Thursday, April 29, 2010

W126: Audio System

I can't imagine how could the previous owner keeping the car without any audio system fitted in the car for 25 years. Having said that, audio system was not the standard accessories in this W126. Since there was no audio system, you will spot no external antenna at the rear of the W126 unlike others.

To maintain the W126 in its original look, i decided to fit indoor antenna instead. Indoor antenna has improved a lot compared to those days. It is built in as in the form of fine wire that attached onto the windscreen. It provides amazing reception for any radio. 

As for the audio head unit, the Alpine was the only choice in my list. I don't know why i just like Alpine audio since young. :P This unit supports MP3/CD/WMA/AAC/IPHONE/USB too. As for the speakers, i chose 4 of them from Alpine too.

Check out the photo after the jump.

Picture 1: Alpine Audio System

W126: Security Alarm / Auto Start System

The W126 did not come with the security alarm system originally. However, it equipped with the central locking system, and it is still functioning. Today, i bought a set of security alarm system from a local Accessories Distributor. It has additional feature built in, i.e: Auto Start.

Having said that, i could start the car within the radius of 500m. The car will remain locked while the engine started. It will last for 15 mins before shutting down the engine by itself. Cool huh?

Picture 1: Remote Alarm / Auto Start Controller

Friday, April 23, 2010

W126: High Density Discharge (HID) Xenon Lamp

Since i have a set of spare HID lamp kit (4300K) keeping in my store for long, i decided to fit this lamp system into my W126 for better night vision and also it takes very small amount of electricity to generate more lights.

To upgrade with such lamp system is farely simple. It only took 10 to 15 mins installation time. Having said that, you need to determine the location to mount the ballast for both side. The rest of the parts (HID lamps, wires & connectors) are just plug & play.

Please note that the HID lamp kit is SPONSORED by KS Kim (Falcon Automotive). They are manufacturer for Xenon Bulbs, sole agent of Matsushita/Panasonic Ballast for after market. Check out the photo after the jump.


Picture 1: Fitted with HID lamp Kit (4300K)

Saturday, April 17, 2010

W111: Body Restoration Is Back On Board...

At last, i managed to find another workshop that could adopt my poor W111. Having said that, i audited the workshop facility, workmanship, and also tools that they use. Apart from that, the costing is also part of the factors too!

Before the W111 was sent to the workshop, i picked up the workshop owner, En. Naza from his workshop to pay a visit to my W111 sitted in my office compound area, covered with canvas. En Naza, explained to me about the costing 1 by 1 after checking out the overall W111 condition. I agreed with the price quoted after much consideration.

How i met En. Naza was via Mercedes local forum. One of the members who gave me the contact details, explained that En. Naza has performed some restoration work for his W123, and he was indeed happ with his workmanship overall. His major business is converting the car bodykit with some customization requested by the car owners in particularly with Proton Perdana cars. 

Without further delay, i rang up the tow truck service operator to tow my W111 to En. Naza's workshop on the very next day.

Check out the photos after the jump!

Picture 1: Pushed the W111 off from my office compound area

Picture 2: W111 was pulled up to the tow truck; about to go

Picture 3: W111 has touched to the front entrance of the workshop

Picture 4: The Workshop, owned by En Naza :)

Picture 5: W111 was pushed into the workshop.
It will be placed here for months

Picture 6: Rear picture of W111

Meanwhile, i requested the Uncle Robert to refund my money in view of the incomplete work and incapability of restoring my W111. He agreed BUT claimed that he has no for money for now. (He just spent all the money that he received for drinks, woman, and other unneccessary personal use) I insisted him to pay me back in 2 months installment scheme of RM1000. Lets see what excuses this IDIOT Robert will give me in due course.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

W126: Change of Tires/Rims

The next restoration will be on its wheels. Since the existing tires are too old to use (manufactured on 2003), i decided to upgrade the stock rims 14" to 15". Personally, i found that this is the best looking rim ever and the best suit for all W126 (offset 25) without any spacer. How i found this rim was via Internet. It was ordered directly from Germany on April 04, 2010 in new condition and reached Kuala Lumpur on April 09, 2010. As for the tires, i chose Michellin XM1 for my W126.

Oh yes, i have replaced both front & rear disc rotors as well at the Michelin tireshop. Check out the photos after the jump!


Picture 1: Original W126 Lorinser Alloy Rim (for 300SE to 560SEL model)

Picture 2: The W126 looked taller with 15"

Picture 3: The rear look of W126 with new tires & rims

Saturday, April 3, 2010

W126: Car Painting

The W126 was ready to send for painting today. I decided to paint the W126 with the original 2 tone color. Requested to paint the W126 using du Pont paint with Glasurit clear coat. In this article, you will see the overall painting process. It took 2 weeks to complete the entire paint job.

 Picture 1: Before Painting Look 1 - Day 1

Picture 2: Before Painting Look 2 - Day 1

Picture 3: Stripped Off The Old Paint & Removed Body Parts - Day 2/3

Picture 4: Stripped Off Old Paint - Day 4

 Picture 5: Applied the Primer Coat - Day 5/6

Picture 6: Primer Coating - Day 8

Picture 7: Based Coat Applied - Day 9

Picture 8: Based Coat Applied - Day 9

Picture 9: Primer/Patching/Sanding - Day 10

Picture 10: Primer/Patching/Sanding - Day 11

Picture 11: Based & Clear Coats Applied - Day 12

Picture 12: Based & Clear Coats Applied - Day 12

Picture 13: Clear Coat Applied - Day 13

Picture 14: Waxing/Fitted The Exterior Parts - Day 15

Picture 15: Trunk Rubber Seal Replaced - Day 15

Picture 16: Both Bumper Fitted - Day 16

Picture 17: Car Painting Completed - Day 16

Picture 18: Fitted with New Number Plate - Day 16

Picture 19: Under-Carriage Rubber Coating Sprayed To Prevent Rust