W113 Safety Enhancements

[TR]

As my wife and I intend to begin using our 280SL more & more I have an interest in enhancing the car's safety features.

There has been much talk about retractable seat belts, but is there anything else available out there when it comes to improving the safety of a W113?

BTW, I added the MB retractable seat belt kit some time back.  The only problem is the rollers don't seem to have enough strength to actually retract the belts after they've been pulled out and used.  I'll soon experiment with new 107 retractors to see if we can cure this problem.  But I'd really like to know if anybody knows of other types of safety enhancements that can be added to W113s.

Thanks.

Tom in Boise

[mdsalemi]

Hi Tom,

As you know I have the same MB seat belts, MB parts, performed according to the MB Tech Service bulletin on installing retractables.  My belts offer a bit too much tension!  After a long drive my shoulder is sore.  Either yours or mine has got an issue, maybe both of us!

The hardtop makes the car very safe, but not nearly as much fun.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[hauser]

I have these on my car.  Gernold installed them and I haven't had any issues with them.

As for safety issues you may want to add a fire extingusher along with a few other roadside emergeny items.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[TR]

Howdy Mike -- I'm very glad to hear your retractable seat belts actually have the strength to retract.  I bought my MB kit about 8 years ago, and they've never worked (ie, rolled up) properly.  Are yours newer?  I wonder if this is a problem that MB has since recognized and fixed??  If so, maybe I could just get a new kit.

I also agree with you that the hardtop itself is a bit of safety enhancement.  But as I'm going with heated seats, active ventilated seats, and have just made many enhancements (mostly invisible) to the FrigiKing A/C system the car should be comfortable to drive top-down in the hottest weather as well as cool/crisp weather.  BTW, we recently added a wind screen (behind the seats) and that makes the car much, much better on long trips with the top down.  I find it a huge improvement in terms of comfort.

But other than those retractable seat belts, do you or anyone else know of additional safety enhancement devices that can be added to the car?

Our '71 280SL really is getting almost as good as our '04 CLK-500 cabriolet to drive on long trips.  But there is no way a 34-year old car comes close in terms of safety devices.  That's something I'd like to focus on...if at all practical.

Tom in Boise

P.S.  Gimme another year or so and I'll bet we have a '71 280SL capable of screaming acceleration, but also behaving in a meek & mild way most of the time.  As you can tell, though, safety is also on my mind.  I've thought of adding a nicely upholstered roll bar ... but can't imagine that it wouldn't change the character of the car too much.

[TR]

Thanks Hauser.  Good to learn of yet another seat belt kit that rolls up nicely.

I forgot to mention that I'd already added a fire extingusher.  Took quite a bit of work to find a beautiful chrome one; then I had a steel mount designed, painted and installed in the trunk.  The car has a pretty complete security system too.

Any other thoughts for safety enhancement?

Tom in Boise

[norton]

Anybody looking for fire extinguishers, the boat guys have some of the coolest.   http://www.cpperformance.com/products/Accessories/fire-extinguishers.htm
http://www.rexmar.com/page37.html

[TR]

Norton -- Good link.  That is very similar, or perhaps the very same, as what I'm using.  Having a fire extingusher at all times in such an old car just seems prudent...not to mention emotionally comforting.

Any other ideas for safety enhancements?

Tom in Boise

[Cees Klumper]

OK:
- make sure your brakes are in perfect working order
- install progressive rate springs to improve handling, especially for those emergency situations; possibly polyurethane bushings
- have the steering wheel column checked for proper condition (isn't it supposed to move out of the way in case of an accident?)
- tire size and condition will influence stopping distances, so if safety is top of mind then also tailor your tire selection to this
- choose a light, visible color for the car
- drive with your main lights on all the time
- make sure you have the best lights (Halogen, properly aimed, clean lenses and reflectors)
- enrol in a special driving class where you will learn how to deal with emergency situations in your own car (I recall something like Bob Bondurant in the US offering these kinds of courses?)
- in general, adopt a passive, careful and alert driving style ...

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by TR

  Are yours newer?  

Mine were purchased in 2000 from Miller's.  I think they are sedan belts of the same era.

quote:I forgot to mention that I'd already added a fire extingusher. Took quite a bit of work to find a beautiful chrome one; then I had a steel mount designed, painted and installed in the trunk.

How many of you have actually had an engine fire?  I had one in 1990, in my beloved 1979 BMW320i. Let me tell you--unless you are a trained pilot who is 100% "cool" under pressure, and most of us are not, when confronted by the immediacy of a fire your brain does NOT work properly.  First you don't know what's happening.  Then you are concerned about your passengers, about yourself, then about the car.  By the time you realize there's fire, things are WELL UNDERWAY to destruction.  Having a fire extinguisher in the trunk is "out of sight, out of mind" and it is very likely you might forget you even have one.  Is the trunk locked?  OPEN IT, oops, that's the damn VALET key, quick where's the real key??? Oh, there we go, wait--it's stuck in the darn bracket!  All this transpires in seconds while the flames are licking your fuel pipes. Move your fire extinguisher behind the driver's seat so you can see it all the time.  Been there done that.

And, oh by the way, if you have a good fire, and the fire department comes they use water.  Hot engine on fire + Fire department + water = cracked head, block and the engine is scrap metal.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[TR]

Mike -- I've never seen a fire extingusher mounted in the cockpit of a 1st rate W113.  But I must say the idea of having the extingusher as close at hand as possible is good.  Do you leave your fire extingusher behind the driver's seat when showing your 280SL?

Cees -- Thanks for the list.  I've already installed the highest wattage halogens headlights I can get away with.  At some point I suspect the aftermarket will come up with headlights that turn with the steering wheel, such as the new Lexus does.  Once available that might be a consideration.

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by TR

Mike -- I've never seen a fire extingusher mounted in the cockpit of a 1st rate W113.  But I must say the idea of having the extingusher as close at hand as possible is good.  Do you leave your fire extingusher behind the driver's seat when showing your 280SL?

Tom,

In Concours generally you aren't dinged for safety related items; thus the fire extinguisher wouldn't count against you.  However I do remove non-essential items just for a cleaner look.  Then again, perhaps my 113 isn't first rate with that fire extinguisher in plain sight...but I feel better with it there.

Attached is a photo of my interior with the fire extinguisher behind the seat.  It is a cheap model from Costco.  Not chrome or Halon, but the dry chemical and the paint looks remarkably close to 568 Signal Red!   How'd that happen?  These fire extinguishers generally have a plastic bracket/clamp that you can screw into something and they also have a coarse velcro like tab which allows them to remain in place when pushed onto carpet.  Mine has not moved at all--even under hard cornering--unless I chose to move it.  But it is quite easy to remove for cleaning, concours, or emergency--grab it and go.  There are those that will tell you the woes of dry chemical, but trust me if you have a fire, the least of your concerns will be how it was put out.  If the fire department comes--and they usually do unless you are in the boonies--you can't tell them what to do and hundreds of gallons of water at 400 PSI will render the dry chemical/Halon issue pretty moot.

Which brings up my final point--keep your insurance up to date and make sure it is good for a fire!  Classic car insurance is generally better to have then "regular" as there are agreed upon values and you don't have the issue of them dictating how or where your car can be repaired.


Download Attachment: FireExting.jpg
76.56 KB

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[TR]

Mike -- Great pic.  Thanks!

You've given me an idea.  My current fire extingusher setup is excellent.  But I think I'll also look at adding a unit inside the cabin.  I'm having the interior gone over next, and an interior mounted extingusher, probably with velcro, might make a nice addition.  I considered an interior mount earlier, but wanted a bigger extingusher.  This way one could have both.

BTW, we'll be swapping out the existing rear-view mirror with a new auto-dimming unit containing 3 garage/gate openers, map lights, compass, and exterior temp with freeze-point alarming.  That outside temp sensor was also a safety consideration.

Hey, to Cee's point, is signal-red a decent safety color?!  Let's both hope & assume so.

Tom in Boise
'71 280SL 4-spd, signal-red w/lt. tan leather

[Douglas]

There's a mounting point for a fire extinguisher on late-model 113s that's at the front of the seat rails.  It's on the floor just under the front lip of the seat cushion. I've never seen an SL with a unit actually installed there, but I believe that's where it's supposed to go.


Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[TR]

Douglas -- Now THAT is a very interesting bit of news.  Thank you.  The next time I see my car I'll check it out in terms of things like adequate clearance, etc.  Do you know where more detail could be found re the mounting point?

Mike, is a proper MB mount for an extinguisher something that would be looked well upon in competitive showing??  Not that I intend to show or compete, but Douglas' point brought up that question in my mind.

[erickmarciano]

got that clip will take a pic and post it

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[TR]

Erick -- Great; thank you!  I'll bet I won't be the only one interested in your photo.

Tom in Boise

[Cees Klumper]

I mounted my fire extinguisher in the cabin, upright against the soft-top compartment well, behind the passenger seat. Why? Because if I see smoke coming from under the hood, my right arm just has to reach over to pull the extinguisher off its bracket - plus this way I see it every time I look behind - so when disaster + confusion strike, I (hope that I) will know exactly where to grab it.
Been there done that: with a 1980 Ford Pinto that had an electrical fire. Within 15 seconds the engine compartment was toast...

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[erickmarciano]

did not get home yet is this the corect extinguisher for our car
 will post the pic of the bracket later

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

Download Attachment: fire.JPG
6.12 KB

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by TR
Mike, is a proper MB mount for an extinguisher something that would be looked well upon in competitive showing??  Not that I intend to show or compete, but Douglas' point brought up that question in my mind.

Tom, I couldn't tell you.  That's a better question for JonnyB, or Pete Lesler, or perhaps even Doug.  Since it was not a common thing I don't think anyone looks for it.  Would be a nice piece of nostalgia (as would a US dealer option of a First Aid Kit as Joe Alexander had at Starfest) but don't think for a minute you can rely on a 35 year old fire extinguisher!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[TR]

Mike -- I was sure glad, though, to learn from Douglas & Erick about this otpion from MB and especially about its location.  I'm considering the possibility of do it, assuming I can find a modern fire extinguisher that fits properly.

Tom in Boise

[Douglas]

The original fire extinguisher used in 1968 was manufactured by CEAG and was a "Lösch-Boy" dry powder unit. Not sure if it was red or not. (I think Frank Mallory's 250SL had one.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[erickmarciano]

here is the picture for the clip

Download Attachment: clip.JPG
23.89 KB

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[TR]

Erick -- That is great.  Thank you.

Could you give a couple of dimensions of this piece?  And what sort of metal?  I might have it reproduced; and with your photo along with a couple of dimensions that ought to be enough for my metal guy to get it done.

Also, do you have any more details of just where/how it mounts?

Thanks again.

Tom in Boise

[erickmarciano]

I could lend it to you , will take picture where it mounts
email me your address if it could help

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[TR]

Erick -- That is a very kind, and apprciated, offer.  E-mail has been sent.

Tom in Boise