Author Topic: Pagoda book review  (Read 4356 times)

lurtch

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Pagoda book review
« on: September 01, 2007, 13:03:41 »
Hello All - -

Many of us have by now have probably seen the book “The Essential Buyers Guide” for Pagodas as an eBay item. I purchased one for review purposes for $ 16.95.

It is formatted kind of on the small side, at 5 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches. In spite of that shortcoming, the paper stock and photo resolution is of exceptional quality. The Table of Contents itemizes seventeen subject headings.  Most of those have a check-box grading chart in order to tabulate a numerical value from which one can derive a total points score. An evaluation table at the end of the section will determine between excellent - good – average or poor condition.  A very useful and well thought out tool.

The graphic page layout is very professional looking and there are several quality photos on every page. This book is by a British publisher so for us Americans there are some curious idioms in certain parts of the text, i.e.  “tickover RPM”, and the more familiar “bonnet”, “boot” and “hood”.

The factual information is presented in a very readable form. There is a good compromise between the use of engineering vernacular and common knowledge terminology. I was pleased to learn the following   - - “during the life of the Pagoda there were six different types of front springs, three types of rear spring, five shock absorber combinations and two sizes of anti-roll bar”.

All in all this is a very worthwhile little book to have in our Pagoda libraries

Regards to All,      Larry in  CA


Larry Hemstreet  in  N. Cal.

1966  230SL  (restored) Met. Anthracite w/ Maroon leather
1981  300TD-T (Concours condition, 86K, GETRAG 5sp.)
1982  300TD-T (parted out)
1986  560SEC (totaled)
1991  300TE (gifted)
1998  E320 (sold)
2004  E320 wagon (gifted)
2008  CLK550 Cabriolet

DB280

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2007, 15:01:17 »
I agree.A nice little book using Roger Edwards own car for the photos.Good points system for scoring the condition of a car.A good book to have if you are looking to buy a Pagoda.I would of paid less for my car if this book was about when I purchased mine a few years ago.

Garry

dwilli3038

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2007, 15:46:59 »
there may be some good reasons for purchasing this book but at the "Pogoda University" in Blacklich OH we were told about some mistakes and inadequacies in this book. Looking at the notes I took from Peter Lester's talk, I wrote down it is not reccomended

Daryl
'64 230 SL Buckeye Benz Scarlet interior and Grey top Serial # 508
'77 280SE

Kemal

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2007, 16:41:27 »
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, I paid beforehand and picked it up as soon as I got the call ....
The only disappointment I had was in the advertising, it Looked a much bigger book, however that wasn't the case.
I bought mine after I bought the car ....I refer to it every now and then.

I would love to know your reasons for not recommending the book('[:0]')

Thanks
Kemal

280 SL Manual 69

quote:
Originally posted by dwilli3038

there may be some good reasons for purchasing this book but at the "Pogoda University" in Blacklich OH we were told about some mistakes and inadequacies in this book. Looking at the notes I took from Peter Lester's talk, I wrote down it is not reccomended

Daryl
'64 230 SL Buckeye Benz Scarlet interior and Grey top Serial # 508
'77 280SE

Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD69

Bob G ✝︎

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2007, 16:52:29 »
Got his book as well. It is very GENERAL and only for right hand drive cars. I think the Jon Olsons book is a much better book. but if you like to build your library as much as I do on the W113 chassie their are many books out their and much information on our own site that can be down loaded and filed as I have done with binders and foot notes.
I hope one day we will be able to make our own book like the 190SL group did for their group.

Bob Geco

Douglas

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2007, 19:22:58 »
Are we talking about the Laurence Meredith book?

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Naj ✝︎

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2007, 05:02:01 »
quote:
Originally posted by Douglas

Are we talking about the Laurence Meredith book?

Douglas Kim
New York
USA



This one, Doug,


http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/kemal%20shah/200752125536_V4113_1162995548.jpg




http://index.php?topic=6865

naj


68 280SL
« Last Edit: September 02, 2007, 05:08:11 by naj »
68 280SL

Raymond

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2007, 06:52:06 »
BK looked at this book at the PUB (Pagoda University Blacklick) and was laughing by page 2.  Her reaction was to the line, "The Pagoda is good for the short and the tall."  At 5'1" and just having driven the car 900  miles, she observed that "The short had best bring their pillows."  

 :D

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

Kemal

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2007, 10:37:53 »
I See(' :o ')!!!

Kemal
280 SL Manual 69


quote:
Originally posted by Raymond

BK looked at this book at the PUB (Pagoda University Blacklick) and was laughing by page 2.  Her reaction was to the line, "The Pagoda is good for the short and the tall."  At 5'1" and just having driven the car 900  miles, she observed that "The short had best bring their pillows."  

 :D

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD69

rob walker

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Re: Pagoda book review
« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2007, 06:11:05 »
Kemal, bring the book along to the Brooklands day i would still like to consider it.
Lynda being 5'2" has the same problem, always have to carry pillows!

Rob Walker
1968 280SL papyrus white/green leather
Spain and Turkey