AMG 6L Wide Body Refurbisment

[Ron500E]

On this thread I will document the refurbishment of my 6.0 Wide Body.
The car in generally good condition but has been neglected for the past several years, nothing bad, damaging or irreversible but a number of things that need to be attended to in order to attain it's former glory. The car deserves it even if I don't.

The endgame is to make it exactly how it appeared the day it drove out of Westmont.

Suggestions are always welcome as I "think" I know what I am doing..... but thinking and knowing are two different things.
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Refurbishment of the 9" and 10" Chrome Plated Penta's.
The car is let down by it's skinny 8" Penta's, fortunately the correct 9" and 10" were included. Originally they were chrome plated so chrome it will be.

I have visually inspected the wheels and found them to be in good condition. I was especially concerned about the mating surface from the wheel nuts to the wheel. My fears proved to be unwarranted as they were fine. The next step is to have them crack tested using Zyglo ZL-56. This will detect any surface cracks that may have appeared during the 27 year life of the wheels. Cost is around $30. per wheel.

If they pass Zyglo they will then be X-Rayed to detect any subsurface cracks. I don't think it's necessary to x-ray all parts since it's quite expensive but wheels are a different story. If a door handle breaks it's not the end of the world. A wheel breaks at speed it's not the end of the world either, it's just the end of your world... cost is around $250. per wheel.

Assuming they pass the NDT (non destructive testing) I will send them off to a chrome plater. I ordered special 18X18X12 double wall 275 lb. test boxes from ULINE to package and ship the wheels. I had to buy 25 but now I have boxes to store my other wheels. The wheels will be packed in 6mil poly bags before boxing and foam insulation will be used as packing material.

Once the plater receives the wheels they will be stripped of the old chrome. After stripping, polishing and buffing they will be copper plated - twice. Copper fills in the microscopic pits and provides a good surface for the nickel. I am assured that they wont buff out the details such as the AMG part number or size. They will be buffed to a high luster after each plating bath.

Once the final layer of copper is completed the wheels will be nickel plated. The bright finish we see on "chrome" is actually highly polished nickel, the chromium is actually a thin coat to protect the nickel.
New anode's will be used for every metal and every wheel every time (OCD rears it's head once again).
Once the plating has been done they will be "baked." "Baking" eliminates hydrogen embrittlement,which is usually not present in aluminum alloy but 1) better safe than sorry or 2) in for a pound, in for a dollar or 3) I really need help with this OCD. I'll leave to reader to answer the question - to themselves....

Cost of plating is a somewhat reasonable $400. per wheel if the estimate is to be believed. I'm sure part of that cost is me being a PITA.

Once the wheels are returned I will shod them with new 255/50/16 tires, not sure of the brand just yet. BF Goodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 are $135. each from Tire Rack. The only other tires of the proper size are Toyo's. The tires will have matching dates of manufacture (see OCD comment above) and cleaned and dressed prior to installation.

Once installed they will be Road Force balanced with the weights stuck on the inside of the rims per AMG, not the current and widely used practice of clipping the weights on the outside.

With the wheels done and returned I can relax and handle my nuts.

The car has some trick Wilwood brakes which, although not original, I will probably keep as I have the originals on the shelf. As per most racing cars they use studs and nuts instead of wheel bolts.

I refuse to chrome plate them because of the fear of hydrogen embrittlement so I will have them black oxide coated both as a rust preventative and for looks. After B/O coating they will be buffed to a satin luster and powder coated clear. If they made a cashmere lined lug nut wrench I'd probably buy it....

I expect the entire process to take around 45 - 60 days. and cost around $1000. per wheel by the time I get them back on the car.

PICs will be taken every step of the way but keep in mind that due to Global Warming we are having the coldest November in recent history and I really don't want to freeze my FDA (fat dago ass) off. I also have some major surgery set up and there's that little thing called work which seems to interfere with playing with cars so progress may not be as fast as I would like.

I have reached out, and some have reached out to me, to many of the old AMG employees at Westmont. I will try to put together a "reunion" of sorts. Any excuse to get together with fellow car people.

Next step is to reconstruct the high end, for it's day, Nakamichi Stereo System.
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This "series" will be exclusive to Gerry's list AKA the 500E Board. I don't really want the drama present on some of the other forums by people who have not taken the time to get to know me but still, somehow, feel the need to make up something both untrue and/or bad. Nor do I particularly want advice, however well intended, from someone who's sole experience in restoration is reading a Better Housekeeping article in their doctors office.

It's one of the benefits of getting older. You can eliminate all the old gossips and poseurs without worry or concern.

I will also extend this offer to people on this list, my time is somewhat limited but if you are ever in the Chicago area and would like to see the car you are most welcome. As much notice as possible is appreciated but if I'm not available I might be able to find someone who is.

Kind Regards,

Ron

 

[texas993]

Thanks for posting up Ron. I am going to enjoy this experience. What a great car and current caretaker!

 

[gerryvz]

Thank you, Ron. I look forward to this project. You should consider contacting MBCA as I'd expect their magazine's editor, Gary Anderson, would be interested in tracking this resto project for an article or series of articles in the magazine.

And who knows, it could spur more drama (and lucrative stories) among the Banzworld 126 crew

Cheers,
Gerry


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[clarkz71]

Ron, excellent purchase and a great choice preserving a piece of AMG history.

I look forward to following your progress.

.

 

[samiam44]

You need to strip the wheel prior to zyglo. You want to find al cracks.. to chrome or miss a crack which is not detectable under chrome.
You can buy a kit. Dye and developer. Crack start in tension areas. I think xray is unnecessary. Most wheels in street use will show leakage long before catastrophic failure of unstable crack growth.
Blend out any damage prior to zyglo. Else you will get false positives. Sand, do not burnish.


M

 

[Ron500E]

THANK YOU !!!! Once again proving that this board has the largest collection of MB and technical knowledge, anywhere. Period.

 

[samiam44]

Hydrogen embrittlement is a steel issue.


Limited to certain high strength steels in higher heat treats.

Throwing wheels in an oven would be overaging. But the temp matters, and time.

Cryo is also an opltion.


Do you know the alloy? Watched a show on one of the latest Ferraris. Very clear the aluminum was marked A356=)

Kit I was talking about would be dye penitrant kit.

 

[600Eric]

...Originally they were chrome plated so chrome it will be.

Ron,

I cant tell you how jealous I am of you. I absolutely love that car as growing up in the 80's I remember watching Miami Vice and seeing the 126 AMG's thought they were the coolest car's I had ever seen. The rest is pretty much history... Therefore I too am really going enjoy following this thread and seeing you bring this car back to life. Looking at the pictures and reading your posts I'm just blown away how that car ended up where it did. You could not make up a crazier story. Anyways it's just my two cents but man you should really think hard about having the Penta's re-chromed. I definitely understand and appreciate you wanting to keep the car "correct" but a black wide body AMG coupe is so sinister looking that chrome (and especially wheels) just has no place being on it. It is the quintessential example of the "murdered out" look. It was when it rolled out of the factory 30 years ago and in my opinion it still is today. MANY have tried (and still do to this day) but no one has ever been able to do it better. Anyways again that is just my two cents and regardless what you end up doing it is and will still be an awesome car. However if you do happen to reconsider your direction on the wheels I did have very good results sending a set of chrome SL 2 piece wheels to these guys Atlas Plating in Houston (http://atlaschrome.com/deplating.html). After pretty much having everyone tell me trying to completely remove chrome from wheels could not be done without ruining them I was initially a bit skeptical but since I just really don't care for chrome I went ahead and rolled the dice. Fortunately it paid off big time as they came back pretty much perfect. They were in a completely "raw" state with absolutely no signs of damage or pitting whatsoever from the de-plating process. At that point it was a piece of cake to refinish back to the original painted centers with machined lips on the barrels. All that said just some food for thought before you pull the trigger... Good luck with the project and please keep the pictures coming.

Eric

 

[AMG5PT4]

Ron,

I'm probably one of the W126 "lurkers" Gerry refers to above, although I spend the vast majority of my time on the AMG Classic site and very little time on the BenzWorld site. I also own a true AMG (Gen I 500SEL 5.4) and am very happy for you as you embark on the restoration of the widebody. If I had known all of the wheels were in existance, I probably would have thought much more serious about buying the car myself. It pays to make a trip and investigate, as you did.

I also echo the above post recommending against chrome wheels - painted centers in body color and highly polished lips is just stunning. I don't recall seeing another widebody with chromed wheels (although yours would be unique, no doubt). Just my $.02.

I look forward to reading your updates in this thread as you progress in the restoration. I hope the drivetrain is solid, as extensive work/refreshing of a quad cam M117 is difficult and expensive. There are many unique and impossible to replace bits to the 32v 6.0 (headers, intake manifold, heads, etc..).

Best of luck in your efforts!

Al Lydon

 

[gerryvz]

Al, I think it's wonderful that you're here. And, given the nature & quality of your 5.4, and your knowledge, you'll add a lot of value.

Welcome aboard and thanks.


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[Ron500E]

Ron,

I'm probably one of the W126 "lurkers" Gerry refers to above, although I spend the vast majority of my time on the AMG Classic site and very little time on the BenzWorld site. I also own a true AMG (Gen I 500SEL 5.4) and am very happy for you as you embark on the restoration of the widebody. If I had known all of the wheels were in existance, I probably would have thought much more serious about buying the car myself. It pays to make a trip and investigate, as you did.

I also echo the above post recommending against chrome wheels - painted centers in body color and highly polished lips is just stunning. I don't recall seeing another widebody with chromed wheels (although yours would be unique, no doubt). Just my $.02.

I look forward to reading your updates in this thread as you progress in the restoration. I hope the drivetrain is solid, as extensive work/refreshing of a quad cam M117 is difficult and expensive. There are many unique and impossible to replace bits to the 32v 6.0 (headers, intake manifold, heads, etc..).

Best of luck in your efforts!

Al Lydon

Hello Eric and Al:

I have to agree with both of you on the chrome wheels but..... I'd like to get the car back as it came out of Westmont even though some of the options such as chrome wheels are not something I would have specified.
That said.... I have some 10X17 and 8X17 AMG OZ's that I may use as my driver wheels, painting the center body color while polishing the rims as was suggested. Tires for the 17's are much easier to source in any event. 275/40/17's on the rear and 245/45/17 on the front seems to be the way to go.
Sometimes one just has to do something stupid, and few if any are more qualified than I, like getting on a plane with some cash and seeing exactly what's there. There have been SO many stories and threads on my car that they develop a life of their own, true or not. My favorite was on some VW forum where a comment was made about it being raced and it probably needs ball joints so he passed on it.... I guess I should have looked for that 6L 32V Wide Body that didn't need ball joints.
Anyway, I look forward to your input, good and bad, as Gerry speaks highly of you and tells everyone within earshot that you have both a stunning car and much knowledge.
Kind Regards,

Ron

 

[clarkz71]

Hello Eric and Al:

I have to agree with both of you on the chrome wheels but..... I'd like to get the car back as it came out of Westmont even though some of the options such as chrome wheels are not something I would have specified.

I agree, if it's documented that it came with chrome wheels, chrome it is.

My favorite was on some VW forum where a comment was made about it being raced and it probably needs ball joints so he passed on it.... I guess I should have looked for that 6L 32V Wide Body that didn't need ball joints.

Kind Regards,

Ron

I think being a documented SCCA race car adds to the history and value of the car.


And when I see Shelby GT350's and Chevrolet Z28's go across the auction block
at Barrett Jackson or Mecum, racing history in SCCA adds value.

.

 

[clarkz71]

Had to post this, hope you don't mind Ron,

Think of it as what yours will look like. Pure art.........image credit to Jono. AMG East

 

[gerryvz]

Ron's strategy of having (and having acquired) & using several sets of wheels - chrome and otherwise - makes a ton of sense to me.

I've known of Al for many years and it was a pleasure to finally meet him in person at the Atlanta Gathering a few weeks back. His car was absolutely stunning. I was so taken aback by it that I literally forgot to take cell phone photos, although I think there are a few posted in the thread on the Atlanta Gathering. I remember that Klink, like me, was walking around Al's car with a huge woody, as Al explained the history of the car and the restoration and things he'd done to it.

EDIT: Here is the portion of the Atlanta Gathering thread about Al's car
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6407&p=84347&viewfull=1#post84347

 

[Ron500E]

Had to post this, hope you don't mind Ron,

Think of it as what yours will look like. Pure art.........image credit to Jono. AMG East

Excellent, the guy who's helping with the detailing of my engine....
I gave him a copy of the pic out of the catalog and said "that's how I want it to look." I'll get all new brackets and fuel lines for appearance sake as well as having the headers ceramic coated in white. That's in addition to all new rubber, plastic and vacuum lines of course.
If I can't find the AMG decal I'll run off a few sets, they were water slide decals from what I understand. But that's pretty far down on the list of things to do right now.

Ron

 

[Klink]

Ron's strategy of having (and having acquired) & using several sets of wheels - chrome and otherwise - makes a ton of sense to me.

I've known of Al for many years and it was a pleasure to finally meet him in person at the Atlanta Gathering a few weeks back. His car was absolutely stunning. I was so taken aback by it that I literally forgot to take cell phone photos, although I think there are a few posted in the thread on the Atlanta Gathering. I remember that Klink, like me, was walking around Al's car with a huge woody, as Al explained the history of the car and the restoration and things he'd done to it.

EDIT: Here is the portion of the Atlanta Gathering thread about Al's car
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6407&p=84347&viewfull=1#post84347

Quite true! Al's car was a pleasure to see, being the genuine article, and in such fabulous condition! Just about every "AMG" car of this vintage that I have ever seen was simply a badge engineered bodge job. Since we were rushing to get Terry's alignment done, along with some other must-do's, I did not spend time taking many pictures. With the car surrounded by oglers as it was, I thought we would just be swimming in pics. I only took a pic of the motor and of one thing that particularly caught my eye, which was the sticker for the valve clearance specs(!) sitting prominently on the left valve cover. I'll post those as soon as I have innerweb availability and a few minutes of spare time again...

 

[gerryvz]

Some photos that Ron asked me to post:

Per a request from our friend in Norway.....
This is the original 6.0 badge that was taken off AMG Wide Body 315857 by the previous owner, Kirk Salvatore.
The badge is interesting in spite of the fact that the "point" (6 point 0) has broken off presumably during removal.
It is made of a non metallic alloy and was flash chrome plated. It was painted black per the original owners request as stated on the original AMG build sheet.
It has part number 126 817 2415 KZ on the reverse, it also has the official MB "Star" on the upper right (while looking at the reverse) corner of the "0."
The number on the EPC and a verbal check with Mercedes of Naperville "confirms" that it is badge for a 560 SEC.
I doubt that Mercedes would use an identical part number for both the "6.0" and "560 SEC."
I believe that it is a genuine MB part and the EPC is incorrect or incomplete. This may mean that there are some still left in stock, somewhere. I might just spend the $31.00 or so and take a chance.
I am also wondering what the "KZ" means? Is it a manufacturer's name or the type of metal used? It is not the symbol for Kazakhstan as that country did not exist prior to 1994.
I suspect that it is a type of non ferrous metal but further investigation is both required and warranted.

Kind Regards,

Ron

 

[gerryvz]

Looks to me like a cut and modified 560SEC badge that once had a decimal point added, that came off.

I think KZ is the maker's mark.

 

[AMG5PT4]

I think that is a part of a 560 badge. Close, though. Below is a pic of some items of interest. The air cleaner sticker and the 5.4 badge Henric had created and fabricated. The air cleaner sticker is very similar to the sticker/decal on the quad cam engine, above. The 5.4 badge was recreated from a ghost outline and actual pic of a real badge. The AMG spark plug stickers are the real deal and some of the only quad cam-specific bits I own. The spark plugs referenced (H5DC) are correct for the 32v engine. I also have a NOS set of front AMG/Bilstein adjustable shocks for cars with the AMG cockpit adjustable suspension installed. I'm also an AMG Sebring collector... The DOHC/6.0 badge I own is from Japan and very cool. Henric has it right now to recreate into a DOHC/5.0 badge for his almost finished 32v quad cam 5.0L engine for his widebody.

 

[AMG5PT4]

There are a few ads on eBay for H5DC plugs. Ron, you ought to start a collection of these plugs as they can be scarce to find at times. Also, pm me your address and I will mail you one of the extra air cleaner 5.4 stickers - you can use it as a template for a 6.0 version decal. The decal on the 32v engine, above, says "6.0 LITRE 375 hp", I believe.

Al

 

[clarkz71]

Looks to me like a cut and modified 560SEC badge that once had a decimal point added, that came off.

I think KZ is the maker's mark.

Yep, back then AMG had their own emblem / badge supplier.

MB didn't supply AMG with anything other then the donor cars via the owners
that brought them to AMG to be modded.

Just like Ford in 1965 sent Carroll Shelby K code 289 Mustang Fastbacks
which were totally modified, engine, suspension, bodywork, by Shelby American

Ford did not make the "GT350" badge on the rear of the car or Cobra fuel cap
Like AMG, there was a supplier.

I only use this car as an example because my father had a 66 GT350 when I was 13

 

[600Eric]

There are a few ads on eBay for H5DC plugs. Ron, you ought to start a collection of these plugs as they can be scarce to find at times. Also, pm me your address and I will mail you one of the extra air cleaner 5.4 stickers - you can use it as a template for a 6.0 version decal. The decal on the 32v engine, above, says "6.0 LITRE 375 hp", I believe.

Al

Ron,

Not sure if these AMG valve cover stickers are correct for your particular car (Al might be able to confirm) but I just stumbled across these on eBay as I am currently searching for all the factory stickers for my 500E. The listing states they are reproductions but they look pretty good in the pictures

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-AM...107-/251725480945?hash=item3a9c0203f1&vxp=mtr

 

[AMG5PT4]

Ron,

Not sure if these AMG valve cover stickers are correct for your particular car (Al might be able to confirm) but I just stumbled across these on eBay as I am currently searching for all the factory stickers for my 500E. The listing states they are reproductions but they look pretty good in the pictures

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-AM...107-/251725480945?hash=item3a9c0203f1&vxp=mtr

Those are my stickers!!

I sold those and now they are being re-sold on eBay!

Those valve cover stickers are the solid lifter valve lash specs and spark plugs recommended for the SOHC AMG heads and were not used for the 32v engines. To my knowledge AMG never had valve lash spec stickers for the 32v engines. W5DC plugs are different (wider) than the H5DC plugs - I know, I tried to install H5DC plugs in my AMG when I bought it!

For the 32v engines, AMG had engine ID stickers that stated the engine type (M117) and power output (360PS or so) plus the recommended spark plugs (H5DC, above).

Al

 

[clarkz71]

W5DC plugs are different (wider) than the H5DC plugs - I know, I tried to install H5DC plugs in my AMG when I bought it!

Al

Correct, W plugs are the old 21mm plugs (13/16)

H plugs (and F) are 5/8 just as the F8DC4 plugs the M119 uses.

 

[500AMM]

Some photos that Ron asked me to post:

Per a request from our friend in Norway.....
This is the original 6.0 badge that was taken off AMG Wide Body 315857 by the previous owner, Kirk Salvatore.
The badge is interesting in spite of the fact that the "point" (6 point 0) has broken off presumably during removal.
It is made of a non metallic alloy and was flash chrome plated. It was painted black per the original owners request as stated on the original AMG build sheet.
It has part number 126 817 2415 KZ on the reverse, it also has the official MB "Star" on the upper right (while looking at the reverse) corner of the "0."
The number on the EPC and a verbal check with Mercedes of Naperville "confirms" that it is badge for a 560 SEC.
I doubt that Mercedes would use an identical part number for both the "6.0" and "560 SEC."
I believe that it is a genuine MB part and the EPC is incorrect or incomplete. This may mean that there are some still left in stock, somewhere. I might just spend the $31.00 or so and take a chance.
I am also wondering what the "KZ" means? Is it a manufacturer's name or the type of metal used? It is not the symbol for Kazakhstan as that country did not exist prior to 1994.
I suspect that it is a type of non ferrous metal but further investigation is both required and warranted.

Kind Regards,

Ron

Thanks for posting!

That 6.0 emblem is a modified 560 emblem with a glued on dot, because the distance between the numbers are too close. Emblems with a dot have more space between the numbers. You can also see the cut ends on the underline strip is different, they are open on that 6 0 emblem, while OE emblems have closed ends.

A period correct custom made 6.0 emblem could be made from the W201 which came with 1.8, 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6 emblems.
I made a 600E from two 260E emblems. Not bad actually, but it's too strange on the car IMO.

Ron, I can remove this post if you find it inappropriate for your thread, just PM me.

Update: I've added an image of my custom 6.0 emblem, period correct for pre facelift models. It's not mint condition but it came out pretty nice, it's really hard to see the number replacement.

 

[Allen]

When are the balljoints scheduled to be replaced?

 

[HOFF]

Hi Ron, thanks for your offer the other day with tips/pics & advise on my 560 AMG replica WB project i will start on in the new year.
As to the WB Penta rims may i suggest instead of going back to the re-chrome option you may look at the high quality painted option with plenty of clear cut & buffed to a glass finish
You may have seen my WB Penta's - i was very impressed with the way they turned out after a full soda-blast back to metal-tested- then painted by my local rim shop (ps- ignore the centre caps as i have since sourced the correct genuine ones)
Tyres are new Toyo 275/45/16

 

[Roma_500E]

Some photos that Ron asked me to post:

Kazakhstan as that country did not exist prior to 1994.

Ron

It did, it became independent in December 16, 1991.

However, it has nothing to do with the MB or any other MB parts

 

[Ron500E]

When are the balljoints scheduled to be replaced?

Hello Allen:
Glad to see you on the board, you have much to add.
A big welcome for my friend.

As you know after reading the VW Vortex forum I almost passed on this car based on the posting that this car was raced and may need ball joints. Still, I checked the hundreds of other 6L Wide Body's for sale at the time and this seemed the best bet in spite of all the VW and BW 126 "experts" who have never seen the car. Just kind of glad they all weren't estimators at the local dealership.
Here's a recap of the posting by TLC Detail.
"The fact that it was raced makes me nervous as well, my Dad raced his BMW 535i way back and wore out EVERYTHING, every balljoint and bushing needed to be replaced after... same might go for this thing."
Most collectors I know will pass of a car that only a handful were made because of the possible necessity of replacing ball joints.... But, hey, you only live once and can't take it with you.
Live wide !

Ron
Bob Jackson 10 Speed Bicycle - Single Seater, original owner.
Radio Flyer Wagon - Racing Red !
and some cars.

 

[gerryvz]

You saw my photos of this car back in the day, Ron. This car was pristine and extremely well maintained despite being SCCA-raced. I don't view that as a detriment at all. If I'd have had the cash, and the interest in this specific type of coupe, I'd have been all over this because I knew Kirk a bit and I know how this car was cared for. I wish you could have seen the car in its heyday, and I SO wish it had been preserved in such state (though I know you'll have it back if not better).

I think you scored a great deal - kudos for having the curiosity to investigate it, and pursue it. And ending up scoring much more than just the car. NOBODY knew about all the extra stuff that along with it, nor the paperwork, yadda yadda.

VW and BW experts ... LOL. But remember, we're just a couple of 'keyboard warriors' ... or maybe the same person?

 

[Ron500E]

I'll start on the car in earnest next week, by then I should be finished moving out of one house and into another.
TIP: Don't collect books, especially those printed on enameled paper and clad in dust cases. Want to know about the Swiss GP, I have the book - all 624 pages, how about the Trieste-Opicina races, I have that too, all 550 pages. Ludvigsen's 3 Volume tome "Porsche: Excellence Was Expected" ("A Hernia Was Expected" should have been the title), that's there. Nye's BRM series, 3 Volumes and counting. The list is endless, the amount of pain killers I have is not.
Also, don't collect magazines like Motor Sport (UK) from 1930, R&T from 1947, C+D, SCI, SCG and just about every other car magazine, program ever printed in pretty much every language. All 9000 or so of them. And then there's the 8, 9.5 and 16mm films - in metal cans of course. And projectors to match of course. It doesn't end.
If you do, don't ever move. Ever.

Ron

 

[Ron500E]

VW and BW experts ... LOL. But remember, we're just a couple of 'keyboard warriors' ... or maybe the same person?

As I have always said....
"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."

Your pics from back in the day, or are they my pics, are a source of inspiration. The car will return to its former glory.
I plan of getting the car back to the same condition as it did just after it rolled out the door at Westmont (and in for warranty work at Motorcraft...).
Personally I don't like the chrome wheels but who am I to "improve" such a rare piece of history? It's like putting a Chevy, or Volvo, in an old Ferrari. It may go faster but what's the point? Ya wanna go faster, buy a Subaru WRX.
I have a spare set of 10/8.5" 17" AMG-OZ, and they ARE mentioned in the AMG catalog as being available at the time so maybe those will become my "driver" wheels with the center painted in 040 per the body. I'll keep the chrome ones because with tires they are big, bulky and difficult to both store and move. They're also original but that's secondary....

R

 

[clarkz71]

As I have always said....
"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."

You are a Walrus.

 

[Klink]

Koo Koo Kachooo...

 

[gerryvz]

Koo Koo Kachooo...

I was thinking more "Ahh Ahh Aachoo" ... but close enough !

 

[Klink]

I was thinking more "Ahh Ahh Aachoo" ... but close enough !

Gesundheit!

 

[Klink]

Actually "goo goo g' joob" was the Beatles. The Koo thing was actually Simon and Garfunkel. Damn Siri. Oh well, at least she prevents keyboard wars. I would have expected Bob_036 to pick up up on that, but I guess he's just too busy working on his new drag car to bother with us...

 

[HOFF]

Ron i have been following with interest this WB Coupe ever since Kirk passed away and it came into discussion when advertised for sale.
Sadly all the limited pics were taken out in the field and not good quality pics and the rest were pics from the past when it was prestine

Can you kindly post up some current pics since you have taken possession.
Would like to see some nice clear shots of how it is now inside & out & engine bay and the WB Penta rims as well - before the resto starts
Cheers

 

[Allen]

Ron
Bob Jackson 10 Speed Bicycle - Single Seater, original owner.
Radio Flyer Wagon - Racing Red !
and some cars.

Pictures of the 6.0? No, please, we need pictures of that Jackson bicycle. That's far more interesting than a has-been terribly fiberglass'd SEC with a boat anchor of an engine. Not sure why you're trying to polish a horribly designed engine Ron, we all know an OM616 is best suited for C126's.

I'm sure the weather around here surely isn't keeping that gas guzzler locked up though.

 

[Ron500E]

Pictures of the 6.0? No, please, we need pictures of that Jackson bicycle. That's far more interesting than a has-been terribly fiberglass'd SEC with a boat anchor of an engine. Not sure why you're trying to polish a horribly designed engine Ron, we all know an OM616 is best suited for C126's.

I'm sure the weather around here surely isn't keeping that gas guzzler locked up though.

I took it out yesterday for about 20 miles, got a "Thank You" note from the Saudi Oil Minister when I returned.
I was thinking about an OM616 in the Wide Body, but only if I can Veggie it and drive to Portland.

R

 

[gerryvz]

Not sure why you're trying to polish a horribly designed engine Ron, we all know an OM616 is best suited for C126's.

Dang, a chain-yanker / unhinged troll after my own heart.

Kudos !!

 

[500AMM]

I'll start on the car in earnest next week, by then I should be finished moving out of one house and into another.
TIP: Don't collect books, especially those printed on enameled paper and clad in dust cases. Want to know about the Swiss GP, I have the book - all 624 pages, how about the Trieste-Opicina races, I have that too, all 550 pages. Ludvigsen's 3 Volume tome "Porsche: Excellence Was Expected" ("A Hernia Was Expected" should have been the title), that's there. Nye's BRM series, 3 Volumes and counting. The list is endless, the amount of pain killers I have is not.
Also, don't collect magazines like Motor Sport (UK) from 1930, R&T from 1947, C+D, SCI, SCG and just about every other car magazine, program ever printed in pretty much every language. All 9000 or so of them. And then there's the 8, 9.5 and 16mm films - in metal cans of course. And projectors to match of course. It doesn't end.
If you do, don't ever move. Ever.

Ron

You really have various interests, Ron.
I bet a Fletcher Capstan table would be something for you. (...I should gladly have one..)

BTW, I've updated previous post #25 with my recent custom 6.0 badge.


Cheers
Arnt

 

[Allen]

Had this link saved for a while, figured it would be cool to post considering Ron has a similar engine in his hotwheels toy. I don't know how to embed the video so click away. It's a nice video doing a walk around of a DOHC M117. This particular engine has the later AMG log type manifolds rather than cool looking spaghetti one's Ron has on his car.

[youtube]zRBXwaL1P4U[/youtube]

Dang, a chain-yanker / unhinged troll after my own heart.

Kudos !!

I'll try to not take Ron's thread too far off topic. Who knows, there may some lurking inbred Benzworld posterchild claiming his 300CD has an AMG supercharged OM617 that is real. It's obviously a well known fact that three individual pieces they didn't directly buy from AMG makes their cars legit and worthy of a badge. Seeing how it's slapped all over most of their cars anyhow... Barrett Jackson worthy for sure.

 

[gerryvz]

lurking inbred Benzworld posterchild

They're not lurking here, they're already here! If they bring Banzworld drama and braggadocio here, they're gone though.

 

[jhodg5ck]

Someone cut the NLA cooler lines on that DOHC engine....guy... nice late example though!

 

[Ron500E]

Ron i have been following with interest this WB Coupe ever since Kirk passed away and it came into discussion when advertised for sale.
Sadly all the limited pics were taken out in the field and not good quality pics and the rest were pics from the past when it was prestine

Can you kindly post up some current pics since you have taken possession.
Would like to see some nice clear shots of how it is now inside & out & engine bay and the WB Penta rims as well - before the resto starts
Cheers

Hello Kim:
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Got side tracked with the head gasket on the 104 Wagon..... my better half suggests, very strongly I might add, that we finish both the E320 Coupe and Wagon before I start on the WB. That said... there will be many before and after pics of the refurbishment.

I've done very little since I had it delivered other than put a few hundred miles on it. Now I'm taking part numbers off the items I need to order and figuring out what is, and is not, original.
I'm going to return it to the condition it was in the day it rolled out of Westmont. According to those you know, meaning people who worked at Westmont, no more than 20 WB were built and around 10 6L. Engines were shipped complete and assembled directly from Affalterbach after being run for 100hours on their dyno.
I'll deal with the Penta's in the next few weeks, after the damn 104 head gasket.
Kind Regards,

Ron

 

[2phast]

Hello Kim:
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

Got side tracked with the head gasket on the 104 Wagon..... my better half suggests, very strongly I might add, that we finish both the E320 Coupe and Wagon before I start on the WB. That said... there will be many before and after pics of the refurbishment.

I've done very little since I had it delivered other than put a few hundred miles on it. Now I'm taking part numbers off the items I need to order and figuring out what is, and is not, original.
I'm going to return it to the condition it was in the day it rolled out of Westmont. According to those you know, meaning people who worked at Westmont, no more than 20 WB were built and around 10 6L. Engines were shipped complete and assembled directly from Affalterbach after being run for 100hours on their dyno.
I'll deal with the Penta's in the next few weeks, after the damn 104 head gasket.
Kind Regards,

Ron

That of course does not include the 6.0l motors shipped to BHMA.

 

[jhodg5ck]

That of course does not include the 6.0l motors shipped to BHMA.

Really? Hartmut said all the DOHC engines came assembled when I spoke to him last? Per my understanding he was there to make sure all the assembly/tuning went well once they were in.

jono

 

[Ron500E]

That of course does not include the 6.0l motors shipped to BHMA.

I was told all the WB conversions were done in Westmont, unclear as to how many 6L were shipped to BHMA. Do you have any info on that number Rik?

The endgame is produce an accurate (as much as possible) book/article of AMG NA. I'm fortunate in that many of the employees are still around in the Chicago area. But BH and Canada information is eluding me.
For example I know all of Westmont's cars were purchased from Shepherd Mercedes in Oak Park Illinois. This of course does not include the cars that customers brought in for modifications of course.
Jean Banchet (RIP) who owned the Le Francais restaurant hosted many of the events that RB put on.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Ron500E]

Really? Hartmut said all the DOHC engines came assembled when I spoke to him last? Per my understanding he was there to make sure all the assembly/tuning went well once they were in.

jono

The motors were shipped in as crate motors, this was to avoid listing AMG as a "manufacturer" which would have required them to undergo very expensive testing. John the Ferrari guy did the warranty work out of Bensenville, my ex bought a Dino from him back in the early 80's.
ALL DOHC motors that were sent to the USA (and perhaps Canada) were shipped assembled and tested from what I understand.

R