W126: A/C Overhauled.. What Next?

Oh boy, the A/C is finally restored and overhauled. It is fitted with Denso Japan compressor. All the interior parts were put back to its original look. Apart from changing the complete A/C system, the ignition starter was replaced with new unit. Guess it is time to get the road tax up for the W126. However, this car is required to undergo Puspakom Inspection since the W126 has not been acquired for valid road tax for more than a year. I wonder how the inspection will perform, since my W126 still generate white fumes from the exhaust.

Stay tune for more update.

    

W126: Air Conditioner (A/C) System

One of my buddies, TC who recommended to send my W126 to this A/C workshop to repair nearby Jln Pudu. When i first sent in my W126, the workshop has got plenty of cars to service. I was asked to leave the car first, and was told that they will diagnose on my W126's A/C problem as soon as 1 of the cars in the workshop is ready to go. I agreed to do so, and made a move by taking taxi back to my office.

After 3 hours later, i received call from the A/C workshop that the W126's a/c compressor is completely malfunctioned. Eventhough i decided to replace the compressor, there is no guarantee that the car will have no gas leaking problem due to the existing a/c pipings are too old, and some sign of rat biting too! :P

I was asked to decide whether the W126 is going to keep for long or short term. If it is for long term, it is best to overhaul the entire a/c system including the york, piping hose, compressor, and other misc items. However, the overhauling of a/c job is required to remove the front dashboard, and some welding task is required on the car firewall too. Based on the workshop mechanic experience, most of this W126's firewall found rusted particularly the area where the a/c piping hose pass thru section. 

After much consideration, i decided to seek for second opinion from other workshops. Same advice was told, even some workshops dare not to accept such tedious job! Finally, i agreed to let the recommended workshop to do the a/c system for my W126, and it takes 5-7 working days or more depends on the part availability.

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Went to check on my W126 on the very next day. The car was parked inside the workshop with the front bonnet opened.

To look closer to my W126, it was found that the internal seats, base carpet, steering wheel and the dashboard were missing. Having said that, these items were removed in order to replace all the a/c hoses, and other related items. I was told that my W126 preserved the tip top condition of chassis and firewall. He was surprised that my W126 does not required any welding on the firewall at all. All the sound insulators are still soft and good condition. More photos after the jump!

  

W126: Rubber Bushes Update

I managed to get the complete rubber bushes (including the front lower arms set) from the same Mercedes Spare Parts shop. Can't believe these bushes are still available in market after decades. To arrange these parts to replace right after repairing the air conditioning system. Check out the photos after the jump! :P

Meanwhile, i am still searching for the workshop to continue to restore the W111 chassis.  

W126: Rubber Bushes (Complete Set)

After having a quality chat session with Meng brother, i was advice to replace all the bushes for the W126 since i am seriously consider to keep this car for life. Apart from that, i could enjoy the complete different feel on the ride. However, it ain't cheap to do so, and it depends on luck whether you could still obtain the bushes completely or not. So, i decided to go look for the bushes tomorrow from the spare part shop!

Meanwhile, the first stage of car restoration for W126 was good. It breath better air (new air filter), cleaner engine & gearbox oils that give you the lighter feel when you drive. However, the white fume consistently come out from the exhaust especially when the car was idle while the engine was still running. it dissapeared when the car accelerated or cruised. Checked with a few mechanics, some said cylinder gasket leak, some said this could be due to condensation, some even said due to old age, white fume is normal (OMG..) and some said it could be to too much of carbon stored in the engine & exhaust system. Suggested to rev the car in highspeed to decarbonize the internal combustment. Okay, i will try to drive the car on tomorrow for a long cruise.

W126: Used Tail Lamp

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy.... guess what i found during the journey to my home? I managed to source a pair of used tail lamp in very good condition from half cut shop. They were sold at RM280 only!

Cleaned & soaked them in mild soap, and it looked as good as new! Check the photo after the jump.

W126: Stage One Restoration

Went to the spare part shop this afternoon to grab the following parts:

a) Bilstein Shock Absorber (Front & Rear) - Made in Germany

b) Air Filter

c) Engine Oil Filter

d) Castrol Engine Oil (Semi Synthetic Oil) 10-40W

e) Mobil Gearbox Oil (for front gearbox & rear axle)

e) Bosch Spark Plugs (6 units)

Guess what? The above-mentioned items cost less than RM850 to get them. No way man, the complete set of Bilstein Shock Absorber cost RM440.00 only! Unbelievable! It is lot more cheaper than the shock absorbers for Proton Wira. Got the 4 shock absorbers changed. Oh boy, the ride is so responsive. Let see after changing these items, the W126 will breath better and generate less white fume from the exhaust. *keeping my fingers crossed*

W126: Overall Car Inspection

Sent my car to chop shop this morning. Guess what the mechanic told me? "Are you sure you want to do this, son?" Having said that, i was told that this W126 is still in very good shape though the paint is in poor condition; not a single rust can be spotted on its chassis, not even the undercarriage.

I was advice to think twice prior chopping the whole car off, as it will be a big waste unless the overall car chassis was not in good condition. Meanwhile, i called up the spare part shop to find out the availability of parts and the price of the parts.... The parts are widely available and they are in very affordable price too!

Oh dear, what should i do then? I'm supposed to restore my W111, but not W126. How could i do both cars at the same time especially i'm running tight budget. You know what, W126 used to be my dream car before when i was young. I love the rear end design and also the two tones of color matching. Aaaaaargh.... i'm kinda confused!

What should i do?