Do/ask whatever you need to in order to satisfy yourself about the condition of the car. A seller who balks at your requests should be low-balled or you should remove yourself from his presence.
I can get a pretty good idea on the condition of prospective projects by driving them (if driveable) and getting on my hands and knees with a flashlight. I have little fear of rust because 1) it's pretty rare around here and B) I have successfully tackled some advanced rust projects and have some confidence around it. It does require a decent plasma wire welder, disc cutter and hand grinder, and, of course, patience and time.
One good thing about the older/more collectible Mercedesez is that many of the body parts are available new from cottage (and not-so-cottage) folks.
http://www.kkmfg.com/catalog.php
If one had the time and money, one could build a brand new 190SL. Same is true of '56 Bel Air, or '65 Mustang.
(Unfortunately, most of the cars discussed on this list are not considered collectible. Much the pity....)
As a general rule, approach every car as an unknown quantity that will require EVERYTHING. Think worst-case scenario. And don't be afraid to walk away... (especially including from car dealers).
As a general rule, approach every car as an unknown quantity that will require EVERYTHING. Think worst-case scenario. And don't be afraid to walk away... (especially including from car dealers).
Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "john public" <brad_macaboy1234@yahoo.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 6:46:42 AM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re : comment about Older Mercedes & ? about inspection
From: "john public" <brad_macaboy1234@yahoo.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 6:46:42 AM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re : comment about Older Mercedes & ? about inspection
| I have seen at least one '60s merc convertible offered for $65k+/- around here in the Northeast. A couple winters ago, a guy was selling a 180d here for about $900; it had a rusted out rear shock mount..... a little more of a repair than I am willing to take on. There is a series of episodes called "Wheeler Dealer" from Discovery or BBC, many of which can be found on YouTube, where a couple of British guys fix up classics and resell them...pretty entertaining. When you guys are trying to decide whether to buy a car, do you ask the owner if you can get it on a garage lift? I guess I'm asking if this is a reasonable question....I'm not going to buy a car, but I was wonderin' In the past I've just tried to look at the underside using a flashlight lying on my back. |
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