checked for leakages. Hopefully the cooling coil shall turn out OK or else that will need replacement.

The work on the interior should start tomorrow, the insides need to be dry-cleaned as there is quite a bit of dust plastered inside. The Audio install will happen post that.

So things are moving, should have the car tommorow or the day after at the latest.

Some pics from today !

[GTO]

I am simply amazed at how those 18 year old headlamps look near new! Fantastic rejuvenation. It speaks volumes of the quality control at Mercedes (that once was??).

Normally don't like after-market wheels on Mercs...will make an exception for your car. They look fab.

[Manoj2268]

^^ I think the rims in the pic are temporary. Ricky's got his OE rims painted and are shod with yoko's