Author Topic: Replacement Parts Wish List  (Read 6206 times)

n/a

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Replacement Parts Wish List
« on: November 26, 2004, 10:55:00 »
Greetings To All:
As a new member who in the past just read posts on this site I must say I am quite impressed with the support and interaction of W113 owners the world over...especially impressed with Cess Klumper & Joe Alexander...you guys live and breath 113's!

After owning a '69 280SL for a year now, I find myself correcting previous poor repairs and getting everything working right again...tach/speedo bezels have buzzed off, cold start has stuck, chasing oil leaks...but I do love this car!

In making repairs, the high cost or non availability of certain components has prompted me to consider manufacturing replacement parts for the W113. I am an engineer and own a research & manufacturing firm...assuming it doesn't offend those who demand originality, I think it would be better if high output LEDs could be retrofitted to the shifter and instruments so that visibility could be vastly improved and would never burn out...a good thing considering how hard it is to get under that dash!

I am testing several retrofits for the cold start valve using modern injectors from Ford & GM...they work very well, and an adaptor with injector could be made for a few hundred dollars, and they don't leak. I'm interested to know what everyone thinks and what would they like to see as an exact replacement or retrofit part. Thanks to all.

Raymond

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2004, 11:41:30 »
For those of us who don't intend concours competition, direct fit improvements would be very welcome. I like the idea of LEDs.  How about a replacement rheostat for the instrument panel?



Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe
Ray
'68 280SL 5-spd "California" Coupe

gugel

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2004, 14:33:40 »
How about a replacement for the combination switch on the steering column which would perform all the functions it does now, but also switch the high beams on and off (not just flash them).  It could be controlled by a harder pull toward the wheel -- normal pull flashes the lights, harder pull turns them on.  Another possibility would be to turn the lever to switch the high beams on and off (similar to the current ML).

With my big feet, I really don't like the dip switch on the floor.

Chris Earnest


jeffc280sl

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2004, 16:56:00 »
I have the center guage, speedo and tach out right now.  I'm researching longer life bulbs and LED replacements.   Many lamps and LEDs are possible.  Could use some help.  Regarding the rheostat, I found that my coil (spring) was not making contact5 with one of the lugs.  A simple ohm meter can help diagnose this problem.  Also the brass plate which spins on the coil was very dirty.  I soldered the coil and cleaned the entire area and it should work fine now.  Waiting for new light bulbs before I reinstall and checkout the repairs.

I don't think replacing the cold start valve is worth the trouble.  The circuit is very simple and when correct the valve works well.

A lot of people have over heating problems.  This contributes to head gasket failure and worse.  I wonder if we could do away with the mechanical cooling fan and replace it with an electric fan.  I popped the hood on a new 500E and discovered there is no mechanical fan.  The fan shaft and bolt bracket is there but no fan.  In its place is a big electric puller fan.  It could be thermostatically controlled and possibly help with low idle with A/C stop and go traffic heating.  

I'd also be interested in a heavier guage front torsion bar.  Have started looking into it but have not gone very far.  I'd also like to change the rear end gear ratio.  When one talks about it we are told to replace the rear with one from a sedan.  Can we just change gears?  I don't know how hard it would be.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

A Dalton

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2004, 16:56:23 »
<<<<Posted - 26 Nov 2004 :  15:33:40    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
How about a replacement for the combination switch on the steering column which would perform all the functions it does now, but also switch the high beams on and off (not just flash them
>>>

 I always wondered if the interior stalk parts from the sedans could be adapted .. they have the push foward high beam rather than the floor sw... and , according to the schematics , the same 56a and 56b wires for both .. might be a simple , do-able change out , as the wires are there..
I will have to look further into it..

jeffc280sl

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2004, 16:59:00 »
Joe,

Regarding the squeal in the tach and speedo I've heard solutions from new cables to pushing grease into the gears on the rear of the instrument.  Mine are out so grease was a simple try.  Won't know till i get the bulbs and a cold day.  I'm optomistic.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

mdsalemi

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2004, 17:08:57 »
Joe Bango,

Be careful what you wish for it might come true!  Your post has the makings of a long wish list.

I think there are all kinds of things that are priced way too high from MB and for which little or no aftermarket parts exist.  Soft top frames, radiators, sun visors are the three that come to mind.

Personally, my car is pretty complete but it was once in the state yours is in.  Listen carefully and you'll get some good ideas!  Good luck with your project.


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)
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norton

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2004, 17:15:44 »
How about a kit to install a tremec 5 speed in place of the MB 4 speed? :D

n/a

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2004, 21:03:41 »
OK, guys, thanks for the input…this is going to be fun!
Thought about the suggestions, here’s what comes to mind right away…
Years back, I made a modification on a ’66 Mustang where I wanted a receiver-CD player but didn’t want to cut the dash. Here’s what I did…

bought a Pioneer car receiver that had a credit card sized infrared remote control…mounted radio in box in the trunk, and made up an infrared repeater from the front of the radio to the ashtray…pulling out the ashtray slightly exposed an infrared photodiode, which when I pointed my remote and triggered a function, the signal (via an op-amp booster) drove an IR LED in the trunk in front of the radio…I could turn it on/off, change channels, CD, volume, you name it. Good theft deterrent too…I’ll post pictures later and schematic. Parts at Radio Shack, can be done for SLs as well.

Someone mentioned an alternative to the headlight dip switch…it would be worth looking into an MB directional that has the function when pushed forward. Failing that, one could affix a switch to the stalk of course, but one could use the IR LED here as well…the small LED key chain lights could be fitted with an IR emitter (this would be custom molded to be a black block affixed with PSA or pressure sensitive adhesive to the back of the directional knob), receiver bottom of footwell which operates a relay or preferably a power transistor). Electric fans…at first, I didn’t like when auto mfgs went to these as I like the reliability of the mechanical system. However, use of TWO small electric fans, each with their own thermostat for redundancy, would work out well.

Speaking of redundancy and reliability, I only use electronics in very specific applications, personal feeling being that cars today have far too much needless technology. That’s why I drive a Pagoda as my daily car. Used properly, new tech can be helpful. As an example, I installed an MSD (Multiple Spark Discharge) ignition in my SL. Better mileage, performance, Dwell never changes….BUT…I kept the points installed, using them to trigger the solid-state MSD. That way, with only milliamps going through the points, they last forever (negating mechanical rubbing block wear) and the MSD handles the current. But if the electronics fail, I can default to full current via the points so I don’t get stuck. Best of both worlds.

Panel rheostat…these fail in many cars…I have an ’85 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit that had horribly dim dash lighting and a very intermittent rheostat dimmer. I replaced it with a high quality 10K  pot coupled to a power transistor. Smooth as silk, no cutouts. The other ideas for rear end kits, sway bars, trans. Changeovers, etc. I need to learn more about the problem. These areas could be prohibitive to tool up for. Let’s continue brainstorming…much CAN be done! :)

rwmastel

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #9 on: November 27, 2004, 08:09:27 »
Joe,

Do you make plastic parts?  The original 230SL dash board vent levers are NLA.  These are the levers for the round chrome dash board vents near the doors.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420
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Did you search the forum before asking?
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Bob G ✝︎

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #10 on: November 27, 2004, 12:27:36 »
Replacement brackets for the big springs on my soft top frame or night mar at will.

bob Geco

hauser

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #11 on: November 27, 2004, 22:51:12 »
Forget about enhancements.  If that's what you want go to Mechatronic.  At least they use genuine Mercedes parts.  If you want to manufacture parts then I'd say produce what MB no longer does.  These would be the NLA parts.  If you're really skilled build ZF 5 speed tranmissions.  You'll have people lined up for these!!

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

jmela

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #12 on: November 28, 2004, 01:20:28 »
Build some high quality plastic shift guides/ gate and the floor shifting automatic crowd will beat a path to your door.

These are NLA from Mercedes and only seem to be available only for extortionate sums.

JOE

A Dalton

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #13 on: November 28, 2004, 13:22:24 »
<< If you want to manufacture parts then I'd say produce what MB no longer does. These would be the NLA parts. >>

 You have to take your hat off to K&K ... the 113 community is lucky to have such a Co. that manufactures  body parts..
 .. and the same goes for Time-Valve...

glennard

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2004, 17:09:56 »
quote:
Originally posted by A Dalton

<<<<Posted - 26 Nov 2004 :  15:33:40    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
How about a replacement for the combination switch on the steering column which would perform all the functions it does now, but also switch the high beams on and off (not just flash them
>>>

 I always wondered if the interior stalk parts from the sedans could be adapted .. they have the push foward high beam rather than the floor sw... and , according to the schematics , the same 56a and 56b wires for both .. might be a simple , do-able change out , as the wires are there..
I will have to look further into it..



re: High beams     Remember a 111 body mod- a wire from the combo switch was tape over at the fuse terminal back plane that when connected to one of the high beam screws worked the high beams in the forward position.  Is this wire on the 113s?

A Dalton

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Re: Replacement Parts Wish List
« Reply #15 on: November 28, 2004, 17:20:04 »
That taped wire was for Flash high beam operation, not foward lock high beam..
 The 113s do not have the high beam lock position.. they have a foot switch..
 That is why I mentioned using a stalk for a Sedan like a 111.
 The wire you mention was for Imports to pass US /Dot regulations at the time..