Restoration of my fin tail Mercedes Benz

[VEEeight]

First off, the bumpers don't look bad at all in the pictures and I honestly can't see the ripples in the doors. In the other picture, the bikes wallas are too close for comfort. If it was me I would have had kittens by now!

Sigh......you said it! They "don't look bad at all in the pictures"....in actuality....different story......and one which hopefully, will have a happier ending. As for the ripples, to be fair, they aren't all that bad for a car that has had it's metal repeatedly bent, straightened, heated, welded, filed, puttied, painted etc over the decades!

Yes, that was a bit of a hair raising drive especially with me following in the veh behind blowing the horn to keep them away from the old bird!

[msabbasi]

Sigh......you said it! They "don't look bad at all in the pictures"....in actuality....different story......and one which hopefully, will have a happier ending. As for the ripples, to be fair, they aren't all that bad for a car that has had it's metal repeatedly bent, straightened, heated, welded, filed, puttied, painted etc over the decades!

Yes, that was a bit of a hair raising drive especially with me following in the veh behind blowing the horn to keep them away from the old bird!

Hair raising indeed!! Concept of personal space is alien to the Pakistani man; be it on the road or standing in line. Both cars and bike wallas will come and stop near enough to take a layer of clear coat off. When standing in the bank line or wherever, many a times I have told the guy behind me, who's breath I can feel on my neck, to back off. The look I get back is, "WTF is this old f@#t saying?!?!". Pardon my French but it's one of the things that I feel very strongly about. The other thing is under arm deodorant. This is also totally alien to the Pakistani man. We are may not be the top nation in the corruption dept but we certainly take top honours in the BO dept.

Sorry for venting.

[VEEeight]

Yes I can see you have strong feelings on this and I fully endorse your stance. I think if we get onto the subject in any detail, it would be an aching reminder of the rest of the ills in our society....
My take on this is to do your best and hope that someone somewhere can benefit from it. I have waged a personal crusade on the use of seatbelts and its nice to see at least one in about 20 or so drivers using them. Now only if they would stop throwing trash out of their car as they drive........
In the case of the Fintail, curiosity was getting the better of the onlookers and was sure they would leave a scratch or two but was lucky. At the time the ripples were very dear to me!
So...a continuing case of onwards and upwards

[msabbasi]

Yes I can see you have strong feelings on this and I fully endorse your stance. I think if we get onto the subject in any detail, it would be an aching reminder of the rest of the ills in our society....
My take on this is to do your best and hope that someone somewhere can benefit from it. I have waged a personal crusade on the use of seatbelts and its nice to see at least one in about 20 or so drivers using them. Now only if they would stop throwing trash out of their car as they drive........
In the case of the Fintail, curiosity was getting the better of the onlookers and was sure they would leave a scratch or two but was lucky. At the time the ripples were very dear to me!
So...a continuing case of onwards and upwards

Watching your project rolling along offers is a great sense of accomplishment. I am thinking of getting my son to make a video from the inside as I drive it about That is, when I eventually get it on the road.

BTW I noticed a few of things on rear of your car as you photographed it.

1 - The chrome boot opener push button just below the star is not installed as yet. Are you looking for one?
2 - The little handle to open the fuel door is painted over. I may be wrong, but, if memory serves this should be chrome
3 - Do I detect a slight bend in the panel adjacent to the right rear light? or is it just a shadow?
4 - Rear bumper looks good.

Maybe this car can become your daily driver. It is looking pretty sharp. What is the latest on the poshish? Regarding the aging screen rubber, how about trying good old Longman. They may have the stuff in a roll.

[VEEeight]

Hello.

To answer your observations:

1. Yes, am looking for a boot lock/ release button as this was missing at the time of acquiring the car.
2. I didn't know the fuel opener grip is supposed to be chrome. This one certainly wasn't and must have been painted over at some stage.
3. Will check for the blemish in the panel when I next see the car. If there is one, the denter/painter will have some explaining to do!

You're right, the rear bumper isn't all that bad. At times I feel I should throw caution to the winds and ave these bumpers knocked into shape and all the surfaces where the dings are filed over. I had the rear bumper of the yellow 240Z actually fabricated using the one from the other as a guide, so..........I know it will ruin whatever chrome is left but atleast they will be straight and won't make the old girl look as if it has hair-lips!!! Will then worry about the re chroming. The cost of new ones is just too prohibitive and when fitted would be TOO exposed and would be a source of worry, wondering when some errant road user will damage them!

When the car is in motion, the BEST part is the Jekyll and Hyde note of the engine; from purr to nasty snarl at the flick of the ankle and you can feel the effect of the 220 horses compared to the original 100. If anything, it's a bit more "raw" than the Lexus powered 109, not as polished but not at all out of place.

Making a video of your "poetry in motion" is a very good idea.

[VEEeight]

Oh and as for the interior, the headlining has to go in first. Local windscreen rubber IS available but am not too keen on using it, also the LAST thing I want happening is the almost 50 year old screens cracking at the time of removal. The rubbers don't leak (!!!!!......) so am letting this particular sleeping dog lie for the moment.....

The denter has to fabricate an alternative , details of which i have yet to ascertain, which will enable the headlining to be gripped pretty much the same way as the fitted screen would. Will post the details and pics when I know more or it's done.

[faisalayub]

MASHALLAH... nice pretty lady.... Just one thing change the rims with original Steel one along with hub cars... its look will become killer .... ALLAH aap ko aur himmat dy... Ameen!

[msabbasi]

Oh and as for the interior, the headlining has to go in first. Local windscreen rubber IS available but am not too keen on using it, also the LAST thing I want happening is the almost 50 year old screens cracking at the time of removal. The rubbers don't leak (!!!!!......) so am letting this particular sleeping dog lie for the moment.....

The denter has to fabricate an alternative , details of which i have yet to ascertain, which will enable the headlining to be gripped pretty much the same way as the fitted screen would. Will post the details and pics when I know more or it's done.

If they don't leak then just leave them alone. You could treat the old rubber regularly with silicone spray to prevent further deterioration.

MASHALLAH... nice pretty lady.... Just one thing change the rims with original Steel one along with hub cars... its look will become killer .... ALLAH aap ko aur himmat dy... Ameen!

Yes that will be the cherry on the cake. See the picture below. Wheel caps look very period:

Note the chrome fuel door opening handle

[msabbasi]

You're right, the rear bumper isn't all that bad. At times I feel I should throw caution to the winds and ave these bumpers knocked into shape and all the surfaces where the dings are filed over. I had the rear bumper of the yellow 240Z actually fabricated using the one from the other as a guide, so..........I know it will ruin whatever chrome is left but atleast they will be straight and won't make the old girl look as if it has hair-lips!!! Will then worry about the re chroming. The cost of new ones is just too prohibitive and when fitted would be TOO exposed and would be a source of worry, wondering when some errant road user will damage them!

When the car is in motion, the BEST part is the Jekyll and Hyde note of the engine; from purr to nasty snarl at the flick of the ankle and you can feel the effect of the 220 horses compared to the original 100. If anything, it's a bit more "raw" than the Lexus powered 109, not as polished but not at all out of place.

The thought of a careless bike or Vitz walla putting a ding in expensive new bumpers is just not worth the heartache. BTW after you had the 240Z bumpers fabricated, what was the final finish on them? Body colour? My suggestion is to leave the bumpers as is; continue the search for a decent chroming outfit in Lahore and when you find one, go for your plan of denting and chroming. Until the chrome walla is sorted out, avoid disturbing the existing chrome, it will only lead to corrosion on the bumpers.

I can just imagine the performance of the car with 220 HP on tap. I am sure that when you push the right foot the back of your car will be getting surprised looks from the boy racer brigade:). The V8 M116 power unit developing 200Hp as the most powerful unit fitted to the fin tail. So your V8 220 HP is pretty much what this car can handle with ease. Maybe if I come to Lahore you could take me for a spin in it

[VEEeight]

The bumper on the 240Z has been re chromed a few times, the last time only about 2 weeks ago. It was fabricated in 2004. Body colour would have been rather kit car like. Will frwrd a picture of it tmrw. So far have managed to learn of two places that are supposed to have a reasonable service and have used one for the 240 but as usual am taking it all with a pinch of salt !

As far as I know, the Fintail models were not offered with the M116 power unit but am obv open to correction. I thot the W108/109, the 116 and the R107 were the only models to have it.

I have mentioned in a much earlier post, that when I got the car, it had the 2.8 straight 6 petrol unit out of a W116 and the back axle out of a W108 to harness the 160 bhp or so. It also has disc brakes at the rear wheels bec of this swap which is certainly a good thing! I imagine someone thought that the original set up wouldnt b handle the extra power output. In anycase , it seems okay so far. The real test will come when the car steps out for a proper run which wont be possible till it has a decent set of front seats at least....... which I hope will be before your visit

[msabbasi]

The bumper on the 240Z has been re chromed a few times, the last time only about 2 weeks ago. It was fabricated in 2004. Body colour would have been rather kit car like. Will frwrd a picture of it tmrw. So far have managed to learn of two places that are supposed to have a reasonable service and have used one for the 240 but as usual am taking it all with a pinch of salt !

As far as I know, the Fintail models were not offered with the M116 power unit but am obv open to correction. I thot the W108/109, the 116 and the R107 were the only models to have it.

I have mentioned in a much earlier post, that when I got the car, it had the 2.8 straight 6 petrol unit out of a W116 and the back axle out of a W108 to harness the 160 bhp or so. It also has disc brakes at the rear wheels bec of this swap which is certainly a good thing! I imagine someone thought that the original set up wouldnt b handle the extra power output. In anycase , it seems okay so far. The real test will come when the car steps out for a proper run which wont be possible till it has a decent set of front seats at least....... which I hope will be before your visit

You are correct. The W111 sedan never had but perhaps I should have clarified that the W111 coupe had a V8 in the 280SE 3.5 (coupe): Mercedes-Benz W111 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The back end from the W116 means good news. BTW, I did a change of rear diff of my 500SEC and the guy at the scrap yard gave me a 300SEL diff by mistake. They both look identical externally but the internal ratios are different. When I put the 300SEL diff, for the same 100km/h the engine was turning at 2500RPM while the correct diff made the engine turn at 1900 RPM. I got better acceleration but a lower top speed. Of course I went back to the man and he set be up with the correct one out of a 500SEL. So the thing is, how well suited is the W116 diff to the auto box you have put in?

Regarding the chrome, if you know any friend in Gujranwalla, maybe he can find out if there are any good chroming service there. The chrome they put on water mixers is pretty good. A lot of the Mixer manufacturers have factories in that city.... just a thought!!

[VEEeight]

Faisalayub:

Thankyou for your sentiments and encouragement

Am keeping the option of using original wheel cups. I have a set of the very rare 15inch ones. Am on the look out for the deeper dished steel rims out of a 126 or 124. As the car now has non standard mechanicals, the effect on final drive ratios etc had also got to be taken into consideration.

[VEEeight]

Yes of course! I tend to assoc?ate the 111 coupe more with the 108/109

As for the chroming issues, if its possible in G 'wala, will get it done. I feel it's more a function of how far one is prepared to go on this.

[msabbasi]

Yes of course! I tend to assoc?ate the 111 coupe more with the 108/109

As for the chroming issues, if its possible in G 'wala, will get it done. I feel it's more a function of how far one is prepared to go on this.

Actually the coupe does look like it belongs to the W108/109 family. I am confused. Need help. As I understand the W108/109 are not the fin tail cars. Why are the 108/109 cars later than the W110/111/112. Usually the higher the model number the newer the model.

Mercedes-Benz W108 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The W108/109 sedan

The fin tails are the W110/111/112.

Mercedes-Benz W111 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The W110/111/112 Sedan

The W111 coupe

Please set me straight

[VEEeight]

Obv the details are as per what you say. The W111 coupe came out before the 108/109. The 109 was essentially the lwb version of the 108, with the "9" stating the fact that it had the air suspension. I think all 109s had the air as std fitment.

As for the coupe, whilst the Fintail was still in prodn, it came with the 6 pot engine and I THINK the V8 option was offered only when the 108 sedans came on line.

The "110" Fintails were the non-S versions having single bumpers, smaller lights, shorter wheelbase and only 4 cyl petrol/ Diesel engines. I think the bonnet is different also. The "112" was the longer wheelbase than the 111, a sort of "SEL" version and really quite rare.

Wonder if that helps

[msabbasi]

Obv the details are as per what you say. The W111 coupe came out before the 108/109. The 109 was essentially the lwb version of the 108, with the "9" stating the fact that it had the air suspension. I think all 109s had the air as std fitment.

As for the coupe, whilst the Fintail was still in prodn, it came with the 6 pot engine and I THINK the V8 option was offered only when the 108 sedans came on line.

The "110" Fintails were the non-S versions having single bumpers, smaller lights, shorter wheelbase and only 4 cyl petrol/ Diesel engines. I think the bonnet is different also. The "112" was the longer wheelbase than the 111, a sort of "SEL" version and really quite rare.

Wonder if that helps

Yes indeed. Bottom line despite the confusing "numberology", the cars are beautiful. Each one of them. Hard to pick a winner. You, Sir, are lucky to own not one but two of them!!

[VEEeight]

Yes, the numbers ARE confusing but am sure they follow some pattern. The guys behind them are German after all !!!

Yes, God in His Infinite Magnanimity has enabled me to collect some of these pieces. I always thought that at some point I would come across a Fintail I would want and I saw a few before settling on this one; but it was the W109 that was the "dark horse". It's a very rare model for Pak with only about a dozen or so, maybe even less. It is one of only two cars that I bought, sight unseen and no haggling over the price even tho I knew was paying several arms and legs for it. That is bec I knew I wouldn't regret it in the long run and I don't!

Am attaching pictures of the bumper on the yellow 240. At this point all rechromes look fine. The test will be in a picture of a a few weeks from now! The bumper itself was locally fabricated/ copied from the one on the orange car.

[msabbasi]

Yes, the numbers ARE confusing but am sure they follow some pattern. The guys behind them are German after all !!!

Yes, God in His Infinite Magnanimity has enabled me to collect some of these pieces. I always thought that at some point I would come across a Fintail I would want and I saw a few before settling on this one; but it was the W109 that was the "dark horse". It's a very rare model for Pak with only about a dozen or so, maybe even less. It is one of only two cars that I bought, sight unseen and no haggling over the price even tho I knew was paying several arms and legs for it. That is bec I knew I wouldn't regret it in the long run and I don't!
--------

Am attaching pictures of the bumper on the yellow 240. At this point all rechromes look fine. The test will be in a picture of a a few weeks from now! The bumper itself was locally fabricated/ copied from the one on the orange car.

May Allah SWT continue to shower you with His blessings. I pray that He may show you the way to a pristine W111 Coupe one of these days.

I take my hat off to the denter/fabricator who manufactured this bumper. A true artist. As you said, the chrome looks good now but what about a year hence? Only time can tell.

[alvis]

The "112" was the longer wheelbase than the 111, a sort of "SEL" version and really quite rare.

Wonder if that helps

The W112 was the 300SE/L version, using a completly different engine from the W111 range. 6 cylinder all alimunium. 3 litre, fuel injection, and air suspension as standard. There is only one car of I know in Pakistan, formerly owned by the Mir of Hunza. The car is in Rawalpindi.

This was the engine that was then moved into the W 109 300SEL, before they were transplanted with the V8 engines. So you have a 6 cylinder W 109 and a V8 W 109......all damn confusing.

[VEEeight]

Am afraid my chances of acquiring a W111 coupe here in Pak are about as much as those of getting a 1948 Jaguar !!!
To my knowledge, there are only 3 and am pretty sure the owners would never part with them and they shouldn't !