Bring your cameras!!!
Everyone needs to be aware that this is a TWO DAY tech session, both days will be busy.

November 15-16 2008
This IS a 99.99% diesel event, after all....Besides, this ain't just some drive-your-la-di-da-car-in-the-country "event," it's a workshop/tech session/crawl-under-your-car-and-get-greasy kinda thing!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a rough list of what is planned for the weekend.

---------------------------------------------------

Bring work cloths/coveralls for the hands on.

whunter will:
be answering questions both days.
There will be another LOCAL MB master technician there demonstrating procedures, and answering questions.
inspecting your cars/addressing issues, subject to time limits.

1 p.m., Saturday, 11/15:
The swap meet will be at Tri-Lakes, as well -- we have a lot of space to work in, so we'll be swappin', dealin' and sellin'.

* We will have SPECIAL TOOLS:
* An injector pop tester + many spare nozzles to demonstrate = learn how to use it, or bring your spare nozzles for testing.
* An MB spring compressor being used = learn how to use it.
* Glow plug reamer being used = learn how to use it.
* Rear wheel bearing nut tool = learn how to use it.
* Instrument cluster hooks (MB) = learn how to use them.


* Showing a demonstration instrument cluster with enhanced lighting = new product for mercedesshop.com + taking preliminary orders.
* Vehicle#1. W126 front steering/suspension rebuild, ball joints and guide rod mounts. http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/W126GuideRodMount
* Vehicle #2. W126 Front lower ball joint replace.
* Vehicle #3. W123 Front lower ball joint replace.
* Install OM617.951 or OM617.952 Lift pump Repair kit W126.120 300SD or W123.133 300D http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=183451
* May need four more vehicles, post your repairs needed list, possible lottery so bring your parts.


Technical DVD's you can watch in the office.

* Primer pump replacement
* Fuel filter change
* Glow plug replacement
* Vacuum Pump Rebuild OM617
* Water in diesel fuel system

Here is the link to last years event.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=196837


7:00 p.m., Saturday, 11/15: Texas barbecue dinner with all the fixings, plus lemonade and iced tea. dinner at Texas Barbeque Corral @ 201 I-30 W, on the southern service road, between Tri-Lakes Garage and Hwy. 37. There may be music, there may not be -- one never knows about that, but the food is fabulous!
(I will find out if alcohol can be brought into the restaurant, but they definitely don't serve it. High ethanol beverages are BYOB -- this is a dry area, and the nearest package store is 10 miles east of the shop, on I-30, in Winfield.)

10 a.m., Sunday, 11/16: Sweet rolls, donuts, coffee, and the tech sessions continue at Tri Lakes Garage.

3 p.m., Sunday, 11/16: Farewells as everyone hits the road for home, greasy and happy!!

For questions, directions, regrets, or anything else, Registered User post here or PM sunnyintx, whunter.

Winnsboro is about halfway between Dallas and Texarkana, about 15 miles south of I-30, deep in the piney woods of East Texas. It’s convenient to Dallas and Fort Worth, and easily accessible to folks in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana as well. We've invited the Texas MBCA clubs, as well as ones in adjacent states. The temperature has dropped, so it looks like we'll have autumn color like you rarely see outside of New England, with native sweet gums, maples, persimmons, and other colorful foliage against the backdrop of pine and cedar. Gentle hills, winding country roads, abundant wildlife, and around 10 area lakes complete the beautiful scenery. For our loving and tolerant significant others, there is ample antique shopping. There’s evening entertainment available in the form of a “coffeehouse” with live music and Lou Viney's, Winnsboro’s own winery outlet, has live jazz and other great music.

Bring your cars, your extra parts to swap or sell to fellow Benzers, and your tools for a great weekend. And MARK YOUR TOOLS – sorting out whose sockets are whose is beyond annoying, and we want to spend our time learning and doing, not wrangling over a wrench! Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!


:EDIT:
No Dallas locations possible this year, liability issues, shop overtime, etc.

Location confirmed Tri Lakes Garage.
Just talked to Steve at Tri Lakes Garage RE: tools etc.

Tech Session Registration:
$40.00 per family for two days, November 15 and 16 2008. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Note: Please bring folding chairs for your own comfort. Otherwise, plan to be on your feet. Coffee, donuts, pizza (lunch), and 1 BBQ dinner included..
$30.00 for returning Dieselheads.


Updated 11/7/08.
At this late date, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL your registration:
Check in with Sunny Letot when you arrive.


---------------------------------------------------
Directions:

Tri Lakes Garage
220 E. I-30
(south side at Spur 423 exit)
Mt Vernon, TX 75457
(903) 537-3818

Is there one in oklahoma??? If there is that would be GREAT :D

This is a regional event, not just a state one. You're more than welcome to come -- it's only a little over 200 miles, we had a lot of folks drive farther than that for last year's event, and Roy's making the longest trip of all!

It's well worth it, even considering the price of fuel.

SOUND OFF, GUYS!!
----------------------------------
Since this post is on Page 1 of the thread, I will continue to update the list [below] as folks let us know they're going to join the fun.

If you don't see a :clap: next to your name, it means we don't yet have your registration, which is our definite confirmation that you're coming.

:clap: means we're expecting you!

It's getting late, so I need you to sound off -- let me know for sure you're coming.

We can do Paypal [PM me for my e-mail addy] or take a check when you arrive if we have to, but get your registrations in, please.

[Did you know the Administrator only lets me use 30 of these smilie guys per message? How quick can you make me have to ask for special permission to use more than that?]




Class of '07:
1. whunter :clap:
2. sunnyintx (and John, her MBZ diesel-loving husband) :clap:
3. okieone
4. Whiskeydan
5. alabbasi
6. tarbe
7. sdpartz
8. dmorrison
9. chasinthesun 75%
10. Rashakor
11. ik04
12. JimmyL :clap:
13. RichC
14. bodyart27 :(
15. mechmagcn
16. Hit Man X
17. justinperkins
18. LarryBible
19. rmakay
20. Fuzzball
21. blindwolf
22. MajikBenz :(
23. Grandpa
24. Lakeside
25. R Leo :(
26. romansek
27. Pagoda_tect
28. TX76513 (John) :clap:
29. pwjeep :clap:
30. abiggercamera :(
31. RUN-EM :clap:


[Note: PM sent to everyone on the '07 alumni list.]

Class of '08:
1. Lowriderdog37
2. E150GT
3. AdvisorGuy
4. TylerH860 :clap:
5. ascalise
6. first300D
7. MAGV5
8. nomorehurry
9. 71inka02
10. bbboomer
11. twinockchef
12. moralem
13. Walter Parse :clap:




Call/e-mail your friends in the 4-state area who'd like to learn a thing or two about their Mercedes-Benzes and invite 'em to come along. Just be sure to post additions to this thread so we keep a good count!!

We're still looking for a location -- the one we had last year out by me is cleaner, more organized, and available, but Roy and I figured that all you guys in the DFW area would be happier if we were closer in. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

The next few months for me are REALLY up in the air, but as my schedule stands now, I should be driving through there going from San Angelo to Shreveport that weekend. I should be able to stop by for a night, if not for an hour or two.

I really enjoyed last years location. It isn't far from the DFW area and we had access to a mini-lift and a ton of room.
Last year was one of my most enjoyable GTG's ever attended, and the China Coffee Shop was open........


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China180.jpg


If that location isn't available, well, then I volunteer Dan's place. It's about the only way to get him to attend, although he did show up briefly last year in the new SD.

I think Northern Virginia would be an excellent location for one of these.

Sounds good. I hope my car can amke the trip!

Last year's location is still available, as I said earlier -- the knee lift is gone, but the big lift is installed, which has made life WAY easier! And yes, we've got a ton of room, sheltered and otherwise. And finally, Roy's favorite BBQ place is a quarter mile down the road.

However, Roy and I wondered if more people might come if we held it in Dallas. This is up to the participants -- I can keep looking for a Dallas location, or I can stop and focus on the one we used last year and that has already said we're welcome to come back. The latter would certainly be better for me.

Let me know. I know the local MBCA pres and a number of members are not remotely concerned about driving 100 miles for a Mercedes event, and they have asked that we let them know ASAP about our tech session so they can promote it.

Dallas... I'm down....

Last years location was

Tri Lakes Garage
220 E. I-30
(south side at Spur 423 exit)
Mt. Vernon.

let me talk to the wife.... I might be able to convince her to let me host 1 of the days that weekend

somehow a 2 post asymetrical lift found its way into our garage ;)

Perhaps, maybe... If school/work/girlfriend doesn't have me tied down. :D

My sis lives in dallas and her birthday is just a few days away from the GTG. Sounds like a plan if i can talk myself into driving the 240d for 8-9 hours straight. I've never driven on the highway for more than an hour or so straight. I'm sure it will make it, just dont know if i can handle the noise at 65-75mph. :( I could always put it on a trailer and pull it behind my truck but that will take all the fun out of it!!

wife is up for one day - but not two

If the cars that are being actively worked on are contained to my garage, then we will be fine. I don't need any grief from the neighborhood, and luckily the garage is in the back. We can have one car on the lift, and we still have two other bays available. I have a 20 ton press as well and just about all the run of the mill metric tools you'd need for a job (except for a specialty MB tool - though I have the usual stuff like valve wrenches, GP reamer, wrench for diesel fuel hardlines, 123/126 ball joint press tool, spring compressor, etc).
Garage also has mop sink and big air compressor if someone likes air tools (I have those as well). All I ask is at the end of the day people help clean up and we don't wrench past 6pm. There is a nice italian pkace up the street that can handle a lot of folks and is cheap. A lot of chain places (including some BBQ) not too far away.

I have a gas grill that folks can cookout on if they prefer - nothing amazing but it does the job.

I can post picks of the place if folks think this might be an option (1 day out of the two).

I'm in 75056 zip code if you were wondering.

I unfortuantely missed it last year but am planned to attend this year if nothing gets in the way :)

While I can't wait to make it over to Shell's place one day I am still very partial to the location from last year. Part of that has to do with an opportunity to hit the open road for an hour or so in the MB of choice. The "road trip" aspect of getting there adds a bit of fun and adventure to the whole thing. {OK, so corny you just might could butter it, but accurate}
Since I drive around the DFW area daily, going to Shells is very similar in feel to day to day stuff.
Having said that, my preference mainly has to do with getting the most folks to an event like this as can attend. Last year's Tech Session is still my favorite MB event I have attended in my MB "career", and the food wasn't bad either.
Some folks can get together and split the room cost for a night in one of the local cheesy motels too. Adds to the whole scene.
Also for you "out of towners", this event is far more worth the effort of a longer drive than just the several hour meets. Literally stuff going on from sun up to sun down, then a nice dinner with fellow MB nerds. :smart:
Who knows, the young guys might drag something outta there.........:D:D

Only an act of god would prevent me from attending this tech session particularly if it is in the big-D.

looks like I will be riding down with "pwjeep". :D

Roughly 20 hours each way, not counting rest stops.

I am looking forward to attending.
Is there any informaiton on regrestration?

I am looking forward to attending.
Is there any information on registration?
Working on it. :)
Registration should be functional this week. :)

Can you tell me exactacly where it will be, or at least be more specific than "Dallas area"? I am in Abilene, about a hundred and a half miles to the west of DFW and would very much like to attend. I don't know if I can stay for both days, but would like to. I have an appointment here early on Monday. Is there a place to stay (inexpensive)nearby? Any other information would also be helpful.

My 82 300D-turbo just hit 187,000 miles. It's mostly a daily driver, so I don't think there would be a problem getting to Dallas. I have done quite a bit of work on it, but there is still much to do, and my learning curve is still going up.

The more I think about the event the more I hope we have it the same place as last year. It is just the perfect location for something like this, and we can have it at the same place for both days. Places close by where we can stay Sat. night, and we can split room costs too. {Saves $$ to buy things from daw} ;)
I truly hope this doesn't offend you Shell. I can't wait to make it over to your place some time, just thinking about the weekend event as a whole. :)

Sorry I've been absent, guys, but I'm running two political campaigns in Dallas and have been a bit over my head with work lately. It's been two weeks since I've been home, and I won't get back until after the election, but John visits and that makes it bearable.

I'm forced to take a brief breather this morning (I'm waiting for John to come back with shift bushings and a linkage clip for the silver '83 300D...!), and glad to check in with the forum.

I have not found a shop in the Dallas area willing to host us -- liability issues, shop overtime, and all that. Ah, the joys of small town living!! I have one more Dallas shop I'm going to ask, since he's hosted MBCA events, but I'm not very hopeful.

NoMoreHurry from Abilene, check Post #11 of this thread for the exact location of last year's event.

New improvements at that location include three or four more covered spaces, for a total of 6 covered and 3 or 4 enclosed (three walls and a roof).

There is a nicer motel in Mt Vernon than the one we used last year, but it's pricey. I'll Ask DH John get the prices for everyone, and see if he can find time to check the "improvements" last year's lodging claims to have made.

I'll check availability of cabins at the lake, which are usually cheap this time of year, and only a few miles away.

Thank you Sunnyintx. If the GTG is in Dallas I am pretty sure I will attend. I will try to get there if it is in Mt. Vernon, but 4.5 hours is twice as far as 2.7 hours. Still, it is within driving range. Speakingfor myself, I hope you can find a location a little farther west than Mt. Vernon. I will keep watching this thread for more information. Thanks again.

Thank you Sunnyintx. If the GTG is in Dallas I am pretty sure I will attend. I will try to get there if it is in Mt. Vernon, but 4.5 hours is twice as far as 2.7 hours. Still, it is within driving range. Speakingfor myself, I hope you can find a location a little farther west than Mt. Vernon. I will keep watching this thread for more information. Thanks again.

Come on now! We've got guys coming from other states. Suck it up mister! It's worth it......;)

Greetings - I'm new to this forum, and have been away from the MB diesel family for many years, I've seen the error of my ways, repented and am back with the recent purchase of an 83 'MercyD' 300D (207K)...It's exactly what I remember --- a true classic!

Anyway --- I'm doing what I've always wanted to do before I turn 50, and that's just 2 years away - so I'm doing my cross country journey, from North Carolina to California and back, with a nice layover in Vegas...The 'MercyD' is being checked, tuned and prepared for the journey which starts on Saturday morning November 1st at O'dark thirty - sharp! I'm going to keep checking this forum for updates and registration information and may plan to attend the tech session --- Would I be the 'furtherest traveled' attendee???

Thanks for this forum - I look forward getting to 'E-know' you...

No Dallas locations possible this year, liability issues, shop overtime, etc.


Location:

Tri Lakes Garage
220 E. I-30
(south side at Spur 423 exit)
Mt. Vernon.

Come on now! We've got guys coming from other states. Suck it up mister! It's worth it......;)

Yeah suck it up:D

OK - I'll tell the wife we're off the hook for hosting :)

I hope to make it! (my days of car playing are limited these days by my 6 mo old!)

We didn't take NEARLY enough pics last year, so everyone bring a camera and help out with that.

Also, as I am covered up with work right now, would some of you guys please look at Hunter's link to last year's event, and perhaps PM those folks with the link to this year's?

No one's going to get mad if they get two or three notes, so no great need to organize it, just contact folks, please. That would be a HUGE help towards making sure we have a good group.

Thanks, guys. I'll be on it as soon as the election is over.

Sunny

71inca02: welcome back to the fold, Prodigal. A fatted calf, in the form of great barbeque, will be provided to celebrate your return. (Don't anyone spoil it by telling him we were doing it anyway...;))

You probably would be the farthest traveled. Maybe we'll give you a free air filter or something.

Roy, can this be a sticky on Diesel Discussion, too? This IS a 99.99% diesel event, after all....Bdesides, this ain't just some drive-your-la-di-da-car-in-the-country "event," it's a workshop/tech session/crawl-under-your-car-and-get-greasy kinda thing!

Its already been a year? My big Sis just moved to that area ,gives me an excuse to visit and help her with some washer /dryer problems shes been having after the move.Guess Ill have some clothes to wash after the event.T-Shirts this year Sunny?

A note to some folks who live in bordering states. Often when you make the trip to a GTG you find out the event is over in 3-4 hours, and didn't last as long at the drive one way.
This even last most of the day Saturday and into the evening for the Saturday night dinner. {good place too} Then you hit the GTG location at Tri Lakes Garage early Sunday and have a large portion of the day Sunday to continue the Tech sessions and complete things from the day before.
I say that simply to let folks know that it is worth a bit of a drive to make this event.
I'm not an event organizer, just a satisfied customer..... :wink3:

Last year:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG010.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG011.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG007.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG006.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG003.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/MB%20Peripheral/MtVernonGTG002.jpg

BTW, anybody attending with an extra China blue hubcap? :o:o

If only I could get my wife to reschedule HER business trip.......guess that won't happen. Gee --- I could bring parts and "we" could do all the things to Coda that I can't seem to find the time (nor the garage space) to get done.

One of these times.....:(

Hey, everyone, ChasinTheSun's t-shirts last year were great! We all need to kick in a little to help him out gettin' it done again.

ChasinTheSun, I love last year's graphic, but can we change color of the shirt, the graphic, or both so they're different from last year's? These are going to become collector's items, and we'll all be collecting the memorial t-shirts to show "we were there," so they need to be different colors each year.

Anything but red, yellow, orange, or anything inbetween....! We'll have to get to those eventually, but surely not until the 10th Annual or something!!

I am SO looking forward to seeing you guys!!!

I vote for Navy Blue T-shirts. They show less grease than say gray, but gray is good too. Nothing wrong with good ol' black while we're at it.
I'm very on board with Sunny's "not these colors" suggestion!!!
I guess allot will depend on your graphic color choices.
Let us know when to order because I'll probably want a couple....

Is it possible to get a current wide shot (picture) of the location?
I am eager to see the improvements.

Question:
Have you reached Larry Bible?
I tried twice after the hurricane.
Hope he can attend, and do the OM616 again.

What time did we knock off last year?
It was supposed to be 3:00 PM, but I seem to recall roughly 6:00 PM. :D

Is it possible to get a current wide shot (picture) of the location?
I am eager to see the improvements.

The short answer is "no." Remember? I'm the one who won't see home until after November 4, and whose loving hubby is covering the two-person job of holding down the homestead and the fleet alone. So we're supposed to get these for you when? Maybe Google Earth has a recent shot....

Question:
Have you reached Larry Bible?
I tried twice after the hurricane.
Hope he can attend, and do the OM616 again.

The hurricane did not touch Larry -- it didn't do much to us, and his area just got a little rain, so that's not a worry.

I really haven't had time to call him. What I enter here is either after decent people have gone to bed (like now), or while I'm on hold on a call.

What time did we knock off last year?
It was supposed to be 3:00 PM, but I seem to recall roughly 6:00 PM. :D

On Sunday, you mean? The late hour was caused by the "great hood mystery" on John's white 300D. The shop was locked up by 3 or so, and I think the last of the hardcore finally left us around 4:30. You're right, though -- John & I didn't manage to stuff you in a car until around 6 :P, as we were losing the light.

Thanks, JimmyL, for the backup on t-shirt colors!

A White print on a black shirt always turns out good ,it will be a simple design this year .Question about the title on the tee ,will it be the same as last year? New year and 2nd annual in the title of coarse.Ill look at the old art to find out exactly what we printed last year and write out the new title for your ok sunny .

I'm not home, and neither is John, but I can ask him to look at the title tonight.

As for the graphic, it's a silhouette of some guys (sexist, but wha're ya gonna do?) looking under a hood, and you stuck an MB star on the hood.

And white on black is good, or on navy or royal or dark green or turquoise or ....... I could go on, but I need to quit and get back to work!

The short answer is "no." Remember? I'm the one who won't see home until after November 4, and whose loving hubby is covering the two-person job of holding down the homestead and the fleet alone. So we're supposed to get these for you when? Maybe Google Earth has a recent shot....
Sorry, I just thought you might have one on your cell.
OK, I called Steve, he will send me a current picture, when possible.
I tried Google Earth, got a postage stamp size picture.

On Sunday, you mean? The late hour was caused by the "great hood mystery" on John's white 300D. The shop was locked up by 3 or so, and I think the last of the hardcore finally left us around 4:30. You're right, though -- John & I didn't manage to stuff you in a car until around 6 :P, as we were losing the light.
I was thinking of Saturday, it was getting dark by the time we drove the 1/2 mile to that wonderful BBQ place (Drool).

I was thinking of Saturday, it was getting dark by the time we drove the 1/2 mile to that wonderful BBQ place (Drool).
Found a note from last year, it was after 7:00 PM. :D

FYI, Post #1. has been edited again.

Okay... After some negotiating, it looks like I will be able to make it...:eek:

I'll bring Ol' Turbo... which has a pinhole leak in the coolant expansion tank, a soon to be dead left rear window, and needs a new hood pad. Hardly earth shattering stuff, but hey, if there's a lottery...

I'll probably stay in Dallas Friday night... Any suggestions?

...and I have a surprise for Jimmy. Funny you should mention shirts.

Okay... After some negotiating, it looks like I will be able to make it...:eek:

I'll bring Ol' Turbo... which has a pinhole leak in the coolant expansion tank, a soon to be dead left rear window, and needs a new hood pad. Hardly earth shattering stuff, but hey, if there's a lottery...

I'll probably stay in Dallas Friday night... Any suggestions?

...and I have a surprise for Jimmy. Funny you should mention shirts.

That is great news, and you have a PM. Now if that wimp daw would get off his butt...... :D
Like I've tried to say, this 2 DAY event is worth a pretty serious drive. It is all day Saturday and a large hunk of the day Sunday.
Room sharing/splittage can help to defray the costs of staying somewhere Saturday night too.
I will try and arrange a caravan schedule for the DFW folks this time. We met at Bass Pro last year, but "we" consisted of me and China. And I will be stopping again for photos just a few miles from the GTG at my favorite restaurant in that area:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China178.jpg

Hey everyone,
I am a fairly new MB owner and am considering going to the GTG.
Is there information about hotels, registration etc available?
Darrell

Hey everyone,
I am a fairly new MB owner and am considering going to the GTG.
Is there information about hotels, registration etc available?
Darrell
This is the best data I can find at the moment.
motel, Mt Vernon, TX 75457

http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&q=motel,+Mt+Vernon,+TX+75457&fb=1&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=1&ct=image

Hey thanks for the info!
Now, is there a hotel everyone prefers or dislikes?
I want to make reservations but I don't want to be on the other side of the moon from everyone else? Is the 15th and 16th confirmed? I will most likely reserve a room for the night of the 15th.
Thanks again,

I have a bunch of the high dollar tools I could bring for experiments/work...

MB ball joint press (big heavy dude)
Spring compressor
M116/7 assorted rail/chain/cam/head removal bits
M616/7 valve wrenches/glow plug stuff
M103 misc tools
OM603 stuff head bolts, IP lock, fan clutch
3/8"-3/4" torque wrenches (in-lbs to ~300ft-lbs)
3/4 and 1/2 in drive sets
Grease packer for wheel bearings
CIS adjuster
Brake pressure bleeder



I'd really like to see a new front end under my SDL, I have all the parts laying around already in boxes. This is everything including brakes I think. :) I'm far from intimidated with this, I just need help as I work so slow. :(

I can bring food, beers, tools, etc

Might be interesting to do side by side front end rebuilds. Could have a lead mechanic on the demo car and the Hitman and helper/helpers on his.
Now, this assumes we actually get him to show up.....;););)

I live on a ranch half way between Sherman and Bonham, Texas. I have a barn which should be able to hold three to four cars inside and four spots outside under the shed, which is attached to the barn. Plus twenty or more cars can be parked around the barn; which has a crushed stone surface.
There is a compressor, tools, jacks, welding equipment and a tracker to lift heavy stuff.
The barn has a small kitchen and toilet. For the fisherman I also have 50 acre lake that is stocked.
I cannot do it this year because I would need at least a week to clear out the barn, shed, and yard to make room for all of the cars. I should have a two post lift in place by next summer, so that I can begin my 280 SL project.
Bonham is only ten miles away and there are several motels and a couple of restaurants. I believe that our best bet is to do a cookout at the barn. I could organize that. Which is not a problem for me because I was a chef for twenty-five years.
So next year my place.

I live on a ranch half way between Sherman and Bonham, Texas. I have a barn which should be able to hold three to four cars inside and four spots outside under the shed, which is attached to the barn. Plus twenty or more cars can be parked around the barn; which has a crushed stone surface.
There is a compressor, tools, jacks, welding equipment and a tracker to lift heavy stuff.
The barn has a small kitchen and toilet. For the fisherman I also have 50 acre lake that is stocked.
I cannot do it this year because I would need at least a week to clear out the barn, shed, and yard to make room for all of the cars. I should have a two post lift in place by next summer, so that I can begin my 280 SL project.
Bonham is only ten miles away and there are several motels and a couple of restaurants. I believe that our best bet is to do a cookout at the barn. I could organize that. Which is not a problem for me because I was a chef for twenty-five years.
So next year my place.


Hold on there chef! It might be too late to host this event this year, but no need waiting a whole year to host an event. Sounds like a good place for a spring GTG....... ;)
We've had our family reunions in Bonham for the forty some-odd years I've been around, and no telling how long before that. I still have family in Bonham {living and buried} and also just up in OK.
280SL project? Nice........

yippee a spring GTG!! I missed going to Anna or Cameron this year.

Is the event being held in Mt. Vernon or Winnsboro? Directions are to Winnsboro but the address of the shop is off the Interstate 30. I am a first tim visitor to your sight but am very interested in your event in the next couple of weeks.

Is the event being held in Mt. Vernon or Winnsboro? Directions are to Winnsboro but the address of the shop is off the Interstate 30. I am a first tim visitor to your sight but am very interested in your event in the next couple of weeks.
Sorry.
That was a cut/paste error, removed it.

Thanks, with the date close upon us is it okay to still mail in my registration fee or bring it with me? Also, early on in the thread I saw mention of registration but don't see anywhere how one would do that.
Any help would be appreciated.

I just remembered that that is my anniversary weekend!! :eek::eek:
No worries though, I'm still coming. :o:o:o
Might not be the last cheap motel room I have to stay in.......;)

Thanks, with the date close upon us is it OK to still mail in my registration fee or bring it with me? Also, early on in the thread I saw mention of registration but don't see anywhere how one would do that.
Any help would be appreciated.
Please mail it.

Updated 11/7/08.
At this late date, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL your registration:
Check in with Sunny Letot when you arrive.

Thanks it is in the mail. Look forward to the event. Will there be room to park a trailer? My 300 has been sitting for a while and I just got it started but it has no inspection sticker since my turn signals don't work and I have a busted European style headlight and no rear bumper......and I planned to bring it in on a trailer to get some help with an oil leak and the electrical issues. Hope there is enough room.

Tech Session Registration:
$40.00 per family for two days, November 15 and 16 2008. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Note: Please bring folding chairs for your own comfort. Otherwise, plan to be on your feet. Coffee, donuts, pizza (lunch), and 1 BBQ dinner included..
$30.00 for returning Dieselheads.

Updated 11/7/08.
At this late date, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL your registration:
Check in with Sunny Letot when you arrive.

Thanks it is in the mail. Look forward to the event. Will there be room to park a trailer? My 300 has been sitting for a while and I just got it started but it has no inspection sticker since my turn signals don't work and I have a busted European style headlight and no rear bumper......and I planned to bring it in on a trailer to get some help with an oil leak and the electrical issues. Hope there is enough room.

There is plenty of room for your trailer. :D

I mailed my check out today as well. Working on a few surprises for everyone at the GTG; hopefully it all works out. :D

[]I wanna go, but...my daughter will be near that weekend and I have to take the travel trailer to her for the weekend. They have a dive trip (scuba) toone of the local missle silos planned. As much as I like M/B's and want - need- assistance, she is more important than people I haven't met but am sure I would like lots. :o (No intent to offend anyone!)

However, if for some reason I find that I am free of other encumberances, I will be there!

Hold on there chef! It might be too late to host this event this year, but no need waiting a whole year to host an event. Sounds like a good place for a spring GTG....... ;)

Now That sounds like a plan:D seeings I won't be leaving
for TX till the 17th.

SPRING GTG........................

I'm in

Will there be a C/O tester available?

I was still working at 3 yesterday afternoon, and just said, "F#&k it, I'm going HOME!!" Whatever's left will have to wait a bit.

Got in last night as it was getting dark, so I rediscovered our woods with this morning's sunrise -- The colors are SPECTACULAR!!!! SO good to be home!!

OK, We really enjoy hosting this event, so I'd like to keep it out here, but a spring event sounds fantastic! I'll help if I can, just let me know. We'll see if Roy can get away again to join us.

I actually DO have pictures of Tri Lakes -- now -- in my camera, but in my haste to 'get out of Dodge' yesterday, I left my data cable in one of my Dallas offices. I'll pick it up when I run in Monday, and download the pics when I get back Monday night or Tuesday morning.

As soon as I can get through with a few things here, I'm headed out to check with the hotels, the cabin people, and insure an adequate supply of barbeque. I'll be back in touch.

Later, guys!

Sunny

Will there be a C/O tester available?

I'd doubt it, but I'll ask.

As soon as I can get through with a few things here, I'm headed out to check with the hotels, the cabin people, and insure an adequate supply of barbecue. I'll be back in touch.

Later, guys!

Sunny
:D(DROOL) "Barbecue", critical supplies must come first, (DROOL) "Barbecue"!!! :D

You know I will try to be there for a Texas (BBQ) spring tech session.

I'd doubt it, but I'll ask.

No C/O tester....

I guess I'm being thick. C/O tester???? {compression?}

I guess I'm being thick. C/O tester???? {compression?}

From his signature, I guessed carbon monoxide tester. Required for gasser exhaust in EPA non-atttainment areas (like all of DFW).

Not really a diesel thing, and sure not something shops out here carry, unless they moved here from a non-attainment area and have it left over.

See, I are a state inspector now, so I know some of them kinda thangs...:vbac47679

Sunny

As of yesterday's mail, we had received less than 5 registrations, and that's counting Roy and us!!

We need a reasonably accurate count of attendees so Roy doesn't eat all the barbeque, so Tri Lakes has a clue what to expect, and so Pizza Boy isn't scared witless (he's awful close as it is....).

There is little worse than a petrified donut, and I will not be responsible for any injuries related to coffee shortages or sugar withdrawal due to a pastry shortfall.

Check out my edits to post #3 on the first page of this thread -- if you were on the list of attendees for last year's event, you'll find your name in the Class of '07 list.

If you've said anything in this thread like, "Oh, cool, I'm sure gonna try to make it," and you're not part of the Class of '07, your name's on Class of '08 list.

If you're just lurking, well, what are you waiting for??

Whichever list you're on, if your registration is in, there's a :clap: next to your name. Isn't he neat? Don't you want one??

At this late date, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL your registration. While there are those who'll tell you I'll chase you farther than you'd believe for less than you think, this is supposed to be a fun event, so I'd prefer not to get into that whole "check's in the mail" hassle with any of you guys.

Please either pay your registration via Paypal [preferred -- PM me for my e-mail addy] or we'll take your cash at the door, if need be.

But most of all, sound off -- let us know you're coming.

Thanks --

Sunny

i have a bunch of the high dollar tools i could bring for experiments/work...

Mb ball joint press (big heavy dude)
spring compressor
m116/7 assorted rail/chain/cam/head removal bits
m616/7 valve wrenches/glow plug stuff
m103 misc tools
om603 stuff head bolts, ip lock, fan clutch
3/8"-3/4" torque wrenches (in-lbs to ~300ft-lbs)
3/4 and 1/2 in drive sets
grease packer for wheel bearings
cis adjuster
brake pressure bleeder

i'd really like to see a new front end under my sdl, i have all the parts laying around already in boxes. This is everything including brakes i think. :) i'm far from intimidated with this, i just need help as i work so slow. :(

i can bring food, beers, tools, etc
Please bring everything listed including brakes.
We may be using your car for some demonstrations.:D

MB ball joint press
Spring compressor
M616/7 valve wrenches/glow plug stuff
OM603 stuff head bolts, IP lock, fan clutch
3/8"-1/2" torque wrenches
1/4 and 3/8 in drive sets
Grease packer for wheel bearings
CIS adjuster
Brake pressure bleeder
:D

So from where the DFW caravan is departing?

So from where the DFW caravan is departing?

I think the best place is Bass Pro Shop right on the Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline. I-30 and Bass Pro Drive. That is where me and China went last year to meet up with, uh, nobody.......
I think you northern DFW guys have an easier time cutting through to Greenville????? If so we could make a second stop there to pic up the norther contingent....... It is less than a half hour from Bass Pro to Greenville.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=94&storeID=39

http://content.basspro.com/outdoorworld/mapviewer.cfm?storeID=39

***edit***

I just checked the GPS and its just under 1:20 from Bass Pro to Tri-Lakes garage.
So, we will LEAVE Bass Pro at 8:30 Saturday morning. Try to get there by 8:15 so we can hit the road on time. If the northern guys want to catch up with us in Greenville, it is 30 minutes from Bass Pro to Hwy 34 @ I-30 in Greenville. Be there by 9:00 and we will add you to what is hopefully a pretty good sized caravan. Wasn't much of one last year, but I'm hopeful.:o:o I don't know what is at that intersection, but just pick something large there on the south side of I-30 {eastbound side}
I am basing my departure time on the event starting at 10:00 a.m., and like last year I don't want to miss a second of the action/fun!
If anybody wants my cell # to coordinate that morning just PM me and I'll give it to you.
This is my favorite GTG of the year, and I hope a lot of folks make it. It is worth the effort, and really, how much effort is it after all.........

Odds of Jimmy L attending: 100%
Odds of Tyler: 95% {coming from Wichita for goodness sakes!!}
Odds of Rashakor: 95%
Odds of Ronny: 50% {hopefully that car will have sold and he's in an Audi}
Odds of RichC and Traci: ??? [haven't heard a word about them going] :(
Odds of Dan: 33% {that might be high} :mad:
Odds of Ralph: 5%
Odds of Hitman: .05% {I'll believe it when I see it} :D

Hopefuls: [from this basic area]
Palangi
Dave M
Al
Romansek
Larry Bible
Shell

Yes

If this is like last year, the real schedule will be closer to:
Saturday: 10:00 AM start, Noon = lunch on the run, 6:00 - 6:45 PM Dinner
Sunday: 10:00 AM start, Noon = lunch on the run, 3:00 - 4:30 PM ending

As I recall there where at least nine DIY procedures Saturday last year.
Sunday at least eight vehicles ran through the single hoist, covering a huge number of DIY procedures.

This year we have the knee hoist and a standard hoist, similar to the attached picture.

Whadaya mean, "procedures"?

More like a constant flurry of random but productive activity!

Wear layers, everyone -- It's windy out there by the interstate, even though it looks like we're going to have great weather!

Im hoping to make it ,Its been one whole week of setbacks .I guess I fit in somewere at 75% on the jimmyl scale.

We'll look for you, with or w/o t-shirts -- they can always come later, but you can't!

Sad to say (for me at least, maybe it'll make someone elses day... ) I will not be able to attend.

This is really bugging me...I'll have missed BOTH of WHUNTERs visits to our fair state...

Maybe in March??? I know it'll be nasty in Mich but perfect here...just exactly what WHUNTER needs to appreciate this place!!

Fuzzball, this should be sending you a message -- your priorities are clearly out of whack. You mean there's something more important than a Mercedes Tech Event??:eek: I can't imagine such a thing....:rolleyes:

I'm sure not feelin' the love, here.....

Sunny

I've learned that my motherlaw will be in town this weekend and my 7 month old is still a handfull (wife needs a break now and then). It wouldn't go over well if I made the trek this weekend with the wife. Had it been in Dallas I would have been able to sneak away for a couple of hours. Take pics!

We will be making DIY videos during this tech session. :D

We will be making DIY videos during this tech session. :D

Hopefully we'll actually see the videos from this year. :D:D
I will I guess bring my very high tone Harbor Freight compression tester if I can find the stupid thing.
I'm contemplating bringing the Flexx gun, Flexx boots and a couple CV axles to rebuild but I haven't decided on the type of grease I'm gonna use yet.
Timing might be off on that one.
And of course, a certain brown liquid that some of us old guys seem to like.....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China180.jpg

Hopefully we'll actually see the videos from this year. :D:D
I will I guess bring my very high tone Harbor Freight compression tester if I can find the stupid thing.
I'm contemplating bringing the Flexx gun, Flexx boots and a couple CV axles to rebuild but I haven't decided on the type of grease I'm gonna use yet.
Timing might be off on that one.
And of course, a certain brown liquid that some of us old guys seem to like.....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China180.jpg
that is the plan.

I have my Harbor Freight diesel compression tester loaded in the car.
The Flexx gun, Flexx boots sound interesting as a possible video DIY.
The brown liquid is welcome. :D

There are several additional registrations at Tri Lakes. Unfortunately, I'm a hundred miles away at the moment, so don't yet know whose they are.

I'll post :clap: beside the appropriate names as soon as Steve opens the envelopes and tells me who they're from.

But I'm still waiting for a sound-off.

It doesn't matter if you said it on page two or three.

If you haven't said "Ill be there" in this thread, since my post of 11-8-08, I need you to do so.

I gotta tell Royce how much barbeque to have ready, and while I know Roy will eat all that I overorder, he's gonna be some kind of pi$$ed if he's short of the food he came to Texas to eat!!

So come on, guys, sound off -- Choices are:
Yes
Probably
Maybe
Probably not
Not a chance in he!!

Pick one and let us all know. We're really looking forward to seeing you guys.

We will be making DIY videos during this tech session. :D


Where have I heard THAT before?

OK I am paid;) Just got to sneak across France during the night and safely into Texas. Going to drive the W220. Maybe I could stick a Turbo Diesel badge on the back so to blend in. SDL is suffering from a leaking vacuum pump gasket:o

Im out do to the flu ,had to switch my planned days off for the weekends event with a fellow worker .The TECH videos would be nice to see what I missed .Signing off ,bummed and bedridden .

Good to see I have a :clap: next to my name

I'm starting to pack today, oh and did something else minor to Ol' Turbo.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0182.jpg

I'm leaving for Dallas very early Friday morning, and have a full day planned. Hopefully, I will be looking at a '85 300CD, 1990 300SE, and perhaps a 87 560SEL. Maybe other cars will pop up between now and tomorrow that I may call on. You got to love Texas rust free cars.

Man did I laugh at that signature pic!!!!!!!! Too bad it is sporting Bundts.....
I SO want to learn to Photoshop, although with some other freeware. Such fun can be had.....
Too bad the Snowman died a couple months ago......

I found a co-driver to help me bring another car home.

He claims to know these parts of Texas pretty well.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/DSC014972.jpg

Reminder. Might not be the last......
Sure is a disturbing # of DFW folks already doing the crawfish......:(:(

I think the best place is Bass Pro Shop right on the Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline. I-30 and Bass Pro Drive. That is where me and China went last year to meet up with, uh, nobody.......
I think you northern DFW guys have an easier time cutting through to Greenville????? If so we could make a second stop there to pic up the norther contingent....... It is less than a half hour from Bass Pro to Greenville.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=94&storeID=39

http://content.basspro.com/outdoorworld/mapviewer.cfm?storeID=39

***edit***

I just checked the GPS and its just under 1:20 from Bass Pro to Tri-Lakes garage.
So, we will LEAVE Bass Pro at 8:30 Saturday morning. Try to get there by 8:15 so we can hit the road on time. If the northern guys want to catch up with us in Greenville, it is 30 minutes from Bass Pro to Hwy 34 @ I-30 in Greenville. Be there by 9:00 and we will add you to what is hopefully a pretty good sized caravan. Wasn't much of one last year, but I'm hopeful.:o:o I don't know what is at that intersection, but just pick something large there on the south side of I-30 {eastbound side}
I am basing my departure time on the event starting at 10:00 a.m., and like last year I don't want to miss a second of the action/fun!
If anybody wants my cell # to coordinate that morning just PM me and I'll give it to you.
This is my favorite GTG of the year, and I hope a lot of folks make it. It is worth the effort, and really, how much effort is it after all.........

Odds of Jimmy L attending: 100%
Odds of Tyler: 95% {coming from Wichita for goodness sakes!!}
Odds of Rashakor: 95%
Odds of Ronny: 50% {hopefully that car will have sold and he's in an Audi}
Odds of RichC and Traci: ??? [haven't heard a word about them going] :(
Odds of Dan: 33% {that might be high} :mad:
Odds of Ralph: 5%
Odds of Hitman: .05% {I'll believe it when I see it} :D

Hopefuls: [from this basic area]
Palangi
Dave M
Al
Romansek
Larry Bible
Shell

Yep, it's a sad thing. 'Specially when we got folks from Kansas and Harlingen confirmed. Harlingen is flying in so he'll have max time over target!

Makes us North Texas types look pretty bad. C'mon people, get with the program! You know you want to come.

Sound off!!

As for Tyler, I may not be speaking to him. That's ONLY my very favorite color of Benz he's driving down. I've got an SD in that green, and it would sure be nice to have a matching D.....:cool:

See you guys soon.

Sunny

Roy should have arrived in the wee hours this morning. No, God bless him, he did not call me! Yes, I will return the favor and not call him! I'll hear from him when he and Pete are concious.

I'm stuck in Dallas through a luncheon today, but will be headed straight back to get started on getting greasy and dirty with our friends.

Two more days -- can't wait to see you guys again!

We'll have the coffee on.

Sunny

Roy should have arrived in the wee hours this morning. No, God bless him, he did not call me! Yes, I will return the favor and not call him! I'll hear from him when he and Pete are concious.
Sunny
Thanks, we needed the sleep.. :D

We are preparing the location today and tomorrow.. :)

We start filming DIY's Friday. :D

Thanks, we needed the sleep.. :D

We are preparing the location today and tomorrow.. :)

We start filming DIY's Friday. :D

Geez, I'm tempted to barge in a day early! :D
I'm hoping for a light work day tomorrow. I still have to give China a quickie wash. [not worthy of a fancy one] I have to decide what I'm bringing and jam pack the trunk. Dang, need to fuel up too.
I already have the NyQuil ready for Friday night. No way I would ever make it to sleep with out it.
I certainly hope more DFW folks are coming than have pre-registered! It is only an 80 mile drive from the DFW area, and heading east from here is a nice relaxing little drive.
It is SO worth the modicum of effort!!!! Real hands on work being done. Folks everywhere covered in oil up to their elbows, walking over to Roy to ask about the next move, or if something looks right.
It is the Alpha Male of GTG's, which is funny since it is organized from the female side of the ledger sheet! :P:P
Do yourself a favor and find a way to make it! Several of us can split a motel room if it is a cost issue for that.
Can't wait............

Hi Jimmy,

I'll still on crutches but if I feel ok in the morning I plan on driving up.
What time are you meeting at Bass Pro ?

If it works out we will try and hook up with you there and follow you up .

May only stay the one day but really hate to miss this as I didn't make it last year. Just didn't plan on getting disabled prior to this one :)

I can still watch and learn something new.

Look forward to meeting everyone. BTW for the role takers I'll be bringing my father. Count = 2.

Eric

Hi Jimmy,

I'll still on crutches but if I feel ok in the morning I plan on driving up.
What time are you meeting at Bass Pro ?

If it works out we will try and hook up with you there and follow you up .

May only stay the one day but really hate to miss this as I didn't make it last year. Just didn't plan on getting disabled prior to this one :)

I can still watch and learn something new.

Look forward to meeting everyone. BTW for the role takers I'll be bringing my father. Count = 2.

Eric

Man, sorry to hear about the crutches! :eek: Here is a cut and past of the times..... Glad you're gonna make it! Tyler and Ol' Turbo should be over in about 20 minutes.....

I think the best place is Bass Pro Shop right on the Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline. I-30 and Bass Pro Drive. That is where me and China went last year to meet up with, uh, nobody.......
I think you northern DFW guys have an easier time cutting through to Greenville????? If so we could make a second stop there to pic up the norther contingent....... It is less than a half hour from Bass Pro to Greenville.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=94&storeID=39

http://content.basspro.com/outdoorworld/mapviewer.cfm?storeID=39

***edit***

I just checked the GPS and its just under 1:20 from Bass Pro to Tri-Lakes garage.
So, we will LEAVE Bass Pro at 8:30 Saturday morning. Try to get there by 8:15 so we can hit the road on time. If the northern guys want to catch up with us in Greenville, it is 30 minutes from Bass Pro to Hwy 34 @ I-30 in Greenville. Be there by 9:00 and we will add you to what is hopefully a pretty good sized caravan. Wasn't much of one last year, but I'm hopeful.:o:o I don't know what is at that intersection, but just pick something large there on the south side of I-30 {eastbound side}
I am basing my departure time on the event starting at 10:00 a.m., and like last year I don't want to miss a second of the action/fun!
If anybody wants my cell # to coordinate that morning just PM me and I'll give it to you.
This is my favorite GTG of the year, and I hope a lot of folks make it. It is worth the effort, and really, how much effort is it after all.........

Odds of Jimmy L attending: 100%
Odds of Tyler: 95% {coming from Wichita for goodness sakes!!}
Odds of Rashakor: 95%
Odds of Ronny: 50% {hopefully that car will have sold and he's in an Audi}
Odds of RichC and Traci: ??? [haven't heard a word about them going] :(
Odds of Dan: 33% {that might be high} :mad:
Odds of Ralph: 5%
Odds of Hitman: .05% {I'll believe it when I see it} :D

Hopefuls: [from this basic area]
Palangi
Dave M
Al
Romansek
Larry Bible
Shell

daw and Coda.......

Wife leaves tomorrow night for a week of work in Switzerland. If I had been thinking, I would have left the kids with Grandma and made the trip.

daw and Coda.......

Wife leaves tomorrow night for a week of work in Switzerland. If I had been thinking, I would have left the kids with Grandma and made the trip.

Wow, that sucks.

Everybody dress warm -- this cold front was not on the agenda, darn it!!

I've bought kerosene for the shop heater, so we should be able to keep warm one car at a time. Unfortunately, a van went through one or the bay doors today (coming in for a brake job, y'know?), so we're SOL on that space. Thankfully, the lift bay's door is in good shape, so the big lift will be available.

Anyone coming from Dallas -- I've got a pair of keys sitting at a friend's house two blocks off I-30 @ Jim Miller, and I need them here! If someone could pick them up and bring them along, I'd be grateful.

Questions, concerns, like before, call my cell -- 817/360-7330. I'm not likely to be at the computer until late tonight.

For a meet-up location in Greenville, I'd suggest you drive on past the Hwy. 34 exit -- it's big, it's got tons of false service roads, and is very confusing to most.

For an easy off and on again, I'd suggest that you go on down to the Business 69 exit. There's a McDonald's at the southeast corner behind the Fina on the corner. It's a lot simpler.

Sunny

For a meet-up location in Greenville, I'd suggest you drive on past the Hwy. 34 exit -- it's big, it's got tons of false service roads, and is very confusing to most.

For an easy off and on again, I'd suggest that you go on down to the Business 69 exit. There's a McDonald's at the southeast corner behind the Fina on the corner. It's a lot simpler.

Sunny

McDonalds @ business 69 it is. I will however exit at hwy 34 and just do a drive through just in case somebody has missed this message. So, will check both locations. It isn't like anybody has said they're gonna be there.....:(:(

Anyone coming from Dallas -- I've got a pair of keys sitting at a friend's house two blocks off I-30 @ Jim Miller, and I need them here! If someone could pick them up and bring them along, I'd be grateful.


Got your keys out in China and I'm furiously repacking China to fit the CV axles and Flexx boot gun........
Just came in to pour another cup of coffee......:cool:

Just a very few photos I took during my one day there at the GTG.

Enjoyed meeting everyone there!!!

and the last 5 photos......

Day 1 Photos with Commentary:


Thankfully, this was my first uneventful trip to Texas. No rain, no oil cooler lines exploding, or fuel starvation issues that marred my previous expeditions.

This is the day before with new Pentas and a new MB white battery to shamelessly show off at the GTG.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0185.jpg

Turned the odometer over to 185,000 miles on the way down, making a grand total of 20,000 miles traveled since my purchase in August of 2007.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0187.jpg

I spent Friday afternoon looking at a fairly nice 1985 300CD for sale with an inflexible and very proud owner, then made my way over to Jimmy's house for a great visit and test drive of his fleet. He is one of the best hosts I have ever encountered, and I had a great time driving Squash, China, and Scar. I would put a picture of Jimmy next to the urban dictionary definition of Texas Hospitality. I was having so much fun, I didn't think to stop and take photos.

The next morning we had a decent turnout for the cruise out to the location. I do have photos of this, but they are not retrievable on my camera for some reason. I'll post them later when I have my other cord.

It didn't take 30 minutes before the coffee sipping Mid-lifers had to make a pit stop.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/DSC01771-1.jpg


We arrived while WHunter was right in the middle of an interior swap from a 90's 350SDL to a 300SD. The SD is prominently featured later because its one of the fortunate cars to receive a full front end rebuild.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0195.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0196.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0194.jpg

Here is a perfect example of why you shouldn't a book by its cover. This is Sunny and John's 300D NA. It may not look like much, but it has less than 70k on the chassis and less than 1k on a complete engine rebuild with $4,000 in parts receipts. :eek:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_01971.jpg

We were sidetracked from our usual lesson plan due to an urgent fuel starvation issue with Rich's 200D. Thankfully, new and correctly routed incoming and return lines solved the problem.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0190.jpg
Next, we went into the lounge where WHunter had a complete dissasembled fuel delivery system to guide us through common issues.

Jimmy, in his improvisational genius, came up with a pretty comfortable chair. Ladies & Gents, I give you the JimmyBoy recliner. :D

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0193.jpg

After that, we jumped right into the front end rebuild of Sunny's nicely colored 300SD. It took the entire afternoon and evening and the other side still needs to be finished.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0201.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0203.jpg

Jimmy had his own project of replacing rear half shaft boots. Of course, he had to pose with his superhero weapon...

James Bond style:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0204.jpg

http://dev.goldeneyesource.com/wiki/images/5/5f/Pierce_brosnan1.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0205.jpg

I hope Chad has some fun with this picture, since its the only one in focus.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0206.jpg

I don't think you would ever catch 007 consulting the owners manual for his gun, though.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0207-1.jpg

Due to a litany of issues, the front end rebuild on the W126 was taking much longer than expected. A few observers were starting to doze off, compliments of comfy chairs and full stomachs.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0208-1.jpg
Tomorrow we should have some better tools to make the rest of the job go easier.

Those are some wonderful pics, and a great narrative, Tyler!

It's cold this morning, and the body is bitching at the very idea of jumping back into "Extreme Makeover, Mercedes Shop DIY Style," but the weather will be better than yesterday, when the cutting wind kept us inside most of the day.

Roy is sending me on a critical early-morning boomerang trip to Longview -- 70 miles each way -- and the siren song of a big, new, orange tool is singing in my ears! I'm off to play helpless female at Harbor Freight to get them to load the new 12-ton press into the w126 that's NOT on the lift.

John is brewing pots of coffee for the crew and will pick up donuts to fuel the morning. Everything's good, though I fear Roy will have thought of half a dozen other things I need to pick up while I'm there....perhaps I'd better turn off my phone....

There's still time for the Dallas folk to come over for the last day -- we'll be working on w123 issues some today, watching Jimmy use his Flexx gun, as well as running through the video DIYs that are listed on the first page of the thread.

Come on out -- now that the wind has calmed down, it's gonna be a great day under the hood!

Tyler - the running narrative was truly well written! - John

A great time was had by all!!! It was pure MB Dork heaven this weekend!
As usual, I found out after getting home that I didn't take near enough pics. You simply get distracted with things that are going on and don't whip out the camera. Doh!
Here is what I do have......
It was a nice surprise to actually see somebody show up at Bass Pro for stop #1.
China Blue is China, Teal car is Tyler, darker blue is Eric [first300D]
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08001.jpg


A view from behind the Mafia Mobile of Armando [Rashakor]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08002.jpg

East bound and down
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08004.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08005.jpg

Armando hit the freeway with us and mashed the hammer down and we never saw him again until we got to the GTG.

The temp wasn't too cold Saturday with temps in the 40's but the wind was out of control pushing the wind chill down into the 20's. That is cold for we warm weather types!!

We found Roy swapping the electric seat base from donor to one of Sunnys seats.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08007.jpg

Here we see Roy crapping a white hubcap...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08009.jpg

Oh wait, he was tersely admonishing Rich on the circumnavigation of his fuel lines within his engine compartment. Bad Rich!!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08010.jpg
See Traci nervously smiling as her husband is being politely berated for his plumbing prowess. It could be a tough room at times....


We certainly tried to find indoor activities when possible as the first part of the day.

Roy went over the rebuild process for an IP lift pump. He also had a pop tester [real one!] and explained nozzles and pintels and heat shields, but never did demonstrate the pop tester! :mad:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08012.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08013.jpg

We had a great garage area with a very nice lift, air compressor, super heater, chairs [waaay too comfortable] supplies, and as me and Sunny saw this evening, RATS!! I kept seeing movement out of the corner of my eyes. :eek:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08014.jpg

After a great barbecue dinner and half of the front end rebuild on Sunny and John's SD it was late and time to call it an evening. Me, Tyler and Armando stayed down the road at the Super 8. What nerds we were when we found out that we had 3 members of the Trunk Triangle Club present and accounted for.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08016.jpg
Hmmm, it appears only one has the trunk light working......:D

Sonny headed out bright and early to go to Harbor Freight and pick up a 12 ton press. But did she come back with a 12 ton press? NO!!! She came back with a 20 tone press!! Nice!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08017.jpg

There was a flurry of activity inside the garage bay today.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08018.jpg
This was not said flurry......;)

See Tyler and Armando watching some idiot work on his axle shafts. Have they moved????

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08019.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Mercedes%20300TD%201985/MB85Stuff191.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Mercedes%20300TD%201985/MB85Stuff190.jpg

I could feel them chuckling as my OCD consumed me and I straightened everything, cleaned, worked, cleaned, straightened, cleaned.........
We are how we are I guess. :o

Well, after all that hard work, and after fried chicken for lunch, it was time for Tyler to drive through 3 states to get home. Now that is GTG commitment!!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08020.jpg
Interesting T-shirt, eh...

Here goes Ol' Turbo with it's glorious Pentas....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08022.jpg

Armando and the Mafia Mobile were the next to leave. No doubt he caught and passed Tyler in short order!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08023.jpg

The China Coffee Shop was also open for business again this year.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China288.jpg

Ewwww, nice Pentas over there.....

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/China%20Blue%201980%20240D/China290.jpg

Well, after the youngs left this afternoon it was time for the olds to do some windshield replacement, front and back on Sunny and John's sleeper 300D with the almost brand new engine and nice black interior. Tyler and I were looking at this car yesterday and when Tyler shut the driver's door we noticed the rear glass would pop out about a half inch or more and pop back in! :eek::eek:
What an awful rear window seal, and the front was crummy too.
So, with the help of Roy, Pete, Sunny, John and me out came the rear window. Roy had to use pliers and nibble the petrified seal one small chunk at a time to remove the inner lip.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08024.jpg

Then we pushed the top out then pulled out the glass and set it on top of the car.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08025.jpg

First they tried to install the seal.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08026.jpg

The seal wasn't cooperating, and it gave us the pic of a lifetime. Certainly captions could be produced from this pic. :D

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08027.jpg

Then it was correctly decided to install glass in seal, trim piece into seal, then using rope install whole thing into cutout. BTW, the area around the rear window was perfect! No rot anywhere.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08028.jpg

Now why didn't I get a pic of the finished product!! Dang!! Well, it looked just like a rear window with a brand new seal. Nice!

We started nibbling the front windshield seal out, and spent forever going around the inside and outside breaking away hardened seal so we could remove front glass.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08030.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08031.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08033.jpg

It wasn't until we were pushing it out at the top did a crack on the driver's side hiding between the stickers come to our attention.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/Z%20GTG%20pics/GTG11-1516-08032.jpg

Job aborted!! Sunny and John will now take it to a glass place for window and seal replacement.

I've run out of the pics I took, so I will just add my heart felt thanks for such fine hosts, for Roy and Pete driving down from the land of rust and for the other MB dorks who came and participated too!!!

infamy,

I was waiting for this job and you guys performed it just after i left!!! AHHHHH!

...it's classic Roy. He finished up the front end rebuild, and said, "What were we doing on the w123?"

I told him we didn't have time to do the front end OR the widshield/rear window replacement, and he practically pushed me into the green car to move it and get the anthracite in the bay.

Roy's been telling me for years how easy this job is and how John & I would have no trouble with it. It was good to learn we'd been right not to tackle it alone....

JImmy, God bless him, stayed into his planned departure time and missed seeing the beginning of the Cowboys game to help us try to finish. But when a 1.5" crack none of us had seen until Roy spotted it under the sticker began to move when we tried to tilt out the windshield, we realized there was no point -- John & I'd just have to do it over again later, IF we didn't break the cracked windshield tilting it out, lifting it up, cleaning it, and fighting it back in. So, 100MPH tape to make it safe to drive [carefully!] to the professional glass guys.

We cleaned up the shop and shut things down, then headed out for Mexican food and deep consideration of what we ought to do differently next time. John introduced Pete to Shiner Bock, which may have deepened the consideration, and certainly lengthened it! "More advance/prep time" was our resounding conclusion!

I've already heard from Roy this morning, and will be heading down to our local shipper sometime in the next couple of days to ship him the radiator, starter, and 300D exhaust system he meant to take with him. I will wait until tomorrow or Wednesday, since I'm not certain he won't remember half a dozen other things he meant to get, and since I'm already looking at a pallet, I might as well let him load it down!

I'm looking forward to a mini-GTG with Jimmy soon, too. John & I've been lusting after an Astoria Flexx Gun for a couple of years, and it was great to watch Jimmy own using one. Tyler got pics, and Pete filmed it, so we should have some impressive views. While we've seen three different You-Tubes of using a funnel to re-boot axles, it really won't work if you want to keep the cans intact. Jimmy did a fantastic job, and was kind enough to offer to host a GTG for a few of us to bring our axles to re-boot. Meanwhile, more 100MPH tape.....!

Anyway, I'm off to the shop to make peace (free use of that 20 ton press ought to help!), move some cars around, and generally figure out what next. I've still got some stuff to do to finish up the new interior on the green car, and as high as the front end is sitting now, I need to consider a fanny lift for her! Plus, there's a whole grey interior I haven't even seen yet for the car I hauled the press in (you think I'd have done that if the upholstery was good?!?), and I need to figure all that out.

Thanks to MercedesShop and FastLane for the funding assistance that allowed us to have Pete and Roy with us. Thanks to everyone for coming, and for all the help. You guys are, indeed, the greatest!

Jimmy had his own project of replacing rear half shaft boots. Of course, he had to pose with his superhero weapon...

I hope Chad has some fun with this picture, since its the only one in focus.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb33/chadwenger/ComplianceGun.jpg
:eek:

You just "had" to use that pic, eh.........:eek::eek:
It isn't enough that the Caped Crusader of Correct Terminology is doughy, but he has to have Fido's arse for a face too??? :(:(
Sometimes your genius skills are just too accurate.......:wreck::wreck::freak::freak::wacky::wacky:
Good Lord I look 80 under that mask. :wheelchair: I might need some Photoshop Grecian Formula.....:P

We hated to "watch and run" but it was very cool visiting with everyone. Putting faces with names is so valuable in this digital world. Cheers to Sunny and John for hosting!

I am still in recovery mode.
25 hour drive home towing a 1991 350 SD body behind a 2007 Magnum wagon.
We left at 5:00 AM Monday.
Parked for 1/2 - 3/4 hour on Interstate 69 (I-69) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_69) north with hundreds of trucks, due to an accident caused by slick road/lake effect snow.
28 miles at 10 - 30 MPH on black ice.
Arrived home at 6:00 AM Tuesday.

Note:
We dropped the 1991 350 SD body at a friends house, until we recover enough to deal with it..

moved to events and gatherings.

moved to events and gatherings.

Where it will hardly ever be seen again.......:(:(:(

Thanks Sunny and John for being very fine hosts. I know I had fun playing with cars, socializing, doing random videos and meeting your various critters. The people were great!

Our road trip to Mt. Vernon, Texas for the Mercedes tech event took about 19+ hours (straight through) and was uneventful. We left at 6 AM (eastern time) and got there around midnight or so. (central time) It rained from Western Michigan to Texas (ugh)

On Thursday and Friday we first unloaded the interior of a 126 we had brought with us; worked on stripping most of the interior out of Sunny's green 126; installed a better interior from the 126 we were going to tow up north to replace Roy's trusty, rusty 1985 126 into Sunny's green 126. Soon Roy will be starting his kit car conversion of the 91 126 and making it a OM617 126 with a 1985 interior and drive train.

The drive back Monday / Tuesday (straight through) was much longer. We were towing the 91 126 on a dolly. My car, a brand new 2007 Dodge Magnum, performed well. We didn't have any problems with either my car or the 91 126 we were towing. The weather was fine until we got North of Indianapolis. Then it started to snow. It was around 12:30 AM and the roads were glazed, slippery, and scary / dangerous (black ice). At one point I thought we were going to jack-knife, but we didn't. There was a half hour wait in about a mile of backed up trucks. (There were flashing lights at the head of the line, but when we got there, there was no evidence of any problem. (???)) When we were North of Fort Wayne, Indiana things started to get better as they had applied salt to the roads. Michigan was no problem. We dropped the car / dolly at another friends house. I got in around 5:30 AM Tuesday morning. Roy lives on a narrow street where people park on both sides of the street. We didn't think we could effectively get down the street and get the car into the driveway after being kind of toasted after our almost 24 hour trip... We left at 6 AM Monday - central time. It was a longer trip because we had to stop more often for gas, the weight of the car we were towing, and the yucky weather in Indiana. (we were stopped there about a half hour). My car worked just great!

I got some sleep and unloaded my car. Later on Tuesday we picked up the towed 91 126 from where we had left it and delivered it to Roy's house. We unloaded the 126 from the dolly and pushed it up into the driveway (4 people). It was fairly light because the engine / transmission / interior were removed prior to our trip North.

We had fun... except for the ice. Unusual weather for this time of year.

By the way... a Dodge Magnum with a 3.5 V6 and a 5 speed auto trans is a great tow vehicle.

Pete W.

Keep us posted on the progress of the videos Pete. Lots of good info on those. [and lots of background noise from us] ;)
It was good to meet you and have you down our way. Glad the trip back was fairly smooth. Nice wagon too!!

You just "had" to use that pic, eh.........:eek::eek:
It isn't enough that the Caped Crusader of Correct Terminology is doughy, but he has to have Fido's arse for a face too??? :(:(
Sometimes your genius skills are just too accurate.......:wreck::wreck::freak::freak::wacky::wacky:
Good Lord I look 80 under that mask. :wheelchair: I might need some Photoshop Grecian Formula.....:P

OK Jimmy, here's a dough-free and handsome TDT Man.:D

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb33/chadwenger/TBOT.jpg

Be still, my beating heart!

Actually, I just lust for the Astoria Flexx Gun....!

Which Jimmy says we can have a mini GTG to use. Now that's exciting!!

Somehow, I'm guessing Jimmy's family would rather we waited until after the holidays, but given that, when???

I have three sets of half shafts for w126 chassis easily available, and hope to shortly have the same for our w123s -- next Friday will be half-price at our favorite boneyards....

SL

OK Jimmy, here's a dough-free and handsome TDT Man.:D

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb33/chadwenger/TBOT.jpg

Now that pic is awesome. Finally I have a bulge that can rival WhiskeyMan!! :P:P

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c274/laytonwhip/x%20%20Graphics/WhiskeyMan.jpg

If I had Photoshop I would never ever get anything accomplished.......;);)

Sorry Sunny for those visuals. :eek:
No doubt we are gonna have to get past the Holidays. We are fixing to have the kitchen torn up for several weeks. Plus, my wife is going to have to be clear of the Holidays so she can clean prior to anybody coming over. She has house-OCD. She will even clean the house before my 11 year old daughter has a friend come over. So we need the pressure of the Holidays behind us.
Also, I lose my job of 15 years April 15 so we might want to have it before that! :(:(

Keep us posted on the progress of the videos Pete. Lots of good info on those. [and lots of background noise from us] ;)
It was good to meet you and have you down our way. Glad the trip back was fairly smooth. Nice wagon too!!

I still have yet to receive the videos from last year that I was repeatedly told would be sent to me for final editing, so I expect you will have quite a wait.

I still have yet to receive the videos from last year that I was repeatedly told would be sent to me for final editing, so I expect you will have quite a wait.
PM your mailing address to me, you will get them ASAP.

I still have yet to receive the videos from last year that I was repeatedly told would be sent to me for final editing, so I expect you will have quite a wait.

Your sarcasm is ill-placed. NO ONE received last year's videos. Once we had a chance to review the raw footage , we learned most it was unusable. John & I paid $300 [I]out of our personal funds for the videography, and we were heartsick at the loss, but I'll admit it didn't occur to us we owed everyone an explanation.

The guy we hired last year does passable work with a tripod in a completely scripted and controlled environment. This was not a limitation any of the folks who recommended him were aware of, and he certainly didn't tell us.

It's not as though it could be fixed after the fact -- it was done badly in the first place. To give you a clue about just one of the problems, I can't tell you how many times Hunter called me with complaints of motion sickness as he and Pete were trying to get through the raw footage to find just a couple of things they hoped to use for a tech session up in Detroit.

Fortunately, Pete has a steadier hand, a smaller camera, better sound capabilities, and a good sense of what's being done so he knows where to be and what to film without having to be told. Had you joined us for this year's tech session, you'd have noticed a marked difference.

Hunter will be sending you either last year's raw footage or the little bit he and Pete were able to salvage. I feel certain if there had been something for you to edit, he'd certainly have had me send it to you or would've sent it himself. I believed it best -- and still do -- to let Hunter make the call, since he knows more about what needs to be seen than I ever will.

So no, Jimmy won't have to wait a long time for this year's videos, nor will anyone else. At the same time, I'm not expecting anyone to put aside paying work [not in this economy!], family holiday activities, or any other daily responsibilities in order to get these ready in time for Christmas, either!

Whoa! Why'd my name come up there? :eek:
I am waiting patiently and politely. And quietly!!! :D:D
Last place I want to be is on Sunny's bad side........:eek::eek:

There will be some really good info contained in this years filming. It was clearly evident that Pete was very much on top things while filming. The front end stuff will really be interesting to see.....

I'm very pleased that those who attended this years event will be getting videos.

Last year I had to decide whether to attend my 40 year high school reunion or attend the tech session. I skipped my reunion. I was told that I would be videod and receive copies of the videos. At that time I had something possibly going for which I needed the videos. I had no way of knowing that they would be bad videos and totally realize that their lack of quality was not caused by Sunny or Roy or anyone within the MShop circle. I even offered to contribute to the expense.

I made mistakes in my presentation and was very concerned that I get them edited so that I could correct the mistakes to prevent misleading information from getting out. I was repeatedly told that I would be getting them and Roy was even surprised when I told him that I had not received them.

It's too late now for them to do me any good even if they were usable.

I am very pleased that the Tech Sessions are continuing and that many people are enjoying and benefitting from them. Keep up the good work.

I'm very pleased that those who attended this years event will be getting videos.

Last year I had to decide whether to attend my 40 year high school reunion or attend the tech session. I skipped my reunion. I was told that I would be videod and receive copies of the videos. At that time I had something possibly going for which I needed the videos. I had no way of knowing that they would be bad videos and totally realize that their lack of quality was not caused by Sunny or Roy or anyone within the MShop circle. I even offered to contribute to the expense.

I made mistakes in my presentation and was very concerned that I get them edited so that I could correct the mistakes to prevent misleading information from getting out. I was repeatedly told that I would be getting them and Roy was even surprised when I told him that I had not received them.

It's too late now for them to do me any good even if they were usable.

I am very pleased that the Tech Sessions are continuing and that many people are enjoying and benefitting from them. Keep up the good work.
Hello Larry

Please PM your USPS address to me, you will get them ASAP.

Thanks very much Roy, but I no longer have a need for them. I really could have used a good tape a year ago for a job opportunity situation. The window of opportunity is long gone.

Best of luck,

Lightening the mood...

:D

Jimmy can't find his axle boot.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg282/tylerh860/IMG_0215.jpg

I was just glad Jimmy didn't decide to use the gun to install the boot on my head :eek:

And now, thanks to Jimmy's sharp eye, I have a Snap On version of his Astoria Flexx Gun :D, so we can blow and go if we decide to have an axle GTG. :cool:

On another note, last Saturday, I used what we learned from Roy about the lift pump rebuild. We'd bought a pretty '83 300D that wouldn't run from a friend who's decided to get out of the 617 engines. You could pump fuel to the injectors with the primer pump, but it didn't feed fuel on it's own. I rebuilt the lift pump, and solved that problem.

A few notes about that rebuild -- while it looked easy when Roy did it with the whole IP sitting on a table, access is NOT easy. You need a stubby from the top and creative ideas about breaking it loose. While I crawled under her and stared at it, there is no decent access from below. Ultimately, I did it all from the top -- counterclockwise on the front/top bolt, clockwise on the rear/bottom. On the top, that bolt came off and there was still a nipple I needed to get out to get to the spring and valve. On the bottom (19mm), it all comes out when you unscrew the bolt, so handle it carefully.

After 125 pumps on the primer pump [three cheers for the new style primer pump!], we had fuel at every injector.

Even so, it still wouldn't start. She fired once in a while, which was an improvement, but wouldn't fully catch. Then I learned that the guy our friend bought it from had said it just got harder and harder to start, and finally just wouldn't start. The guy said it happerned all at once, over two or three of days.

I'm guessing those were cold days, after relatively warm weather for months. We've acquired too many cars cheap because the owners didn't have sense enough to do valve adjustments, and I'm guessing this may well be another. I'll be going back when I can find time with feeler gauges, wrenches, and a valve cover gasket.

While I was having fun with the lift pump, John was consulting with MajicBenz and friends on Saturday on his little 1987 190D [non-turbo w201]. It had a lot of noise in the rear end and felt very unstable, so he hasn't driven it for a couple of months. Since it gets about 40 mpg and his commute is 120 miles round-trip, that was a real loss.

They replaced the outer rear bushings. The bushings didn't look bad IN the car, but once they were out, we could see -- and hear -- the inner sleeve rattling around in the outer sleeve with only crumbs of rubber in between :anxious: No wonder it felt unstable!

John says it's 70% better, and that'll hold him through the holidays until he can get back with the MajicBenz bunch to replace the 5 wheel assembly thingies on each side.

Hey, I never said I knew a thing -- or wanted to! -- about the w201! That's John's gig. It's more than enough for me to keep up with the basics of the 617 w123s and w126s. Why d'ya think our '91 350SD got disassembled and sent in three different directions? I don't know nothin' 'bout no 603 engines, either!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I was just glad Jimmy didn't decide to use the gun to install the boot on my head :eek:

And now, thanks to Jimmy's sharp eye, I have a Snap On version of his Astoria Flexx Gun :D, so we can blow and go if we decide to have an axle GTG. :cool:



Actually Charlie [Charmalu] gave me the heads up on the Snap On flexx gun and I passed it on to you, so throw some luv Charlie's way too.....:)

BTW, I loved John's little 190D. I drove it down the service road to the on ramp by the Super 8 and drove it back to the shop on that little bit of fwy and I really liked that little car! Plenty of acceleration with the 2.5 liter NA diesel engine, and I thought it was just a comfortable little MB. They feel plenty solid too.....

I saw you take off in it, but didn't know why. You'd be shocked at how much more solid that little baby Benz feels now with just two bushings replaced! Still, compared to a w123, it's a featherweight. :cool:

I'm going to post this as a separate thread to ask for a little help, but please go see the fate of my lovely green 300SD with the completely new front-end at http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=2067857&posted=1#post2067857

Sunny