So I've Drug Home Another One (Again)...

18735 Views 107 Replies 20 Participants Last post by FratBoy, Jun 26, 2017

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · Jan 14, 2015 (Edited)

I won this gem at a local (to my home) auction today via the Interwebs while away. Sight unseen. So I'm not quite sure what I've got myself into, but I do know this- there aren't many 230C models around these parts, even though nearly 19k were built 1977-1980. Maybe because they are dogs. Maybe because their mileage is about the same as the Euro 280CE, with 80ish fewer horses. Maybe because their carbs are a PITA. I don't know, but I'm probably going to end up finding out the hard way.

Let me know what you think from the pics. I won't be able to pick it up for a few days, so I'm curious. This is kinda fun, but only because I got it for a steal. And, thanks to the folks that donated it, Goodwill was at least one winner.

Below is all info I have on it from the auction. Yeah, they thought it was a 230SL. At least they didn't label it a "200 Series" (whatever that is).

Donated 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230SL. Fixer upper? Parts car?

Category:
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 230SL
Color:
Year: 1979
VIN#: 12304310014871
License Plate: WA 569UDV
Title: WA Clean
Mileage: 161828
Condition: Runs With Problems & Non Runners.

What do you guys see here? I've studied them quite a bit, but I'm curious about what others' eyes see.

FB

See less See more

1 - 20 of 108 Posts

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 14, 2015

Not sure why no multiple attachments from iPad, so a new post is in order.

See less See more

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 14, 2015

More.

See less See more

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 14, 2015

And now, the end.

See less See more

MBeige

· #5 · Jan 14, 2015

If the body is good and the mechanicals are solid, it may be a perfect candidate for an M110 or OM617 swap.

Nutz 4 Benz

· #6 · Jan 14, 2015

Nah, M104 swap.

Dibs on burl wood and manual transmission if you strip it.

Reactions: 1

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jan 14, 2015

Could a coupe have a manual sunroof?

FB

Reactions: 1

Nutz 4 Benz

· #8 · Jan 14, 2015

I'm not seeing a sunroof switch, no passenger mirror with correct block off plate and manual windows so I'd lean to it having a manual sunroof but crank MIA.

Stretch

· #9 · Jan 14, 2015

Now that's a nice "SL" (dodgy advert)

gatorblue92

· #10 · Jan 14, 2015

Interesting car. I think that has the M123 engine which from my understanding is best used as a boat anchor. I second the M104 swap. The car itself looks pretty straight.

Me widget

· #11 · Jan 14, 2015

I have the same problem posting multiple puctures from an iPad

FratBoy said:
Not sure why no multiple attachments from iPad, so a new post is in order.

Is there a workaround?

MBeige

· #12 · Jan 14, 2015

Nutz 4 Benz said:
Nah, M104 swap.

Dibs on burl wood and manual transmission if you strip it.

I was trying to remain period correct. The M104 swap is a sweet one if done right, HFM and harness issues aside.

Unless that 230C has some...

See less See more

mike-81-240d

· #13 · Jan 14, 2015

RB26DETT swap

Looks clean though exterior wise. Needs some euro tails ASAP.

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 14, 2015

gatorblue92 said:
Interesting car. I think that has the M123 engine which from my understanding is best used as a boat anchor. I second the M104 swap. The car itself looks pretty straight.

The 123.043 is supposed to have an m115, so I may have dodged that bullet.

FB

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 14, 2015

mike-81-240d said:
Needs some euro tails ASAP.

Just so happens I have some in the inventory. Along with some Feenchies.

But she's gotta earn em.

FB

mike-81-240d

· #16 · Jan 14, 2015

FratBoy said:
mike-81-240d said:

Needs some euro tails ASAP.

Click to expand...

Just so happens I have some in the inventory. Along with some Feenchies.

But she's gotta earn em.

FB

Gotta any toys for me? I need a nicer rear euro bumper, hitch, and some vacuum adjust euros. Hehe

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 14, 2015

mike-81-240d said:
Gotta any toys for me? I need a nicer rear euro bumper, hitch, and some vacuum adjust euros. Hehe

I've been cutting my parts inventory way down. Don't wanna be a hoarder. Spread the wealth. Really, it was to raise $$ for the 15" ARCs. I'm saving those, the French headlights, euro tails, bumpers and the Getrag five-gang for the 300CD. Not too many extras left.

Except for what's already on the 230C. If I end up parting it, you'll know.

Or, I may end up wishing I still had some of those parts already sold. If that's the case, it will be fun to hunt em down again.

I'm thinking steelies with marchig hubcaps on this one. Surely that was original, right? I wish the Russian VIN site was still around.

FB

DeliveryValve

· #18 · Jan 14, 2015

Nice job in grabbing the car. I like the fabric color in the interior, definitely a keeper in my book.

FratBoy said:
The 123.043 is supposed to have an m115, so I may have dodged that bullet.

FB

The m115.954 should be a very reliable engine. From a purest standpoint, I'd keep it with the same engine.

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jan 14, 2015

What? The induction is on the wrong side. So is the starter...

I may have to rearrange the garage.

FB

See less See more

FratBoy

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jan 15, 2015

Ugh. It's not pretty. I'm dragging it home now.

There's a good chance it won't even come off the trailer.

It's complete, but there's enough rough edges for it to be more than I want to take on.

Gotta think about it a bit. Don't want to do anything too quick.

FB

1 - 20 of 108 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.