14305 benz lens.cdr - Mercedes Benz Club of South Africa
14305 benz lens.cdr - Mercedes Benz Club of South Africa
14305 benz lens.cdr - Mercedes Benz Club of South Africa
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Volume 22<br />
April/May 2007<br />
no.2<br />
P.O. Box 2443<br />
The classic car market seems to have taken <strong>of</strong>f with a bang all<br />
<strong>of</strong> a sudden. Here in Cape Town, a dealer specialising in classics<br />
has virtually run out <strong>of</strong> stock. Anything “old and neat” is sold in<br />
a flash. True classics like the 190SL and “Pagodas” have become<br />
unaffordable for most enthusiasts. An original 230SL in need <strong>of</strong><br />
complete restoration was recently sold for more than the price<br />
<strong>of</strong> a new C-class! Following international trends, these SL's in<br />
restored condition are <strong>of</strong>ten sold for R400 K plus. With hindsight<br />
one should have bought and stored a few in stead <strong>of</strong><br />
investing in (boring) retirement funds for the golden<br />
years!<br />
KZN<br />
Durbanville • 7551<br />
Tel: (021) 975 9019<br />
Cell: 082 920 0501<br />
As promised, we have decided to participate<br />
in the Pietermaritzburg cars in the park. We<br />
will have a small exhibit and a table where<br />
members will be signed up. We urge all<br />
members to come and greet us at the<br />
show on Sunday, 20 May. For more info,<br />
please call the convenor, Pieter Meiring, on<br />
0825570100. We are especially looking for<br />
a few interesting cars to put on display.<br />
GEORGE SKOU<br />
E-mail: president@mercedes<strong>benz</strong>club.co.za<br />
Wat 'n fees was dit nie om weer eens die jaarlikse Suid-<br />
Kaap Oumotorskou te kon meemaak nie! Ongelukkig<br />
het die reën 'n aantal voornemende uitstallers<br />
afgeskrik, maar op die keper beskou was die skou<br />
soos elke jaar 'n reuse sukses. Wat <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<br />
<strong>Benz</strong> betref, het ons die skou totaal oorheers! Nie<br />
minder nie as 65 motors was op die uitstalling.<br />
Website: http://www.mercedes<strong>benz</strong>club.co.za<br />
The classic car<br />
market seems to have<br />
taken <strong>of</strong>f with a bang<br />
all <strong>of</strong> a sudden.<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial newsletter <strong>of</strong> the mercedes-<strong>benz</strong><br />
club <strong>of</strong> south africa<br />
FROM THE DESK...<br />
Waldo Scribante se reëlings was weer eens fantasties. Lees Kobus Harris se<br />
berig oor die skou elders.<br />
KOMITEE<br />
Soos die gebruik is het die komitee die skou as geleentheid benut om 'n<br />
vergadering te hou. Hoewel die klub effektief deur die streke self bestuur<br />
word, vind goeie kruisbestuiwing plaas op sulke vergaderings. Natuurlik is<br />
die jaarlikse saamtrek druk bespreek. Teen die tyd dat hierdie skrywe<br />
ons lesers bereik, is die saamtrek waarskynlik iets van die verlede.<br />
Sien uit na 'n volledige verslag hieroor volgende keer.<br />
Ek wil ook hiermee vir Okkie Potgieter verwelkom as nuwe<br />
streekvoorsitter van die Wes-Kaap. Hy neem oor by Greg<br />
de Klerk. Greg dien steeds as sekretaris op die komitee,<br />
en hy is ook onlangs verkies as voorsitter van die Kaapse<br />
Multi-Motorklub - n sambreel-liggaam wat die voorspoed<br />
van alle motorklubs in die Kaap ten doel het.<br />
Allow me to ask you to spare a thought for your club's<br />
committee members who make this club work. A kind<br />
word <strong>of</strong> thanks or recognition every now and again does<br />
wonders! I know we have had some gremlins with the<br />
website, as well as with the <strong>Benz</strong> Lens mail. Please don't fight<br />
with us over these issues! Although we always do our utmost to<br />
resolve anything in time, it must be remembered that all portfolio<br />
managers do it voluntarily. Will you work for no pay? Applications in duplicate<br />
to me, please .....<br />
CALENDARS<br />
<strong>Club</strong> members relaxing during the George show. More inside.<br />
DCSA has kindly donated a number <strong>of</strong> beautifully crafted desk calendars to<br />
the club. These went to the club chairmen for distribution. Unfortunately due<br />
...continued on p2<br />
IN THIS ISSUE<br />
Page 3 Page 8 Page 10 Page13 Page 14<br />
<strong>Club</strong> News The Fintail Sedans 600 Story George Ou Motorskou Museum in Irvine<br />
page 1
page 2<br />
Customers<br />
have been the<br />
backbone <strong>of</strong> our<br />
organisation since<br />
Karl <strong>Benz</strong> invented the<br />
automobile. To sell his<br />
invention, <strong>Benz</strong> went the<br />
route <strong>of</strong> promotion and placed<br />
an advert in the <strong>Benz</strong> Patent<br />
Motorwagen, thereby creating<br />
another first, the first commercially<br />
available automobile in history. One <strong>of</strong><br />
his earliest customers, the Parisian Emile<br />
Roger, purchased an 1888 <strong>Benz</strong>, and with<br />
this purchase had a pr<strong>of</strong>ound effect on<br />
<strong>Benz</strong>'s success.<br />
Without customers like you, innovations like<br />
these would have been just that innovations and<br />
inventions with a patent number gathering dust in<br />
an <strong>of</strong>fice and garage. The same goes for today. We<br />
pride ourselves on our inventiveness, on delivering the<br />
future first and constantly improving our products. The<br />
main reason for this is again customer satisfaction: we<br />
want to make sure that our cars can be serviced<br />
throughout the country, that spare parts are available in<br />
the country, and that you receive a good residual value<br />
once you change your vehicle or as most <strong>of</strong> you would know<br />
make for a valuable collectors item.<br />
FROM THE DESK...<br />
...continued from p1<br />
to cost, it is impossible to mail them out individually. I still<br />
have a few available, but strictly on first come, first served<br />
basis collection only!<br />
WEBSITE<br />
A word <strong>of</strong> encouragement if you have not done so yet:<br />
When I started putting this edition together I had<br />
a feeling that there just wasn't enough material.<br />
Of course one can reprint a lot <strong>of</strong> material, but<br />
it is always exciting to get original material<br />
from members. At number 99 Grant<br />
Viljoen submitted an interesting followup<br />
on his 600 project. Thanks, Grant!<br />
'n Dringende versoek aan al ons<br />
lede: laat kom die bydraes! Almal<br />
geniet oorspronklike materiaal<br />
en stories van ons lede en<br />
hul motors.<br />
But we also realise that if we did not have the passionate and loyal people who<br />
drive our vehicles, our cars would be <strong>of</strong> no value.<br />
This is why we concentrate our efforts on improving our relationship with you,<br />
our valued customer. The energy you show for our <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> products<br />
inspires us to deliver only the best and work towards achieving our goal <strong>of</strong><br />
being number one in customer satisfaction.<br />
Our big drive for 2007 to once again claim the number one spot is the much<br />
talked about and anticipated new C-Class. These vehicles, which are locally<br />
produced, will be introduced into our Market in August <strong>of</strong> this year, but<br />
knowing that you, our most loyal club members have probably done some<br />
homework on this newcomer already we would like to share some small<br />
secrets with you before the rest <strong>of</strong> the market.<br />
The new C-Class W204 will have the following derivatives at introduction;<br />
with C180 following first quarter 2008.<br />
Model<br />
Engine specification<br />
Engine cc / cylinders<br />
Power kW<br />
Torque Nm<br />
We will continue to communicate with you and encourage your feedback as it<br />
is most valuable. Rest assured that you are our most important ingredient in<br />
our business mix.<br />
Ons gaan voort met ons gereelde artikels oor die <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> reeks, en<br />
hierdie uitgawe bevat die eerste aflewering oor die “Vlerkies”!<br />
Hope you enjoy the George Show pics, as well as the other contributions<br />
received. Keep it coming! Next time we will cover the AGM/National<br />
Gathering in Bloemfontein in depth.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
Graham<br />
A Word from <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
please register on the website. You will have access to a wealth <strong>of</strong><br />
information. We are still working on some aspects, but most <strong>of</strong> the features<br />
are functional.<br />
Regards, Graham<br />
C200K<br />
1796/4<br />
135<br />
240<br />
C220CDI<br />
2148/4<br />
125<br />
400<br />
C280<br />
2996/V6<br />
170<br />
300<br />
C320CDI<br />
2987/V6<br />
165<br />
240510<br />
C350<br />
3498/V6<br />
200<br />
350
SOUTHERN CAPE<br />
BREAKFAST @ THE POINT<br />
NEWS FROM THE SOUTHERN CAPE<br />
On Wednesday 21 March we had a fantastic run to The Point at Mossel Bay .<br />
Members came from all wind directions and enjoyed a good breakfast at<br />
Delphino's, situated on the beach where you can watch the surfers and<br />
dolphins riding the waves.<br />
Afterwards we all went to Jan Ellis' museum. Jan has the biggest selection <strong>of</strong><br />
Irons, washing machines and household goods from the early years and a<br />
visit will take many <strong>of</strong> our senior members on a trip down memory lane. If you<br />
are in the area, do not miss this museum.<br />
The day ended with a few <strong>of</strong> us enjoying a beer at Diaz beach .<br />
- Kobus Harris<br />
EASTERN CAPE<br />
EASTERN CAPE CALENDER : 2007<br />
Monthly social/meeting at Comrades <strong>Club</strong> on 4th Thursday <strong>of</strong> every month<br />
starting 5:15pm.<br />
1. Track/Skid Pan Day: date in May to be advised.<br />
2. Lunch at Thomas River: 29 July<br />
3. Game Drive & Braai: 19 October<br />
4. Combined Weekend with P.E. & Cradock members: date to be advised.<br />
5. Amatola Classic Run: 25 November.<br />
Contact Pieter Moolman on 083 780 4727 for more information.<br />
WESTERN CAPE<br />
Calendar <strong>of</strong> Events / <strong>Club</strong> News<br />
Our club participated in the<br />
annual Timour Hall car show<br />
held to generate funds for the<br />
police widows and orphans fund.<br />
WESTERN CAPE<br />
WESTERN CAPE YEAR PLANNER<br />
MAY<br />
15 May<br />
<strong>Club</strong> meeting at clubhouse at 19h30.<br />
21 May<br />
<strong>Club</strong> run. Organiser required.<br />
JUNE<br />
19 June<br />
<strong>Club</strong> meeting at clubhouse<br />
at 19h30.<br />
JULY<br />
30 June - 1 July<br />
Winter Warmer run to<br />
Montagu Country Hotel<br />
for the Saturday night.<br />
16 July<br />
<strong>Club</strong> meeting at clubhouse at<br />
19h30.<br />
SEPTEMBER<br />
22 - 24 September<br />
Annual Tour to Sutherland<br />
celebrating 30 years <strong>of</strong><br />
the 123 in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
Lede van die Wes-Kaap streek het 'n<br />
goed bygewoonde uitstappie<br />
gehad na die<br />
Groot Constantia<br />
landgoed<br />
After the recent<br />
Early Ford Car<br />
<strong>Club</strong> swop meet at<br />
the clubhouse, a<br />
number <strong>of</strong><br />
members headed<br />
towards Klein<br />
Joostenberg near<br />
Stellenbosch for<br />
breakfast - in the<br />
rain. Pieter Venter<br />
managed to get a<br />
puncture on the way.<br />
Serves him right for<br />
coming in a Rolls Royce!<br />
page 3
page 4<br />
Sunday<br />
25th<br />
Febuary 2007<br />
FRÜHSCHOPPEN<br />
(Early Tankard)<br />
at Armourers Place -<br />
the little H<strong>of</strong>bräuhaus in<br />
Benoni<br />
In the Alpine villages <strong>of</strong> Europe it<br />
was tradition that families gathered in<br />
the local 'Gasthaus' after church for<br />
brunch. Some Innkeepers wanted to<br />
attract patrons by <strong>of</strong>fering entertainment,<br />
usually by the local Brass-Band or other<br />
musicians. Many husbands however took a<br />
shortcut to the inn for an early beer & Schnaps<br />
and skipped church, preferring this kind <strong>of</strong> 'spiritual<br />
nurishment'.<br />
As on previous occasions, the atmosphere was joyous<br />
and jovial and altogether 30 members with their families<br />
enjoyed the food, drink and entertainment <strong>of</strong> Armourers<br />
Place, served with a smile by the charming young ladies in<br />
traditional dresses.<br />
GAUTENG<br />
GAUTENG CALENDAR<br />
20 MAY<br />
DRIVING SKILLS FUN DAY AT GEROTEK DRIVING FACILITY, PRETORIA<br />
confirm your participation (name, nr <strong>of</strong> cars and nr <strong>of</strong> people) via SMS to<br />
083 310 1663 or via email to johan.swanepoel@wits.ac.za<br />
JUNE 17<br />
Breakfast Run to Kevin's Garden Bistro.<br />
Come and join us at Kevin's Garden Bistro for a breakfast. The location is at<br />
354 Ontdekkers Road, Florida. The breakfast may even roll over into a<br />
brunch or lunch! Please confirm your booking with Danie Erasmus at<br />
0833066940, or Thys Willemse at 0834550417. First come first served as<br />
space is limited.<br />
JULY, 20-22<br />
Traditional “MIDMAS” trip.<br />
Arranged by Ernst de Meynier. The destination a secret, joy and fun<br />
guaranteed. Book your place with Ernst on 082 458 0127<br />
AUGUST 5<br />
POMC CARS IN THE PARK.<br />
2nd year at Swartkops Racetrack. Access has been improved dramatically.<br />
This is the biggest car show in the Country with several thousand cars on<br />
display. As last year we will put something special together for our<br />
members in collaboration with the Dynamic Driving Centre. Our stand<br />
normally fills up quite fast, so be early! THIS IS ONE EVENT NOT TO BE<br />
MISSED!<br />
August 19. 2DoorDay @ Nelson Mandela Square<br />
Ernst De Meynier organises an annual show case for all 2 door Mercs at the<br />
Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City. If you own a 2 dour Merc, please<br />
email or SMS him at: meynier@iafrica.com or 082 458 0127<br />
AUGUST 26<br />
GAUTENG CONCOURS.<br />
To be hosted by <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> Constantia Klo<strong>of</strong>. All the action in the<br />
workshop is in the basement. You can compete in 3 categories,<br />
namely Prix D'eTat, Tops only and Elegance. Entries close at 09:00.<br />
Come and show <strong>of</strong>f your pride! Trophies to be won for category<br />
winners. You are also welcome to pop in just to have a look! If you<br />
are interested and want more information, call Johan Swanepoel<br />
on 083 310 1663.<br />
SEPTEMBER 2<br />
WHEELS AT THE VAAL<br />
This takes place on the premises <strong>of</strong> the old Vaal Technikon in<br />
Vanderbijlpark. Adriaan Ludik will book us a stand. This is a<br />
smaller event, which allows more time to chat and enjoy a cold<br />
one or two. For more information and directions, contact Adrian<br />
Ludik on 083 779 3357.<br />
SEPTEMBER 16<br />
PISTON RING SWOP MEET<br />
Piston Ring Swop Meet at the Piston Ring <strong>Club</strong>house. Open to all car<br />
lovers. Many a restorer has found that elusive <strong>lens</strong> or gasket at this event.<br />
Be sure to arrive early! All club members are invited to bring any spares<br />
they have to our own <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> table. If you look for something,<br />
come and browse around. Contact Adrian Ludick on 083 779 3357 for<br />
directions.<br />
OCTOBER 21<br />
CARS IN THE PARK IN MODDERFONTEIN<br />
This will be the second time this event takes place. It promises to<br />
develop in something really worthwhile, and is very centrally situated.<br />
Come and join us and have a look at the wide variety cars on display.<br />
But make sure you come early and don't miss out!<br />
NOVEMBER 4<br />
OUR YEAR END FUNCTION<br />
Last year's event was a huge success with 50 couples present. You now<br />
have a chance to tell what you prefer - would you like an evening dinner<br />
and dance like last year or rather a Sunday lunch at a special venue. Email<br />
or SMS me your preference! But whatever you choose, book this date!<br />
NOVEMBER 18<br />
GERMAN AND CONTINENTAL CAR DAY<br />
This is a traditional event staged by the Piston Ring <strong>Club</strong> in Modderfontein.<br />
In 2006 we were given the centre ring and we had the biggest and best<br />
collection by far! I challenge all members to help me repeat this. WE ARE<br />
THE BIGGEST AND THE BEST. LET'S SHOW THEM.
GAUTENG<br />
SAMCA NATIONAL CONCOURS 2007<br />
The SAMCA National Concours has always been a<br />
highlight on the calendar <strong>of</strong> all car clubs. Due to<br />
various reasons it fell by the wayside for a couple <strong>of</strong><br />
years, but the SAMCA committee under new<br />
leadership decided to revive the event.<br />
This year it happened in two phases. The Prix<br />
D'Etat section took place on Saturday 24<br />
March. This section is the most demanding<br />
and cars are scrutinised and assessed on all<br />
aspects, including the chassis, engine,<br />
bodywork, interior, authenticity and any other<br />
aspect one can think <strong>of</strong>. It really takes a<br />
huge effort and a lot <strong>of</strong> time to prepare a<br />
vehicle for this event.<br />
The Tops Only and Prix D'Elegance happened on<br />
Sunday, 1 April at Angela's picnic. Angela's<br />
picnic is a 26 year old multi-club event used to<br />
collect money for Hospice. It is named after a lady<br />
called Angela, who passed away due to cancer. This<br />
year it was held at the Piston Ring clubhouse.<br />
The Tops Only event focuses on the vehicle’s exterior<br />
and interiors only. It does not include the engine bay<br />
or undercarriage. The Elegance centres on<br />
presentation, dress and paraphernalia. The<br />
vehicles as well as it's contestants are all<br />
evaluated.<br />
Despite the fact that several <strong>of</strong> our top vehicles<br />
were not able to participate we did extremely<br />
well. Flippie Kirstein from Klerksdorp entered<br />
his W107 500 SL in the Prix D'Etat and he won<br />
a second place. This is despite the fact that he<br />
drove from Klerksdorp in the rain and had to<br />
spend some time trying to get rid <strong>of</strong> the dirt. In<br />
fact, the only car that beat him was brought on a<br />
trailer! In the Elegance Flippie and his wife<br />
Zenda put on a marvellous display <strong>of</strong> mock<br />
courting. Their little show, all centering around his<br />
red 190 SL, won them a 3rd place!<br />
Although we did not manage to win a prize in the Tops Only<br />
section, Clive Winterstein's W111 cabriolet and PJ Ryan's<br />
Ponton 219 drew a lot <strong>of</strong> attention!<br />
As a club, we are extremely fortunate to have members who are prepared to<br />
sacrifice their time, money and effort to support us! Flippie, Clive and PJ<br />
definitely deserve a special word <strong>of</strong> appreciation!<br />
As they normally say: ”Watch this space! Next time round we will be properly<br />
prepared for all events! We now know what to expect and we will be a force to<br />
reckon with!”<br />
Flippie Kirstein during the Elegance!<br />
STEVE IS MAD -<br />
THE (hopefully) FINAL SAGA<br />
Well, the end <strong>of</strong> my story is hopefully in sight.<br />
I removed the motor and took it to my friend<br />
Sybie Coetzee who is well known for<br />
building motors that can produce some<br />
500KW and more. On stripping he called<br />
me in to show me the most appalling<br />
bit <strong>of</strong> engineering you can imagine. The<br />
pistons appeared brand new but on<br />
closer inspection it was clear that they<br />
were only cleaned with a wire brush. The<br />
oil pump was the old one, no valve stem<br />
oil seals, and the crank was cleaned up<br />
and questionable bearings were fitted.<br />
Clearances did not play a part. It only ran<br />
because it was a <strong>Mercedes</strong>! Sybie assured<br />
me that his source that supplies the parts<br />
should be able to find what was needed, but a<br />
week later they gave up. SO BACK TO THE<br />
DRAWING BOARD. Not wanting to waste any time I<br />
ordered the parts from our local dealer. I knew I was<br />
in for the high jump but what came exceeded my<br />
wildest dreams. A few Rand short <strong>of</strong> 20K gave me<br />
6xpistons, big ends and main bearings, ring<br />
gear, oil pump, gaskets and valve stem oil<br />
seals. To add insult to injury I then only learnt<br />
about a place in Pretoria that could supply<br />
six pistons (MAHLE)at the price <strong>of</strong> what I<br />
paid for one through the dealership.<br />
But cowboys don't cry and at least I know<br />
that I will have a perfectly balanced motor<br />
that has been assembled with care when all<br />
is done. So, once again the lesson learnt is<br />
when you buy a car that does not run,<br />
accept the fact that you may have to do<br />
everything over again. But being a coupe I<br />
had plenty <strong>of</strong> scope before over capitalising.<br />
Regards<br />
Steve Rademeyer<br />
Flippie Kirstein's immaculate R107 SL<br />
page 5
page 6<br />
Ek het laat verlede jaar 'n<br />
190SL aangekoop. Ek het die<br />
motor op my sleepwa gelaai,<br />
aangesien ek te jammer was om dit<br />
vanaf Knysna na Somerset-Wes te ry.<br />
Na die aflaai ry ek toe 'n paar draaie en<br />
vind dat die remme baie swak is. Ek<br />
parkeer dit toe maar liewer in die museum<br />
tot tyd en wyl ek tyd kry om daarna om te sien.<br />
Vroeg vanjaar het ek vir Fred Winkel versoek om<br />
my remme na te sien. Na 'n paar dae gaan ek heel<br />
opgewonde om my motor te gaan afhaal, net om te<br />
hoor dat die masjien baie “gr<strong>of</strong>” loop. (Hollandse<br />
uitspraak) Ek het hom toe opdrag gegee om dit verder<br />
te ondersoek en hy stel toe vas dat 'n klep gebrand is en<br />
vind ook 'n rif in die “sleeve”. Nou ja, toe is dit nag en ons<br />
haal die masjien uit. Ek besluit toe ook dat ek nog nooit<br />
lief was vir swart sitplekke nie en verwyder die sitplekke.<br />
Die wit verf gaan my ook nie juis aan nie en ek gee ook<br />
opdrag aan Kleintjie Nortje by Orbit Coach Works, “verf oor!”<br />
Met al die verf verwyder, krap ons toe 'n roesnes uit by die<br />
regterhandse agter modderskerm. “Bestel 'n nuwe een”, sê<br />
Kleintjie. Dit veroorsaak toe 'n verdere agt weke vertraging.<br />
Erg terneergedruk stap ek toe daar weg en laai iets af by klublid<br />
en vriend Otto Langeveldt, wat net om die draai is. Oor 'n<br />
koppie rooibostee, vertel ek hom van die ramp wat my getref<br />
het. Hy kyk my toe so aan as<strong>of</strong> hy my “opsize” en sê : “kom, ek<br />
het vir jou 'n nuwe regterhandse agter modderskerm”. Ek kon<br />
my ore nie glo nie! Hy laai dit toe op sy bakkie en ek neem dit in<br />
na Orbit CoachWorks. Hulle oë val toe amper uit dat ek dit kon<br />
regkry om binne 'n halfuur terug te wees met 'n nuwe<br />
modderskerm. Ek het geglimlag tot verby my ore en laat val toe<br />
heel “braggerig” 'n opmerking soos : “ek vat nie nonsens nie, kry<br />
net die job klaar.”<br />
It must be a “one in a million chance”, to stop at the right place, at<br />
the right time, find the right person with the right goods, that is<br />
scarcer than hen's teeth.<br />
Otto, you are a true friend in a million. This kind <strong>of</strong> generosity<br />
only lives in people who share a mutual passion!<br />
Okkie Potgieter<br />
Okkie besig om<br />
sy SL af te vee<br />
tydens die onlangse<br />
George motorskou.<br />
ONE IN A<br />
MILLION<br />
CHANCE<br />
UNDER THE BONNET<br />
MAINTAINING AN OLD CAR (Part 1)<br />
Many older cars are sadly neglected when it comes to maintenance.<br />
So many systems on a car depend on regular use and lubrication to<br />
function well! Gearboxes and differentials need to “work” regularly to<br />
keep seals supple and moving parts coated with oil. Things can rust<br />
up inside from standing! Also, internal water jackets, coolant pipes,<br />
thermostats and housings, etc, need to have coollant circulated<br />
regularly. Use a good quality anti-freeze with a 30% dilution. This will<br />
secure the best anti-rust treatment. Replace every 3 years.<br />
Remember to change engine oil and filer at least every 2 years,<br />
regardless <strong>of</strong> mileage. (Obviously more frequently where distance<br />
traveled indicates it).<br />
Cars that run too rich could result in petrol thinning the oil by leaking<br />
past the rings into the sump. Smell the oil on the dipstick. Replace if<br />
you get a strong petrol smell.<br />
Brake fluid is best changed annually.<br />
The fluid is hygroscopic and<br />
absorbs water. This in<br />
turn causes internal<br />
corrosion to brake<br />
components.<br />
Bleed all 4<br />
wheels, as<br />
well as<br />
master<br />
cylinder and<br />
booster<br />
where<br />
applicable.
Hi Graham,<br />
My fascination with <strong>Mercedes</strong> began when I was just a kid growing up in a<br />
green 1980 350 SE. I became obsessed with the shape <strong>of</strong> the 116 series<br />
and counted every one while driving around with Mom or Dad. Even at<br />
the age <strong>of</strong> 10yrs I was able to appreciate the quality and superiority <strong>of</strong> a<br />
<strong>Benz</strong> over any other car…<br />
Unfortuanately it had to make way for a new large Jap sedan in 1991.<br />
Needless to say I was disappointed, and hated it for not being a <strong>Benz</strong>.<br />
In 1995 Dad bought a cream1982 280EA and a black 1981 500SLC AMG.<br />
I was in heaven. Shod with 245/45/16's on imported chrome 2-piece<br />
rims, it handled like no other car I've driven. It was a stunner without<br />
being too flashy. The instrument cluster had white AMG<br />
dials/backgrounds.<br />
I've finished school and varsity in the meantime with the 280 as my<br />
varsity car. Both have passed, the 280 being written <strong>of</strong>f by Mom, a la<br />
Chapman's Peak style needles to say she got out unscathed.<br />
Two years ago I helped Mom buy a silver/cream int 1991 300EA with low<br />
mileage and FSH. It is a great car with quite a bit <strong>of</strong> power. She loves it.<br />
I spent the last two years working and travelling in the States and boy,<br />
oh boy, there are some nice old <strong>Mercedes</strong>, especially in California. Lots<br />
<strong>of</strong> 300SEL 6.3 and 450SEL 6.9 cars on the market and most in excellent<br />
condition.<br />
I even managed to visit the <strong>Mercedes</strong> Museum in Irvine, California and<br />
had a glimpse <strong>of</strong> the famous Reggie Jackson's copper coloured 6'9.<br />
My Dream car, <strong>of</strong> course, is a 6.9 and must have cream/tan interior.<br />
When I arrived back here in SA in Dec 2006 I stumbled upon an orig Nov<br />
1979 350SEA - just as old as I am and similar to the one I grew up in… So,<br />
impulsively,I bought it!! I had to, because there was another guy who<br />
wanted it for his wife and I just couldn't allow that!<br />
Thistle green in colour, cream interior, 169 000kms with FMBSH, original<br />
Becker Mexico, Ex TVL with zero rust it is perfect.<br />
The seats must have been covered with sheep skins all their life because<br />
they seriously look like they did when the car left the showroom as does<br />
the rest <strong>of</strong> the interior - like new. AC works, radio and original electric<br />
aerial work perfectly except cruise control. Will get it fixed at next service..<br />
All glass is original with old Transvaal registration still etched on all glass<br />
- no chips or cracks. Paint is 98% good still has that deep <strong>Benz</strong> gloss.<br />
Central locking works.<br />
Mechanically, the car is excellent. Oil pressure at operating temperature<br />
is just over 2 bar at idle. The tranny shifts as smooth and positive as it did<br />
when new - in fact, smoother than Mom's 300.<br />
Brakes are excellent sharp.<br />
The only things I had to attend to for RWC was a leaking steering box<br />
and worn out ball joint front right. Fixed steering box leak and had it<br />
readjusted, and replaced ball joint.<br />
All this was done at 170 000km service (at excellent German<br />
specialist Franken Auto Services) plus tranny oil and filte, fuel<br />
filter, brake pads, alternator overhaul, AC regas.<br />
There were/are no other oil leaks.<br />
It drives great and is very stable and surprisingly powerful<br />
with only 3 gears.<br />
I bought this car for R21 000 and spent just under R10 000<br />
on it in the last month. Unfortuanately, I now need to sell the<br />
car as I over capitalised on it. I would keep the car forever<br />
but unfortuanately at my age and in my position at today's<br />
fuel prices it just isn't practical. Above all else I've just moved<br />
to Ballito and space is at a premium.<br />
I'm looking for a good home for my big baby.<br />
Please e-mail me at pompy@ananzi.co.za if you're interested.<br />
Regards, Le Fre Potgieter<br />
FROM THE MAILBOX<br />
FROM THE MAILBOX<br />
Yesterday I received three copies <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Benz</strong> Lens from Danie Erasmus<br />
and it was great to be able to read about what is happening in your part <strong>of</strong><br />
the world and your interesting article relating to your visit to Germany. I<br />
will be <strong>of</strong>f to the Classic Car Show at Essen in two weeks time, this being<br />
my fourth visit and a show not to be missed. I also received an invitation<br />
to attend your National Gathering next month in Bloemfontein but<br />
unfortunately I will not be able to make it (have to have new carpets<br />
fitted this year!) but I am planning on being at the National Gathering in<br />
East London in 2008 so I will be able to catch up with you all then.<br />
As you may know that when I came here four years ago I brought my<br />
190sl (now in the safe hands <strong>of</strong> Colin Meyer) and my 1972 W108 280SE<br />
which I sold to a club member <strong>of</strong> the UK <strong>Club</strong>, since then we have become<br />
great friends and maintain very regular contact. He has spent a great<br />
deal <strong>of</strong> time, effort and money on the car and last year was rewarded with<br />
the Concours prize in his catagory at the <strong>Club</strong> Concours. In addition it was<br />
displayed at the <strong>Club</strong> Stand at the NEC<br />
Classic Car Show held in November<br />
2006 where it received a great deal<br />
<strong>of</strong> attention. I must say that I<br />
was proud to have been a<br />
former owner. I will attach<br />
some photographs which<br />
you may wish to publish in<br />
a future edition <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Benz</strong> Lens.<br />
I am still driving my 1994<br />
W124 E220 cabriolet and<br />
lasy year we managed to<br />
get a 1988 W124 230E T<br />
Series in blue/black with<br />
about 400,000 kims on the<br />
clock and running like new so<br />
that is now our daily driver and<br />
a most enjoyable drive it is as well.<br />
It also comes in handy carting stuff<br />
back and forth to the rubbish tips with the<br />
floor suitably protected. Both these cars display<br />
the MBCSA badges with pride.<br />
All for now, may I wish you all the best for the National Gathering and<br />
please give my regards to my friends and see you next year<br />
Regards Mike Lindley<br />
page 7
page 8<br />
Interes<br />
- t i n g<br />
changes took<br />
p l a c e i n<br />
passenger car<br />
styling in the middle<br />
1950s. Longer, lower and<br />
cleaner shapes began to<br />
predominate over the bulky,<br />
dumpy shapes inherited from<br />
American cars <strong>of</strong> the late 1940s as<br />
the Italians began to assert their<br />
influence. Even American stylists were<br />
going for the long and low look, although<br />
their heavy reliance on chrome<br />
ornamentation meant that most <strong>of</strong> their<br />
designs were far from 'clean'. Nevertheless, it<br />
was clear by 1955 or so that bulbous shapes like<br />
those <strong>of</strong> the Ponton <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> sedans<br />
would rapidly become dated, and Stuttgart's chief<br />
engineer began to think in terms <strong>of</strong> a new shape for<br />
the company's medium-sized sedans. The fourcylinder<br />
models could carry on with their then-current<br />
styling much longer than their six-cylinder<br />
counterparts, for it was in the prestige market, at which<br />
cars like the 220 and 220S were aimed, that awareness <strong>of</strong><br />
new styling trends had its initial impact. Consequently,<br />
Fritz Nallinger called a meeting <strong>of</strong> Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong>'s<br />
principal passenger car architects during 1956 to<br />
discuss what he called the 'new 220'.<br />
Nallinger's only parameters, so the story goes,<br />
were that the new car should be ready for<br />
public launch in the autumn <strong>of</strong> 1959 and that<br />
it should be built around a set <strong>of</strong> generous<br />
interior dimensions which he had drawn up.<br />
Although the first cars into production<br />
would have to replace the middle-range<br />
220 sedans there would in fact be three<br />
basic variants <strong>of</strong> the new theme: at the<br />
bottom would be the W110, intended<br />
eventually to take over from the fourcylinder<br />
Pontons; squarely in the middle<br />
would be W111 220-range replacement;<br />
and further up would be a highperformance<br />
super-luxury variant<br />
designated as W112, which would<br />
eventually take over the market slot<br />
currently occupied by the bid 300 sedans.<br />
SAFETY<br />
Central to the conception <strong>of</strong> the new models would<br />
be a new emphasis on safety considerations which<br />
was something quite new in passenger car design for<br />
by building-in a safety factor, Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong> could add<br />
to the appeal <strong>of</strong> their new models as well as adding an<br />
image <strong>of</strong> respectability to the company which could<br />
only be <strong>of</strong> benefit in the future. This entailed work for<br />
all departments: Josef Müller's engine team were to<br />
make their own contribution through even more<br />
responsive variants <strong>of</strong> the existing power units;<br />
Rudolf Uhlenhaut's team would look at ride and<br />
handling improvements as well as at the<br />
notoriously poor <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> brakes; while<br />
Karl Wilfert's stylists and body engineers would<br />
have to consider how their body shapes and<br />
trimmings could best protect the occupants <strong>of</strong><br />
the car in the event <strong>of</strong> an accident.<br />
The ingenious ways in which Stuttgart's<br />
engineers came up with solutions to<br />
these problems will be discussed<br />
later. Suffice it to say for the<br />
present that the main contours<br />
<strong>of</strong> what enthusiasts<br />
nowadays call the Fintail<br />
models had been<br />
settled by 1957, and<br />
that the first<br />
THE FINTAIL SEDANS<br />
(adapted from “The <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> since 1945: Vol 2”by James Taylor)<br />
hand-built prototype took to the roads in January 1958. During the 3 000<br />
000 km <strong>of</strong> prototype testing which followed it was scarcely surprising that a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> press photographers recognized the cars for what they were,<br />
despite Stuttgart's rather crude attempts at disguise: the cars were all<br />
painted olive-drab, has improvised rear lights and false circular grilles where<br />
the instantly recognizable <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> grille would eventually reside, and<br />
were registered in Neu Ulm or Frankfurt instead <strong>of</strong> Stuttgart. Recognition<br />
was no doubt aided by the fact that the prototypes were always accompanied<br />
by a fleet <strong>of</strong> Stuttgart's products wherever they went! The factory resolutely<br />
denied all stories <strong>of</strong> forthcoming new models, but by February 1959,<br />
development had almost reached completion and Nallinger, Uhlenhaut,<br />
Müller and Wilfert themselves drove a group <strong>of</strong> four 'disguised' prototypes<br />
from Stuttgart across the Alps to Naples and back to reassure themselves<br />
that the new model really was ready for production. Contemporary pictures,<br />
incidentally, show that at least two <strong>of</strong> these cars had round headlights to<br />
confuse their identity, as the production 'Lichteinheiten' were a give-away to<br />
anyone who had seen a 300SL roadster; but this design was not the same as<br />
that later seen on the short-bonnet W110 models. Pilot-production began in<br />
May 1959 with W111 six-cylinder variants only, and three new models were<br />
proudly displayed at the Frankfurt Show in the autumn.<br />
1959: The 220, 220S and 220SE.<br />
The three new models 220, 220S and 220SE directly replaced the Ponton<br />
219, 220S and 220SE sedans, although the two-door models to the S and SE<br />
specification remained in production. In order to avoid confusion with the<br />
earlier cars, the new models were actually designated 220b, 220Sb and<br />
220SEb, but the suffix letter never appeared in badging.<br />
By the standards <strong>of</strong> the day, they were strikingly<br />
elegant cars, combining a certain<br />
conservatism which instantly marked<br />
them out as younger relatives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Pontons with up-to-the-minute<br />
styling. Primarily, this styling<br />
followed contemporary Italian<br />
trends, which must have irritated<br />
Pininfarina <strong>of</strong> Turin, who had<br />
made several attempts to<br />
persuade Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong> to<br />
market a Farina-styled model<br />
on the 300 and 300S chassis!<br />
Nonetheless, the squared-<strong>of</strong>f<br />
contours did allow room for<br />
one small concession to<br />
American taste, in the shape<br />
<strong>of</strong> the flattened-<strong>of</strong>f tail-fins,<br />
which later gave the cars their<br />
Fintail nickname. Quite possibly<br />
more prominent fins had been<br />
proposed in the early stages,<br />
but the natural Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
tendency towards<br />
conservatism thankfully<br />
minimized the influence<br />
<strong>of</strong> American grossness.<br />
The large tail-light<br />
clusters were certainly<br />
American in inspiration<br />
as well, although<br />
Stuttgart had<br />
doubtless perceived<br />
that these had real<br />
advantages as well as<br />
showroom appeal. At the<br />
front, the traditional<br />
<strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> grille was<br />
still dominant, although it<br />
was much lower than on<br />
previous models and was neatly<br />
flanked by the streamlined<br />
Lichteinheiten (with built-in fog lamps on<br />
the S and SE only) first seen on 1957's 300SL<br />
roadster and coupe. Cars for the American market, however, had striking<br />
vertically-paired sealed-beam headlamps with the direction indicators<br />
mounted below the air intakes. Large double bumpers front and rear, again<br />
betraying American influence, completed the ensemble.<br />
CRUMPLE ZONES<br />
Research into safety aspects <strong>of</strong> the car had, <strong>of</strong> course, preceded Nallinger's<br />
1956 planning meeting for the 220, and as early as 1951 Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong> had
patented Béla Bárenyi's design for a body structure which consisted <strong>of</strong> a<br />
rigid central passenger cage with front and rear 'crumple zones'<br />
corresponding to bonnet and boot, which were designed to collapse<br />
progressively under impact and thus lessen its force. The Fintails were the<br />
first production <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> cars to incorporate this principle,<br />
however, and it may not be entirely cynical to suggest that their<br />
cavernous boots 50% larger than in the Pontons were so partly<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the need for a large 'crumple zone' at the rear! The<br />
'crumple zones' were, <strong>of</strong> course, an engineer's work, but one <strong>of</strong> Karl<br />
Wilfert's styling team had also been detailed to ensure that as much <strong>of</strong><br />
the interior as possible was safety-related. Thus there was ample<br />
padding and an absence <strong>of</strong> hard edges, the steering wheel had a<br />
padded central-hooter ring, and even the switches were <strong>of</strong> flexible<br />
material, while the rear-view mirror was designed to come <strong>of</strong>f its<br />
mounting under impact and the windscreen to pop out after a blow from<br />
inside the car.<br />
For the time, the glass area <strong>of</strong> the Fintail bodies was enormous. The deep<br />
windscreen and side windows ensured first-class visibility, which made its<br />
own contribution to the underlying safety theme. To maintain this better<br />
visibility in poor conditions, the Fintails employed a new design <strong>of</strong><br />
windscreen wiper which would come to characterize all the <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
models <strong>of</strong> the 19609s: whereas conventional wiper arms working in parallel<br />
inevitably left one corner <strong>of</strong> the screen untouched, the new design had the<br />
arms working in opposing directions and overlapping in the middle <strong>of</strong> the<br />
screen so that the vertical edge <strong>of</strong> the glass was fully cleared well, almost,<br />
because the blades could not reach around the curved sides <strong>of</strong> the<br />
panoramic windshield. It looked strange, but it obviated the need for<br />
different arrangements on right-hand-drive cars, and it worked brilliantly.<br />
Having ensured that the Fintail's driver could see, Stuttgart had also paid<br />
attention to ventilation <strong>of</strong> the passenger compartment to help him keep<br />
alert, and the comprehensive heating and ventilating system, with its<br />
separate controls for left and right sides <strong>of</strong> the car, was supplemented by air<br />
extractor slots in the upper D-pillars, picked out on all the 220 variants in<br />
chrome. The cars' interiors <strong>of</strong>fered acres <strong>of</strong> space, with large and<br />
comfortable seats which conveyed an air <strong>of</strong> quality despite their relatively<br />
cheap MB-Tex or cloth finish, according to the customer's choice. S and SE<br />
models came with Reutter reclining front seats as standard, while leather<br />
upholstery was an extra-cost option. The imitation wood stick - on to the<br />
heavily padded facia grated a little, even though Stuttgart pleaded its nonsplintering<br />
properties as a safety factor, and the instrument cluster, with its<br />
almost unreadable vertical strip-type speedometer, won few admirers.<br />
Gear-levers could be mounted on the column or on the floor, although the<br />
handbrake remained obstinately beneath the dashboard in characteristic<br />
Stuttgart fashion. A satisfying touch was the circular knob which wound<br />
each quarter-light window open by means <strong>of</strong> a ratchet mechanism and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered the additional advantage <strong>of</strong> rendering the thief's traditional point <strong>of</strong><br />
entry that much more impenetrable. The doors, <strong>of</strong> course, invariably shut<br />
with a satisfying 'clink' onto their anti-burst safety locks, and the whole body<br />
was exceptionally rigid and rattle-free.<br />
As had been the case with the Pontons, it was pretty difficult to tell the three<br />
220 models apart without prior knowledge <strong>of</strong> the minor differences. As usual,<br />
Daimler-<strong>Benz</strong> had distinguished one model from another by means <strong>of</strong><br />
brightwork: small hubcaps for the 220, but full-size ones for the S and SE, a<br />
single rear bumper on the 220 and a double one with separate number-plate<br />
lights on the S and SE; more chrome round the tail-lights <strong>of</strong> S and SE; no<br />
chrome on the scuttle air intake on the 220, and a strip <strong>of</strong> chrome along the<br />
tops <strong>of</strong> the fins on the S and SE where the 220 had plain metal.<br />
Performance-wise, there were distinct differences, however. The 220 had a<br />
twin-carburettor version <strong>of</strong> the M180 engine from the old 219, with 95bhp,<br />
giving a top speed <strong>of</strong> around 100mph; the 220S had different carburetion,<br />
110bhp and a top speed <strong>of</strong> 103mph with better acceleration; and the<br />
220SE had the fuel-injected M127 unit <strong>of</strong> the old 220SE, uprated now to<br />
give 120bhp and a maximum speed <strong>of</strong> 107mph. Even though the Fintails<br />
were all heavier than their Ponton forbears, they accelerated faster,<br />
unless owners had specified the optional Hydrak automatic clutch, which<br />
did slow them down a little.<br />
They handled and rode better too, clinging to the road through bends with<br />
remarkable tenacity for such large cars, and providing a notably bumpfree<br />
ride over even the worst <strong>of</strong> surfaces, despite a certain tendency to<br />
wallow like ship in a gentle swell. Front suspension was mounted with the<br />
engine Ponton-fashion on a detachable rubber-mounted subframe, and<br />
utilized the familiar unequal-length wishbones and coil springs, although<br />
the shock absorbers were mounted further outboard than on the pontons,<br />
there was an anti-roll bar, and the subframe pressing itself was <strong>of</strong> simpler<br />
construction. The rear end was anchored firmly to the road by the use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
low-pivot swing-axles with a central compensating spring over the<br />
differential, which allowed s<strong>of</strong>ter spring settings without any deterioration in<br />
handling. Power-assisted steering was optional and brakes were drums all<br />
round with cooling fins; a servo was optional on the 220, but standard on the<br />
S and SE. In all, the W111 220 models provided other manufacturers with a<br />
formidable foretaste <strong>of</strong> the way it was going to be with future <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
cars; and it was not long before Stuttgart set out emphasizing the point with<br />
a rally programme based on the 220SE.<br />
Back in the showrooms, meanwhile, business was booming. In its first full<br />
year <strong>of</strong> production, the 220S sold nearly 35% more than the Ponton 220S<br />
had sold in its best year, which was 1956, and sales remained high. The<br />
220SE sold 1 579 units in the months between the Frankfurt Show and the<br />
end <strong>of</strong> the year, as compared to a total <strong>of</strong> 1 974 units in one and a half<br />
seasons <strong>of</strong> Ponton 220SE production. Sales <strong>of</strong> over 9 000 during 1960<br />
demonstrated that the fuel-injected sedan had come to stay.<br />
(Next time: more Fintail tales!)<br />
page 9
page 10<br />
Further<br />
progress has<br />
been made on the<br />
600 at last!<br />
Since I last wrote, my<br />
consignment <strong>of</strong> new parts<br />
has arrived from Germany,<br />
which consists <strong>of</strong>, new door<br />
rubbers, windscreen rubbers,<br />
sealing strips and other grommets.<br />
I had also renewed all the air bellows and<br />
reconditioned the air control valves.<br />
However, the car would just not lift. I had<br />
already checked the function <strong>of</strong> the pressure<br />
regulator and was in the process <strong>of</strong> checking the<br />
delivery pressure from the regulator, when a very<br />
irate neighbour came over to complain about the<br />
noise. She clearly didn't appreciate the sound<br />
(noise?) <strong>of</strong> a loud V8....So that put the brakes on any<br />
further experimentation. The exhaust then became a<br />
priority.<br />
I contacted Richard Wocke from De Graaf again (he<br />
organised the fabrication <strong>of</strong> the racing Fintail's exhaust<br />
manifold) and showed him some diagrams <strong>of</strong> the 600's<br />
exhaust system, as well as a few photos I had taken <strong>of</strong> the rear<br />
silencers on a 600 Pullman that I saw at the <strong>Mercedes</strong> Museum<br />
in Stuttgart. I wanted the system to look and function as close<br />
to the original as possible and Richard didn't think that it posed<br />
too much <strong>of</strong> a problem. The biggest challenge was to get the car<br />
to his premises.<br />
I decided to tow the 600 to De Graaf using the 'A' frame used to<br />
tow my racing car. I removed the front bumper and then made new<br />
brackets to attach the 'A' frame, which bolted into the bumper<br />
mounting holes. The 600 was jacked up and I inserted the<br />
emergency suspension buffers to support the suspension. Amongst<br />
the horde <strong>of</strong> spares that came with the car, were two brand new<br />
front buffers, but only one for the left rear on. I fabricated a new<br />
one for the right by making a mirror image copy <strong>of</strong> the original.<br />
The car was then ready to be towed and I hooked it up to the 6.9 for<br />
the trip. I was initially quite intimidated towing this car, but it went<br />
far easier than I thought it would. I was followed closely by my<br />
father in his car and we drove no more than 50km/h through town.<br />
Even though the 600 bounced like an apple cart in the emergency<br />
buffers, it towed easily enough.<br />
The exhaust system was fabricated in a week and turned out to be<br />
very successful. It's almost exactly the same as the original and I<br />
am very satisfied with the custom built silencers, <strong>of</strong> which I had<br />
an extra set made for spare. All in all, Richard and his team did a<br />
great job.<br />
Now with a new exhaust and a much quieter car, I noticed for<br />
the first time that the car was only running on 7 cylinders.<br />
Last year I had already started a complete service on the car<br />
by replacing the diff oil, auto gearbox filter and oil, fuel<br />
filter, engine oil and filter, but I then completed the service<br />
by renewing the spark plugs, adjusting the tappets and<br />
renewing the points and condenser. The service also<br />
seemed to solve the cold starting problem, but still the<br />
car only ran on 7 cylinders. Eventually I traced the<br />
problem to a sticky plunger in the fuel injector<br />
pump, which I managed to free without taking the<br />
pump apart. I got a lot <strong>of</strong> advice from fellow<br />
members, as well as the M-100 International<br />
website, and followed the advice to add ATF<br />
to the fuel tank. Apparently ATF helps<br />
lubricated the pump, as well as cleaning<br />
the injectors. I also checked the oil<br />
level on the injection pump and<br />
sucked out the excess oil - I<br />
understand that if the pump is<br />
too full, it may cause rough<br />
idling. The car now runs beautifully.<br />
As a matter <strong>of</strong> interest, I contacted Niemoeller to get a quote on new<br />
injectors for the 600......wait for it.....EUR 1475 EACH!!!!!!<br />
Having sorted out the misfire, work could resume on the suspension. I<br />
hooked my pressure gauge up to the delivery side <strong>of</strong> the pressure<br />
regulator and it proved to give enough pressure. I reassembled the air<br />
pipes and then fastened the gauge to the delivery side <strong>of</strong> the air control<br />
distributor, which only gave a maximum pressure <strong>of</strong> 11 Bar. Someone had<br />
turned the adjusting screw out, and by turning it back in, the pressure<br />
climbed until I reached 14 Bar, where I locked it. I understand from the<br />
manual that the working pressure should be between 13.5 and 16.5 Bar. I<br />
removed the gauge and then reconnected the air pipes and ran the car.<br />
The car lifted comfortably and I almost started doing cartwheels!!!<br />
I left the car overnight, but by the next morning the front had dropped. I<br />
ran the car and she lifted, so I will have to re-check the control valves and<br />
all the pipes and connections again.<br />
However, the highlight <strong>of</strong> it all has been taking the car for it's first drive in<br />
15 years! It was a short drive around the block and I was amazed at how<br />
well the car drove - I think you could see my smile from miles away. The<br />
gearchange was lousy and when I got home again, I re-checked the<br />
transmission fluid level, which was very low. After topping it up, I took it<br />
for another drive and the gearchange was perfect!<br />
I am even more excited about the 600 now, and the next step is get the air<br />
suspension sorted, the rust behind the rear wheel arches repaired, and<br />
the car stripped for new paint.<br />
Here is a pic <strong>of</strong> the 600 being towed by my 6.9 - that's 13.2 litres in<br />
tandem!<br />
Grant Viljoen<br />
600 story
DEREGISTERED BY DEFAULT?<br />
By Greg de Klerk<br />
Registering a collectable or classic car is not always plain sailing as I<br />
recently found out when I bought a beautiful 280SE 116. The car's<br />
previous owner, a fellow club member and collector, is a registered<br />
motor dealer and hence the car had been dealer stocked for<br />
approximately six years. On collecting the car, I was very kindly<br />
given a roadworthy certificate, a police clearance certificate and a 21<br />
day temporary permit to drive the vehicle. I thought that 21 days<br />
would be more than enough time in which to register the car!! The<br />
police clearance was obtained because the roadworthy centre would<br />
not issue the dealer with the roadworthy certificate as the engine and<br />
VIN numbers were incorrect. I was so grateful that the dealer took<br />
care <strong>of</strong> the police clearance as this can be an absolute nightmare for<br />
the ordinary man. I was advised that since the car was dealer<br />
stocked, I would not need pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> purchase and I should just go<br />
along to my local registering authority and have it registered.<br />
On presenting my papers to the Milnerton Traffic Department, I<br />
was told they could not register the car as I was to see the<br />
supervisor. The supervisor said that because the car was dealer<br />
stocked for longer than 5 years, the NATIS (National Traffic<br />
Information System) automatically deregisters the vehicle by<br />
default due to inactivity!! Nou wat? The car's details would have<br />
to be re-introduced to NATIS. To do this, the car would have to be<br />
weighed. The weight certificate, along with all the abovementioned<br />
documents would have to be faxed to head <strong>of</strong>fice for some computer<br />
operator to capture the car's details to re-introduce it to the system.<br />
Once back on the NATIS system, the car would still not be registered<br />
unless a further police clearance certificate was obtained!! They<br />
would not accept the first police clearance, so it would have to be<br />
obtained for a second time!! Sh*t, nie weer nie!! I was also told that I<br />
would be responsible for all the arrear licence fees!! I politely pointed<br />
out that the car was dealer stocked and hence not unlicensed. I was<br />
then told to produce pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> this and the purchase. I accordingly<br />
contacted the dealer for this information.<br />
I went to the municipal weighbridge and obtained the weight<br />
certificate. It was then back to Milnerton Traffic where I handed the<br />
documents in and was told that it can take up to two weeks to have<br />
the car's details re-introduced to NATIS. Since this was 2 days before<br />
Christmas, my hopes were fading fast. Precisely 2 weeks later, I was<br />
phoned to collect the documents and the second police clearance<br />
request form. This also happened to be the last day that my<br />
temporary permit was valid!! By this time, I was fed up with the<br />
Traffic Department and decided to drive the car without a temporary<br />
permit!!<br />
My wife was luckily still on leave, so she very kindly <strong>of</strong>fered to take<br />
the car for police clearance, which, if busy, can be a whole morning<br />
affair. She left home at 06h30 to beat the queue and she happened to<br />
be the first one there!! At 07h15, she phoned me in a panic to say<br />
that they would not inspect the car as she did not have her ID book<br />
on her. She managed to convince them to do the inspection on<br />
condition that I bring her ID book. On<br />
arrival at Stikland with the ID book,<br />
I discovered that they would not<br />
issue clearance as the<br />
temporary permit had<br />
expired!! My own fault, I<br />
know!! It was a case <strong>of</strong><br />
being so close, yet so<br />
far!!<br />
So I raced <strong>of</strong>f to<br />
Milnerton Traffic for a<br />
temporary permit,<br />
which I had by<br />
09h00. It was then<br />
back to Stikland to<br />
brave the queues. To<br />
my surprise, there was<br />
only one car ahead <strong>of</strong> me<br />
and by 10h30, I had the<br />
damn police clearance<br />
certificate. It was then back to<br />
Milnerton Traffic, where the car<br />
was finally registered in my name!!<br />
CLASSIC RACING FINTAIL STYLE<br />
Since the last race in July 2006, the <strong>Mercedes</strong> has undergone a total transformation<br />
and the result is quite beautiful. During the process, it has also become a family<br />
project, with both my father, brother and me putting in many long hours <strong>of</strong> work.<br />
The transformation started when new front and rear windscreen seals arrived from<br />
overseas in September, and I took the opportunity to strip the car entirely and send it<br />
for new paintwork, compliments <strong>of</strong> L & M Autobody in Pretoria. The deal was that I<br />
would pay for the paint, while Karel, the owner, would<br />
get his staff to prepare the car and paint it<br />
during quiet periods.<br />
While the car was away, I set about<br />
fabricating an air box for the air filter,<br />
which would be attached to the<br />
carburettors. The result was very<br />
successful and the car now runs<br />
with a new air box using a Jaguar<br />
XJ6 air filter.<br />
The car was collected from its<br />
respray by the middle <strong>of</strong><br />
November and I was astonished<br />
at the high quality <strong>of</strong> the work<br />
done. The car was not only<br />
sprayed outside and inside, but<br />
inside the engine compartment<br />
and boot as well. A friend <strong>of</strong> mine<br />
who restores Minis, was very<br />
impressed with the car, and<br />
commented that the <strong>Mercedes</strong> was<br />
resprayed better than some <strong>of</strong> his recent<br />
restoration projects, which was high praise<br />
indeed. I then stared to re-assemble the car, and<br />
during the process the side windows were replaced with<br />
3mm clear polycarbonate sheet, to save weight.<br />
The air box consumes a lot <strong>of</strong> space, resulting in the oil catchment tank being moved<br />
to the boot, with some delicate pipe bending work being done by my brother. The<br />
radiator was re-cored with a modern high density core to cure the overheating<br />
problem and a thermoswitch was also fitted to the bottom <strong>of</strong> the radiator for the<br />
electric fan. A used auxillary fan from a W126 series was fitted to the front <strong>of</strong> the<br />
radiator and the old mechanical fan was removed. The fan switches on and <strong>of</strong>f<br />
automatically, but also has a manual override switch. My father spent many hours on<br />
the front suspension removing the lower control arms and slotting the mounting<br />
points with a die-grinder to give the car more negative camber. Finally, a set <strong>of</strong> semislick<br />
tyres was fitted for extra traction.<br />
The first outing <strong>of</strong> the year took place at registration a week before the second annual<br />
Springbok Series Revival meeting on 3 February. The car performed extremely well<br />
and I managed a best time <strong>of</strong> 1min 24 seconds - two seconds faster than ever before.<br />
Later on, the car started to misfire and we struggled to find the fault before race day.<br />
There was also a problem with the clutch hydraulics and we replaced the clutch<br />
master cylinder seals, as well as the seals on the slave cylinder, but the problem<br />
would not be solved. Eventually the problem was solved by bleeding the system<br />
properly, on the recommendation <strong>of</strong> my friend, Lou Faul. The lesson in bleeding a<br />
clutch on a Fintail:<br />
Attach a pipe to the brake caliper bleeder screw and the other end to the bleeder<br />
screw on the clutch slave cylinder. Open both bleeder screws and pump the brakes,<br />
thus circulating the fluid and bleeding the system.<br />
By race day the car was still misfiring and we had already replaced the spark plugs,<br />
plug leads, distributor cap, rotor, coil and condenser. After first practice, we decided<br />
that the only thing we had not exchanged was the distributor, and we found that one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the centrifugal weights had come <strong>of</strong>f its spring. Lou took over and quickly<br />
overhauled the distributor and we were upbeat that we had found the problem, but<br />
the car still misfired. We eventually fitted an electric fuel pump in series with the<br />
mechanical pump and this seemed a lot better, However, the new electric pump<br />
seized during the race and the problem reappeared. The conclusion was that there<br />
must be some sort <strong>of</strong> blockage in the tank, which still has to be verified<br />
The result was that the car was decidedly <strong>of</strong>f form, but the racing was still fun. The car<br />
was shared by one <strong>of</strong> the British drivers, Max Wakefield, who has become a good<br />
friend over the past few years. Max is an enormously competent driver and has raced<br />
an array <strong>of</strong> fast cars. He owns and races a Ferrari P4 replica, which is currently being<br />
fitted with a Ferrari F1 motor, and has also raced an early 90's Bennetton F1. Last<br />
year, he raced an Austin Healey at the Le Mans Retrospective, so there is no doubt<br />
that he's a man <strong>of</strong> quite some experience. Even though the <strong>Mercedes</strong> was a bit sick,<br />
Max was very impressed with the chassis and handling, and said that in his opinion,<br />
the car could have handled another 200 hp. His statement speaks volumes about the<br />
fundamental engineering <strong>of</strong> the Fintails!<br />
The end result was an overall second in class, which pleased me, but the frustration <strong>of</strong><br />
having an under-performing car was <strong>of</strong>fset by a wonderful atmosphere <strong>of</strong><br />
enthusiasm, good friends and beautiful cars.<br />
Grant Viljoen<br />
page 11
page 12<br />
One East London<br />
man's obsession with<br />
model cars has made him a<br />
“collecta-holic”. So much so<br />
that he has dedicated an entire<br />
back room to the hundreds <strong>of</strong> models<br />
he owns.<br />
“I love cars, especially old ones, but I could<br />
never afford the real ones,” said Pieter<br />
Moolman.<br />
He started his collection in 1983, the same year he<br />
bought a 1966 230S <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> “fin-tail”.<br />
He has about six cabinets which house the different<br />
collections. One is for the first 100 years <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
cars, another for racing and rally cars, another for modern<br />
<strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> cars, another for trucks, one for older 1930s<br />
models and one for dinky toys.<br />
Every inch <strong>of</strong> the tiny room is covered with car memorabilia,<br />
including AA (Automobile Association) badges from various<br />
countries and dates. “I love cars, but it had to be a question <strong>of</strong><br />
specialization, because you can't do everything. You have to have<br />
focus,” he said.<br />
His collection consists <strong>of</strong> cars with scale <strong>of</strong> 1/43 which means the original<br />
is 43 times bigger than the model.<br />
And just how many does he have in his collection? “I have never actually<br />
counted ... hundreds,” he said. But with an established collection it<br />
becomes very difficult to track down models one still needs.<br />
“In the beginning it's easy to find models, but then it becomes very difficult.<br />
However, the excitement <strong>of</strong> finding a new one is something else. It's very<br />
satisfying.”<br />
He <strong>of</strong>ten swaps doubles with other collectors in order to gain a new model. The<br />
Internet is another source where he buys from. Then there are the speciality<br />
shops in Johannesburg and Cape Town.<br />
Lnr: Kobus Harris, Wilfred Dicker<br />
en Steve by afhandeling<br />
van die transaksie<br />
OBSESSED WITH MODEL CARS<br />
EL man has hundreds in special room<br />
“You don't really get anything new in East London,” he said.<br />
Once every couple <strong>of</strong> months, he has to take down each little car<br />
and give it a good clean. It's a delicate job, as mirrors and car<br />
badges are so fragile, they can easily break. But because <strong>of</strong> East<br />
London's humidity, the mammoth task has to be done, otherwise<br />
they will start rusting.<br />
“When you handle them, you appreciate each one all over<br />
again,” Moolman said.<br />
Although he has specialized in <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong>, he said he likes<br />
the detailed modern models, but also loves the character <strong>of</strong> old<br />
toy cars. “Money can't buy that, and they can't recreate those<br />
anymore,” he said.<br />
He is <strong>of</strong>ten asked how much his collection is worth. “It's<br />
priceless!<br />
You can't put a value to it. For me it's my hobby. I buy new<br />
models for the enjoyment. It's my investment, but it doesn't<br />
matter if it'll be worth anything one day.<br />
“In the evenings I<br />
like to sit and look<br />
at the cars.<br />
It's my way <strong>of</strong><br />
relaxing from the<br />
pressures <strong>of</strong> work,”<br />
he said.<br />
Reprinted with<br />
permission from<br />
the Daily Dispatch.<br />
Pieter Moolman is<br />
our Eastern Cape<br />
chairman. ed.)<br />
The Story <strong>of</strong> an oilcoholic<br />
As I was leaving the George motor show, Kobus Harris informed me<br />
that the 250 SL <strong>of</strong> Wilfred Dicker was for sale and I decided there and<br />
then to buy the car. The weekend <strong>of</strong> the 27th February I flew down to<br />
George and we picked up the car from Wilfred in Klein Brak River. On<br />
the way to Mossel Bay I did my usual trial run to see if the motor was OK<br />
for the trip to Brakpan and we proceeded at a hefty pace, changing<br />
gears at 6500rpm..All sounded and looked well except that I saw some<br />
oil seepage from the rev counter drive cable. This did not perturb me<br />
much and I left Mossel Bay at 2am. I cruised at a respectable 120, and<br />
200km from my place <strong>of</strong> departure I noticed the oil pressure<br />
gauge taking a dip. I cut the motor and stopped to<br />
investigate. Well, the motor did not blow, but it had no oil<br />
in it and I fortunately saw this in time! I had a spare 5<br />
litre in the boot and the motor took all <strong>of</strong> this and<br />
where I had stopped it was dripping oil like no<br />
Jaguar could ever do. Well, I was on my way -no<br />
turning back, so at Uniondale , Willowmore and<br />
Aberdeen I had to keep on filling up with oil and<br />
bought 10x 500ml cans in case. Only in<br />
Colesberg was I able to find a spares shop<br />
where I could purchase 2x 5 litre cans and so I<br />
proceeded back to Brakpan. I had to keep on<br />
checking and found at 140km/h I could do<br />
about 100km before reaching the lower mark<br />
on the dip stick. So it was stop and go all the<br />
way. 15 hours later with a total stopping time <strong>of</strong><br />
3hours and 27 minutes I got home. Oil<br />
consumption 21 litres or 1.5 litres per 100km and<br />
fuel consumption 16.2 litres per 100km.Now beat<br />
that!
GEORGE OU MOTORSKOU 2007<br />
Die 11de GEORGE OU MOTORSKOU het soos elke vorige jaar by die<br />
P.W.Botha Kollege gronde plaasgevind.<br />
Die skou is voorafgegaan deur 'n optog van veteraanmotors wat van<br />
Klaarstroom vertrek het en via die pragtige Meiringspoort gereis het<br />
tot by Oudtshoorn waar daar tee gedrink is. Vandaar is hulle oor die<br />
Robertsonpas tot by die skilderagtige Eight Bells Mountain Inn waar<br />
middagete geniet is. Die reënweer het plek- plek dit maar ongerieflik<br />
gemaak vir die manne in die oop motors, maar hulle is verder via<br />
Mosselbaai met die ou pad langs tot by die skougronde op George. Die<br />
manne was maar koud en nat toe hulle daar gearriveer het.<br />
Soos gewoonlik is die baan reeds teen Donderdag middag uitgesit en<br />
kon die uitstallers al Vrydag hul motors kom uitstal. Teen laatmiddag<br />
was dit al 'n pragtige gesig van motors wat dateer van 1910 tot 2007.<br />
Uitstallers van reg oor die land was daar en daar is gesorg vir 'n vuur<br />
om die eerste vleisie saam met die Kaapse manne te braai.<br />
Die groot intog was Saterdag toe die meeste uitstallers gearriveer het<br />
om hul pronkstukke te kom uitstal. Daar was 'n groot verskeidenheid<br />
motors, bakkies, trekkers en motorfietse en motorliefhebbers het hul<br />
verlustig aan al die motors uit toeka se tyd en oral hoor jy hoe stories<br />
uitgeruil word. Vir die honger en dors is daar oorvloedig voorsien.<br />
Die <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> Klub was baie goed verteenwoordig en 65<br />
pronkstukke is uitgestal . Die publiek het in verwondering gekyk na die<br />
groot verskeidenheid SL's, Coupe's, Sedan's, en natuurlik Jan Ellis se<br />
nuut gerestoureerde 170 Bakkie. Graham se W114 "strech limo" en<br />
Waldo se 600 het pragtig binne die <strong>Benz</strong> tent vertoon. Die skou was<br />
goed deur die Wes-Kaap streek ondersteun. Die Gauteng streek was<br />
ook verteenwoordig en Steve het met sy 300SEL 6.3 kom spog, terwyl<br />
Johan Swanepoel en Danie Erasmus verkies het om met die Boeing te<br />
kom. Die skou is verder ondersteun deur klublede van Klerksdorp en<br />
Witbank. Dankie manne! Ons hoop volgende jaar sal daar meer<br />
motors van Gauteng wees. Louis Coetzer van die Vrystaat was daar<br />
met sy 300 CE. Verskeie lede van die Oos Kaap het kom kuier en Pieter<br />
Moolman het sy 230 TE kom skou ,(baie plek vir modelletjies). Daar is<br />
mooi motors in die Oos Kaap (Piet Prok, Norman, Noël, ens.) en ek<br />
hoop dat hulle volgende jaar daar sal wees.<br />
Soos gewoonlik is daar 'n paar motors verkoop en ek weet dat Steve<br />
die 250 SL (ex Wilfred Dicker) totaal uitmekaar gehaal het. (sien<br />
artikel elders in hierdie uitgawe) Saterdagaand is die <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong>-<br />
Klublede met 'n heerlike skaapbraai en wyn by die tent getrakteer. Ons<br />
was nog besig om te eet toe die hemele ooptrek en 'n ligte wolkbreuk<br />
ons oorval het, maar binne minute het almal gehelp en was alles in die<br />
tent. Ons laat nie 'n “party” doodreën nie! Vandaar is ons na “party”<br />
nr.2 waar die Suid-Kaap Oumotorklub 'n bring en braai vir die uitallers<br />
aangebied het. Daar is groot potte mielies gekook en tot laat gedans<br />
op die musiek van Allen Green se Orkes.<br />
'n Rekord aantal besoekers het die skou besoek en was die skou<br />
weereens 'n groot sukses.<br />
Die dag is gekenmerk deur 'n deurlopende program waar motors deur<br />
die arena kon ry en aan die publiek vertoon kon word met bypassende<br />
komentaar. Reën het die middag se verrigtige 'n bietjie ontwrig,maar<br />
later weer opgeklaar.<br />
Die Modelmotor-Uitstalling van meer as 5000 modelle het baie<br />
belangstelling gelok en menige van ons is met 'n groot gat in die<br />
beursie en 'n paar modelle daar weg. Party mense word ook nooit<br />
groot nie en die speelgoed duurder.<br />
Sondag was 'n "Disaster" en het die hele skou uitgereën. Daar is vroeg<br />
al besluit om handoek in te gooi en almal het vroeg die pad huis toe<br />
aangedurf.<br />
Weens die feit dat die George Oumotorskou elke jaar op dieselfde<br />
naweek as die resies op Killarney in Kaapstad is, is daar besluit om die<br />
skou met een week te vervroeg en sal die volgende motorskou op 2 en<br />
3 Februarie 2008 by die P.W.Botha Kollege op George plaasvind.<br />
Die George Motorskou word deur CAR tydskrif as die beste motorskou<br />
in die land beskryf.<br />
<strong>Benz</strong> Groete<br />
Kobus Harris<br />
page 13
page 14<br />
Here are some pics <strong>of</strong><br />
the collection at the<br />
museum in Irvine … I read<br />
about the museum in some<br />
classic car magazine while<br />
working in the Mid-West. I had<br />
already planned the 2000 mile trip to<br />
California in the summer <strong>of</strong> 2006 – and<br />
when I realised that Irvine was en route, I<br />
added it to itinerary as fast as you could say<br />
<strong>Mercedes</strong> Rulz!!! But in order to find it I had to<br />
accost the <strong>Mercedes</strong> dealership in Irvine, California<br />
where I got directions. As we arrived at the dealership<br />
a very friendly Indian-Ethiopian salesman gave us a<br />
grand tour <strong>of</strong> the biggest Merc dealership outside <strong>of</strong><br />
Germany. It truly is massive. He allowed us to sit inside an<br />
SLR but we were only allowed to drool over the two<br />
Maybachs, 57 and 62, that were standing side by side on the<br />
showroom floor. Their prices were around $330 000 – do the<br />
math! There is nothing like a Maybach… End <strong>of</strong><br />
story. The salesman said that they sold 1<br />
Maybach (usually a 57) a month and<br />
during their best month they sold just<br />
over a thousand new vehicles! When<br />
the salesman found out that we were<br />
from SA he immediately introduced us<br />
to the GM who is Mr Garth Bloementhal<br />
from <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>!! He had been with<br />
the dealership since 1983. My buddy,<br />
who had no other choice but to tag along,<br />
took the pictures (whilst I was drooling<br />
over these former kings <strong>of</strong> the road) as he<br />
is 6ft6 tall and half the cars are on space<br />
saver hoisters.<br />
It was disappointing not being able to get up<br />
close to some <strong>of</strong> the cars – especially when I<br />
realised the 6.9 was out <strong>of</strong> reach, high up on a hoist!<br />
The 6.9 above belonged to Reggie Jackson and is the grey colour<br />
You see – not the copper colour I remembered it to be. It has 40 000 miles on<br />
the clock. Note the 15 inch mags which are shod with 235’s – it makes the car<br />
look so much more aggressive/muscular and should obviously have a positive<br />
effect on its handling. I’m not a big fan <strong>of</strong> the US spec bumpers and lights. In<br />
the later years some <strong>of</strong> these and the lesser 450’s were optionally equipped<br />
with power front seats (and rear in the 6.9), ABS and climate control!<br />
To be honest I expected more vehicles, but at least I got to see a 6.9 – albeit<br />
from a distance.<br />
Le Fre Potgieter<br />
220SE<br />
Museum in Irvine<br />
We all know what this blue beast is…<br />
Another one <strong>of</strong> my favourites is this brown<br />
280 SE above. I remember the gold cab<br />
next to it being a 3.5.
SNIPPETS • SNIPPETS • SNIPPETS<br />
SL DAKHANDVATSELS<br />
Om die seilkap van die 107 toe te trek met die 1 sleutel wat met die gereedskap kom, is<br />
altyd 'n gesukkel.<br />
Ek het lank gelede reeds 'n 2de lang sleutel van 'n stukkende tang gemaak sodat mens<br />
darem altwee kante gelyk kan aftrek. Toe kom die gedagte om 'n goedkoop knyptang<br />
("Stanley") van die supermark op te sny.<br />
Die vorm is presies dieselfde as die oorspronklike M-B sleutel (sien foto). Dit is egter<br />
korter, maar met 'n bietjie meer krag werk dit perfek.<br />
Dit behels natuurlik heelwat gesny en geslyp met die hoekslypmasjien, en dan moet<br />
die growwe afwerking van die tanghandvatsels ook geslyp en afgeskuur word. Ek het<br />
myne met 2-deel epoksie vasgeset aangesien die een kant nie deur die springknoppie<br />
vasgebyt word nie.<br />
Maar aan die einde van die proses kos dit byna niks... veral in vergelyking<br />
met twee Pagoda handvatsels!<br />
Johann du Toit<br />
Classified ads<br />
FOR SALE:<br />
Original <strong>Mercedes</strong> <strong>Benz</strong> 1963 190 D. All it requires is 4 glow plugs and a<br />
water pump! All is original on the car and in good working order. Contact<br />
Zanders De Necker Cell number 083 365 1573.<br />
Large Amount <strong>of</strong> W 108 spares. Including body parts, mechanical parts,<br />
seats and trimmings, lights, heater boxes etc. Too many to mention. I<br />
would prefer to have one person taking everything. Contact David Muller<br />
via email dhmuller@mweb.co.za<br />
WANTED:<br />
I’m not a member <strong>of</strong> the club, but would appreciate any help in finding a<br />
good 290/300GD. Thank you in advance Hannes De Villiers<br />
ilke@sentechsa.com<br />
<strong>Mercedes</strong>- <strong>Benz</strong> SL hardtop to fit the R107 in good condition.<br />
Price is R 6500 contact Gary Dodds on 082 371 0121. e-mail:<br />
gary.dodds@daimlerchrysler.com<br />
FOR SALE:<br />
1991 W124 230CE. Two tone charcoal. Immaculate condition. Only 153<br />
000 km's with full service history. Absolutely full house with Sunro<strong>of</strong>. Merc<br />
mags fitted, original wheels also part <strong>of</strong> the deal. R 115 000. Current owner<br />
retiring and moving to smaller place. Phone Thys Lehman on 082 786 5790.<br />
124 and 126 15inch plastic hubcaps in excellent condition. Reasonable<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers accepted. Greg de Klerk 082 4411181<br />
GESOEK:<br />
Ponton Coupe, kontak Okkie Potgieter, 082 440 2019<br />
Wanted for an open class philatelic exhibit (at least 50% philatelic material)<br />
titled “The story <strong>of</strong> <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> 1885-to date”, printed material such as<br />
brochures, leaflets, mini images <strong>of</strong> posters and so on. JAN BURGER,<br />
P.O.Box 2343, Knysna 6570 Tel-044-3871333 Email:burgerj@iafrica.com<br />
1977 Merc 450SL . Very good original condition. Hard and new s<strong>of</strong>t top .<br />
Cypress green metallic /tan interior. 215000 km with service history.<br />
Price R 85000.00<br />
Phone Neville: 0832285254<br />
For Sale: Various Becker Radios. Phone Greg de Klerk on 082 4411181<br />
Headlight units (complete) for W108 and Fintail models. Older and<br />
newer versions. Ponton 220S sedan doors and wings available. Very little<br />
rust. Phone Graham 0829200501<br />
W116 280 SE te koop. Skakel Kallie 0835448883 (Oos Rand)<br />
Wanted:<br />
Front bumper overriders for a Ponton 219. Any condition!<br />
Phone Dave Acker 0825770578<br />
1976 W115 230.4 te koop. 103000km, roomkleur. Skakel 0822257130<br />
(Alberton)<br />
continued on p16...<br />
Hier is 'n wonderlike webwerf wat jou<br />
stap vir stap wys hoe om die hele<br />
spoedmeter van W116 en W123 modelle<br />
uitmekaar te haal met al die aanwysings,<br />
fotos en veel meer.<br />
http://dieselgiant.com/repairyourodome<br />
ter.htm<br />
(ingestuur deur Bennie Jordaan)<br />
(Ons moedig lede aan om hul gunsteling<br />
<strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> webwerwe met ander lede<br />
te deel! Red.)<br />
page 15
page 16<br />
graham van heerden<br />
President and <strong>Benz</strong> Lens Editor<br />
T: (h) (021) 976 2934<br />
T: (w) (021) 975 9019<br />
F: (021) 975 9999 • Cell: 082 920 0501<br />
E-mail: president@mercedes<strong>benz</strong>club.co.za<br />
P.O. Box 2443, Durbanville, 7551<br />
waldo scribante<br />
Chairman: <strong>South</strong>ern Cape<br />
Membership Secretary<br />
Website coordinator<br />
T: (h) (044) 870 7809<br />
T: (w) (021) 873 6359<br />
F: (044) 874 1506 • Cell: 082 802 3280<br />
E-mail: membership@mercedes<strong>benz</strong>club.co.za<br />
johan swanepoel<br />
Chairman: Gauteng<br />
T: (h) (011) 664-6788<br />
T: (w) (011) 717 4595<br />
F: (011) 664 6788 • Cell: 083 310 1663<br />
E-mail: Johan.swanepoel@wits.ac.za<br />
P.O. Box 4841, Luipaardsvlei, 1743<br />
pieter moolman<br />
Chairman: Eastern Cape<br />
T: (h) (043) 748 4727<br />
Cell: 083 780 4727<br />
E-mail: plmoolman@absamail.co.za<br />
Haroldsingel 1, Beaconsbaai,<br />
East London, 5241<br />
<strong>Club</strong> approved 1) Pieter Meiring 2) Glenrand MIB (Mandy Barrett) 3) Prestasi Brokers (Thelma Krugel)<br />
Insurance brokers: Cell: 082 557 0100 Tel: (011) 293 2511 Tel: (021) 914 0752<br />
Classified ads<br />
steve rademeyer<br />
Vice President<br />
T: (h) (011) 742 2222<br />
T: (w) (011) 740 7474<br />
F: (011) 740 9057<br />
Cell: 082 887 5201<br />
E-mail: benns@iafrica.com<br />
Okkie Potgieter<br />
Chairman: Western Cape<br />
T: +27 21 852 7035<br />
F: +27 21 852 5293 / 852 7040<br />
Cell: 082 440 2019<br />
E-mail: maoliosa@westacre.cp.za<br />
15 Verster Avenue, Land-en-<br />
Zeezicht,Somerset West 7130<br />
danie erasmus<br />
Regalia Representative<br />
T: (011) 672 2531<br />
F: (w) (011) 672 2531<br />
Cell: 083 306 6940<br />
E-mail: erasmudj@iafrica.com<br />
P.O. Box 6296, Ansfrere, 1711<br />
1956 MERCEDES BENZ 300C ADENAUER,<br />
FACTORY SUN ROOF, VERY RARE, VERY HARD<br />
TO FIND, STICK SHIFT VERY RARE, VERY<br />
ORIGINAL CAR, NEEDS RESTORATION, FOR<br />
ONLY $16.900<br />
C+F Cape Town tax and duty free at SACD.<br />
GECO Cars Tel: (021) 713 - 1132<br />
CELL :082 8245 662<br />
gecocars@gmx.de<br />
1960 MERCEDES 220SE PONTOON<br />
CABRIO, WHITE WITH RED INTERIOR, RUNS<br />
AND DRIVES VERY GOOD, THE CAR DOES<br />
NEED COSMETICS RESTORATON, LAST AND<br />
THE MOST DESIREABLE YEAR FOR THIS<br />
PONTOON BODY STYLE, FOR ONLY $ 45,000.<br />
C+F Cape Town SACD tax and duty free<br />
GECO Cars Tel: (021) 713 - 1132<br />
CELL :082 8245 662<br />
gecocars@gmx.de<br />
PLEASE NOTE: The placement <strong>of</strong> ads is a service rendered to our members. Neither the editor nor the committee accepts any liability pertaining to condition or<br />
ownership <strong>of</strong> goods advertised. It remains the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the reader to investigate these issues before closing any transaction.<br />
DISCLAIMER: The <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Africa</strong>, although an authorized user <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> Trademarks, is an independent organisation and<br />
the views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those <strong>of</strong> Daimler Chrysler SA, Daimler Chrysler AG or the <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> Museum GmbH.*<br />
Opinions expressed are those <strong>of</strong> the individual contributors and should not be interpreted as <strong>of</strong>ficial club policy. While great care has been exercised in<br />
the compilation <strong>of</strong> the material published, members are advised to personally verify information, statements and claims before committing<br />
themselves to acts on transactions.<br />
* <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> Museum GmbH is a DaimlerChrysler Company.<br />
Registered trademarks <strong>of</strong> DaimlerChrysler, <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong><br />
Stuttgart, Federal Republic <strong>of</strong> Germany.<br />
mercedes-<strong>benz</strong> club <strong>of</strong><br />
south africa<br />
The only <strong>of</strong>ficially recognised <strong>Mercedes</strong>-<strong>Benz</strong> <strong>Club</strong> in <strong>Africa</strong><br />
Member <strong>of</strong> the SA Marque <strong>Club</strong> Association<br />
theo claassen<br />
Treasurer<br />
T: (h) (021) 852 5928<br />
T: (w) (021) 854 7301<br />
F: (021) 853 8911 • Cell: 082 654 7300<br />
E-mail: ctclaassen@rolagrp.co.za<br />
P.O. Box 119, Strand<br />
louis coetzer<br />
Chairman: Free State Region<br />
T: (h) and F: (051) 436 3930<br />
Cell: 082 491 1695<br />
E-mail: l.f.c@mweb.co.za<br />
P.O. Box 29275, Danh<strong>of</strong>, 9310<br />
greg de klerk<br />
Secretary<br />
T: (h) (021) 683 1710<br />
T: (w) (021) 465 2037<br />
Cell: 082 441 1181<br />
E-mail: greg-jo@polka.co.za<br />
P.O. Box 3872, Cape Town, 8000<br />
life members<br />
Sir Stirling Moss<br />
Steve Rademeyer<br />
Philip Kannemeyer<br />
Ettienne Geel<br />
Ria Geel<br />
1984 <strong>Mercedes</strong> <strong>Benz</strong> 280TE, 7<br />
Seater, Ivory, Automatic Price:<br />
R53000 - Cape Town - Rare low<br />
mileage station wagon with<br />
125000km & original books, 7<br />
Seater option, Superb condition<br />
with leather seats & uncracked<br />
dash, Aircon, Sunro<strong>of</strong>, Central<br />
Locking, Speed Control, and<br />
refinished <strong>Mercedes</strong> mags. Contact<br />
Hans Matter on 0824511373