Author Topic: Call for Volunteers for The Manual  (Read 20521 times)

Cees Klumper

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Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« on: July 04, 2004, 04:00:34 »
This is a call for volunteers to help write the Group's Ownership, Maintenance & Repairs Manual. This will be the definitive guide to all things Pagoda.

The value of this undertaking is significant. For starters, having access to the collective experience and knowledge of this group in this new way will benefit all of us from day one:

- it will make the information now oftentimes 'buried' in thousands and thousands of posts much more accessible
- photos will be added throughout the text
- the text will be quality-reviewed before publication

The Manual will 'live on' for future owners (years and years from now) and will be a valuable resource also to service and parts suppliers. When the "first-base" version is finished, it can be translated into different languages. It can be printed to be available in the workshop and garage etc.

The Manual will be created as follows:

step 1 - going through the old Yahoo! posts, copy-pasting the most relevant and authoritative information and sorting this into word documents by topic. Over the past two years, I have gone through most (excluding the 5 and 6 thousand series) of the old Yahoo! posts and done this task  :? . I now have 23 separate word documents by major topic (see list below), consisting of 436 pages of text that, within the documents, is further sorted by minor topic. The text is very similar to the Technical Articles that are on the homepage: in fact, the Technical Articles consist of the first 2,700 of the 11,700 Yahoo! posts that I digested in total. In short, it is the relevant discussions on questions and answers contributed over the years, sorted by topic.

step 2 - volunteers each take one or several chapters to:
(1) convert the current text into a 'normal' step-by-step guide;
(2) then, by searching THIS site, add any information that is not already included

step 3 - adding photos, quality review, table of contents and index, etc etc etc

Publication:
Since the main purpose of the W113 Pagoda SL Group "is to facilitate the sharing of information and to encourage communication among enthusiasts related to the Mercedes W113 cars. The Club seeks to assist with the care, repair, restoration, collection, and preservation of these classic cars" the current vision of the Board of the Group is to:
- make the Manual as accessible as possible. This includes publication on this website without any access limitations
- we will publish a printed version as well for use in the workshop, ease of reading, benefit owners without internet access etc etc.

Continous Improvement:
The "first base" version will only be the start. The Board plans on publishing the Manual on a so-called "WIKI" web platform: this allows all members to continually update the texts with better insight, more tips, corrections as e.g. part numbers change, etc etc etc. We need the "first base" version to get the WIKI formula started. Once that is done, we can ALL be involved in making the Manual even "more perfect"  ;) . Periodically (maybe once every two years or so), we will issue updated printed versions off the WIKI live-version.

Listing of major topics (between brackets are the number of word document pages):
brakes (14)
buying your pagoda (13)
chassis and body (43)
cooling and A/C systems (14)
data card (7)
driveshaft and rear axle (11)
electrical and instruments (32)
engine (63)
exhaust system (7)
fuel delivery system (24)
fuel injection system (35)
how to own an SL (16)
ignition system (23)
interior (34)
lights (9)
regular maintenance (18)
history and facts (3)
steering (5)
suspension (14)
technical general (4)
soft and hard top (15)
transmission and clutch (16)
wheels and tires (16)

So what's in it for the "first base" volunteers, you ask?
- eternal glory and fame (your name will be published as co-author)
- in-depth knowledge on one or more topics you always wanted to know more about, but were afraid to ask (either that, or you are already an expert but are motivated by rewards nos. 1 & 3:)
- the satisfaction of knowing you are helping fellow-enthusiasts make the most out of owning their Pagoda
- not a single penny: as this whole group is a true labor of love, you will not be entitled to any copyright, royalty or any other monetary reward! The only compensation you can expect is a free printed copy of the Manual when done. Maybe we can get your copy autographed by the true authorities like Joe Alexander and Dan Caron, but that's about it [:0]

Timeframe?
Realistically we are shooting for this time next year for publication. This means that, in order to allow some time for step 3 etc., the volunteers should be finished no later than early 2005. In other words, you will have all winter!

So what's your next move?
If you would like to be involved as one of the volunteers (meaning you will take at least one of the chapters listed below and perform step 2), please send me an email or indicate your choice in a reply to this mail, and I will be in touch with you to take things further.

my email address: cees@klumper.demon.nl

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
« Last Edit: July 04, 2004, 04:07:51 by cees klumper »
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Peter van Es

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2004, 00:56:17 »
Hi Cees,

I am quite prepared to help. I don't mind helping with setting up the appropriate Wiki system, and defining contributors guidelines (on how to edit, and structure the content).

Additionally I could edit "electrical and instruments" if you like.

If you'd like to know what a Wiki is, have a look at the Wikipedia, an example of on-line collaboration by people to develop an Encyclopedia that can be updated by anyone.

Peter


Check out http://bali.esweb.nl for photographs of classic car events and my 1970 280 SL
1970 280SL. System Admin of the site. Please do not mail or PM me questions on Pagoda's... I'm not likely to know the answer.  Please post on the forum instead!

n/a

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #2 on: July 05, 2004, 05:25:42 »
Hello Cees,
 If you give me an outline of what I can help with and point
me in the right direction I'd like to help out too.

 Pagoda Red (Redmond Kelly)

red kelly

ja17

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2004, 05:57:01 »
Hello Cees,
I can help also.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Jonny B

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2004, 12:34:14 »
Heaven help me, but I would like to volunteer with this task! Items of interest in order of preference; interior, regular maintenance,how to own, buying or lights. Let me know the next step.


Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2004, 12:48:38 »
That's great, together with a couple of 'direct' emails I received there are now already 6 volunteers !

I will wait a few more days and then be in touch with the 'next steps'.

The more the merrier or, as we say in Holland: "many hands make for light work"

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

hauser

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2004, 12:57:14 »
If there is anything I can do count me in.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

Dick M

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #7 on: July 05, 2004, 22:10:06 »
Hi Cees,
If you want to do something to include video and or DVD publishing I would also like to participate.

Dick Mentzer
"Still having a love affair with my Pagoda"
1970 280SL

gwuisman

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2004, 00:38:25 »
Cees,

I'm also willing to participate in creating the manual.

Gerard Wuisman

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2004, 04:28:57 »
Hey cees,

As an owner with basic knowledge learned from the Yahoo site and this site (and the other site too), I don't know if there is anything I can contribute but if this "hands" can help, he will.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto
Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL #114, auto, ps , 717,717
best of the best

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2004, 07:05:50 »
That's great Bob! And, yes, I think that anyone who has been following the discussions on the site(s) and does some basic work on the car themselves, i.e. is at least somewhat mechanically etc inclined, can do a very good job. And then there are some chapters that don't have anything to do with mechanicals or grease, like "how to own a Pagoda", "buying your Pagoda" or "history and facts".
So far we have 10 volunteers which is super. I still would like just a few more people to step forward, to make things easier for all, and we will get started. This coming Tuesday I am sitting down together with Peter van Es, who has a lot of knowledge about the WIKI format, to see how we can get a WIKI site set up quickly and start the editing process. I am convinced that this "live" manual will become one of the major assets to the international Pagoda community.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Ricardo

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2004, 07:37:32 »
Cees
I'll toss my hat into the ring as well, assuming it isn't a ring of fire and hoping my hair doesn't go with it
Ricardo

Malc

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #12 on: July 08, 2004, 08:01:11 »
Cees,
It's been a while since I visited this site. I am FINALLY getting organised to ship the 230 over from my sister in law's to Scotland.
Anyway as the poor thing will need a total restoration I am more than happy to contribute pictures of before, during and after, plus "words" (swear words modified  :D  )on how I did it.
 I can't afford / want to do a commercial restoration so this may help others who are thinking about it!
If you think this might be any use let me know
Cheers
Malc
Scotland

tuultyme

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #13 on: July 08, 2004, 09:35:37 »
I will help on what I have learned from others and doing my self.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL

mdsalemi

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2004, 06:18:19 »
Cees,

I'll be happy to help in phase 3; final editing, and turning it into a book.  There are a lot more people out there with dirtier hands then I, and my best contribution would be in this area.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #15 on: July 31, 2004, 01:28:24 »
Update - we now have 16 volunteers, and I just placed a notice on the Yahoo! forum, so a few more may join in. Peter van Es and I sat down together to work out the WIKI platform format, and set up an initial structure for the individual chapters. Peter will be setting up the WIKI webpages and as soon as that's done, I will be in touch with everyone with more information. This will be a great project!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

waltklatt

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #16 on: July 31, 2004, 07:58:26 »
Hello Pagodaers,
I'm interested in contributing to the manual as I've had somewhat extensive experience on these cars.
Let me know how I may help.
Regards,
Walter Klatt
1963 230SL gas
1967 220SL diesel

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #17 on: July 31, 2004, 13:01:05 »
Hi Walter - just added your name to the list - I will be in touch with more information in a week or so. Meanwhile, if you see a favorite topic on the list (plse refer to original post), please let me know.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

n/a

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #18 on: August 03, 2004, 12:24:51 »
Hi Cees,

It's been some time since I showed myself here, but as I told you last year, you can count me in. I can do some of the electricals and / or instrumentation, or whatever is usefull.
Since we dont live to far away frome each other, we could meet from time to time.

Cheers, :)  

Komeet16

Willy, 230 SL 1967 Auto - 220 SEb 1965 Auto

France

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #19 on: August 03, 2004, 13:30:37 »
Cees,

I believe I can help around the edges, mostly in making sure the content is easy to understand and flows well.  (It's true: Girls can do some mechanics and maybe ask pointed questions too!)

With my recent experience with some quirky but remarkably simple problems (which would have been a nightmare on the Jag!!!!), I can provide a non-technical realistic view of owning and caring for these wonderful beasts!  Not everyone out there is a master mechanic...

Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder
Trice
1968 280SL US, signal red/bl leather, auto, kinder seat
Austrian Alps
Think of your Pagoda as a woman with a past...

Ben

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #20 on: August 04, 2004, 03:44:13 »
Hi Cees,
   I would like to volounteer, though I may be more of a hinderance than a help as I dont really "get along" with computers. However I have done a fair amount on the car itself and have a good digital camera if you need any photo's.

Let me know what you think I can do ?



Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #21 on: August 06, 2004, 02:58:40 »
Hi Ben, Trice, Willy - thanks very much for your offers to participate; welcome to the team! I am on vacation now but wil be in touch after this weekend with more details.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Cees Klumper

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #22 on: September 01, 2004, 09:04:13 »
Short update - we now have 27 (!) volunteers, spread over 8 different countries, 12 from the United States. More news to come within a week or two.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Jonny B

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #23 on: September 01, 2004, 18:53:55 »
Cees,

Thanks for the update. I am anxiously waiting to hear more about the next stages! The timing will be great as the SL is close to getting ready for the winter season, argh!


Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Call for Volunteers for The Manual
« Reply #24 on: January 07, 2006, 13:32:51 »
Are we going 'wiki' this year?

Should we consider this:

http://www.blueyonder.co.uk/blueyonder/getContent.do?page=1165652&group=bbs_explore

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL
68 280SL