The DONALD LEON SWINFORD 123 Character Club

[Grey Ghost]

I am pleased to announce the formation of an ultra-exclusive club (drum roll please):

The 123 Character Club (dedicated on 5 September 2007 to the memory of Founder Don "Spiderman" Swinford)

Membership is composed of those who have formed a personal bond with their 123-chassis MBs. "Bonding" means that your car is more than mere transportation. Your car enhances your own character, and you have acknowledged that fact by giving your car a proper name.

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

There is no clubhouse, no pool, no golf course, no tennis courts, no sporting clays, no docks, no dues, no food minimums, no assessments, no dress code, no membership application, no membership card, no newsletter, no website, no wine tastings, no pub crawls, no inn-hopping, no leaf watching, no famous members, no secret handshakes, no nothing. We meet in cyberspace on the MBCA "123 Forum."

[Grey Ghost]

Chairman Swinford:

In reviewing older threads, I notice that Docphiliowa (Little Gerry) should have been named as a Charter member.

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G;
Me thinks you been in the sun too long and it has roasted your "Grey" matter.
There are those who would vote me out of the Forum.
Order, Order, The Grey Goast, Skip II has the floor and has dominated Docphilliowa as Charter member; all in favor press Ctrl,Alt and delete at the same time,
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[zak]

I voted yea ! The more the merrier and more informed.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G;
Recording Sexery; here's you another member.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

The FOunding Member of the 123 Character Club can't be voted off the site. I can think of other posters who may be candidates in the not-to-distant future, but they're not 123 drivers.

Don, I agree with Zak. I always look forward to reading your posts for their content and down-home humor (simo pressing of Ctrl/Alt & Delete, indeed!)

God Bless you (and Joan, for putting up with your antics) and Donka II. I bet you don't even own a dog...you'd rather care for a car...now that car has to have CHARACTER!!

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G;
You missed it this time.
You mentioned your Lab; Joan and I have had 3 Labs.
Turk was Black; a Castlemore lineage.
Heather was Yellow; a Briarcoat lady
and Chaca was Chocolate.
Heather I brought back from Scotland when I was asigned to Vauxhall Motors she came into the U.S via Canada to not have her quarintined.
Chaca too was an Imigrant coming thru Canada.
As you see we liked the Lab.
Now we have a Boxer; Leica is her name and she was born on my birthday 2 years ago.
If you have never been exposted to a Boxer you don't know what you're missing.
We would take a B over the L now that we've had both.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don
:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

the similarities between us continue to grow! I'll always be a Lab man myself, however

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G. Skip 2;
Yep there seems to be a simeLiarity between Ship 1 and Skip 2.
There is the seperation buy 2 decades though.
When you reach 70 years on your clock look back and remember.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

I am pleased to announce that Vince Layton (a moderator of this Forum) has been elected a Charter Member of the 123 Character Club.

Updated membership roll:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

(hey, with a barrel of oil now fetching more than $50, I have to do something to take your minds off the pain)

[Al Cooper]

I'm really getting confused by all this detailed technical info on 123's but i'm learning as I go along.

I guess we are the exception as we have a cat, ZOEY, a tortise that has a couple of my daughters dogs in hiding when she is there. Before Zoey we had ABI (Turkish for Buddy) a 16 lb all black alley cat for 15 years. He had every dog in the neighborhood under control including a lab, a Newfi, & a Basset hound that ran when ABI looked at him with the EVIL EYE.

I think jacking up a wheel to move the valves on a manual 240D is is pretty neat & I will try it in a few thou when my valves are due for a setting.

My cruise control is out of whack but fixing it isn't worth the trouble for me as Manfried only goes on the Expressway around Boston 2-3 times a year & traffic is anywhere from 0 to 75 MPH every few miles so cruise isn't needed 95% of the time. Besides I try to control him not him control me.

I seem to remember that jacking up a wheel to start a model T was the accepted solution a few years ago so guess things never change. I know my 240D doesn't.

Al in MA w/Manfried in slo moshun at 125,300:) :D ;) :cool:

[GrayStar]

Since private funds or revenues will NOT kept or disbursed, I would like to nominate myself as Club Treasurer. Do I hear second?

[Grey Ghost]

the requirements for membership clearly state that your 123-chassis car must have CHARACTER, as evidenced by the use of a proper name.

SO, tell, tell & I'll note your request to the Chairmen.

[GrayStar]

I can't believe I forgot to mention my wonderful and trustworthy 123 diesel who's has the grand name of "Cropduster". I hope this will satisfy the membership of this fine and historical club that I hope someday may be an upstanding part of.

[Grey Ghost]

Gray Star has been seconded for Active membership in the 123 Character Club. He will be an officer of the Club, serving as Treasurer.

Here is the current club roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

To raise revenue, we will be collecting .0005% of the price of every gallon of diesel sold at a price exceeding $2.00.

[GrayStar]

Thank you for the honor of being selected as the Treasurer of this elite group of 123 owners. I would like to thank my mechanic John Roberts of German Auto Specialists, Inc. of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., Mercedes-Benz of Devon, Pa., The Delaware Valley Section, Chairman Don Swinford, Recording Secretary Skip Parker for giving me the good news, the Officers of the 123 Character Club and not to forget my cat Dylan ( the villian) Diablo a rescued alley born 15 pound blue-black terror on four legs. This spring "Cropduster" will receive a new coat of paint. It seems like the former owner liked to rub the sides with the hedges of his circular driveway. I guess it was his idea of an AUTOCROSS event. Speaking of autocross, "Cropduster" placed first in class for 2003. Did I tell you that I was the only diesel that year to compete? Hey! a win is a win. By-the-way, the price of Shell diesel at my place in New Jersey is $1.99 per gallon. However, at my home in Pennsylvania the cost is $2.07. OUCH!

[Al Cooper]

Hi all, I'll 3rd Gray star's nomination/election as Treasurer for what ever thats worth. Seems like we are assembling a really distinguished group.

Now to Manfried. He really wobbles/rocks & rolls from side to side at about 20 mph so I checked front & back suspension-everything is in place. Parked in nutral he runs really smooth way up in revs so I ruled out motor mounts

I then called my mech Harry Barberi of Auto Tech in Natick, MA & he said immediatly that it probably was a tire loosing a belt. I never thought of that so when the rain stops i'll use the spare 1 tire at a time till I find the culprit or go to Harry if none of them are the culprit

Until I get Manfried's wobbles fixed I won't be driving so will avoid the DREADED DUES TO THE 123 GROUP as I have 3/4 of a tank & hope to refil at under $ 2.00 a gallon although it seems unlikely as the signs I've seen are all about $ 2.10 to 2.14 up here in a very dispirited RED SOX NATION

:) :) :D :D :cool:

[GrayStar]

Thanks Al for the third. No dues for you for a whole year! It's great hearing from a fellow Mass. guy. I lived in Fall River while stationed in Newport in the late sixties. A lot has changed since then. The last time I was up there was in 1988 when I competed in a sailing match race off Fort Adams. Good to hear from you and thanks for the welcome.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Hey;
I be da leeder of dis bunch.
I get know respect; ya'll keep ketn mo offisur and ya'll don't ax me fo purmishn.
No Respect.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

Just Fun no insults!

[GrayStar]

Forgive me your Honor, your Eminence, your Handsomeness and oh yes the Exalted One. I will bring down *#*#*#*# fire and tax all the guilty ones the aforementioned .0005%......However, I can be bought cheep.

[Tom Hanson]

How about a parts vendor / consultant ??

[GrayStar]

Your're hired! But you better check with the one most high.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Cross my Palm wif sum goodie parts.
Da wa we be gwon das gwon da be mo officers dan members.
Saas da boss.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on The Gulf Coast,
Don:p :p :p

Isn't it fun being silly at our ages?

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G "Recording Sexytary";
How about a list of the acting Officers?
We need to know who is who!
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don,:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

this club has NO acting officers, Spiderman (there's very little to "act" on).

You are the Founder and Chairman, but we know from recent corporate events that Chairmen are figureheads.

Your primary role is to continue to be yerself! Tony P (from the Diesel Discussions Forum) enjoys your humorous posts as many others of us do (including yours truly).

Be it resolved, however, that all nominations will be passed by your Highness.

I therefore nominate Tom Hanson for Special Membership in the Vendor/Consultant category (kind of like "Of Counsel" at a Law firm)

Do I hear a Second?

[D.L. SWINFORD]

A second; NO but I'll third and fourth it.
Second is reserved for Tom.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast,
Don:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/consultant)
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

Beep, beep from the northeast corridor where I'm enjoying roaring around in the crisp autumn air with my (manual) sunroof open.

[squirrelmama]

Guess I'm a "123 wanna-be" since with a C-320 wagon, model year 2004, I hardly qualify for the ranks of this esteemed club (though my car does have a right and proper name and indeed is full of character, if not a few CHARACTERS as well!)

But I thought I'd pull into the rest stop here, honk a friendly howdy (since I'm a newbie and have so far enjoyed the drive very much) before getting back on the suburban Autobahn, still contemplating my first oil change.....

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

Caryn -

Thanks for stopping by our humble forum. I for one am trying to understand why there don't seem to be any women driving diesel-powered 123s. It gets awful boring listening to all the hot air generated by the men in this forum...

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Cayrn;
Never in our mind do we want to be Chovans!(sp)
We don't mind a femmine passing through BUT we will over look that you don't have Character 123.
Have a seat and listen to we old Goats rattle off verbally via the terminal.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[Tom Hanson]

Yea, though I post through the valley of W123, I shall fear no evil, for thou art all supportive of me...... Oh, I must be going nuts. This is truly a great group, and I feel right at home. I must say, I have my eye on a 123.33 that one of our mechanics has. White with blue interior, looks new, not for sale. I'll be first in line when it is.

[zak]

Hey Tom, tell us about that coupe of yours. Is that the little scooter that came out about 2 years ago ? Do you really fit in it ?
Isn't that six a bit peppy for you ?

[GrayStar]

Hello Caryn. Welcome to the 123 Character Club Visitors Center. We always welcome visitors from other chassis. We just think our class is the best and will probably outlast most others.

Thank you for your rehab work and for being a friend to the squirrell. We feed them daily at my home..... to keep them from eating all the bird food. My (inside) cat loves to watch them through the window. Actually, I think he would like to taste one of them just once. Once again, on behalf of the 123 Character Club welcome and visit us anytime. I'm sure you will get a laugh from time to time.

[Tom Hanson]

Zak,
The C-Class coupe is a sleeper of sorts. I do fit quite well, even at 6'4". My son is about 5'9" and fits in the back seat comfortably. Of course, he's not sitting behind me. As far as "pep" goes, there's no such thing as too much power. Period. Yes, it flies with the V6. I haven't gone over 100 yet, but very close. No safe opportunity.

[squirrelmama]

I sing the praises of the C-class (wagon) engine, the 320, that is.
I wasn't even trying to approach 100 on a recent trip to the Jersey shore and it's a good thing I checked the speed on the dashboard......just out of curiosity, more than anything else.

The car was skating along so smoothly and I had no sense of speed but we were nearing the triple digit mark. Ouch.

Not a wise thing in NJ, where the troopers are gunning for cars with NY tags.

Safe to say that now if I can use the cruise control as a "speed governor" I do so.

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

SqM -

Buy your bro an MBCA membership...he might enjoy the forums too!

G.G.

[squirrelmama]

hey that is one fine idea!!
GONNA DO JUST THAT! (he's right now living in what would be the mid-Atlantic Section - southern MD)

He's saving for his 2005 model, I hope, so the least I can do is get him plugged into the happenings here.
He knows about the forum - likely he was a member long ago.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Der Chairman es Schpecking.
Isn't it amazing how many members would like to have a w123, even Tom.
A 123 at any speed above 70mph is tike being on cloud 9.
I've had my 123 17 years and 288k miles bought him used in '87 and his character just grows every time I give him a bath and polishe.
As our Sexatery has asked of me; when he instructs me; I will post a photo of my Donla II.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[docphiliowa]

...the nomination for membership in this august group.

Yes, my 123 means the world to me. It means inifinitely more to me that just being a car, or a simple mode of transportation. It is an extension of me. Little Jerry is the son I never had, he is my dependable friend, always there when I need him.

And I am always here when he needs me, be it a rear axle, a transmission filter, or just a little polishing.

So without further taking your time, I do accept. And I do offer my services as official group Chiropractor.

When/where is the first meeting?

[squirrelmama]

Hello doc,
Do you also do front-end alignments on Mercedes Benz' too?

If we have a meeting, there may be some folks who'll want an adjustment on the vee-hickles after the tires have been rotated!!

best
Caryn
(a believer in chiropractic for humans too!)

[docphiliowa]

I will do nearly all the work on Little Jerry myself, but front-end alignments is one thing I will leave to a pro. There is nothing more gratifying than getting my hands good and greasy after a day of working on spines.

By the way, did you know people who received spinal adjustments during the flu epidemmic of 1918 had a significantly lower death rate? It would take a diagram for me to explain how this worked, but it is easily explained when you follow the neurology of an adjustment.

I also now use a 'cold' laser, an extremely effective (and FDA-approved) device for the treatment of carpal tunnel and other upper and loer extremity problems.

I offer my humble office in Brooklyn, Iowa as the meeting place for our inagural gathering. Complimentary treatments for all 123 Character Club members!

:)

[Grey Ghost]

I nominate DocPhiliowa as Fleet Surgeon. New roster would be:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary members: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon" a 124)
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/consultant)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[GrayStar]

Are there any empty seats left to be filled in this fine Club. There are openings for Engineer, General Maintenance and Chef. If I forgot anyone, please chime in.

[squirrelmama]

I don't suppose a C320-wagon-driving newcomer could qualify as chef, huh?
I do enjoy cooking (and don't mind learning how to cook under the hood if I have to.)
You could call my vee-hickle the CHUCK WAGON

Caryn

[GrayStar]

As of this date, the 123 Character Club has once again cheated good old Uncle Sam by not claiming profits for the month of October. So far the Clubs financial balance is ZILCH, NADA, ZERO. Not bad revenue for such a young Club. I guess that's due to the Character that each member possesses.

[GrayStar]

I make a motion to nominate Caryn and "CHUCK WAGON" to the Board as the 123 Character Club Chef. I think we can all use a good meal. Do I hear (or read) a second?????

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Yep Yep Yep;
The Chairman says yes.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[squirrelmama]

"CHUCK WAGON" modestly dims the high beams in grateful acceptance.

The gear shift is now being modified so that "P" and "D" and "R" can serve a double function: "P" for Poach, "R" for Roast and "D" for Dinner's Ready!!!

What shall our first communal meal be? (Please make sure it is a meal that is compatible with both dial-up and high-speed uploads to simplify delivery)

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Sorry for being off line for so long but I had a semi-private room reserved at my favorite hospital and had to use it or else they would charge me anyway. I go there because the food is so good, nothing like our newest member "The Chef".
Once I get my grey matter in gear I'll start spreading more hate and discontent. Ha Ha!
What a joy it is to know there are other nuts out there like me. But nuts we may be but we is screwed on the right bolt.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[squirrelmama]

Goodness, I'm sorry to hear you were in the Dr. Kildare Memorial Marriott.....and glad you are back where you belong. I was trying to get a catering gig at that joint but they told me and Chuckwagon "no go" and insisted I pull over and let the ambulance through.
Take extra good care and let's hope you don't see the inside of that particular garage for another 1,000,000,000 miles!
Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G. Skip II;
I've tried to post pics of Donka II.
I have a problem with the file size of my digital pcs.
I'm going to take some more at the "Basic" mp.
Ofcourse I'll have to give him a bath first.
Houston area has had rain for the past two weeks like you can't believe.
When ole Sal returns I'll get the Nikon Digital out and try again.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the |Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

p.s. I still can't hook up with T.H.

[Grey Ghost]

I have nominated Roger Beavans for membership in a new category (Adoption Specialist). Roger recently rescued a powder blue 204D from an untimely demise and will be needing our collective help and encouragement. Roger plans to restore this car and re-establish its fine character. Let's all welcome Roger aboard!

New roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialist: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")


__________________
Skip Parker, Recording Sec'y
123 Character Club

1985 300 TDT: 250,000km badge
the "Grey Ghost"

[squirrelmama]

Here here!
If this newcomer to the board has achieved voting privileges yet, I second the nomination.
It is a privilege to have a true humanitarian among us, I think it will raise our character even more and give us some standards to emulate.....
....maybe.

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

From The Chairman;
G.G. and I never realized the CHARACTER Club would bring so maney devoted 123 owners out of the forest, Black Forest that is.
The more that can relate on how to extend the lives of our machines the better.
We need to start a sub-chapter on maintaining our loves.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

p.s. da Chairman ofcourse
I gets no respect

Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday to Jerus Christ my savior and from those of the same faith.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Da Chairman Goofed as uszal.
Da 123 CHARACTER bees a sub of da 123 group.
SOS howes can we bees a sub of a sub?
Dee comitee is demissed. all a jerned.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don,:p :p :p

[Unregistered]

hi all, this is Al Cooper with a computer problem of some sort that keeps me out of the club site & is giving me a fit on my Verizon email.. I'll probably call the computer geeks next week as its beyond me & a friend or 2 that have been checking it out..

Meanwhile "Manfried" & I are doing fine. He is up to 126,100 now & will get an oil change tomarrow if it warms up enough here in RED SOX NATION for me to do it. Manfried is silver Skip so it wasn't me u saw on 495 or the MASS pike a while back.

Manfried is about done for the year as it snowed 2 days ago & we have salt everywhere so I will only drive him if it rains & washes the roads pretty good. we go to florida in Feb & Mar so he sleeps in the garage for about 2 1/2 months anyway. with a full tank & biodiesel in it to be sure he doesn't grow any friends while we are gone.

I still read the forums even tho I can't log on right now & they are really good. Diesel is still $ 2.13 up here even tho premium gas is back to 2.05 or so.

Merry christmas to All;;; Al cooper & Manfried in RED SOX NATION going along in slo moshun

[Unregistered]

Hi All, Its Al cooper w/myPC problem still, probably needs a chiro adjustment. We can keep getting this august group bigger & bigger i'm sure as we can invent positions as we need them just like the guvmnt does. Is docphiliowa the only other 240D owner besides me???. Seems like the rest of the august group have those new fangled automatic 300d's or even 300SD's.

Have a Good New year everyone & I'll try the Computer Geeks in a few days to see what ails this machine besides the operator.

Al in RED SOX NATION w Manfried in slo moshun at 126,200 (actually he is slumbering now as the roads are snowy & salty)

[squirrelmama]

Well happy new year to you, Al, and everyone else chugging toward the 2005 mile-marker! Members of this esteemed club will be delighted to know that our beloved wagon is ready for the challenges of the season, having undergone its first OIL CHANGE and TIRE ROTATION yesterday at 4,600 miles!

Wishing you all good mileage, skid-free turns, and some successful chiropractic adjustments on your respective hard drives and processors.....

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

squirrelmama;
My CHARACTER , Donka II, originator of this Chapter, has 283,391 miles and looking forward to another 100K.
Divide that by 5000 and you will see how many oil & filter changes He has averaged(+500 -0). And tire roatations and balances using "Dust Shields" all these miles.
Money well spent in the 17 years we've had Him.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[squirrelmama]

Donka II is truly a model Character!

With frequent oil changes and tire rotations and other forms of good pampering (and some Swissol dressings for turning heads on those nice drives!), my wagon (aka ChuckWagon aka Flying Squirrel) aspires to achieve a semblance of Donkahood!!

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

squirrelmama;
I know there are 1000s of 123s as good if not better than Donka II; but there is no one that brags about thiers as I do.
I pray that the success I've had with Him will spill over onto others.
For with a little prevent we have the foundation for the most rewarding of rides.
Even with none they outperform many others.
Don't believe?
Just start looking for the raggity muffins running up and down our motor ways.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[docphiliowa]

Speaking of Swissol......

What do you more experienced owners recommend for exterior care for a 21 year old 123?

Thanks and Happy New Year!

[D.L. SWINFORD]

doc;
My 19 year old w123133 still with his original paint has had nothing but body clay when needed and rubbed in straight line front/rear never circular and polished with Mequire's #26(the yellow stuff) and buffed with hand me down bath towels.
He looks as good as when he was borne.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don,:p :p :p

ps thanks for the help on transmitting pics.
I too have an old Nikon Coolpix 900.
I wanted to use my scanner and sent copies of prints

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Happy New Year to all of the Proud Owners Of 123s.
Have you noticed how many pages there are for the 123s. Guess we will have to expand won't we.
That says something or doesn't it?
I'm seeing more 123s here in the Houston area than before.
I wonder if they are being bought somewhere else because there weren't that many before.
Oh well the other ones don't look as good as ours do they?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don,:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

I have a line on a 1982 turbo diesel, sedan....light blue....one-owner for 149,000 miles...will check it out this weekend...I left my business card on it one day in the library parking lot, telling the owner I admired it & to contact me if they ever thought of selling it. I wonder how the Grey Ghost will feel...

[squirrelmama]

I expect Grey Ghost will be pleased.....just as I believe the Chuckwagon (aka the Flying Squirrel) would be if I got a second C320 wagon.

Automotive biologists and vehicular psychologists have long noted that, left to their own natural behaviors, outside the confines of humans' garages, MBs love to travel in packs and often seek out the company of others like them!

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G. aka Skip II;
I posted something somewhere about your roving eye.
Find it, read it and reply.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, :p :p :p

Chairman of the Board,

[barberk]

Keith "BOOMER" Barber here from Va. Beach. I'm on my fifth W123. It's a drop-dead gorgeous 1983 silver-blue 240D with all options except an automatic transmission. His name is "OTTO", so named by a Luftwaffe lieutenant colonel who works with me. As I said, Otto is my fifth W123 and certainly my best. My personalized Virginia license plate shows "W123" and that draws a lot of questions. It's a Mercedes thing -- they wouldn't understand.

Look forward to interactions in this forum.

Best regards, Boomer

1983 W123 (240D) 4-spd; 1986 W201 (190e 2.3) 5-spd; 1992 W124 (300D). Wife has a Mini-Cooper S (whatever)

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Otto is welcome;
but "Bloomer"? Who's bloomers?
Our Chapter's growth just confirms the devotees to 123s or we can't afford anything newer and with less CHARACTER?
Considerring that our '85 123133 is now a CLASSIC, Joanie said the one thing she misses from our 124 is the Burgler Alarm.
Looks as if Donka II is going to the Alarm shop.
Of those who log in; I wonder how many are equipted with a manual transmission as Otto has?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don. Chairman of the Board:p :p :p

[squirrelmama]

I am ashamed to say I don't even have manual doorlocks......
:(
Caryn

[barberk]

BOOMER here. (not bloomer)

I'll briefly explain my nickname. For you land-lubbers who sat out the Cold War, a "Boomer" is a nuclear-powered Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine. As one of those "steely eyed killers of the deep" who served (24 years) in Boomers, when I went to shore duty to mix with the "skimmers" (surface officers) and "airdales" (aviators), I was called "Boomer" and it stuck.

So there.

New subject: Speaking of manual transmissions vs. automatic transmissions -- when I get too old to shift my own gears, I believe I'll turn in my keys.

Last: I'm a proud graduate of the University of Maryland. Any other Terrapin W123 pilots out there?

Best always, BOOMER and OTTO

[Grey Ghost]

it's been a while since we had a new member amongst us.

The new member's name is Boomer, and he's proud of his manual-tranny 240D, "Otto"

He has been promoted to the important position of Logistics Specialist.

Let's all welcome Boomer aboard the good ship "123 Character Club"

New roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialist: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[squirrelmama]

A big hearty welcome to Boomer and Otto......and a massive roar of the engines! The Chuckwagon will be preparing a special feast for the occasion.....A tailgate party in which the edibles shall be lightly browned in Synthethic Oil.......

Caryn

[barberk]

Howdy Partners --

Tailgating is a SCHHHPLENDID idea.

Ah yes -- the Saturday afternoons of my youth at College Park. Happy days -- except when the West Virginia Mountaineers came to town with their bare feet, coon skin hats, and 55-gallon-drum BBQ cookers hitched to their pickup trucks. The entrails of the possum they cooked littered our parking lots for weeks -- and most of the time they whipped our butts.

But I digress.......

Currently, I'm involved in resurrecting a W201 in my garage. This is something you SHOULD NOT attempt if you have a full-time job and you have to take your wife from Va. Beach to Duke University Hospital every two weeks.

In spite of that, I'm making progress. Hopefully, the exhaust manifold will be done today and then we can accelerate the process.

Thanks for making me the LOGISTICS SPECIALIST. During my reign as LS, everything will move by ship.

Have a great day y'all. BOOMER and OTTO

[squirrelmama]

Boomer and Otto,

Best of luck as, together, you both pursue your MANIFOLD DESTINIES in the Garage of Fate!

No possum entrails on the grille for this tailgate party but we'll have something, perhaps a bratwurst and some bock beer on the side.

Now could the College Park of your youth be the same College Park of my youth.....that being the one in Maryland? It was a big place so likely we didn't cross paths....besides I was driving an old Dodge Coronet with push-button transmission in my senior year, and didn't even know what an MB was....

Caryn

[GrayStar]

Glad to see another W123 owner pulling into port. Yes, I too am a former New London trained BUBBLE HEAD. I never went far since I was stationed on the Triton for a while. I had to NON-VOL due to sinus problems. Hey it was an adventure. Do you still know where all those valves are? After my Sub stint, I transfered to a Destroyer DD-853 and finished my four years on the Charles H. Roan. Enough of that....being the Treasurer of this fine Club I must advise you that no dues will be charged the first year. Starting the second year.........no charge. But the third year.......once again no charge. See where I'm headed? We are a not-for-profit Club that is only interested in the knowledge of other owners of these classic vehicles.

So, Boomer and Otto, "Cropduster" and myself welcomes you both aboard the USS Character Club MB-123.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

To All;
The Treasurer stepped on my toes as there is dues to be paid and it all goes to the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

ME!!!!

I'll be knocking on doors some dark night with collection tool in hand.
A basket, T or T.

Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of the Board:p :p :p

[GrayStar]

REPENT !....REPENT 1....I MUST REPENT !........ I got it! I pay everyone's dues for a full year. Even our newest members, Lt. Boomer & Otto. As far as our President, "Our Most High" is concerned....I will pay his dues forever! Hey what's that stuff on my nose?

I think he fell for it.

[Grey Ghost]

we have got some mighty distinguished personnel in this Club. the only stinker is the recording secretary.

I am pleased to announce our newest member:

Old Geek ("Blue Boy," a handsome 300TDT). His moniker entitles him to senior status in the Club.

Open bar tonight in Old Geek's honor (at the Chairman's house)!

Here is the newest roster:

New roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialist: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[barberk]

To Gray Ghost -- Glad to know there's another submariner our there. Esp. from TRITON. Capt. Ned Beach (rest his soul). The Navy's only two-reactor, two engine room submarine.
I had a sinus problem too, but the Submarine Force just recycled me from a diesel boat (USS JALLAO) to a nuke boat (USS G. P. LIPSCOMB). Glad I didn't have to go to the surface fleet.

To Squirrelmama -- yep, the same College Park. How I loved that place. Getting my bachelor's degree at Maryland was the happiest seven years of my life. (Just kidding). You must remember the Dairy Bar and that fantastic teaberry ice cream, don't you? The Chapel, the Armory, McKelden, and of course... TESTUDO !!! Man, I rubbed his nose quite a few times on the way to exams in Tidings Hall.

My college mobile was a VW Beetle. Pretty cliche for a college car. Yours sounds more interesting.

OK. New subject. How do I change my user name from barberk to "BOOMER" ????

Best to all, boomer GO TERPS !!!!!!!!

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Count Hood Medalions;
More and more 123 nuts are coming out of the Forest,(Black that is).
We are at 6 pages in just a few weeks.

Include in your joining the CLUB little tricks you've learned over the years that has kept your JOY on the road.

The Chairman of the Boards is always shooting his mouth off as how her kepts Donka II Bright, Shinny and Snappy.

Don't we love a 123133; nothing like our big iron PANZER!

Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of the Board

:p :p :p

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Boomer;
You will be the first Boomer I've had the joy of speaking to.
The welded hull of your boat, HY--- material welding parameters, I have the pride in developing them for, was it Jeff Boat, it has been so many years.
I was on loan from G.M. Allison Aircraft Div. to the A.E.C Albuq operations.
So proud the hulls were GOOD.
What goes down had better come up.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of the Board

:p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

you may be able to change your nom-de-plume there

I am very proud of all of you 123 Character Club members with military service. I have nothing but respect for those who follow orders and place themselves in harm's way to defend Freedom around the globe

I wish I had such fond memories of my Alma Mater...I spent most of the time pulling on the end of an oar in the Harlem River (heavyweight rowing team, of which I was Captain in the day)

[squirrelmama]

Yes, hurrah and special thanks to our veterans within this already esteemed club!!!! SHALL WE GIVE THEM A DISCOUNT ON ANNUAL DUES??

Nice to know many here are connected with the U.S. Navy. My brother, who I recently gave an MBCA membership to, is not a veteran but is working at the Pax River base in southern MD, for a Navy contractor.

Boomer - you bring back fabulous memories, including my two-hour lunches at the Dairy, where I would consume half-a quart of mint-chip ice cream for lunch, insisting I was simply helping the local economy and our on-campus cows stay employed.

Testudo, so far as I know, is still grounded. Went back to MD about two years ago for college radio station reunion...but it was off-campus so I haven't seen any changes since I left but I know there are plenty.

Hey, let's think about forming a Character Club Convoy along Route 1 and take ourselves out to the Dairy.....

Caryn

[barberk]

Don,

As regards submarines -- and with the exception of the recent unpleasant issue with USS SAN FRANCISCO -- they're pretty safe. Risky business to be sure, but I've noticed there are more airplanes in the sea than there are submarines in the sky. And as long as your surfaces equal your dives, you're in good shape.

Squirrelmama,

Route 1 (AKA Baltimore Blvd), was also "The Route". Not much has changed on The Route except our beloved watering hole "The 'Vous" (the Rendezvous) is now gone. But, the Cellar remains !!

Yes, Testudo is still on his perch which means....... a virgin STILL hasn't graduated from Maryland. Oops. Hope I didn't go too far on that one, but it IS Maryland Folklore.

I loved the Dairy. My favorite was TEABERRY. Did you ever have that beautiful, luscious pink delicacy ?? Whenever I think of Maryland, I think of the North Hill on a nice warm Spring day (with mucho co-eds taking the sun), the Dairy and that Teaberry ice cream, and Maryland Book Exchange.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. But here's a toast to our beloved Alma Mater. Still a touchstone in my life.

GO TERPS !!!!!!!! BOOMER AND OTTO

[squirrelmama]

Boomer,

Yes, a toast or two to the alma mater - do you think we could start a subchapter of MBCA for all Benz-driving alumni? I know for sure we can't be the only ones.

It's a comfort to know the Cellar remains and Testudo is forever perched - nay, cemented!! - where he has always been. As for teaberry at the Dairy.....hmmm.....did they have it when I was there? Either my memory is going bad or my eyes stopped looking when I saw the listing for Mint Chocolate Chip. I lived on an undergraduate's diet, and so MCC was one of the 4 basic food groups (you can probably guess with some of the 3 others were).

Then again, it also took me a year to figure out we had a football team. (DUH). That was one BIG campus!

Caryn

[barberk]

Squirrelmama,

There's still some debate as to whether we have a football team or not.

I'm always hoping for better days. Our basketball team beat
Virginia this week, and I'm grateful for that. Just as long as we beat Virginia, that's all that matters.

Springtime used to make us happy because our Lacrosse team always did pretty well. Nowadays, all the yankee schools recruit the area's best players and THEN those schools wind up kicking all the Maryland colleges' butts in the NCAA playoffs at Johns Hopkins. It's unfair.

Supposed to get mucho snow here over the next couple days. How about y'all ?

Have a good weekend, boomer and otto

[squirrelmama]

Boomer,

Here in beautiful formerly bucolic Suffolk County it is definitely "MB transmission 'C'-mode weather" comin' at us. The prognosticators predict much use of ESP, 4WD and "C" mode, with a 90 percent chance of use of heated seats, windshield and rear window defrosters.

The wagon and I are winterized and ready for it! I hope the DelMarVa area is prepared too. My brother's down by the Pax River base and said the highway people there don't prep for weather the way us frost-bitten Yankees do.

EVERYBODY DRIVE SAFELY!

Caryn

[barberk]

Squirrelmama,

Glad to hear you're winterized....... uhhh, does "winterized" mean you've indulged in an appropriate amount of "Natty Boh" (the State Beer of Maryland), or some other potent potable ??

As for your bro at Pax River, that's a great location. Good sailing around there. Not long ago, the Va. Section had a rallye up there and I WON with the 1985 300D I owned at that time. Unfortunately, I was disqualified for CHEATING !!! The map was totally wrong, so instead of chasing my tail, I just headed back to the origination point. What an insult.

Talk about "degrees of separation" -- a good buddy of mine has a brother working as a contractor at Pax River. His name is Loesline (pronounced like Less-line). Don't know his first name, but wouldn't that be a hoot if you bro worked with or near him?

OK, enough babbling.

Stay warm up there.

Best regards, boomer (and Otto)

[shadetree]

In review of the club rules I think it's time to submit "Ole Blue" for membership. I took possession of Ole Blue(Alt Blau) back during July 1984 at Sindelfingen. For the next 4 years Ole Blue travelled
to points all over Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Monaco, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, and France and a few other locations I cannot recall. First trip to the USA was during 1988. Then back to Germany during 1990 until 1993 and then back here to Colorado Springs. Ole Blue now has 145K miles to his credit. Got a new timing chain and motor mounts at 110K. A lot of oil and filter changes along the way and I plan to treat him to a new water pump in the spring when the weather gets agreeable under the old shade tree here. If I forgot to mention Ole Blue is a 1984 W-123 300D turbo and nothing sounds sweeter than his hum at 90MPH on the open autobahn. I selected the name since I once owned a 1971 V W 411 color blue and a co-worker at the time always called it Ole Blue. Now that he has passed on in his memory I carried the name to my 300D.
Gunthar will be along soom for membership also.
Best regards,
Charles Mattix

[shadetree]

2nd. try to attach a picture of a 1984 W-123 300D turbo,
"Ole Blue".
Chas Mattix

[D.L. SWINFORD]

shadetree;
What a beauty you have and you couldn't have picked a more beautiful back ground.
how did you post your pic and not take up as much of the area for the reply? If you look at "Donka II here he is" you can see what I'm asking.
Is your pic a digital and if yes how did you keep the file size small.
I couldn't use my digital for my file size was too large so I scanned a photograph.
Help
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of the Board:p :p :p

[squirrelmama]

Shadetree, that's one honey of a machine, pleased to see it gracing our Forum......

Boomer, I'll never reveal the brand of antifreeze but suffice it to say with the 2 feet we got up here......nothing had to have the ice chipped off!
:p :p

Asked my bro about whether he knows this fellow and sorry to say he hasn't heard the name or made his acquaintance. Perhaps may have to do with the fact that my bro is not a direct Navy employee but working for a subcontractor, troubleshooting software, etc.

He finds Lexington Park to be a little less than habitable but then he's accustomed to the NY metro area and has been down there less than a year.

Can't wait for all this beautiful snow to disappear and the temps to go above freezing just so I can get my whited-over car back to its pristine GREEN!

Caryn

[shadetree]

First to say thanks from all for the nice comments for Ole Blue.
Thats really appreciated for sure.
As for the picture size. Like I think you did I scanned from a
4"x6" print. Scanned just the immediate area around the
vehicle only at # 100 resolution. Think the 100 resolution is what
brought the picture within limits.
Best regards,
Charles Mattix

[shadetree]

It was not long after I took possession of Ole Blue during Jul 84 that I realized I did not want to use him as a daily driver and
I could not trust the 1980 model USA made car to be driving
all over Germany from time to time. So had the opportunity
to visit a dealer during March 85 who had about 7 1984 models
on the showroom floor. Mostly yellow 4 speed manual 230E's.
There was a white 230E 5 speed gearbox model so I knew that
was for me. So took possession of Gunthar at that time and
used him primarily as a daily driver until shipment to the USA
during 1988. Negotiated with AAFES(Army AirForce Exchange
System)who at that time was carrying out conversion actions.
So they shipped the car, processed it through port and did
the conversion at an activity near Katy(Houston), TX. They
contracted with an activity named Import Trade Services to
carry out all these actions. Then along with Ole Blue, Gunthar
travelled back to Germany during mid 1990 until mid 1993.
Gunthar now has 182K miles on the clock. A new timing chain
at 140K. A rear right CV joint failure at 76K on the A3 autobahn
at 80mph. (Now that was fun:-(. A new clutch release bearing,
clutch master & slave cylinder by me in my garage. Several other small other things in addition to all schedued maintenance actions and most recently a switch & steering lock failure where he had to be hauled to a repairman. Still in great shape and serving me very well.
Best regards,
Charles Mattix

[zak]

Gorgeous Charles, I just love those euro bumpers. The US bumpers are ugly monsters that detracted from the design, I always thought.

[squirrelmama]

Wow! Gunthar seems none the worse for the wear. He has definitely earned his medallions! And his odometer is more well-traveled along more interesting miles than many of ours.....

Caryn

[ulrich]

Shadetree;

Gunthar and Ole Blue both are extremely nice examples. The TLC you have provided to them really shows. Glad you gave us all a little eye candy. That being said, I'm a little partial to Ole Blue cause he's just like Talbot, except Talbot is an '83 with 140 K on him.


Keith

'83 300D
140 K

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Shadetree;
You must be ever so proud having two of the true modern Classics.
Is either Gunther or Ole Blue have a "clear coat" paint finish; it's hard to tell at the distance and angle of you photos.
If you look at Dona II photos the CC really stands out.
Donka II is all I can handle and keep Him as he deserves.
Until then, JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of the Board :p :p :p

[Grey Ghost]

Shadetree and Ulrich are both being proposed for membership...oh heck, just let 'em in. Shadetree is one of the few (and proud) owners of TWO of these classics! So impressive that he'll just have to be our newest board member. Wouldn't it be great to have a group picture of all these beauties?

What CHARACTER!

Open bar at the Chairman's house tonight!

new roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialist: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (vendor/Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Here we go again; 2x2;
Untril Then JOY;
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don, Chairman of The Board:p :p :p

Donka II, '85 300 DT

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Where are the rest of the 123 owners?
Here we have the growing Chapter of The MBCA Forums.
Don't you want to be a part of it?
The dues is reasonable and the Benefits are un-ending.
Come on and Join In.
Until Then JOY!
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Chairman of The Board, Don:p :p :p

'85 300DT Donka II

[squirrelmama]

Don,
when and where will our next official meeting be called?
I'm going to need time to load up the catering order into the chuck Wagon (and get the squirrels OUT)

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

squirrelmama, Caryn;
Do as G.G. (Recording Secretary) is planning for the weekend of 10Sept05.
He is coming via the Big Bird in The Sky; to Houston Bush Inter-Continental Airport.
Joanie and I are cellibrating our 50th Wedding Anniversary but not at the airport.
Uall come now ya hear!!!
Until Then JOY

Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Chairman of The Board, Don :p :p :p

'85 300DT Donka II

[squirrelmama]

Well you two get at least 50 beep-beeps on the ol' MB car horn for those many years and THAT MUCH MILEAGE on the marital odometer, mighty CONGRATS to you!!

I haven't been to Texas since 1979 and I think I went to the wrong city (DALLAS).

Imagine if we got a nice MB convoy going - of course my wagon would carry the anniversary cake!!

Caryn

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Cayrn;
After delivering the cake so many miles you definitely get the FIRST bite.
Until Then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Chairman of The Board, Don:p :p :p

'85 300DT 284K mites Donka II

[barberk]

Sorry I haven't chimed in lately. My wife's going for chemo at Duke University and I'm the "bus driver"

Squirrelmama -- Speaking of Duke, I was at Duke right after our beloved University of Maryland Terps Basketball Team handed the Blue Devils their first loss this year -- and at home !!

Next week we're down there for three days and rest assure, I'll be wearing my "Maryland" sweat shirt.

Actually, the "Dukeys" are pretty well behaved group of Southern ladies and gentlemen, so I won't push it.

We're getting bad weather too and of course, anti-freeze is a consideration when one drives a 25 year old car 50 miles round trip (to work) every day. My observation: always use gen-you-ine MB antifreeze. You won't be sorry.

I'll have to post a picture of OTTO soon.

Stay warm out there !!

BOOMER AND OTTO in VA. BEACH

[squirrelmama]

Boomer,

Wear that Maryland shirt proudly!!!! (I'm ashamed to say that at present I don't think I have a Maryland garment....but will have to rectify that soon).

Furthermore, I hope your trips to Duke for your wife's chemo will ensure her swift recovery, so that all future trips you make with her to that campus will instead be reserved for more Maryland victories - and other happy occasions!!

Looking forward to seeing Otto in the meanwhile. He has good antifreeze in those lines and I will take your advice on using the MB variety, as winter tightens its grip on us - thanks to Punxsutawney Phil, no relief in sight!

Caryn

[barberk]

Come on guys, how 'bout a little chatter out there !!

Gotta be some news about your oil burner (heck, I guess at least one of you owns a gas-burning W123).

Speaking of "owning" a W123, come on "Squirrelmama" -- get out there and buy yourself a W123. It's the least you could do.

A guy in church (and a member of our MBCA chapter) owns a bee-you-tee-ous gray W123 wagon. I have to find a way to ruin his health so I can buy it from him at his weakest moment.

So, there.

Take care y'all, BOOMER

[squirrelmama]

Hey Boomer,
Don't think for a moment I haven't been ogling some of those vintage vee-hickles......my little sport wagon could use an older sibling, something to give it a better sense of its proud heritage. And it would be nice to sit in the driver's seat from time to time and experience the joy of driving without looking at the dashboard equivalent of "Windows XP Pro" glaring up from the dash.

Now let's see, what color Big Brother can I get? (I'm too long out of the U of Maryland, Boomer, to be wanting a car in the colors of our alma mater.) I guess I'll take what I can find; it's what's under the hood that counts more. (True with people as well as cars!!)

I keep thinking my next MB should be something more of a toy, a just-for-fun rather than a hard-working functional auto - this car was bought, as you probably know, to provide safe transport for the creatures I care for, either bringing them home following a rescue, or at long last, taking them to a release site for a return to the treetops. But a toy would be just for me and me alone!

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

Boomer, shame on you! Let me refresh your memory of the Ten of the Commandments "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's property." And that includes his handsome 123wagon! Those of us in the 123 Character Club can all agree that there's just somethin' special about the sighting of a pampered 20-year old 123. Whether sedan or wagon, they have CHARACTER!

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G. Skip I;
How was The West Coast?
The Ole Geek visited me last weekend and what a nice 300TDT he has.
Ofcourse it aint a Donka II.
Did you read of docphiiowa problem with oil consumption, sad.
Until Then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Spiderman, Your Moderator, Chairman, Don:p :p :p

';85 300DT 284Kmiles Donka II

[Grey Ghost]

I had great fun but missed my vintage RIDE. What a JOY to return to JFK and start 'er up. She purred all the way home...

How are you feeling, Mr. Chairman? I'm feeling strong as we have entered the most important portion of the Christian church calendar...the Lenten season. May God and our Saviour his son J.C. bless & hold you & Joanie during this holy period.

[squirrelmama]

G.G.,
Do you actually *LEAVE* your precious ride at JFK? Even before I got my wagon I was always leery of longterm (or short-term) parking there. Heck, I was always leering of PARKING METERS there.......
Caryn

PS: Like the nice clean format here. Did someone put the Forum through a carwash?

[Grey Ghost]

yes indeedy I do...long-term parking at JFK is quite a bargain...thieves aren't interested in our cars (especially the wagons)

[squirrelmama]

Good to know!
If I ever get the courage to set foot on a plane again - and bring Spiderman his 50th anniversary cake - at least I know my beautiful wagon is unattractive in others' eyes. It's one time I don't mind letting it look a little dirty and grungy, when it's ready to go into Long Term Parking at JFK Airport.
Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

which is 20 years old...

YOUR wagon has considerably more appeal...

still, I doubt many cars get stolen from that lot...it's not "open"

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G.;
To those who aren't aware of this time of the year,
Until then Joy.

Squirelmamma and G.G.;
I wouldn't think of long term parking considerring the air polution at all airports.
I would hope all who do use this type of parking would use a car cover not only to protect the finish but to hide what is under the cover.
Until then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Your Moderator, Chairman of The Board, Don :p :p :p

'85 300DT 284.1Kmiles Donka II

[Grey Ghost]

In the Newsletters forum I just read a very nice tribute to an MBCA member from a Canadian member who had purchased this member's technical manuals via E-Bay. On the basis of that tribute, I have decided to nominate Mr. I.L. "Del" Heideman for posthumous membership in the 123 Character Club.

new roster:

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Posthumous membership: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialist: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[squirrelmama]

Yes yes, I second the nomination for this honorable member.

Caryn

[rogerb]

Well it's been many weeks since the incident where Little Blue tried to "run away". The weather here in Dallas has been crappy all of the weekends I had time to work on her. So she just sadly sat there in the driveway, just as she did when we had the "incident". But today my son and I rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We pulled the vacuum shutoff out and got the old injection pump off the shelf to figure out how this is suppose to work, which we did. We also found the the cruise control cable prevented full travel on the manual stop, which kept me from shuting her down manually. We replaced the main vacuum line (which I broke trying to adjust to suit me) and the rotten fuel line. Thankfully the fuel line was rotten or we wouldn't have got her shutdown at all during the "incident". When I couldn't think of anything else to do, I tore the fuel line loose from the pump with my bare hands.

Anyway...after several trys to get all the air out of the pump, SHE STARTED! And she didn't sound half bad.

rogerb
Little Blue :)

[Mercedes_SD]

In reference to Grey Ghost's post about the bonding thing: here goes....
Talk about ambivalent, yesterday I posted my 81 240D for sale. Today I just can't do it. Her name is "Mercy Benz". When I bought her (dirt cheap) I was told she had transmission problems and accepted it not believing that it was probably minor.(probably vacuum related hmmm.) She got the name "Mercy" due to my feeling of guilt that someone else would just buy her and she'd end up in a bone yard not long after.

Don't ask me why, I just really like this car. No it's not as peppy as my former 300SD turbo, but I just like to hear it clatter along. Since my other two MBZ's only require occasional maintenance and look pretty good considering their age, I suppose they bore me as they don't require much attention. I know some of you will probably understand. I can get in the SL and get a ticket in 5 minutes. But I get probably more pleasure out of beating along in this relic. LOL. I told Mercy today that I didn't really care if she cost a few grand out of pocket, that I wouldn't let her go unappreciated. (bite tongue?) So it's off to the transmission shop.

I'm confident that even an engine overhaul would be easier for me to do (mediocre level ability here) than frustrate myself with that tranny.

The old girl is just pitiful in my eyes. Someone put the cheapest (wrong color) paint job in black over the original creme color. I honestly could have done a better job with Krylon spray cans. She shakes, rattles, and rolls, but even in current condition. She STARTS EVERY SINGLE TIME ! And could probably make it across country driven just right.

If there are any crazy members out there like myself I'd love to hear about your experiences. And one more thing. at 340K miles, black smoke, clattering and clanging, She is still a genuine Mercedes Benz.

After wasting my time with two ML 430's with skyview tops, sport packages, and blah blah blah, I know a well made car from a cheaply made status symbol. (insert defintion of insanity here)

Thank you .... (takes a bow) :eek: Oops. Was I bitter?

[Grey Ghost]

(after that melancholy story, I dried my eyes and voted in our newest member)

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz)
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[H-townbenzoboy]

I want in! I want IN!!!
Ok, I have a 1982 300D, named "Smokeless J. Klatter", the first year of the turbocharged 617s in sedan bodied W123s. It has a creme MB-Tex interior, and a petrol green exterior. It has chrome 15" flatface MB rims, slightly wide tires (225's), tinted windows, chrome fender trim and has 346K miles on it. I may take some of that stuff off later, it looks good when it's all waxed up and polished. It's hardly broken in! Records indicate it was purchased in Canada, and found its way to Houston somehow in the 80's. I'm probably the 4th owner of it. The previous owners took real good care of it, and I'm doing the same. It doesn't smoke.... much... :p I run an Italian Tuneup nearly everyday, and a nice additive, and recently, it had its first diesel purge, it runs nearly as smooth as a gasser.
I am awaiting your replies. :)
-Joe

[Grey Ghost]

I nominate and elect H-townbenzoboy and his trusty 82 300D ("Smokeless J. Klatter") to our august club. Sounds like we have a mini-club forming in Texas, with Swinford, Ole Geek and H-town all in the area!

Cocktails and mini-wienies at the Swinfords tonight!

Founder and Chairman: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz)
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[Mercedes_SD]

Got the word on Mercy's status. Broken planetary gear and new torque converter needed along with a tranny overhaul To a tune of $1979.89. She'd better run like a "scalded dog" for that price. <Laughs out loud>. Ahhhhh, can't wait for a morrning drive over the hills with that musty old german car smell and some diesel fumes and a tumbler full of coffee. ahhh. A little slice of heaven. :D
Wish me luck !

[squirrelmama]

Good luck, good luck to you and enjoy the coffee as well, which should cost considerably less than getting your lovely back on the road!! ;)

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

I had to laugh when I came across this little ditty in the "who's got the most miles?" thread:

"Donka II is so Full of CHARACTER and sweet
He only has 288K miles he is so neat
I drive him every day
just to keep him my way"

Now you know why Sr Donald Leon Swinford is one of God's chosen and Chairman-for-life of the 123 Character Club!!

May God bless and hold you, Joanie, Leica & Donka II.

Beep, Beep from southern New England!

[squirrelmama]

A marvelous ditty, befitting the noble Donka.

I propose the production of an official bumper sticker:

HONKA HONKA
IF YOU LOVE DONKA

Caryn :D

[Grey Ghost]

I'm pleased to announce our newest member in the Adoption Specialist category: JoshuaJeeper and his 300TDT "Ambassador"

Barbecue and open bar at the Swinfords on September 10th!!!

new roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")
Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[Alex]

Kudos to you all for your dedication and sense of humor expressed in your posts. They are instructive, inspiring and put a smile on my face.

I'm the original owner of an '81 300TD that still drives and looks great. So far it has traveled 220,000 New York City business miles. I had to remove the back seats to get Commercial plates, which gives me at least 20 minutes at the curb before getting towed away in midtown. So the blue leather seats, wrapped in plastic, have been sitting in the basement a long time. I sometimes wonder if anyone other than visiting mice will ever get to sit on them. The rear backrests are folded down in the car, with a custom canvas piece covering the entire rear platform.

Other than rust on the bottom of the taigate, the one current problem that I have yet to deal with is that for a minute or two it won't keep running after a start in cold weather. Until a solution is found, I keep my foot slightly on the gas pedal for a minute, then the problem goes away. I use the car every day and use an independent mechanic who's an hour away. He thinks the cold running problem is timing and not worth the trouble to fix. I'm not so sure. Big Blue and I are destined to grow old gracefully together.

For longer rides with music and a leisurely cigar (the wife won't let me smoke in the house) last year I got a CL500 that I'd been wanting for 10 years. But that's a different subject.

The W123 is certainly a wonderful car, worthy of effort in caring for it. I remember just after it arrived in 1981, a client commented that the $30,000 I paid for it was a lousy investment. His wife said that he feels if it's not real estate, it's not a good investment. I told him that we'd continue this conversation in ten years. Ten years later he wasn't so sure. Looking at the car again 20 years later he conceded he was mistaken.

Alex

[Grey Ghost]

Alex, thanks for your post. 220,000 miles in the metro area is a whole different ball game than it is in the midwest!

Names containing "Blue" are popular. We have "Blue Boy," "Ole Blue," and "Little Blue," so "Big Blue" fits right in!

No charge for your membership either...in fact, in honor of the dues you've paid already driving the traffic-clogged streets of Manhattan, you've been elected the "Member with Distinction" category

keep on diesellin!

new roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[Grey Ghost]

Allow me to introduce our newest (unwitting) member....BPWolfe and "The Tank" (a 300TD). He will be inducted immediately into the new Mileage Hall of Fame category (open to diesels with > 300M miles). Owners with cars displaying mileage this high need not "name" their cars...it's perfectly clear that they have already formed a much deeper bond with their machine than a mere name would suggest!

New roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Mileage Leader: RPCHC (300D 437,000!!)
Mileage Hall of Fame members: Docphiliowa's 240D (385,000); Robby Ackerman's son's 300D (369,000); Richard Jordan's Dad's 300D (356,000); Vince Layton's 300TD ("Heidi" 352,000); BPWolfe's 300TD ("The Tank" 347,000); Htownbenzoboy's 300D (346,000); Sokoloff's 240D (340,000); Familydieseldr's 300TD (330,000)
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Tuesday the 12th of April I had Donka II at Mercedes Benz North in Houston for his 100K mile frontend alignment.
I arrived at 8:30 am.
At 11:30am Donka wasn't available as being finished. I inquired of the service department and he was finished at 10 or so.
Where was my Donka II?
They tracked him down and the detailing department had washed and polished Him.
They then moved Him to the New Car Sales Department and had Him on display.
When I arrived to get Him; there were people standing all around Him and a MB North Salesman showing Him Off and telling future owners this is what a Benz looks like after 20 years.
I was never so proud when I was intrduced as the owner of Donka II.
Off to the side an unbelievable trade in price was offerred for they wanted him for display. Another salesman said he would top the price by $1000.00.
I told them NO and H--- NO.
Donka and I went home happy as two larks(not Studebaker Larks that is)

Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

Until Then JOY

Chairman of the Board
Your Moderater

'85300DT 288K miles Donka II
'87 300E 279K miles Donka I

[Grey Ghost]

Don, did any of the patrons ask why the new cars lacked the CHARACTER displayed in Donka?

I can just see you, the proud papa, beaming with delight over your son. What a joy!

Score one for the 123 Character Club...

God loves you, my brother

beep beep from the Tri-State area

[D.L. SWINFORD]

I can't believe how our CHARACTER Club's membership has grown since my coining 123 CHARACTER.
We all love our 123 stokers and smokers(gas) too.
Most of all Skip II for his stedfast monitorring of our forum; Thanks SkipII from Skip I.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

Until Then JOY

Chairman of The Board
Your Moderator

'85 300DT 288K miles Donka II
'87 300E 279K miles Donka I(put out to pasture)

[Grey Ghost]

At this time I would like everyone to extend a warm welcome to Paul Persico, our newest high-mileage member. Paul's logged 417,000 miles on his 300D!

Coffee & donuts at the Swinfords this morning to celebrate.

New roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Mileage Leader: RPCHC (300D 437,000!!)
Mileage Hall of Fame members: Paul Persico 300D (417,000); Docphiliowa's 240D (385,000); Robby Ackerman's son's 300D (369,000); Richard Jordan's Dad's 300D (356,000); Vince Layton's 300TD ("Heidi" 352,000); BPWolfe's 300TD ("The Tank" 347,000); Htownbenzoboy's 300D (346,000); Sokoloff's 240D (340,000); Familydieseldr's 300TD (330,000)
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[squirrelmama]

Sorry I was late bringing the donuts. I finally figured out how to use the cargo area properly by folding the seat bottoms forward first, and then folding the seatback down. Duh. BOTTOMS UP!!!! (as they say).
Congrats and welcome, and let us hope that particularly after Donka's fine honor, Donka will retain His characteristic grace and humility for which He is loved.

Caryn

[Grey Ghost]

the only question I have is: what took you so long??? you really ought to be a Charter Member, but we chartered the Club some time ago. We've decided to make you a Member with Distinction as you're such an active participant on the boards. Jim owns a fine '85 300TDT with just 112,000 miles on it...sweet!

Hamburgs & wienies tonight at the Swinfords! Don will be serving his famous "oil-burner kool-aid" as well! (don't worry, you'll be getting a "ride" home)

New roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue"); Jim Grillot ("Ms. Gladys")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Mileage Leader: RPCHC (300D 437,000!!)
Mileage Hall of Fame members: Paul Persico 300D (417,000); Docphiliowa's 240D (385,000); Robby Ackerman's son's 300D (369,000); Richard Jordan's Dad's 300D (356,000); Vince Layton's 300TD ("Heidi" 352,000); BPWolfe's 300TD ("The Tank" 347,000); Htownbenzoboy's 300D (346,000); Sokoloff's 240D (340,000); Familydieseldr's 300TD (330,000)
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[D.L. SWINFORD]

All 123 CHARACTER owners are invited to the Swinfords for Hambugers, Hot Brat and kraut, Cake and Ice Cream lemonaide and Soft drinks.
The occasion is Joanie and my 50 year wedding anniversary.
September 10,2005 at Spring Baptist Church, Spring Texas or e-mail me for details.

Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

Until Then Joy

Diesel in the morning, pee you barf barf (for GG)

Chairman of the Board
Your Moderator

'85 300DT 288K miles DonkaII (CHARACTER)
'87 300E 2xx miles Donka I(put out to pasture)

[Al Cooper]

Hi All; this is al cooper & Manfried up in RED SOX Nation. I finally cleaned out all the viruses in my PC & got logged on Again after 4-5 months. Manfried is up to 126,600 now & going strong. ;)

We are going to the Museum of Fine arts in Boston sunday 5-25-05 to see the Ralph Lauren car collection courtesy of the Minuteman section. I had him out for a 125 mile run last sunday on US 95 around Boston & he ran very quietly at 65-67. :D

I'm glad to see we have a lot of new 123 members. Keep it going Don & Skip :o

Al with "Manfried", an 82 4 speed 240D in slo moshun in red Sox Nation :cool:

[Grey Ghost]

Al, welcome home! It's good to get a nice report on Manfried, now that he's emerged from the bonds of winter storage. These cars absolutely SING on the highway!

On a more serious note, Chairman Swinford is feeling mighty low these days...a chronic medical condition has really got him down. Please put him in your circle of prayers as his doctors don't know what the &%$! to do...

p.s. I now believe that the viruses are all sponsored by Dell and Compaq. It gets to the point where people just discard their current machine in favor of a new one (without resident bugs). My dad is getting there, his machine is SO SLOW

[Al Cooper]

:mad: Skip, I agree with you on viruses. Mine started in OCT 2004 when my 2005 Norton wouldn't install from a download but I kept on going anyway till tjhe PC just quit about 2 weeks ago. Its a Gateway & I had this problem in 2002 but had a Gateway store in Braintree 15 miles from our home in Norwell so they cleaned it out & reinstalled all the software. Dell or Compac probably sent me the virus so I would buy one of theirs. Any way a local computer store cleaned it all out this time for $ 97.50 including reinstalling a Norton program. :(

Then the fun began. :o :eek: To reinstall the HP printer again I had to call Gateway & HP customer service so tried at about 8 PM & got HP's tech spt center in INDIA on the phone. After 3 hours of barely being able to hear them & only understanding about 1/2 of their commands I gave up. The next day I called HP at 3PM & got a super Canadian lady in Ontario & we got it reinstalled in about 2 hours of english conversation while she looked for & found a driver to operate it. This mess goes back to when I bought the PC & printer in 2000 at Gateway in Braintree as the printer isn't one of the ones programmed into the hard drive so installing it isn't easy. :confused: :eek:

I bought a Gateway as they had a local store & spt center here in 2000. It's gone now of course so I am at the mercy of people anywhere working out of Calcutta or wherever. When it dies again I'm going to a MAC I think as my son in law & daughter are sold on theirs & don't ever have a virus problem as they arn't written to bumfoozle Mac people :eek:

Back to cars; I got "Manfried" out April 6 when we got home from Florida & he started up after about 1/4 a revolution & has run like a top since. We sold our sailboat in Jan before going south so have some more time for cars now & am considering a 300CD or a 380SL this year to keep Manfried company. I wish MB had a diesel roadster like a 380-560. I'll bet you would have to stand in line & pay dearly to get one ;) :D

Al in Red Sox Nation w/"Manfried" in slo moshun @ 126, 80+ :D

99 civic--wife's around town car rolleyes:

01 Montana--ours for trips o

[Al Cooper]

Skip; I forgot to mention that we will pray for Don. We have a friend from Florida in NJ with pancreatic cancer so unfortunatly are really busy in the prayer business nowdays :(

Al in Red sox nation :(

[Grey Ghost]

To all members: I am delighted to announce the newest member to our exclusive club: DrSquash and his "trusty" 240D - the Red Baron! He's just decided to pour more of his hard-earned, after-tax cash into restoring the RB to its specifications. Welcome aboard, Doc!

New roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue"); Jim Grillot ("Ms. Gladys"); DrSquash ("Red Baron")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Mileage Leader: RPCHC (300D 437,000!!)
Mileage Hall of Fame members: Paul Persico 300D (417,000); Docphiliowa's 240D (385,000); Robby Ackerman's son's 300D (369,000); Richard Jordan's Dad's 300D (356,000); Vince Layton's 300TD ("Heidi" 352,000); BPWolfe's 300TD ("The Tank" 347,000); Htownbenzoboy's 300D (346,000); Sokoloff's 240D (340,000); Familydieseldr's 300TD (330,000)
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")
Recording secretary: SKip Parker ("Grey Ghost")

[DrSquash]

Gentle-men (er, -persons):

It is with a deep sense of appreciation and humility (rather out of "character" pour moi) that I accept your invitation to join your elite club.

Now, for my acceptance speech:

"The subject of mediaeval feudalism, a rather maligned and under-appreciated subject," deserves fuller attention from the world at large. It is therefore the intention of the paper that follows to probe some of the more atavistic, nuanced, and generally opaque ramifications of this often bifurcated and frequently homologated bombastication of European history. Now, it seems that Charlemagne,zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. ..

Bozo the Blockhead in Chester County

[Al Cooper]

Holy Mackrel Don & Skip, I second Drsquash for membership. We uns dispirtly neid a cultured pirsen to hed are publick relatins offic, mak speaches to the publick, news reels, television, wireless & to introdus all meatings, close them tooo & speak for we uns in all of are events and solv all diesel problems & qestuns. :rolleyes:

Al in Sox Land w/my silvr bulit "Manfried" :D

[Grey Ghost]

word-up, Al!

[Sysco Kid]

Although I'm probably one of the newest members
I'm longing for such an exclusive club. Are buttons
on stickers available yet?? I bought Grease Lightning
a few weeks ago from "a dear old woman" in N.Y.
She's a '84 300tdt wagon with 74k origional garaged
miles. She now purrs along in "Red Sox Nation"
on B20 . I tried to get Mass plates BIO-DZL but it was
already taken.

When will the sun come out so I can throw back her sunroof?

The Sysco Kid :) :)

[Grey Ghost]

Announcing our newest member, a real cradle-robber. Seems the Sysco Kid stole (oops, I mean bought) a SWEET 1984 300TDT from the proverbial little old lady, who had kept this baby in her garage and had barely driven it. The good news is that "Greased Lightning" has less than 75,000 miles...the BAD news is that the Kid will need to do ALOT of driving to make into the Mileage Hall of Fame!

Here's the new roster:

Founder and Chairman-for-Life: Don L. "Spiderman" Swinford ("Donka II")

Board Members: Zak ("Red Baron"), Al Cooper ("Manfried"), Old Geek ("Blue Boy"); Shadetree ("Gunthar" and "Ole Blue")
Distinguished Posthumous member: I.L. "Del" Heideman of Glen Ellyn, IL (1970 220D8)
Members with Distinction: J Karl ("Gertrude"); Ulrich ("Talbot"); H-townbenzoboy ("Smokeless J. Klatter"); Alex ("Big Blue"); Jim Grillot ("Ms. Gladys"); DrSquash ("Red Baron"); Sysco Kid ("Greased Lightning")
Charter members: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry"), Vince Layton ("Heidi" and "Gertrude")
Mileage Leader: RPCHC (300D 437,000!!)
Mileage Hall of Fame members: Paul Persico 300D (417,000); Docphiliowa's 240D (385,000); Robby Ackerman's son's 300D (369,000); Richard Jordan's Dad's 300D (356,000); Vince Layton's 300TD ("Heidi" 352,000); BPWolfe's 300TD ("The Tank" 347,000); Htownbenzoboy's 300D (346,000); Sokoloff's 240D (340,000); Familydieseldr's 300TD (330,000)
Honorary member: Zak's son ("Shaggin Wagon," a 124)
Adoption specialists: Roger Beavans ("Little Blue") and Mercedes SD ("Mercy Benz); JoshuaJeeper ("Ambassador")
Club chaplain: Tom Hanson (MB Classic consultant)
Chief cook and bottle-washer: Squirrelmama ("Chuckwagon," a W210, petrol-powered)
Fleet surgeon: Docphiliowa ("Little Gerry")
Logistics specialist: Barberk/Boomer ("Otto")
Treasurer: Gray Star ("Cropduster")

[squirrelmama]

Now if MB really wanted to accommodate those of us who are ensconsed in the soggy northeast they should come up with an add-on known as a rainroof! Not sure what it would have to have to qualify, but it should definitely keep the wet stuff OUT and give us a mighty fine view of those rainclouds.

Caryn :D

[Alex]

Caryn,

Isn't the closed sunroof on your C320 wagon made of glass so you can see the clouds? The one in my wife's C320 sedan is.

But the problem with the sunroofs on modern cars is that because of the heavily sloped windshield, the roof begins too far back. So the sunroof begins past the driver's head. One must look straight up to see anything. Unless one is seven feet tall and can set the driver's seat back a foot. The rear passaners have a better shot.

On older MB cars the sunroof starts in the right place but is not made of glass, so one can't see through it.

To enjoy the clouds, we'll just have to pull up a chair on the patio under the eaves and look up at an angle.

[squirrelmama]

Hmmmmmm......now that you mention it Alex, yeah, you're right about the sunroof placement. I haven't had a sunroof/moonroof since the 80s when I had a series of Honda Preludes, and those were NOTHING without a "moonroof" to make them even more fun!

I'm way shorter than 7 feet, so I simply just pop the roof (or slide it open) and enjoy the "feel" of having the open-air experience since the look of it would definitely get in the way of my monitoring the not-so-open road here in NY.

My solution: the best way to enjoy a moonroof is to drive to the beach or the park or the woods, tilt the driver's seat back, put on some music and watch the constellations! YEAH!

Caryn

[Alex]

Caryn's solution sounds much better but I've seen way too many monster movies to position myself so vulnerably.

[squirrelmama]

Alex,
you need to avail yourself of the newest Mercedes Benz add-on - the GARLIC HOLDER - available at most dealerships in and around the Transylvania area.

Caryn

[Al Cooper]

:cool: SQuirrelmama: I'm not sure if a garlic holder will keep anything at bay in
" Manfried" as he already has scared off all evil with his tremendous acceleration & his silver paint is so dazzlingly bright that it wards off all nondieselholics :D

I just reread all the pages in this club thing & feel left out as a BUCKEYE from 52, not a Terrapin or whatever MD people are. Nor was I a sailor as I spent 24 in the brown shoe & black shoe Army. :)

Most of my boat experiences were courtesy of US Navy transports to exotic places like Inchon, Vung Tao, Bremerhaven etc until we got into sailing 25+ years ago here in RED SOX NATION. :D

We just did a Holland America cruise to the Virgin Islands & thats more like my kind of boating. Manfried got to hide in the garage while we were gone & started up with a 1/4 turn again as usual :cool:

Al in R-- S-- N----- w/Manfried who is looking for a 300CD or 380 SL partner :rolleyes:

[shadetree]

Doggies,
Sounds like you may have missed out on some of the luxury travel between
Seattle and Port of Whittier, Alaska during a February aboard the USNS James
O'Hara or General H.B. Freeman back during the 1950's:-((
Regards,
Chas Mattix

[Al Cooper]

Shadetree: Al here. Yeah, I missed Alaska till 73 on the way home from Korea courtesy of MAC but made the USNS Marine Phoenix from San Fran to Sasebo & Inchon in 53. The Gen. Simon B. Buckner from Inchon to Seattle in 54 . The Buckner from Bremerhaven to NYC in 63 & the Buckner from San diego to Quinhnon & Vung Tau in 65. I should be a plank owner of the Buckner or whatever the navy calls forever riders on a ship. My spelling is lousy as you can see. :D

The best trip was over the north Pacific in 54 from Inchon to Seattle as we rolled about 20-30 degrees for about 5-7 days & 2/3 of the guys were sick. So the rest of us really pigged out on steaks, shrimp etc. At my table 2 of the 8 of us showed up for every