Thanks for the comments, but I really don't think we are talking about “O” rings here. It's a bigger issue, and one that I think can lead to some positive and interesting discourse, if we can just keep our shorts on.
First of all, Benz Dr., thanks for your help in rebuilding my idler arm bushing. Your advice helped me put that tricky thing back to it's original and elegant functioning. I hope you will keep that invaluable advice coming. And I sincerely respect your views on staying pure and honest with the marque. You obviously derive your satisfaction with these beautiful machines in a way that is common to a lot of true afficianodos.
But there is also room here for those who would make modest and reverseable changes, whether for improved functionality, safety, or, dare I say, aesthetics that allows us to enjoy the SL in our own way. I know a guy who searched for the original thread and gauze backing to faithfully recreate the original tie-back of the leather in the “passenger” well; another who doesn't like some rechroming jobs because they are actually too bright and perfect; another who would not be seen dead in a U.S. Pagoda with Euro headlights. And I respect every one of these guys, because the are expressing their passion for cars, and these cars in particular. Some go the other way, and not many on this board would find anything to love about the amalgamation you can see in the attached pic. But, what the heck, to each his own.
Would I turn down teflon valve seals, just because they are not “original”, or pass up converting from R12, even though it means going to a new compressor, or electonic ignition (with stock parts safetly stored, but which, honestly, will probably never get reinstalled)?, or, my next wish, fabricating an elegant but non-standard windscreen so that my wife will share longer drives with me? Guilty, on all counts.
And if a spin-on filter helps me enjoy this beautiful machine, I think that's OK too. A little bit on the edge, mind you, even for me. But its OK.
At least that's the way I choose to enjoy this journey.
Respectfully,
Greg
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'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon