Author Topic: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?  (Read 19518 times)

mrfatboy

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What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« on: March 26, 2020, 01:26:30 »
Post your pagoda fixes,  maintenance, or general work your are trying or hoping to get done during coronavirus pandemic.

I was lucky to have some parts ready to go.  So far for me:

1) Replaced the belts
2) In process of replacing guide rod bushings.  Ordered parts right before lock down. 😖
3) In process of changing  transmission fluid. I got the fluid fill plug out but need to buy ATF.  Coronavirus or ATF?🤔🤣😷

Anybody else stuck at home and getting any pagoda projects done?

« Last Edit: March 26, 2020, 16:45:55 by mrfatboy »
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Benz Dr.

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during lock down?
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2020, 01:57:16 »
I'm always at home and live far enough away from everyone that it's pretty good here. We have 4 cars to finish up. All of them run but need different things to finish.

I want to do some rust repair on my own car but that might be later in the season.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

mrfatboy

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during lock down?
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2020, 02:24:29 »
I just remembered I changed out the clutch fluid also.  Boredom is taking its toll on my mind🤣🤣🤣
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

specracer

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during lock down?
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2020, 11:25:50 »
Cleaned master reservoir used a turkey baster to extract old fluid, then bled the 4 corners. Used a Motive pressure bleeder.

Assessing growing leaks. The biggie? The power steering supply hose from reservoir to pump was touching battery tray. Wore through. While the system is dry, might as well change seals in pump, and box. Will also change large oil pan gasket. Took battery tray out, will clean and paint, because of an old leaky battery.

Ordered Verdestein Sprint Classic tires. Really wanted a white wall, but decided the classic tire look was more important (to me) than the whitewall. The white walls I found, (toyo was one), cost half as much, but they looked modern.


GM

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during lock down?
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2020, 16:13:36 »
Finally got my softtop frame back from the welder who replaced my broken spring lever. After tweaking, re-tweaking with body English, shoving, and clamping, the frame is now pretty straight. Fortunately, I ordered and received all the parts about a month ago, and now with warmer spring weather (and the lockdown) I'm ready to tackle this beast - thanks in no small part to your outstanding guidance!
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

beachbear

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2020, 19:26:46 »
I am reassembling the engine bay, in preparation for the rebuilt engine.

Concurrently, I am reapplying trim and new rubber to the body after replacing rusted panels. The task still threatens to overwhelm me as I have no recent experience. But I accomplish one thing or another each day.

More directly related to quarantine, I've been learning more about how to use the wealth of knowledge that exists within this site, before being slapped on the wrist for not finding the information on my own ;). Without this forum and manual, I'd never even contemplated most of what I've accomplished. Thanks to everybody. Be well.
David White
'69 280sl automatic, 3rd owner since '82

TJMart

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2020, 21:52:33 »
Received parts that were chromed, assembling the tail light surrounds and taping the hubcaps for painting.
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

Benz280

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2020, 22:09:12 »
Doing some undercarriage cleaning. was able to get some Limited Slip Diff Oil ( 001-989-33-03-12 ) doing a refresh for some summer driving. 
1971 280SL 4 Speed
1995 E320 Cab
1965 Shelby GT350

twistedtree

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #8 on: March 27, 2020, 19:29:00 »
I made continued progress on fixing oil leaks on the front of the engine, and the transmission.  I already replaced the transmission modulator, and now replaced the filter and pan gasket.

On the engine, I pulled the PS pump and bracket, front pulleys, and PS reservoir bracket.  While all the parts were out I bead blasted and painted them, and got the reservoir all back together.  Also resealed the PS pump.

Then I replaced the front crank seal and buggered it up, so have another one or order.  But that stalled reinstalling the pulleys, and PS pump.

Then I got tired of looking at the beat up old horns so took one apart, bead blasted, painted, reassembled, and tuned it.  It's no ticket to Pebble Beach, but not bad for something on the underside of the car.

I also identified all the oil pan bolts  and front block bolts that penetrate into the timing case or other oil-filled areas.  A number of these were pretty clearly leaking, so I sealed them all.  Hopefully now I'll have a relatively dry underside.
Peter Hayden
1964 MB 230SL
1970 MB 280SL
2011 BMW 550xi

Pawel66

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #9 on: March 27, 2020, 21:18:40 »
In my case fixing the oil leaks is not a process, as process is defined as having beginning and an end...
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

mrfatboy

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #10 on: March 27, 2020, 21:29:14 »
Big excitement here today. 

First, put on gloves & mask and risked my health going to Post Office to mail a pagoda part to a forum member🤣🤣🤣😷  it was for a good cause😀👍

Came home to an frantic call from my neighbor that a raccoon was in her house.  My wife and I trapped it and found a new home for it.

Just another day and at least something to do🤣
« Last Edit: March 27, 2020, 22:08:18 by mrfatboy »
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

FGN59

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #11 on: March 27, 2020, 21:42:13 »
Well, if you are going in this direction, I spent a couple hours this morning helping to extricate a tractor from the vines on my property. It rained (a lot) in November, and the bottom of our land is still soaked and very soft.

Not quite as exciting as catching a raccoon, but just as unexpected (at least when I got up this morning).

Tomorrow I’ll try to improve the positioning of the glove box on my Pagoda (it is far from flush with the rest of the dashboard).
François

1994 Toyota Land Cruiser SW HDJ80 4.2L diesel
sold:
1969 280SL US specs, 4-speed manual, beige-grey (726H), parchment leather
1962 Jaguar MK2 3.8L (4.2L XJ6 engine), black, tan leather interior
1968 Peugeot 204 roadster, white, black interior
1955 Massey Ferguson TEF20 diesel tractor 😁

johnk

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #12 on: March 28, 2020, 15:47:57 »
I’m making a muffler soufflé!  Actually taking the time at home to outgas my stainless steel exhaust before I install and ceramic coat.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

FresnoBob

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #13 on: March 28, 2020, 21:05:39 »
Without distractions, I've managed to finish my engine.  Injection pump installed yesterday and valves adjusted.  Will drop in the car on Monday.  As I've installed a 250 engine in my 230, there was some creativity needed to get the fuel and IP oil lines figured out. 
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet

Pawel66

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #14 on: March 29, 2020, 12:42:08 »
As I had car on the lift before the virus affected our lives, during the very quarantine:
- overall check up of the underneath and fixing the small chips, painting, waxing
- cosmetics underneath - cleaning
- finishing the drains check up - do I have them, are they not clogged
- waxing cavities
- greasing (the whole scheme)
- oil change
- PS fluid change
- transmission fluid change (pan was leaking, had to remove it to seal it anyway)
- wheel housing cleaning/fixing chips - here I found out I lost one of the caliper bolts, resulting in small leak, fixed that
 - hub caps re-painting (now in process)

Drove the car yesterday - it is still running after all this care of mine...
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

mrfatboy

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #15 on: April 03, 2020, 23:42:54 »
I was able to complete two more things today.

1) Changed transmission oil
2) Replaced guide rod bushings & refreshed

I might install a Hirschman auto antenna next.

Of course, I can spend the rest of the year trying to adjust the glove box🤣🤣🤣

Stay safe😷
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

FresnoBob

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #16 on: April 04, 2020, 20:59:28 »
Done!  Runs surprisingly well, but the A/F ratio continues to rapidly change as the engine is breaking in.  Purrs smoothly once it is correctly adjusted. 

As a humorous side note, I installed the rubber hood cushions too high and the hood would not open even with considerable encouragement.  I had to uninstall the grills and remove the hood hinge bolts from underneath to open the hood.  Lesson learned, but it gave me the excuse to better align the hood hinges and even out the gaps.
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet

mbzse

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #17 on: April 04, 2020, 22:02:04 »
Quote from: FresnoBob
.../...I had to uninstall the grills and remove the hood hinge bolts from underneath to open the hood.../...
Just two tips.
1.When removing hood (bonnet), only unscrew the fastening bracket (with hinge pin) on the right side. Do not touch the bolts/brackets that attach to the aluminium hood! Use heavy tape and cardboard to protect edges (and you need a helper!)
2. All areas of the SL visible through the grille should be brush painted matt black
« Last Edit: April 05, 2020, 12:36:46 by mbzse »
/Hans S

MikeSimon

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #18 on: April 04, 2020, 22:32:04 »
Mmmh! I always removed the bolts in the hood. what's the issue? Does the hood come off if you follow your recommendation? What happens with the left side?
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

mbzse

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #19 on: April 04, 2020, 23:20:36 »
Quote from: MikeSimon
.../...the bolts in the hood. what's the issue?
The metal is soft and easily deformed. See for instance:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=24071.msg179445#msg179445

Quote
.../...Does the hood come off if you follow your recommendation? What happens with the left side?
After right bracket removal, you slide the hood (which is semi-open, perhaps 45 degrees) sideways 2-3 cm, to release the left side.
Both brackets remain firmly attached with their respective bolts, there on the left side.
An important aspect of this method is, that there is minimum adjustment needed when you re-mount your hood (bonnet)
« Last Edit: April 07, 2020, 12:23:05 by mbzse »
/Hans S

mrfatboy

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #20 on: April 05, 2020, 22:52:46 »
Another job off the list👍 Everything lubed up according to the below chart.

Now what? 🤔😷
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Iconic

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #21 on: April 07, 2020, 14:18:48 »
1.When removing hood (bonnet), only unscrew the fastening bracket (with hinge pin) on the right side. Do not touch the bolts/brackets that attach to the aluminium hood! Use heavy tape and cardboard to protect edges (and you need a helper!)
Hans,
It's before 10:00 AM (for me) and I learned something new already.
I have never read this before. GREAT IDEA !!
Huge help for the next time I take off my hood (which I am hoping is never ;D).
Thanks
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

Derm Cain

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #22 on: April 11, 2020, 16:56:09 »
Started the process to install power steering on my 1965 230 SL.  Anyone who has history or information on this procedure, please pass it along.

Derm Cain
709.730.2645

Happy Easter all
Stay Safe and Self Isolate

PSB

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #23 on: April 15, 2020, 00:22:44 »
Since I'm a absolute zero , mechanically speaking, ...all I can do ...and actually did was give it a very nice external clean 😄😄

RobSirg

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Re: What have you done to your pagoda during quarantine?
« Reply #24 on: April 17, 2020, 12:54:53 »
I’ve been using mine as my daily go to the office. Drive is a little too short but still enjoyable with minimal traffic, plenty of parking space and no chance of  door dents seeing lm the only one in the office 😁


Why am l not working from home? I have 3 kids under 8y.o....but mostly fear the wife will use me as a spare .......parent  :-X
« Last Edit: April 17, 2020, 13:02:23 by RobSirg »
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5