Getting a 1971 220 beauty back on the road in SF Bay Area

Given that your FIL owned the car its history is not a mystery that needs to be carefully uncovered. He'll tell you all about it!

So is an independent inspection necessary?

You're "taking it on" and expect to do the usual maintenance and light repairs so why the shop?

Unless you're pressed for time to get it into service trailer it to your garage, buy some factory manuals and have at it, otherwise pay a shop to get it roadworthy.

Nice project.

I would do it myself... If the car is in the place where you can work on it... leave it there... Otherwise flat bed it to your garage.

Don't start the engine. Change oil... drain and refill coolant... check hose condition... Check other fluid level... Drain gas and refill with fresh one. Lastly, change battery.

I would crank a little bit to get the engine lubricated but don't let it start... so for this, you have to pull the coil wire off... Crank 10 seconds and stop for 5 minutes... repeat one more time and hook up the coil wire.

Start it up. When shifting to gear, if auto, wait like 15 seconds or so to feel the engagement and let the tranny fluid circulate.

Take it slow... driving... to get all the grease and lubricant coating all parts.

Assuming all your fluid levels & hoses are OK...

I would suggest that you remove all the sparkplugs to check their condition/gaps. I would put a spoonful of engine oil into each cylinder, and then spin the engine over for about a minute from a decent battery. That should coat the upper surfaces.

Then I would refit the plugs and see if wants to fire up...

David

Probably should have added a few historical comments...

The 220 has had 2 loving owners - my father-in-law and a Stanford professor - so we have all history, all original manuals & docs. Engine has been rebuilt, but it was done right at reputable garage and it ran fine before my FIL mothballed it. I think it has 160-180K miles on it (over 35 years). Interior is immaculate - it even has sheepskin seat covers protecting the original red seats. Paint is cream and is original. Chrome is shiny bright.

So, given my mechanical inclinations, I just wanted to verify that this was not something wild and crazy to attempt. I know that these cars (especially the older classic ones) were built to last so I wasn't expecting crazy, unfixable problems. I've already ordered shop manuals as well. So you guys are telling me to tow it home and start playing with it!

One other question: any particularly good specialist parts suppliers for older (30+ years) Benz? I've already found DriveWire. I used to use German Auto Parts for my Audi. And someone mentioned the classic parts divsion of Benz.

Thanks much for the reassurance, Joe

Yes, do it yourself by all means. Just be patient and if you get frazzled, take a break.

Expect every rubber part on the car to need replacing.

Good Luck, Marty

Um, yeah, the "classics center". They have the parts alright but prices have gone utterly nuts.

There are lots of Ponton enthusiasts though, that series of cars is a tad older than I'm into but I'm certainly aware of their existance and between them they probably have all the parts you'd need although certainly don't advertise this. Poke around google for Ponton resources and I'm sure you'll find them.

I thought Pontons were the older models with all the curves (1953 to

1963 or so). This is a - 1971 - "W115" 220 with the 4 cyl>>>One other question: any particularly good specialist parts suppliers

Joe, Just did the exact same thing last week with a '73 350 SL that had been sitting in Marin county. Here's what I did;

drain the gas tank, flush it with a gallon or so of new gas drain the engine oil and radiator fluid, replace with new new oil filter remove all spark plugs, and put a small amount of engine oil in each cylender remove high tension wire from coil, and crank the engine until you get oil pressure, then crank it a bit more this is a good time to check compression....this will tell you if there are stuck valves, or other serious problems replace the spark plugs, coil wire and fire it up!

of course, check for cracked fuel hoses, belts and brake hoses before driving it

Steve

Joe

Was just over in 1/2 Moon Bay yesterday (Miramar Beach). Recently brought a 73 450SL with around 300K back to life. It had been in the garage for 7 years too, but did started it up and drive it around the block every 6 months or so Had Star Machine in Emeryville do the block and heads. Still needs paint $$$ and a new soft top.

My 2 bits of advice..you might need some front end replacement parts at that mileage K