Recent Posts

21

Research & Development / Re: Replacing brake booster with electronic assembly

« Last post by Jack the Knife on June 11, 2025, 18:03:38 »

And so it begins! The booster is a GEN2 from a Tesla Model Y and has about the same bolt pattern (square, 72mm). I hope that it will bolt on with minor modifications (probably a spacer).

Brake line ports are on the opposite side of the cylinder. I noticed that my cylinder has three outputs (I think 2 are common on a 280SL). I will get a splitter to hook up the front brake lines.

Next up, electrical test on the bench.

It's nice to see someone immediately jump into R&D rather than admiring the issue. Looking forward to your progress

22

Wanted To Buy / Re: 4SP Manual Gearbox Shims/Distance Rings

« Last post by Benz Dr. on June 11, 2025, 17:24:32 »

When I rebuild a gear box I reinstall all of the shims in the same places that I removed them. I don't add or subtract anything.

I once tied to get the end play down next to nothing and the shifter would pop out of gear during deceleration and it wouldn't down shift very well either. After we studied this, the answer was not enough end play on the input shaft.

23

Research & Development / Re: Replacing brake booster with electronic assembly

« Last post by baon3h on June 11, 2025, 15:31:22 »

And so it begins! The booster is a GEN2 from a Tesla Model Y and has about the same bolt pattern (square, 72mm). I hope that it will bolt on with minor modifications (probably a spacer).

Brake line ports are on the opposite side of the cylinder. I noticed that my cylinder has three outputs (I think 2 are common on a 280SL). I will get a splitter to hook up the front brake lines.

Next up, electrical test on the bench.

24

Wanted To Buy / Re: Wurth 10mm Electrical Body Nut + Washer

« Last post by wwheeler on June 11, 2025, 15:28:57 »

That is a common style nut. Has a captive washer that won't spin as the nut is tightened. https://belmetric.com/nuts/spinning-washer/ American cars used them in mass in the 60s and on.

Then it also has a rubber pad to seal. Just go buy a a 1/16" sheet EPDM rubber and make your own seal pad.

I have those same side markers. I am thinking the 10mm is the hex size, not the screw size. You'll have to measure the screw size to be sure.   

25

W11x chassis cars / Re: Center tray in plastic 220SE Coupe

« Last post by wwheeler on June 11, 2025, 15:21:13 »

The one I got from a salvage yard was composed of common plywood (maybe 10mm thick) and then a thin veneer was laid on top of that. I used Burl Walnut to match my W111 interior. I imagine they used plywood so they could bend to the curvy shape.

Is the plastic on yours the outer skin or is it the base material? Take a picture of the plastic part. The W111 coupes and cabs took over from the Ponton. I have both btw. While the Ponton c/c was a money is no object build, the W111 had some cost savings. As the model progressed, more things became less handcrafted and used more plastic. Seat hinges are a good example. The Ponton and maybe (?) early 220SE, had a solid chromed steel hinge. No covers over the screws. My '68 280SE has chrome plated brass covers that cover the unfinished hinges. The final W111 used a chromed plastic cover to replace the brass piece.

Based on that, I wouldn't be surprised if plastic became a material used for the tray on the later cars.         

26

W11x chassis cars / Re: Center tray in plastic 220SE Coupe

« Last post by thomasw on June 11, 2025, 13:37:19 »

All all the exotic wood on these cars is veneer. The base wood is poplar or birch or whatever. Dash wood is the same deal.

So the tray is made of wood? Strange because mine is of thin plastic.

27

Wanted To Buy / Re: Wurth 10mm Electrical Body Nut + Washer

« Last post by Leester on June 11, 2025, 13:30:48 »

Looks similar to the nuts used for attaching chrome trim to soft top hatch cover:  https://www.authenticclassics.com/Seal-Nut-for-Top-case-trim-230SL-250SL-280SL-REP-p/auth-007131.htm.

Not sure if these referenced above are the correct size you need. Even if they are, I tend to agree that using plastic nuts for that application makes better sense.

28

Question and comments on Originality / Re: Interesting features in this '67 230SL on Car Wizard

« Last post by lowpad on June 11, 2025, 13:03:22 »

This was an interesting video of a very original & relatively unmolested late 230SL. One thing that cracked me up was the "wrinkle" below the RH windshield pillar. My car has this as well (through far less severe), which I tried to fix during its restoration, but it still shows up (and appears to be temperature dependent). Do other 230s have this issue as well? Drives me crazy at times -- but not crazy enough to try and fix it again (which will probably result in it looking worse...).

29

Wanted To Buy / Re: Wurth 10mm Electrical Body Nut + Washer

« Last post by sandcrab59 on June 11, 2025, 12:54:43 »

I would think the plastic nuts are fine.
Because in the front wheel wells these nuts are subject to all weather conditions.
This will cause rust  and they will be gone.
It is simple to make the rubber behind the nuts.
Tom

30

Events / Re: PagodaFest 2025 - Great Smoky Mountains - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

« Last post by mdsalemi on June 11, 2025, 12:45:09 »

Unfortunately, due to the political situation and now long standing travel warnings by our Government, I am going to pass on this one for the first time in 20 years.
Pretty sad about that but wish everyone the best for what I am sure will be another successful gathering.

Garry

Garry, you missed Chicago, too.  That being said, the official Australian government position on travel for its citizens to the USA, is pretty much the same as it's been. "Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America."

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america

The smart advice on the same Aussie website says "Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews." That's sound advice for anyone, INCLUDING Americans. I steer clear of these kinds of protests and gatherings. It is unlikely you would encounter such things around Knoxville or our event, or even getting to it no matter how. Curfews are exceedingly rare in the USA.

One thing that may have changed over the past few years is the entry requirements; they are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements. Whether you're traveling on a visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, ensure you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the United States. [This isn't part of the new administration; early in 2024 my friend in Austria was initially denied an entry VISA waiver because he had traveled to Somalia some years earlier.]

One of our members from Italy just came to the USA for a two week long holiday in May, and he had to apply and get ESTA visa waiver. It was a formality granted quickly and his travel was easy and safe.

Most Americans and surely all American Pagoda Group members are quite welcoming of international visitors, and for those of our international members who want to come to PagodaFest, PLEASE DO! Aside from perhaps getting the Visa or Visa Waiver, which you get at home, your trip will be easy. It won't be an uneventful trip because PagodaFest will be memorable!