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1971 Mercedes W114 250C Stroke 8

KarlC - nice ride :) you have a lot of options there! I bought and rebuild last year similar, have a look:

You car looks very nice, it looks like you lowered it, what did you do ?

What size wheels and what off set do you have ?

Love the euro lights, wish I could get some of those.

I like these photos of it ....
 

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KarlC,
I see list of more options, the 275 is interesting - lowered seats! I have to do this mod!

Car is lowered with H&R set of "track use only" springs - I bought them on ebay.de. On front I have replaced standard shock absorbers to shortened and stiffer gas KYB.
On back I have pneumatic levelled Monroe form 80-90's
Photo of H&R to standard spring

Wheels are the 3pice Krescher RS -( not easy to get them) - front 17x8,5 with 225/45, back 17x9,5 with 235/45 - took me a crazy lot of time fit them in. Initially they were for 500E..but front clippers were to big ;)



Euro lights - hmhmhm Possibly you can have euro ones? I do think it will be possible to have glass from US version and back of lamp form EU. I have done refub to my lamps - vacuum coated.



My car is 1970 and was converted to 185PS M110 with manual ... for me :D
 
I have done refub to my lamps - vacuum coated. :D

Wowek:

Can your place vacuum coat plastic?

My brother-in-law, from Warszawa is coming over for the holiday's so he can carry something back.

What was the cost to do your metal reflectors may I ask?

Thanks,

Ron
 
KarlC,
I see list of more options, the 275 is interesting - lowered seats! I have to do this mod!

Car is lowered with H&R set of "track use only" springs - I bought them on ebay.de. On front I have replaced standard shock absorbers to shortened and stiffer gas KYB.
On back I have pneumatic levelled Monroe form 80-90's
Photo of H&R to standard spring

Wheels are the 3pice Krescher RS -( not easy to get them) - front 17x8,5 with 225/45, back 17x9,5 with 235/45 - took me a crazy lot of time fit them in. Initially they were for 500E..but front clippers were to big ;)



Euro lights - hmhmhm Possibly you can have euro ones? I do think it will be possible to have glass from US version and back of lamp form EU. I have done refub to my lamps - vacuum coated.



My car is 1970 and was converted to 185PS M110 with manual ... for me :D

Thanks for all of the info, do you have the model #'s of the front and read shocks ?

I have been told that the 275 - lowered seats - came with all Coupes with a sunroof, due to the lower Coupe roof line and space the sunroof takes up.

Euro lights will fit my car, I have been told that I need the full light set up and the Euro lens will not fit a USA light. I like the 1 piece Euro lens.

Must be nice to have the 185PS M110 with manual !!!

Very nice car !
 
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Wowek:

Can your place vacuum coat plastic?

My brother-in-law, from Warszawa is coming over for the holiday's so he can carry something back.

What was the cost to do your metal reflectors may I ask?

Thanks,

Ron

Ron500E - you can do coating on the plastics. But evaporated metal must be low temperature one, like aluminium and and plastic should smooth as possible. Normally plastics are covered with nickel. For blinkers lamp reflectors (plastic) are nickelled.
I can send you a contact to workshop who is doing professional rebuild to lamps - mainly classic cars. The have done a quite good work on my 500E headlights - now works like new!



The cost of 2 lamps - main lamps (metal) + blinkers (plastic) + fog lamps (metal) for new coating was ~100$ + shipping costs.
 
Any more pix yet?


Had to do a few things around the house, went to Home Depot ended up with 10 bags of bark in the trunk, that and a full tank of gas got a 3" drop....






 
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Next step refinish the wheels, get some 16" tires and add these ....






And these.....


[/QUOTE]
 
Some not so great interior shots for ya, my camera sucks or maybe it's me .......

















 
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The interior looks great. Are the seats leather? The front seats look very comfortable.
 
About 90% of the switches, gear shift, window switches, knobs and dials are straight off the 108/109 models. The 1971 and 1972 108s/109s used that headlight switch.

Nice to see the dash is using macassar ebony wood ... that's the most luxurious wood that MB offered and is quite exotic these days. Looks like it's in good condition. Also what my 300SEL 6.3 used.

The brake release handle was introduced for the 114/1154 and was carried over to the 116 and used on the 107 as well.

You might want to consider switching that Becker over to a Mexico Cassette unit, or having Becker put an iPod input into it so that you can enjoy some modern tunes. Modern-ish speakers are available in the factory sizes that will fit beneath the factory grills. Talk to La Jolla Audio or Ed Ebel at Becker North America to get an idea for options.

Cheers,
Gerry
 
The interior looks great. Are the seats leather? The front seats look very comfortable.

Yes it's all the Original Leather, all in great shape, it just got cleaned, then feed over the course of several days with 2 Heavy coats of Griot's Garage Leather Rejuvenator and the 2 coats of Griot's Garage Leather Care.

My wife who I bought the car for as a surprise, loves the seats, she thinks all Mercedes seats should still be made this way, so yes very comfortable !
 
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About 90% of the switches, gear shift, window switches, knobs and dials are straight off the 108/109 models. The 1971 and 1972 108s/109s used that headlight switch.

Nice to see the dash is using macassar ebony wood ... that's the most luxurious wood that MB offered and is quite exotic these days. Looks like it's in good condition. Also what my 300SEL 6.3 used.

The brake release handle was introduced for the 114/1154 and was carried over to the 116 and used on the 107 as well.

You might want to consider switching that Becker over to a Mexico Cassette unit, or having Becker put an iPod input into it so that you can enjoy some modern tunes. Modern-ish speakers are available in the factory sizes that will fit beneath the factory grills. Talk to La Jolla Audio or Ed Ebel at Becker North America to get an idea for options.

Cheers,
Gerry

Good to know that some of the 108 / 109 models parts will work on on the W114. Most all of the switches, knobs, ect. look and work great. I'm amazed at how soft the gear shift knob is, they must have used a softer backing back then.

The clear coat on the wood has a bit of checking but overall its in great shape.

I'm not big on music when I'm driving, I like to use that time for bonding with the car or as quiet time for catching up on my weeks thoughts. But right now the stock radio is not working so I have to run that issue down to see why. Do the speakers look original to you ?

Thx for all of the info !
 
I'm amazed at how soft the gear shift knob is, they must have used a softer backing back then.
Yes, for the 1971 model year (at least in the 108/109 cars) MB began using the large, bulbous "soft" gear lever design, rather than the Ferrari-style "black ball on the end of a chrome stick" that they'd used previously. I believe (have seen pictures) that the early 1968-1969 W114s also used the "ball and stick" gear lever design, before going to the bulbous-foam design in the 1970-1971 time frame.

I never liked the big soft foamy levers. Always liked my little lever....my 6.3 is shown below.
IMG_0024.JPG

But right now the stock radio is not working so I have to run that issue down to see why. Do the speakers look original to you ?

Thx for all of the info !
For the radio, you can get it fixed right there in SoCal by the Walter Odemer Co., which is located a bit up the road from you in Burbank, CA.

Closer to home, you can also give a quick call to La Jolla Audio and see if they can handle the old Beckers. I seem to remember that they can, but it's been some years since I was last in contact with them. If all else fails, like I said just talk to Ed Ebel at Becker in New Jersey. Odemer well ought to be able to help you -- they're reputable and knowledgeable.

As far as the speakers ... it's sort of difficult to tell what you have installed. But yes, from what I can see, they look 100% original. The rear decker speakers are 100% proper and appropriate for that time period. They should be covered by black plastic covers that are held down to the back deck by four long sheet metal screws, and are easily removed.

Can't really see what you have in the front ... whether it is the round speakers with the square grill (typical) or the larger oval ones. I've seen both on various cars. Also, do you have a single mono center speaker in the center of the dashboard?

As I mentioned earlier, the old rear deck speakers' cones can get pretty bad from moisture and sunlight over the years, not to mention age, and replacements are available through Becker. They are not super cheap (IIRC last time I looked, years ago, they were around $50 apiece), and they are an odd size, so there are only a few sources for them. But the ones that Becker sells are 100% original & the ones to get. They are of a 4x6 oval design.
Picture%20Download%20Feb%2009%20305.jpg
Picture%20Download%20Feb%2009%20303.jpg


The front kick panels should have a speaker just forward of each front door. These are covered with small, square plastic covers. These are a 100mm (3.9370") speaker if I remember correctly. They generally survive OK because they are protected from the elements, but again age can get 'em. Given that you plan to keep the stock stereo, I'd just keep them, or if they need replacement, just get replacements from Becker.
Picture%20Download%20Feb%2009%20328.jpg



Becker does sell both the speakers and the grills in sets if you need them. They also offer "upgraded" speakers in the factory sizes if you do plan to use a better stereo down the road.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gerry
 
Yes, for the 1971 model year (at least in the 108/109 cars) MB began using the large, bulbous "soft" gear lever design, rather than the Ferrari-style "black ball on the end of a chrome stick" that they'd used previously. I believe (have seen pictures) that the early 1968-1969 W114s also used the "ball and stick" gear lever design, before going to the bulbous-foam design in the 1970-1971 time frame.

I never liked the big soft foamy levers. Always liked my little lever....my 6.3 is shown below.
View attachment 24503


Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gerry



I'd love to get one of the older style shift lever and knob, a white one with a matching white steering wheel would be cool, but I would go for black also. They are hard to find, I checked with Tom at the classic center but no go.
 

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They are very commonly found at the swap meets in Germany, such as the spring or fall Veterama in Ludwigshafen or Mannheim. I can definitely tell you (from personal experience, in this instance) that the chicks dig the earlier style, too.
 
Here is a better photo of my speakers, like look original to me.
 

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They are very commonly found at the swap meets in Germany, such as the spring or fall Veterama in Ludwigshafen or Mannheim. I can definitely tell you (from personal experience, in this instance) that the chicks dig the earlier style, too.


I have been trying to search the German EBay, but it's hard as I don't read German. I need to find a good contact in Germany that can source and ship me parts.
 
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OK so looks like you have the oval 4x6s up front in the kick panels. That is more common on 1970 and later cars.

Yep, everything is 100% original and appropriate. You should remove the covers (should just require a stubby Philips) and see what you have, and the condition of such.

Is your windshield washer pedal (rubber bellows) working? If not, a nice troubleshooting exercise for you :)

I am using one of those speaker covers, turned upside down, as a "bowl" for misc. nuts and bolts out on my workbench in the shop. Sits right next to my three Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby cars I made with my dad, decades ago ;)
 
Some cars had the 3.5x8.25 oval speakers on the rear deck, as shown below (my 6.3 did) but it appears that you have the 4x6 both in the front and in the rear.

Picture%20Download%20Feb%2009%20302.jpg


You can see them in the photo below (only decent shot I have) but they used a hard plastic grille, not the same "raised" and squarish style that you have. My best bet is that you have the 4x6 in the rear, too.

The nice thing about the large grills, is that you can upgrade your speakers and still retain the factory appearance :)
 

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Thx Gerry all great info, I have much to learn about classic Mercedes.

I will try out the windshield washer pedal (rubber bellows) to see if its working and report back. I did not even know what that pedal was for, I had not had time to check it out yet.

Thx again.
 
It's a manual foot pump that pushes air pressure out to the washer reservoir through a rubber line (which will likely need to be replaced due to age). From there it gets pushed to the windshield. Quite often the rubber bellows on the underside of the pump fails from age, and as I mentioned the lines often break too. It's one of the very first DIY diagnosis & fix-it chores that I ever did on a Benz. Many many moons ago, now.
 
Re: replacement speakers for vintage autos

Modern-ish speakers are available in the factory sizes that will fit beneath the factory grills.

For vintage Mercedes (or other cars) having only one or two speakers, consider dual voice-coil speakers to double your audio output within the same confines of your original factory speaker location. In other words, one speaker will be capable of two (dual) channel output.

My W111, for instance, had a single dash-mounted speaker which was most likely driven by a monaural output radio. A dual voice-coil speaker replaces the old obsolete speaker using the same mounting location & provides stereo output when driven by a more modern, or vintage-upgrade stereo head unit.

RetroSound provides this type of speaker and other components that can be integrated into vintage Mercedes.

Check for availability of your particular speaker sizes.
 
Is your windshield washer pedal (rubber bellows) working? If not, a nice troubleshooting exercise for you :)

OK I tried this.

The wipers automatically came on and water squirted out on the drives side only. Looks like I have need to look into why the passengers side is not working.

Thx
 
Re: replacement speakers for vintage autos

For vintage Mercedes (or other cars) having only one or two speakers, consider dual voice-coil speakers to double your audio output within the same confines of your original factory speaker location. In other words, one speaker will be capable of two (dual) channel output.

My W111, for instance, had a single dash-mounted speaker which was most likely driven by a monaural output radio. A dual voice-coil speaker replaces the old obsolete speaker using the same mounting location & provides stereo output when driven by a more modern, or vintage-upgrade stereo head unit.

RetroSound provides this type of speaker and other components that can be integrated into vintage Mercedes.

Check for availability of your particular speaker sizes.

Great info, thx !!!
 
OK I tried this.

The wipers automatically came on and water squirted out on the drives side only. Looks like I have need to look into why the passengers side is not working.

Thx
Yep, the wipers should give a a swipe or two, and should squirt both sides. Your nozzle is probably clogged on the passenger side -- you'll need to take a pin (sewing pin) or other fine needle and remove/clear both nozzles, and re-aim them to the correct spec. A good idea to proactively replace the lines. The wipers should have two speeds at the stalk ... slow, and fast. No intermittent/delay.
 
Yep, the wipers should give a a swipe or two, and should squirt both sides. Your nozzle is probably clogged on the passenger side -- you'll need to take a pin (sewing pin) or other fine needle and remove/clear both nozzles, and re-aim them to the correct spec. A good idea to proactively replace the lines. The wipers should have two speeds at the stalk ... slow, and fast. No intermittent/delay.

Will do, thx again Gerry
 
Thx Maui...... When is your next Mercedes coming ?

Well, funny you should ask. I thought it was going to be a red wagon, but apparently a full price offer was not enough. No worries. I watch CL every day. There are a few models I'm watching. First would be a W124 wagon (red or black with black interior), second would be an SEC (black on black), and third would be an AMG (anything supercharged, because I have never owned a supercharged car) I would love to find a steal on an E55 or E63 wagon. No hurries though.
 
... and third would be an AMG (anything supercharged, because I have never owned a supercharged car) I would love to find a steal on an E55 or E63 wagon. No hurries though.
I was looking into the E55 and W63 wagons. They are obscenely priced, typically a 50% (or worse) premium over a equivalent sedan. It's hard enough just to find an AMG wagon, so don't get too hopeful on finding any "steals". $30k is a typical ballpark on the W211 E55 wagon, the E63 is more. There were many different options on these models and it gets very difficult to determine what options are present on a car, without poring over an EPC datacard. Paint color selection is rather bland IMO, there are seemingly a dozen variations of "gray" all with different names. I'd like to get an E55K sedan eventually, as it isn't likely I'd ever find a wagon with a palatable price. The values are coming down rapidly, I suspect partly due to warranties reaching expiration...

:spend:
 
There's something about a supercharged wagon that pulls me in. There was beautiful black on black 2006 E55 wagon in Santa Barbara with 45k on the clock for $29,995. It sold within a couple hours to a guy in New York. It's only money.

Sorry Karl. Back to the W114.
 
There's something about a supercharged wagon that pulls me in. There was beautiful black on black 2006 E55 wagon in Santa Barbara with 45k on the clock for $29,995. It sold within a couple hours to a guy in New York. It's only money.

Sorry Karl. Back to the W114.

No worries, someone sould start a thread on the 55 cars, we would all enjoy it
 
I bought the first supercharged E55 in my state in the spring of '03.

Man, you talk about fun, no one had any idea at the time what that car was capable of...

Have you seen the Cadillac commercial where it supposedly "blows the doors off" of other cars? Well, this car could and did many times back then.

Still one of my all time favorites.
 

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