brake fluid reservoir for 230 SL?

[Racerx]

It appears the early style brake fluid reservoir I need for my '63 230 is no longer available. All the usual sources including the classic center are out of stock at this time. Mine has some small cracks and is leaking badly around the larger, front nipple and the smaller rear one.

It's the only thing stopping me from getting my SL home from the shop after doing the first phase of restoration!

- I've never found anything to effectively repair this type of plastic safely and permanently....unless some knows of something new?
- I could have a very wrong aluminium one milled up for too much money and, I suspect, right before there is a reproduction available.
- Find a used one in reasonable condition?
- Get really lucky and a forum member has a NOS one on a shelf!!!

Any helpful advice appreciated

(Photo borrowed from Authentic Classics)

[Jonny B]

Did you try a direct call to Buds Benz or KK Mfg? Sometimes they will have used parts available. KK showed one on their on-line catalog, but that does not mean a whole lot. KK was the only one that showed the part, and Buds had "inquire"
Another possibility is Dave Gallon - Gallon Restorations.

Here is another that shows the part on their listings:
http://www.vintageeuroparts.com/w113.html

[ctaylor738]

Here is what I would do.

Call Olympus Auto Parts in Merrifield VA at (703) 560-8500.  Ask for Kamal.  Give him the PN 000 431 45 02.  Since this is an ATE part that's probably used in other cars, his system may be able to cross reference it to the ATE number.

This has worked for me several times in the past.

If he can get it, PM me and I will pick it up and send it to you.

Cheers,

CT

[Racerx]

I called a few places that didn't list availability or had 'inquire' to no avail, I will try all the leads you mentioned tomorrow morning, Thanks!

There is one on eBay at the moment in really rough shape, way worse looking than mine, quite over priced and no encouragement or guarantee whatsoever that it doesn't leak as well.

[Madmerc]

hi racerx I no how you feel about not getting one off the shelf I have tried every where including niemoler and sls in Germany to no avail and I was lucky enough on the forum here that cabrioletturbo sold me one from Canada second hand he has shipped it for me but I am still looking for a new one when I find it ill let you no  cheers mate

[alchemist]

What I have done, I picked up a good used one from an early 1970 Mercedes such as 250, 250C, & 280. It fits and works well. The only difference that it has an electrical sensor hookup that you do not need for 230 SL.

[Racerx]

What I have done, I picked up a good used one from an early 1970 Mercedes such as 250, 250C, & 280. It fits and works well. The only difference that it has an electrical sensor hookup that you do not need for 230 SL.

We looked into that, it is for a different master cylinder and the front fitting fluid is significantly different. Unless you fitted a way to avoid using the large banjo fitting that the 230SL uses on the front?

[ja17]

For your style reservoir, I believe you must use one from a W111 chassis sedan or coupe (finback). I believe these are the same. The early types like yours have the fitting which holds the reservoir in place. The later reservoirs just have the two nipples which snap into the master cylinder. 

[alchemist]

When I bought my 1967 230 SL, it came with a master cylinder similar to that of an early 1970's Mercedes such as 1974 450 SL. Perhaps, the previous owner changed the master cylinder. Even the original engine was replaced with 130 Engine.

[Racerx]

It appears Budz (or one of their contacts) is having some made, but they are weeks out.

If anyone has a working older one I could borrow to get my car home.......