So I've never really ventured into the MB world - with the exception of a '74 240 DL and '76 280 sedan in my youth. Both cars were sacrificed at the alter of youth, inexperience and incompetent mechanics many years ago as I'm now 56. I love roadster and recently emptied my garage to support only a single 1967 MGB MK1. Of which I have extra wings, engine, tranny etc... you know the guy. That's me. Simplify, I said to myself and had been happily "downsizing" for the past 2 years and enjoying an occasional drive with my sweat heart in our (her) pale primrose yellow, nearly rust free and mechanically sound plaything. Simply, easy to work on, lots of spares... I had it made.
Then along comes her son (my step-son) with a 1982 380 SL. He is an old soul for 26 and always fancied driving a convertible. Long story short. two Volvo C70's later and an insurance check and he is now the proud owner of a champagne, hard-top included 1982 380 SL with 87,500 on the clock. I'll admit - he has balls the size of Cleveland - took a Greyhound 3 hours and drove it over 250 miles home. It made it and is now here and he is looking for a good mechanic and willing to put money in the car. He paid on the higher side at 9k. It has new tires and battery but, has started to run ruff (missing, a clunk on acceleration... seems like timing). I've done some homework for him and know the basics gotchas... timing chain ect... But, I feel a bit out of my element and I know he is over his head. He isn't a mechanic (that's where I come in). I think the 107's are one of the most beautiful roadsters designed - but is like setting the space shuttle beside my 67 B. Give it to me strait... it's basically rust free but, how many thousands is he looking at to baseline it and what is that list. The PO said it needed a vacuum control module (this may be the culprit on the ruff running etc.) But, I explained to him there is MORE, lots MORE... and I explained he was now entering another world of pleasure and PAIN. Please advise and don't be gentle. Oh and he has no service records. Of course he doesn't.
Then along comes her son (my step-son) with a 1982 380 SL. He is an old soul for 26 and always fancied driving a convertible. Long story short. two Volvo C70's later and an insurance check and he is now the proud owner of a champagne, hard-top included 1982 380 SL with 87,500 on the clock. I'll admit - he has balls the size of Cleveland - took a Greyhound 3 hours and drove it over 250 miles home. It made it and is now here and he is looking for a good mechanic and willing to put money in the car. He paid on the higher side at 9k. It has new tires and battery but, has started to run ruff (missing, a clunk on acceleration... seems like timing). I've done some homework for him and know the basics gotchas... timing chain ect... But, I feel a bit out of my element and I know he is over his head. He isn't a mechanic (that's where I come in). I think the 107's are one of the most beautiful roadsters designed - but is like setting the space shuttle beside my 67 B. Give it to me strait... it's basically rust free but, how many thousands is he looking at to baseline it and what is that list. The PO said it needed a vacuum control module (this may be the culprit on the ruff running etc.) But, I explained to him there is MORE, lots MORE... and I explained he was now entering another world of pleasure and PAIN. Please advise and don't be gentle. Oh and he has no service records. Of course he doesn't.
