New Member Pulls the trigger (Buys 250SL)

[BMWTom]

Hello everyone. I just pulled the trigger on my first pagoda today. It's an early '67 250SL Euro model that I found on Craigslist in Juliaetta, ID. It was more or less of a barn find and will need alot of attention, but that's the way I like my cars. The engine runs really well, but I'm pretty sure the tranny is shot. I was able to drive it on to the trailer and a little around the block, but it's slipping. Could be low on tranny fluid, but it the fluid smells funny. In the back of my mind there's that hope that if I change the fluid and filter that it will come back to life. The gas tank is a little scary as well. It will need to come out and be cleaned. It has scrapes and bruises, but is very solid and has only minor rust.

The trailering home part was an adventure! Anyways, I'm going to need your help and this is a great web-site.

BTW-I think that my wife is going to buy a gun to shoot me. Is the Brady law still in effect? How many days do I have to enjoy my new car? Thanks

[Dash808]

Congrats and welcome!  This is definitely the right place for you and your early Euro 250sl (Good choice BTW IMHO). 

Just do like I did and tell your wife the garage is your domain and enter at own risk. That should buy you some time.  And use your super secret off shore Cayman bank account to draw your funds from 

[J. Huber]

First thing you need to do is change your Screen name! (However, I too am a fan of the "other" German marque -- just have to keep the apples away from the oranges...) Enjoy the new car -- and try something like "the only thing that will make the car prettier, dear... is you driving it..." Then duck.

[Jonny B]

Indeed welcome. Always glad to see another 250 SL participate in the forum. As you will find out, the folks here are ready and willing to pitch in with information as soon as you request it.

[fmen3366]

Hello BMWTom,

Just like James, do we a see "MB113Tom" monicker in the near future?

Also, Forget about the gun--it's the other "favors" that your wife might withhold when you get too attached to Mercy.

Welcome and have fun with your new found love.

Andy

[hands_aus]

Hey 67sl_Tom,

Any pics yet to share?

[BMWTom]

Thanks to all of the members who have responded for the warm welcome. I have tried to send pictures but the files are too big. How do I compress them?

Okay, okay, I'll change my username. I'm a member on three other forums and "BMWTom" is easy for me to remember.

My car currently has the plastic bundt wheel covers on it. They are cracked and look tackey. I would eventually like to get the correct hub caps and beauty rings in the same color as the car, but in the mean time I know where I can get a set some nice '80's bundts. Will these fit my car? Also, I have some nice BF Goodrich T/A radials (without the raised white letters) 205/60-r14 tires. Will these work on my car? Thanks for your input.

[Dash808]

No need to change your name Tom, but you had to know the feedback was imminent! lol. 

Do you ever frequent the Davenport Hotel in Spokane?

[J. Huber]

Yea, Dash is right -- no need to change your name -- we just had to let you know who you are dealing with!

RE: pictures. Everybody does it a little different I suppose. One way I use is if your computer has the "Paint" program,"open with Paint" and resize to 25%. Then save as whatever.

Yes lose the plastic bundt covers, although authentic bundt alloys can look good. Not sure about 80's style -- thinking not.

I would track down 4 trim rims and wheel covers for the best look. They are available new -- or you can sometimes find good used ones. May have to have repainted.

Good luck.

[BMWTom]

RE: Do you ever frequent the Davenport Hotel in Spokane?

Yes, I'm near downtown Spokane. They did a great job on the remodel.

RE: I would track down 4 trim rims and wheel covers for the best look. They are available new -- or you can sometimes find good used ones. May have to have repainted.

I looked into the new trim rings and hubs and just about had a stroke when I found out how much they are! I guess I'll post a WTB message on the forum.

I'll try to post a picture.

[Dash808]

Good answer!  I'll tell my uncle you approve of his handy work 


If you keep your eyes out there are hubs and rings on Ebay from time to time as well...

Here's a couple not so nice hubs for $65 obo:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-250-230-280-SL-CENTER-CAPS-230SL-250SL-280SL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d3Q26psQ3d5QQ_trksidZp3286Q2em7QQcategoryZ10076QQihZ019QQitemZ290326809147

[mmata]

BMWTOM,

As respect to your wife you can always that the car is for her. I did that...

[tom.hanson]

Let's hope BMW in this case doesn't mean Break My Wallet !!