Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: J. Huber on October 18, 2013, 20:53:04

Title: Called into Action
Post by: J. Huber on October 18, 2013, 20:53:04

Well, like many of us here, my beloved Pagoda is primarily a recreational car. A third car, so to speak, although it ranks number one, of course... I drive it often -- but usually only for short spins and casual cruises around town. However, a month or so ago, we sold my wife's Tahoe -- and until we get the next one -- my 230SL has been called into everyday action (hope the insurance company doesn't read this...)

The majority of the trips are still short but there are definitely more kids crawling in and out, more running around here and there. And, two times a week I need to drive down to the College which is about 50 miles each way. But boy what a pleasure it is! The first 25 miles or so is on Highway 174, a very scenic and winding highway through the Sierra Foothills. So pretty right now with the leaves all changing colors. Then, the next 25 miles is the much wider and faster Interstate 80. It is simply amazing how my 50 year old car handles the twists and turns in sports car fashion -- and then steps up and tracks smoothly alongside the newbies on the Interstate. All the while playing my favorite tunes. What a car!

PS take note of the speedometer in pic 2... see anything peculiar?

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: Peter van Es on October 18, 2013, 20:57:11

Around 100 mph,4500 rpm, just over 30.000 Km's and a very low temperature....

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: garymand on October 18, 2013, 20:59:44

So that sign says Clipper Gap  Meadow Vista?  You must be heading up to Colfax?

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: J. Huber on October 18, 2013, 21:12:39

Very close Gary! Actually going the other way (this AM) -- started in Cedar Ridge to Colfax, then past you on the 80 West to Rocklin...

Good eye! You may see me gong the other way at 3!

And Peter... Eagle Eye! So, 4500 RPM is accurate. Odometer is accurate (30000 this AM although I have been around the bend twice.) The rest? not so accurate. A few years back, I sent my Speedometer and my Temperature Gauge for a rebuild at Palo Alto. They screwed up -- the speedometer was calibrated to something other than my 3.75. And while they successfully replaced my capillary tube, the temperature is now off by 20 degrees (low)  >:(

Hartmut told me to send them back but I didn't feel like removing it all again. So I have lived with the slightly off numbers. Car is still healthy as an ox.

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: garymand on October 18, 2013, 21:34:41

You need to be a little careful therre, CHP has a speed trap at Clipper Gap at least once a week for folks coming down the hill.  I80 goes from 2 lanes to 3 at Applegate and people are tired of going slow behind the passing trucks coming down from tahoe.  I've seen 5 cars and 3 bikes all rwriting tickets with the plan flying figure 8's above Winchester impatiently waiting for them to finish.  They do quite a job of filling the state coffers there.  I read they pulled a Colorado plated SUV over doing 90, two days ago, at 7:30 AM, with 50 lbs of weed in the back. 

I live in Meadow Vista and drive the 174 to Nevada city once or twice a month.  I'm putting my dash back together and haven't taken her out for 2 months.  Maybe 2 weekends from trying out the new clutch, ignition switch, heater switch, speedo cable, radiator...  She needed a little TLC.

Its fun doing 100 going up that hill too, when there's no CHP around.

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: Oisin on October 18, 2013, 21:58:18

Fabulous.  I have to admit I love going towards 5000 revs.  I must look like a madman.  All white knuckles and crazy grin (the craziness comes from knowing the car will disinigrate any second). I'm doing it less and less these days though as petrol is £6/imp gallon (8.26 USD/US gallon in your money) so thanks for the photo  :'(

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: gimp on October 20, 2013, 23:16:27

This is my favorite sppeed.
No white knuckles and no worry about RCMP.

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: garymand on October 21, 2013, 23:05:30

Its nice these cars meet both needs, now f I can just get mine started....

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on October 21, 2013, 23:19:52

Great performance for this 50 year young lady :)

(http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/bow.gif) (http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/respekt.gif)

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: 49er on October 22, 2013, 01:06:40

Hi James,
 Pretty brave, driving down to Rocklin on 80 in your SL!  I have had ours on 50 once and only for a mile or two and now the car is really "babied" on these back roads around here. Haven't been out as much this year but we did a short drive this past sunday up to PVille to give our little car a belated 45th birthday ride. Have fun on your commute but keep an eye out  for those logging trucks that seem to making a comeback these days.

John

Title: Re: Called into Action
Post by: Flyair on November 01, 2013, 10:38:18

the pics look like a million dollars :D.

Weren't you scared a bit to take the picture while driving so fast with one hand?