About 2 years ago, i started a thread called 'help me find a pagoda'..
Lasted a long while and contained many financial considerations.
I flew across Europe many times.
After intense filtering and seeing / driving a dozen cars, i eventually found the one.
A ground up restored 904 blue, 1968 280sl.
I bought it privately in Germany from a guy who had two exactly identical cars.
It was rebuilt by Brian Dornmueller who supposedly does pagodas for the best known names out there.
Thankfully, i paid 'private' money rather than 'posh dealer' money.
The car drove really well, with a strong engine. All correct details in place (notches, wing welds etc).
Then started the problems:
Alternator fried up thanks to the Germans putting wiring too close to exhaust pipes.
Messed up the electrical system big time.
Then had two scary fuel leaks.
Hardtop joints were cut too short letting water get into the car.
Lots and lots of tiny but really annoying details.
I got the car with 150km on the clock since total rebuilt. But had to spend soon after about £5k to get a whole lot of minor details right.
I did some upgrades: changed steering wheel and gearknob to white, added yellow factory marks, realigned dashboard woods, had a thorough detailing (dark blue paint is so soft!) etc...
Anyway, i thought i was out of the woods bar a few details:
Hardtop mega noisy (wind) above 50-60 kmh.
Slight water ingress near top of windscreen when hardtop on (may be linked to the above).
Very strong petrol smell in the cabin after filling up.
Dash rattles.
Softtop compartment rattles.
Indicators not holding strongly the position on steering column.
Engine running v rich.
So i made a list of a dozen items before bringing it to my trusty mechanic..
This is were the bad stuff begins...
I was driving spiritedly when suddenly a huge white cloud of smoke appeared behind me. I immediately parked the car and stopped the engine. I thought the engine may have gone pop.
Recovery truck came, my mechanic came and he eventually diagnosed that gearbox fluid made its way to the induction of the engine. Burning gearbox fluid made that huge white smoke.
We also found that the coolant tank had micro cracks and as such was could not sustain full pressure. They are invisible holes that slightly bubble at temperature. Dismantled it and sent to radiator specialist...
Now fellow forum members, if you have any idea as to:
1/ tighten down the front part of the hardtop? To reduce wind noise at speed?
2/ how can gearbox fluid make its way to the induction?
3/ how can i fix recurring fuel smell into the cabin despite fixing previous leaks?
4/ how can i fix metallic sounding dashboard rattles?
Finally, the car is running on 195 Falken tyres. I do not think that they are totally right. What should i get. 1968 Euro pagoda?
Thanks in advance!
