2 new things with my 280sel

[BoneStock]

First off lets identify the patient:



First problem that happened is that the passenger front window rolls up untill its about 3/8" from the top and then starts clicking and won't go furthur.

Second problem is that as of yesterday I have a bad rattling noise in the exhaust as if one or more baffels are loose in the first resonator/muffler. Does that happen? Its there even at idle.
I think I'll sawzall it off under the vehicle somewhere and have my neighbor craft me a new rear pipe / single muffler. What replacment muffler is everyone using on their 4.5's?


Parting image:

[jas2wa]

1.) window regulator, very common problem. Just replaced mine, but need to take it apart again to make sure it is lined up correctly- still getting some binding at the very top of its travel.

The last several teeth on regulator arm are sheared off, thus it will not raise all the way.

2.) I am about to buy a Timevalve stainless steel exhaust system for my 4.5, but there are OE parts available, and apprently Borla, too.

Did you just get your car? looks good!

-JAS

[BoneStock]

I failled to mention that I'm aware of the timevalve system and its way out of my budget. Has no one done the cut/weld to replace jsut the muffler(s)?

Thanks for the window regulator suggestoin!

Here are my remaining pics:

[jas2wa]

The Timevalve is outta my budget, too, but I am doing it anyway....!

(Only the best for my little girl...!)



I have too many leaks and such to bother replacing pieces one at a time, better off to do the whole thing. If, on the other hand, you can get away with just doing the rear muffler, then do it! I think you can get a Borla muffler, or an OE part is about 300 bucks.


Hey, did you convert from column to floor shift?

Check out mine:

JAS

[psfred]

Custom muffler is going to be a PITA on this car, what with the double pipes and the large number of bends to clear the rear axle. Muffler is hung by rubber "donuts" on the back, has a rubber loop hanger in front of the front muffler. A good muffler shop may be able to fix you up, but nothing off the shelf is going to work. You MUST weld it together except for the header pipe to front muffler connection, or will rotate down and drag on the ground -- way too heavy for clamps.

I'd do a complete replacement, chances are that if the front muffler is bad, the rest of the system is close behind, and you are just going to have to repeat the job much too soon if you put in single parts.

Peter

[BoneStock]

Jas2wa:

I like your 'cake' wheels. Did you replace the front subframe mounts? looks like your car has less rake in the suspension then most [including mine].

There has to be an alternative, $300 for just the muffler? I'm putting her on stands and eyeballing the situation again, there has to be an alternative.

[jas2wa]

Yes, fr subframe mounts just replaced at time of wheel and tire install- mechanic said they weren't too bad looking, but she sure stops straighter now. Of course the new tires and wheels work wonders in that dept., too.

Thanks for the comments.

psfred- I have to agree- this is why I am finally going to bite the bullet and do the whole thing, timevalve-style.

These are hard exhausts to do in bits and pieces- I have been researching my alternatives for literally months now, and can find no better cost effective way than the Timevalve stainless system all at once. A big $ hit, but i'll never have to do it again... (at least I better not, in this lifetime anyway...)

-JAS

[jas2wa]

Okay guys, I did it. Took the plunge, just ordered my Timevalve system.

One other thing I recently did to the 108 was a conversion to Hella headlamps. I should take a pic, and post it, the car looks really mean now!

Steadily improving my 280 driving experience (which correlates directly to how much my creditors adore me...),

-JAS

[BoneStock]

Speaking of headlamps, it seems like your lower pair are pointing in different directions? did that happen when you changed lamps?

[jas2wa]

Those are the old sealed-beam lamps in those photos- hadn't noticed that- I wonder if it is an illusion in the image, b/c they didn't look that weird in person...

Haven't snapped any digipics of the new Hella's yet-

[JoeyTheB]

Great system - and while it's pretty expensive,
it may be cheaper than OEM (from the dealer anyway...)

When you get your kit - let me know if it eliminates the
dual pipe hanger near the center bearing.
(Where twin rubber exhaust hangers connect).

When I had the shop install mine several years back,
they appeared to have eliminated the center support.
(Maybe they forgot !

[psfred]

Joey:

The center support is just a fancy pipe clamp -- two pieces with a bolt through the center to hold it on.

Get one and put it in, that thing is so heavy it can pull the pipes out of the headers without the center support!

Peter

[BoneStock]

JAS2WA:

How can that be an ilusion, the driver side lamp is pointing down and the other is up, remins me of my 1963 VW