Author Topic: What have you done to your Pagoda today?  (Read 443600 times)

neelyrc

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #875 on: November 10, 2019, 18:37:30 »
Wayne, looks looks like the fire threat is down under as well, some near you!  Pulled this pic off BBC news site.  BBC indicates Sydney is facing “catastrophic” threat on Tuesday.
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
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Dave H

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #876 on: November 10, 2019, 19:47:09 »
Fitted new fuel feed and return line plus brake line, really difficult job to make look correct, even with a lift it’s an awful job. Trust me, I’d rather remove and refit the engine than do this again.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2019, 10:05:04 by Dave H »
Mercedes 250SL    1967
Mercedes 250SLK  2014
Alfa Romeo 166 3.2 Ti
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mbzse

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #877 on: November 10, 2019, 23:24:22 »
The brake proportioning valve unit you have there on your SL seems to be refurbished to good order.
Did you disassemble the unit? If so, did you perform that task yourself?
/Hans S

wayne R

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #878 on: November 10, 2019, 23:25:40 »
Wayne, looks looks like the fire threat is down under as well, some near you!  Pulled this pic off BBC news site.  BBC indicates Sydney is facing “catastrophic” threat on Tuesday.
/quote]Yes you are correct Ralph, i did not mention it when i sent John  email,as
did not think we would show up on world news, and the worst is still to come  this tuesday and Wednesday,
im am fine where i am close to the coast,regards Wayne.

Dave H

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #879 on: November 11, 2019, 09:27:01 »
Yes Hans, I rebuilt it, bit of a tricky job cleaning and honing the cylinder but possible.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2019, 10:00:45 by Dave H »
Mercedes 250SL    1967
Mercedes 250SLK  2014
Alfa Romeo 166 3.2 Ti
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Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #880 on: November 15, 2019, 17:53:39 »
Well, it wasn't exactly "today", but last week I got my car back from Gernold at SL-TECH.
He fitted a new top, exhaust, pulled the engine and trans to seal up leaks and basically do what I call a mechanical restoration on the front and rear suspension as well as everything under the hood.
I'm thrilled with how it came out.
Of course, part of the credit goes to this site and you since I never would have met him if it weren't for our community. Thank you.
I had done many of the things Gernold did on this blue Pagoda, when I owned my first Pagoda. But, I'm 10 years older now and I figured it would take me years to go through it and I wanted to enjoy it. Also, I cannot do anything as well as Gernold can.
We are snow and ice bound right now, but I sure can't want to:
"Enjoy the ride".
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

neelyrc

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #881 on: November 15, 2019, 18:13:58 »
Looks Fantastic Mark!! Sad the snow is already flying in Illinois.
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #882 on: November 15, 2019, 18:33:17 »
Thanks Ralph ! 
I'm still hoping for a November warm up and rain ..... but, the odds of that happening diminishes with each day that passes.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

mbzse

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #883 on: November 15, 2019, 19:59:58 »
Quote from: Iconic
.../...I'm thrilled with how it came out.../...
Really super fine looking! And I do suppose that your car runs great, as well :D

Gernold has solid (Pagoda) knowledge, and the practical workshop skills to add to that.
« Last Edit: November 20, 2019, 11:43:52 by mbzse »
/Hans S

Garry

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #884 on: November 15, 2019, 20:23:09 »
Nice to see it back Mark.  Finally going well but no place to drive.  If your warmer pre winter is like our “warmer” pre summer burning, you will have ice storms next week.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
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Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #885 on: November 15, 2019, 20:37:43 »
Hans,
I only "drove" it about 100 meters ... so I really don't know if it runs great, except I do have high expectations. I can tell you it starts great and doesn't over-heat because I had it sitting on my driveway idling for a very long time as I drooled on it and it didn't heat up at all.

Garry,
Yes, funny that you saw the car before me. I hope those ice storms don't happen, but we've already had plenty of snow and ice, starting at the end of October. It melted long enough for me to take those pictures last weekend, then the snow hit again on Monday.

I have a feeling this winter will feel like one of the longest I have experienced.... (out of anticipation for taking that Pagoda on a long Spring cruise).
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

49er

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #886 on: November 16, 2019, 22:00:40 »
 Hello Mark, Your car looks really beautiful. Lets hope you have a few more nice fall drives before winter really sets in. Although from what I have seen on the weather reports for you guys, that might be wishful thinking. Our fall has been pretty much just a continuation of summer which is nice for top down drives but we would really be happy to see some rain.

John
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77217 miles
7280 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #887 on: November 16, 2019, 22:41:33 »
Hi John,
I'll hope for some rain for you !
Nice to hear from you and Thanks.
Take care,
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

thelews

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #888 on: November 16, 2019, 22:52:24 »
Today I fixed my Blaupunkt radio.  About a year ago, while the car was sleeping for the winter, I fiddled with the radio tuner and the station indicator would not return from the left end.  I figured the knob was slipping on the string that moves the indicator, at least, I'd seen that in other radios.  So, went to remove it the logical way..., remove knobs, face plate, etc., but that didn’t work, radio wasn't coming out.  I put it back together and left it, I never use the radio.  Fast forward about a year, I decided to revisit it today.  Read up on the Pagoda board and tech manual how the radio comes out, and differently on an early car like mine.  Have to take off a lower panel, remove chrome trim, glove box and clock and then you can slide the radio out with part of the painted dash.  Well, it looked like a project fraught with problems, but went smooth as silk.  Probably had it out in 20 min. taking my time and being careful.  Then came to fixing the radio.  Top of it lifts right off, no screws and I figured out the plastic indicator mechanism has a pin that jumped out of the guide that moves it from side to side.  Got it back in, lubed up all the moving parts and she was like new.  It all went back together as smoothly as it came apart.  This is a testament to how well built these 113s are, they are just put together beautifully, like Swiss watches.  Also, the shape this car is in, it’s like new inside the dash.  Once in a while the mechanic gods throw you a bone.
« Last Edit: November 16, 2019, 22:56:27 by thelews »
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

johnk

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #889 on: November 17, 2019, 04:39:44 »
Well, it wasn't exactly "today", but last week I got my car back from Gernold at SL-TECH.
He fitted a new top, exhaust, pulled the engine and trans to seal up leaks and basically do what I call a mechanical restoration on the front and rear suspension as well as everything under the hood.
I'm thrilled with how it came out.
Of course, part of the credit goes to this site and you since I never would have met him if it weren't for our community. Thank you.
I had done many of the things Gernold did on this blue Pagoda, when I owned my first Pagoda. But, I'm 10 years older now and I figured it would take me years to go through it and I wanted to enjoy it. Also, I cannot do anything as well as Gernold can.
We are snow and ice bound right now, but I sure can't want to:
"Enjoy the ride".
Mark

I love the color of your car and the engine looks great Mark!

Joihn
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
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JamesL

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #890 on: November 17, 2019, 07:10:02 »
There's more dust on my dash top than inside John's dash - and I occasionally clean the dash top
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #891 on: November 17, 2019, 15:03:24 »
Thanks John(K), It is going to be a long winter.  ;D
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

thelews

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #892 on: November 17, 2019, 17:52:17 »
Thanks John(K), It is going to be a long winter.  ;D

You can take it for a "ride" up here and show it to me, especially if you want to put it up on a rack.
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #893 on: November 18, 2019, 15:07:50 »
I will wait for spring (unless we get some nice rain), but that sounds like a fun drive.
Thanks,
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Vander

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #894 on: August 12, 2024, 23:45:15 »
This is a good thread that should be revived....

So last week I finally had an opportunity to pull my 280SL out for the first time since driving it back from PagodaFest Chicago.

-I installed a complete new Timevalve stainless steel exhaust system
-Upgraded my fuel pump from the long to short style
-Installed new rear trailing arm mounts
-Installed a new rubber trunk seal
-I installed a license plate frame I purchased visiting the new Classic Center in Long Beach
-And my new Coco mats are arriving tomorrow.

Excited to take it to a few events this late summer/early fall.

1969 280SL

Ed Riefstahl

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #895 on: August 14, 2024, 23:32:17 »
Vander,

That exhaust looks fantastic. I installed a new exhaust on my Pagoda a year ago. Maybe I should have checked into stainless. Not sure why I didn't even think of it.

Here is what I've done, recently, and very pleased with the results. I finally installed a passenger side rear view mirror from Vintage. That was a real job. As others have mentioned, The plate inside the door is too far forward to work as mount for a LH drive mirror. I had to improvise and it took some real patience.

I also got my tach working. It hasn't been working for 10 years.

I installed a new set of sun visors. I actually bought navy blue to match the interior. The originals are tan to match the headliner of the hardtop, I guess.
They were saggy, droopy, terrible looking. The new ones are for a 280SL, so I had to use the old mounting hardware. What a difference it made in appearance with top down. I do also have new navy door panels, but that's a job for another time.

Ed Riefstahl

1966 230SL (Ms Magoo) Horizon Blue
1970 280S (Miss Daisy)
1999 BMW Z3 5 speed
1991 BMW 318I 5 Speed
1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible - One of 1000, (have you ever seen one?)
1997 Ford Ranger step side (Mater)
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rwmastel

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #896 on: August 19, 2024, 04:16:23 »
Last weekend I pulled off the fuel tank (for sale forum).  Today I pulled off my short electric fuel pump and filled it with mineral spirits to oak overnight, per @BaronYoungman. Tomorrow I will touch contacts to it to see if it spins without bad noises.
Rodd

Did you search the forum before asking?
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mdsalemi

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #897 on: August 19, 2024, 16:52:06 »
Today I pulled off my short electric fuel pump and filled it with mineral spirits to oak overnight

Mineral spirits. They don't make them like they used to, that's for darn sure. We used to buy mineral spirits (when we owned a bicycle shop in the 1970s) by the 5 gallon pail at a paint store, when alkyd or "oil base" paints were a thing. We used to use it as a fabulous solvent, and all kinds of dirty and greasy parts would go in an and old coffee can, we'd soak overnight or just swirl around and they'd be clean easily. It was branded as "Varnalene". I don't know of course, what its exact chemical name or composition was. Naphtha? Mineral Spirits? Paint Thinner?

Last time I tried this when doing some things on my Pagoda, I was using this new-fangled low-VOC, odorless mineral spirits. I put a bunch of it in a can, added some greasy and dirty nuts and bolts, and set them sit and soak for a few days. I was shocked to see that NOTHING HAPPENED. I may as well have had them in water. The stuff didn't dissolve the grease. Useless and expensive.

Since then I've used water based degreasers such as ZEP purple, or stuff from Sam's Club, and/or carb or brake cleaner solvents. The water based degreasers do a very good job. Perhaps not as good as the solvent degreasers, but pleasing enough.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
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Lorsar

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #898 on: August 19, 2024, 23:53:01 »
I installed new carpet
Lori
1968 280SL (US)

zoegrlh

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Re: What have you done to your Pagoda today?
« Reply #899 on: August 20, 2024, 12:16:54 »
Getting all cleaned up for the Southeastern AACA meet at Hampton, Va. first time for an indoor show. With new water pump on and new brushings on manual stick shifter. All ready to go.
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

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