85 wagon restoration project
85 wagon restoration project
Bought this thing for the soon to be wife as a surprise 30th b-day gift. used to be a white wagon, but was repainted metallic purple, which just seemed perfect for a woman to drive, so I had to have it.
its cleaned up pretty decent so far-
had some trouble getting it to pass inspection, mostly its been rust work and maintenance stuff like brakes, but once I patched a few holes it passed with flying colors fortunately.
more info on this hood drain pocket rust problem here-
http://www.superturbodiesel.com/std/Thre...air-thread
After I get the front brakes to operate properly, im on to my next issue, which is I have decided the SLS is way more trouble than its worth. Plus at 320k on the wagon motor, deleting the SLS will give me a lot of engine options if I want to rotate in something with lower mileage
here is what the car ride height looks like running, pic one, and after 10-15 min of sitting, pic two-
Bitchin'
(10-16-2013, 06:20 PM)sassparilla_kid Bitchin'
(10-16-2013, 06:20 PM)sassparilla_kid Bitchin'
I have a pioneer head unit, which is OK, but I live on a gravel road and it skips a lot for me. I would recommend a stereo with a USB port, it's just really convenient to be able to charge and listen at the same time.
I bought speakers off ebay for my sedan,(pioneer maybe?) but I still had to make a crappy box for the 6x9's. Wouldn't recommend that, but idk how the wagon is setup. I would put a set of 8" subs in it for her, stock w123 lack any bass.
If you really want a great sound, rip out the interior and spend the money on sound deadener. I know with my ears, a cheap head unit would sound like a premium unit without any road noise.
,
(10-17-2013, 09:11 AM)DeliveryValve If you really want a great sound, rip out the interior and spend the money on sound deadener. I know with my ears, a cheap head unit would sound like a premium unit without any road noise.
,
(10-17-2013, 08:03 AM)MFSuper90 I have a pioneer head unit, which is OK, but I live on a gravel road and it skips a lot for me. I would recommend a stereo with a USB port, it's just really convenient to be able to charge and listen at the same time.
I bought speakers off ebay for my sedan,(pioneer maybe?) but I still had to make a crappy box for the 6x9's. Wouldn't recommend that, but idk how the wagon is setup. I would put a set of 8" subs in it for her, stock w123 lack any bass.
(10-17-2013, 09:11 AM)DeliveryValve If you really want a great sound, rip out the interior and spend the money on sound deadener. I know with my ears, a cheap head unit would sound like a premium unit without any road noise.
,
(10-17-2013, 08:03 AM)MFSuper90 I have a pioneer head unit, which is OK, but I live on a gravel road and it skips a lot for me. I would recommend a stereo with a USB port, it's just really convenient to be able to charge and listen at the same time.
I bought speakers off ebay for my sedan,(pioneer maybe?) but I still had to make a crappy box for the 6x9's. Wouldn't recommend that, but idk how the wagon is setup. I would put a set of 8" subs in it for her, stock w123 lack any bass.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
Cheap stereo worth a damn:
$100 HU
$50-$100 for nice alpine 4" speakers, just run the fronts
Fresh 10ga to the battery for both positive and ground
Fresh 12ga or 10ga to the speakers, solder the connections.
Get speaker baffles (that go behind the speaker in the dash)
Best:
-See above +
two more alpines for the rear
amp for the speakers
amp for the sub
infinity 12" sub (usually $60)
make your own box in place of the spare, or tuck it somewhere
run all nice 2ga or 4ga wires to the amps, again
I used to run essentially the second setup listed there it was incredible. Super clear at any volume level. Running all new heavy wires always makes a difference.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
(10-17-2013, 11:21 AM)Simpler=Better Cheap stereo worth a damn:
$100 HU
$50-$100 for nice alpine 4" speakers, just run the fronts
Fresh 10ga to the battery for both positive and ground
Fresh 12ga or 10ga to the speakers, solder the connections.
Get speaker baffles (that go behind the speaker in the dash)
Best:
-See above +
two more alpines for the rear
amp for the speakers
amp for the sub
infinity 12" sub (usually $60)
make your own box in place of the spare, or tuck it somewhere
run all nice 2ga or 4ga wires to the amps, again
I used to run essentially the second setup listed there it was incredible. Super clear at any volume level. Running all new heavy wires always makes a difference.
is to the rear roof speaker... I LOVE what this guy did.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-c...panel.html
(10-17-2013, 11:21 AM)Simpler=Better Cheap stereo worth a damn:
$100 HU
$50-$100 for nice alpine 4" speakers, just run the fronts
Fresh 10ga to the battery for both positive and ground
Fresh 12ga or 10ga to the speakers, solder the connections.
Get speaker baffles (that go behind the speaker in the dash)
Best:
-See above +
two more alpines for the rear
amp for the speakers
amp for the sub
infinity 12" sub (usually $60)
make your own box in place of the spare, or tuck it somewhere
run all nice 2ga or 4ga wires to the amps, again
I used to run essentially the second setup listed there it was incredible. Super clear at any volume level. Running all new heavy wires always makes a difference.
I did the stereo thing in my GF's 85 wagon. I got some Infinity kappa 5 1/4" to fit in the dash, bottom mount. This required cutting a notch in the ducts to the side vents for the magnets to protrude through. The ducts were sealed with duct tape and they still flowed well with the additional obstruction. The sound was surprisingly good for such a small speaker.
In hindsight, considering the success of my 6 3/4" door speaker install on my W124, I'd get a W123 door from the JY and explore putting a large speaker in it. No matter how much you spend, speaker size will be a major limiting factor if you use stock mounting locations.
(10-20-2013, 09:24 AM)raysorenson I did the stereo thing in my GF's 85 wagon. I got some Infinity kappa 5 1/4" to fit in the dash, bottom mount. This required cutting a notch in the ducts to the side vents for the magnets to protrude through. The ducts were sealed with duct tape and they still flowed well with the additional obstruction. The sound was surprisingly good for such a small speaker.
In hindsight, considering the success of my 6 3/4" door speaker install on my W124, I'd get a W123 door from the JY and explore putting a large speaker in it. No matter how much you spend, speaker size will be a major limiting factor if you use stock mounting locations.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
(10-20-2013, 09:24 AM)raysorenson I did the stereo thing in my GF's 85 wagon. I got some Infinity kappa 5 1/4" to fit in the dash, bottom mount. This required cutting a notch in the ducts to the side vents for the magnets to protrude through. The ducts were sealed with duct tape and they still flowed well with the additional obstruction. The sound was surprisingly good for such a small speaker.
In hindsight, considering the success of my 6 3/4" door speaker install on my W124, I'd get a W123 door from the JY and explore putting a large speaker in it. No matter how much you spend, speaker size will be a major limiting factor if you use stock mounting locations.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
I went with a Alpine headunit, Alpine 4 inch speakers in all spots, and a infinity kappa 12 inch woofer in my wagon. Sounds amazing, and I haven't even amplified the speakers yet.
(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
(10-22-2013, 11:43 AM)mike-81-240d(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
I planned on reinforcing it, but so far I have not needed to. When the time comes I will. Still sounds incredible as is.
(10-22-2013, 11:43 AM)mike-81-240d(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
I planned on reinforcing it, but so far I have not needed to. When the time comes I will. Still sounds incredible as is.
installed the SLS delete kit-
replaced all this-
with this-
pretty plug and play, the only thing I didn't use were the bolts for the pump blockoff. Nice kit for the money
some before and afters-
pump-
The springs are making a bit of noise though. Hopefully they settle and find a good seating location, little unnerving. Does seem to be less and less though. Here is the spring in the kit vs the stock-
and the difference in ride height-
Stock running and no SLS below-
(10-28-2013, 12:42 PM)JB3(10-22-2013, 11:43 AM)mike-81-240d(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
I planned on reinforcing it, but so far I have not needed to. When the time comes I will. Still sounds incredible as is.
I am assuming the spare is removed to fit the sub, but I wanted to check. I love the placement also, but I want to keep the spare, so im thinking maybe a smaller sub lower with a long wiring lead or a trailer connector, and I might have the best of both worlds?
Unrelated update-
I just put centra front calipers on, and I was cringing the whole time at how crappily they seem to be constructed. Kept the car an extra few days just in case they failed, but the two halves didn't even line up on the calipers, and im regretting going with a really cheap option.
I think for peace of mind I might look for some OEM calipers in a yard and rebuild them with kits. For now the centra calipers seem to be holding up fine. The ones that were on there were really old and seized, but also remans
SLS delete kit arrives soon!
(10-28-2013, 12:42 PM)JB3(10-22-2013, 11:43 AM)mike-81-240d(10-21-2013, 12:09 PM)Tito I love the way the subwoofer is placed. Have you reinforced the inner side?
I planned on reinforcing it, but so far I have not needed to. When the time comes I will. Still sounds incredible as is.
I am assuming the spare is removed to fit the sub, but I wanted to check. I love the placement also, but I want to keep the spare, so im thinking maybe a smaller sub lower with a long wiring lead or a trailer connector, and I might have the best of both worlds?
Unrelated update-
I just put centra front calipers on, and I was cringing the whole time at how crappily they seem to be constructed. Kept the car an extra few days just in case they failed, but the two halves didn't even line up on the calipers, and im regretting going with a really cheap option.
I think for peace of mind I might look for some OEM calipers in a yard and rebuild them with kits. For now the centra calipers seem to be holding up fine. The ones that were on there were really old and seized, but also remans
SLS delete kit arrives soon!
(10-30-2013, 08:33 PM)mike-81-240d Yes spare is removed. I have AAA plus, and a can of fix a flat. For the long trips I just throw the spare back there in the cargo area.
(10-30-2013, 08:33 PM)mike-81-240d Yes spare is removed. I have AAA plus, and a can of fix a flat. For the long trips I just throw the spare back there in the cargo area.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
Those aline 4.5"ers and that 12" infinity were the exact ones I ran, with a clarion 300WRMS amp. DO IT!
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
I see the wheels got a thorough cleaning in the meantime lol
(11-01-2013, 02:23 PM)sassparilla_kid I see the wheels got a thorough cleaning in the meantime lol
(11-01-2013, 02:23 PM)sassparilla_kid I see the wheels got a thorough cleaning in the meantime lol
so new timing chain installed, valve adjustment, brake job, new snow tires, and other general tinkering.
Farmed out the timing chain, guy said the thing had zero chain stretch! no record of previous chain done, but could be original or replacement.
In the meantime looking around for a spare transmission just in case. As far as I can tell, this transmission is original and apart from fluid and filter changes, has never been apart with 300k on it. Amazing to me.
Still collecting interior parts to try and complete everything, the car is missing a ton of little panels here and there.
Next is I have door locks and handles coming, ultimately gave up on freeing up the existing door locks. Want to get a real radio in this sumbitch. Good road trip car, and the wife loves it so far, problems and all
scored a manual climate control assembly!
next big job will be removing the automatic climate control and putting in something from a 78 240.
Currently the heat works only on defrost, and only on high. sometimes more features work, and sometimes not. Will be nice to get rid of that.
Wasnt there some fabulous writeup someone did on the conversion process? I could have sworn it was on this forum, but I seem to be wrong
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
While the dash is out make space for whatever size speakers speakers and install a mounting ring (if you go larger). This will be 500x easier than while the dash is installed.
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
(11-25-2013, 04:06 PM)Simpler=Better While the dash is out make space for whatever size speakers speakers and install a mounting ring (if you go larger). This will be 500x easier than while the dash is installed.
(11-25-2013, 04:06 PM)Simpler=Better While the dash is out make space for whatever size speakers speakers and install a mounting ring (if you go larger). This will be 500x easier than while the dash is installed.
How did you go about removing the rear springs? I want to cut a coil out of mine next week, but have never removed rear 123 wagon springs..
(12-11-2013, 09:48 PM)mike-81-240d How did you go about removing the rear springs? I want to cut a coil out of mine next week, but have never removed rear 123 wagon springs..
(12-11-2013, 09:48 PM)mike-81-240d How did you go about removing the rear springs? I want to cut a coil out of mine next week, but have never removed rear 123 wagon springs..
(12-12-2013, 08:01 AM)JB3Ugh seems like a pain in the butt. Might try to get creative, and cut them with everything still in the car. Thanks for the detailed pics!(12-11-2013, 09:48 PM)mike-81-240d How did you go about removing the rear springs? I want to cut a coil out of mine next week, but have never removed rear 123 wagon springs..
The PITA is mostly with the hydraulic shocks, once thats out, its no problem really with the center spring compressor
you have to pull the trunk carpet and panel above the shock bolts, then you have to pull the little plastic panel with a rubber gasket thats right in front. Its very likely you will destroy this panel getting it off (maybe not if its pliable), I certainly did, but I bought some new ones from pelican, and im sure you can direct order from MB.
Once thats off you have this-
Hopefully yours won't look like that, because you then have to undo the hydraulic line connection, THEN, you have to pull the short piece it threads onto out as well-
Shock won't come out otherwise, wont get through the control arm, believe me, I tried.
unscrewing the threaded adapter from the shock-
Then the shock tower is a big allen. Ive read a lot of people having problems with these stripping out and recommending an impact screwdriver initially. I didn't have this problem, but I guess it could be an issue to watch out for.
After you undo the lower two bottom mounts for the shock, it drops out like normal, and the spring can be compressed like normal-
Not sure how to rebleed the system after you are done though. Once I saw how rusty most of my SLS was, I was glad to see it gone
(12-12-2013, 08:01 AM)JB3Ugh seems like a pain in the butt. Might try to get creative, and cut them with everything still in the car. Thanks for the detailed pics!(12-11-2013, 09:48 PM)mike-81-240d How did you go about removing the rear springs? I want to cut a coil out of mine next week, but have never removed rear 123 wagon springs..
The PITA is mostly with the hydraulic shocks, once thats out, its no problem really with the center spring compressor
you have to pull the trunk carpet and panel above the shock bolts, then you have to pull the little plastic panel with a rubber gasket thats right in front. Its very likely you will destroy this panel getting it off (maybe not if its pliable), I certainly did, but I bought some new ones from pelican, and im sure you can direct order from MB.
Once thats off you have this-
Hopefully yours won't look like that, because you then have to undo the hydraulic line connection, THEN, you have to pull the short piece it threads onto out as well-
Shock won't come out otherwise, wont get through the control arm, believe me, I tried.
unscrewing the threaded adapter from the shock-
Then the shock tower is a big allen. Ive read a lot of people having problems with these stripping out and recommending an impact screwdriver initially. I didn't have this problem, but I guess it could be an issue to watch out for.
After you undo the lower two bottom mounts for the shock, it drops out like normal, and the spring can be compressed like normal-
Not sure how to rebleed the system after you are done though. Once I saw how rusty most of my SLS was, I was glad to see it gone
Without the hydraulic shocks the wagons drag ass on just their springs, you might be able to lower it just by adjusting the valve to drop the back end
(12-12-2013, 08:58 PM)JB3 Without the hydraulic shocks the wagons drag ass on just their springs, you might be able to lower it just by adjusting the valve to drop the back end
(12-12-2013, 08:58 PM)JB3 Without the hydraulic shocks the wagons drag ass on just their springs, you might be able to lower it just by adjusting the valve to drop the back end
(12-14-2013, 01:03 AM)mike-81-240d(12-12-2013, 08:58 PM)JB3 Without the hydraulic shocks the wagons drag ass on just their springs, you might be able to lower it just by adjusting the valve to drop the back end
I already adjusted the valve to the fullest sag possible...
(12-14-2013, 01:03 AM)mike-81-240d(12-12-2013, 08:58 PM)JB3 Without the hydraulic shocks the wagons drag ass on just their springs, you might be able to lower it just by adjusting the valve to drop the back end
I already adjusted the valve to the fullest sag possible...
(12-29-2013, 04:14 PM)john Holy fuck that's some baboon-ass red driveshafts!!!
The car looks smoking hot.
what does the automatic climatecontrolpanel look like? pic?
(12-29-2013, 04:14 PM)john Holy fuck that's some baboon-ass red driveshafts!!!
The car looks smoking hot.
what does the automatic climatecontrolpanel look like? pic?
Oh man that stinks about the paint. That is unfortunate.
If you can't find arms, give me a holler, I'll hook ya up lgreeley83 style.
(06-03-2014, 07:35 PM)DeliveryValve Oh man that stinks about the paint. That is unfortunate.
If you can't find arms, give me a holler, I'll hook ya up lgreeley83 style.
(06-03-2014, 07:35 PM)DeliveryValve Oh man that stinks about the paint. That is unfortunate.
If you can't find arms, give me a holler, I'll hook ya up lgreeley83 style.
I would promptly be collecting $4k from the contractor in cash for a respray of the car, and if he didn't want to pay up his truck would be found several blocks from his house devoid of tools
(06-03-2014, 10:13 PM)sassparilla_kid I would promptly be collecting $4k from the contractor in cash for a respray of the car, and if he didn't want to pay up his truck would be found several blocks from his house devoid of tools
(06-03-2014, 10:13 PM)sassparilla_kid I would promptly be collecting $4k from the contractor in cash for a respray of the car, and if he didn't want to pay up his truck would be found several blocks from his house devoid of tools
(06-04-2014, 05:51 AM)JB3(06-03-2014, 10:13 PM)sassparilla_kid I would promptly be collecting $4k from the contractor in cash for a respray of the car, and if he didn't want to pay up his truck would be found several blocks from his house devoid of tools
the guy is already on the ragged edge of broke, and we plan on painting the car anyway, so i let it go.
you cant squeeze blood from a stone i figure. he will give me a discount on the next painting job, and we will call it even then
we had a chat about it, thank god it was my car and not a tenants car, as id be paying for it and trying to collect from him now. in the future he understands that he must request that all cars be moved away from buildings before commencing work. seems like an obvious notion, but his car is covered in so much paint and crap that i dont think he understands why its worth trying to keeps cars relatively nice
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
(06-04-2014, 05:51 AM)JB3(06-03-2014, 10:13 PM)sassparilla_kid I would promptly be collecting $4k from the contractor in cash for a respray of the car, and if he didn't want to pay up his truck would be found several blocks from his house devoid of tools
the guy is already on the ragged edge of broke, and we plan on painting the car anyway, so i let it go.
you cant squeeze blood from a stone i figure. he will give me a discount on the next painting job, and we will call it even then
we had a chat about it, thank god it was my car and not a tenants car, as id be paying for it and trying to collect from him now. in the future he understands that he must request that all cars be moved away from buildings before commencing work. seems like an obvious notion, but his car is covered in so much paint and crap that i dont think he understands why its worth trying to keeps cars relatively nice
larsalan I guess I need to look at this stupid ass drip shit. What you have to like mess with those elements on the pump? What a fucking hassle. then use some wire to hold the throttle open or some shit?
(06-04-2014, 09:06 AM)Simpler=Better No. I've dealt with people like that before, get him on a payment plan at least. What will his next fuckup be if "oh no big deal I can just knock a bit off my price for spraying" after staining your car?
(06-04-2014, 09:06 AM)Simpler=Better No. I've dealt with people like that before, get him on a payment plan at least. What will his next fuckup be if "oh no big deal I can just knock a bit off my price for spraying" after staining your car?
(06-03-2014, 08:28 PM)JB3(06-03-2014, 07:35 PM)DeliveryValve Oh man that stinks about the paint. That is unfortunate.
If you can't find arms, give me a holler, I'll hook ya up lgreeley83 style.
pm sent!
(06-03-2014, 08:28 PM)JB3(06-03-2014, 07:35 PM)DeliveryValve Oh man that stinks about the paint. That is unfortunate.
If you can't find arms, give me a holler, I'll hook ya up lgreeley83 style.
pm sent!