1976 240D Revival

[Elk]

Felt that the various steps and overall timeline of the revival of my recently acquired W115 1976 240D 4 Speed Manual needed to be documented so if you're interested, here you go.

Purchased just yesterday, i'm excited to begin reviving this classic automotive engineering feat to a presentable and practical state. The car is aged and used, complete with a near useless back bench, several shades of English Red, floor rust, under steer and a ever assertive lure that makes me want to drive it anywhere and everywhere.

The car has a prominent history from its 1st Owner's residence in Merritt Island, where people know the car by name: Little Smokey. It was a fire chief's car and the rear plate was Smokey the Bear endorsed so the front had to be congruent.














From there it went to a local Mercedes mechanic then onto a bio diesel enthusiast and now onto me.

This is my Third Mercedes but first of this vintage, transmission and, of course, engine.

Took the opportunity this morning to begin fixing some things with the car, mainly how dirty it is.

If you want to know what happens when 30+ year old horse hair padding, part of Omaha beach, and an old dog toy combine here you go:










Rust, door/window/windshield seals, and suspension are at the top of 'the list' right now but here's an Needs Attention in the Coming weeks List

Mechanics:
-belts needs replaced
-Fluid flush

Convenience:
-Trunk Lock Cylinder not functional, won't mess with it till I have spare keys made
-A/C Works, A/C controls do not

Cosmetics:
-Clean the following:everything
-Repaint in the far future, wash/polish/buff/clay/wax in the mean time.
-Carpets are musty and moldy


What have I gotten myself into

[thebenzbar]

Congrats Torey! Little Smokey lives on in good hands... you have the means & resources to revive that red gem in disguise!

[79Mercy]

Hey Torey, your going to make Little Smokey look like it did 30 years ago, I know you can, and I know you will.

Little Smokey is my 300D's little brother.

Please keep us updated. Let me know if I can help because I have already done most of what you need to do.

Congrats

BTW, let me know what makes that paint shine, my front passenger side door it kinda dull.

[Codifex Maximus]

Originally Posted by Elk

What have I gotten myself into

An enviable project. Congrats!

[diametricalbenz]

Looks good! I haven't dared look under my W115 rear seat!

[stimpy451]

Ewww I really don't want to do that, either.

It's kinda like picking at a scab...

[compu_85]

I bet some rubbing compound will bring that paint back to new... Red seems to fade the quickest, but also comes back really easily.

-Jason

[TheDon]

very cool

[pch2021]

very proud of you
(,; [tears of joy]

[Elk]

Thanks for the comments!

I've driven over 8,000 Miles since taking ownership of Little Smokey in Late December of '09. With an average of ~1600 Miles a month, I can proudly say I thoroughly enjoy driving, owning and caring for this vehicle.

George, a dedicated detailer, took the initiative to start cleaning the interior. Needless to say he also finished it:


Yes, those floor mats are Orange.



The 240D has been driven nearly every day since I've acquired it, the only exception being maintenance/service days.

Components have shown their age, and have been dealt with accordingly.

The 2nd most recent issue has been a damaged Vacuum diaphragm. Weak braking power, excessive amounts of smoke, and a racing rough idle were symptoms of a weak vacuum but what gave away the diaphragm was a blackened main vacuum line; pulling oil instead of vacuum.




The most recent issue is a failed Clutch Extraction and/or Supply cylinder.
Job No. 29-4, 29-6, 29-9 and 29-10


Looking forward to the 2nd mileage badge, and the countless hours and miles of enjoyment this car has to offer.