It Had to Happen

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Donka II had to have some repairs sooner or later.
We, Joanie and I smelled a slight tinge of anti-freeze in the cabin. Lifting the drivers side floor mat we found it WET.
Almost 20 yrs old and 282k miles the heat exchanger leaks.
My tech removes the dash and that's where the fun started. Evap core showed oil at the bottom. Dry brittle vac fittings, spongy suction hose the original x-valve.
Near fatile ignition switch and steering lock, broken cruise control lever switch. Wondered why it had so much play. Most of the vac pots needed replacing and the fan blower motor assy. A new evap case wasn't available so we patiently resealed all of the doors and flaps with new foam. The thermocouple came apart.
Under the hood; replaced original radiator, 2nd water pump and a brand spanking new thermostat. The rad hoses were replaced this summer. He has been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks and he will be there next week too. To date $2500.00 in parts and about the same for labor. That's about $250.00 a year for A/C comfort. How about Factory Warrantee? Anyone want to buy an old W123133?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman, Don
:p :p :p :p

[badali]

You should keep it another 20 years to get your moneys worth.
Brad

[Grey Ghost]

Donka II has provided years & years of faithful service, with mucho character. While it's painful to spend the big buck$ on him, it will be a joy to drive him when he's fully recovered. You're doing the right thing, my friend.

Donka rides again!

p.s. how about a picture of D II?

[D.L. SWINFORD]

badali;
you're probabley right as to driving to get my monies worth!
Have you ever stood by your Benz while others approach and make some of the most satisfing remarks about him not knowing you are the owner? Do you know how it feels to drive a one icon still remaining? I know you have or you wouldn't be replying in the 123 forum.
Ask Skip II (G.G.) and he too feels as we proud 123 owners do.
So a person spends $5K on a machine worth $3K. What could you replace him with for the same bucks knowing you may have to do the same repairs to the new set of wheels?
Thanks Skip; this is why we are Officals in the Infamous 123 Character Group.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

[docphiliowa]

Before getting Little Jerry, I never fully appreciated the statement, "If you have to ask, you will never know."

When people wonder why I would want to own a 20-year old rear wheel drive car with few of the "modern" amenities, I give them the above answer, then come running to these message boards for solace and understanding.

[Grey Ghost]

we all must drive our 123s with great pride of ownership. I spent an hour cleaning G.G. on Saturday afternoon, just to have her get completely covered with dirt of the season's first snow storm. I absolutely hate to drive her when she's dirty as she gleams so when clean. Nobody has ever asked me why I drive a twenty-year old wagon...mostly I get appreciative nods to a well-preserved classic of yesteryear.

[docphiliowa]

We had our first measurable snowfall last night/this morning. Of course the highway on the way to work was a mishmash of snow and road chemicals.

Little Jerry's Christmas present will be a season pass at the auto-wash. No wait, I take that back...at the regular car wash. He has a little leak in the sun roof that I have not yet diagnosed, and it only happens under the pressure washer.

Happy Holidays all you fine gents and ladies! :)

[Grey Ghost]

Doc,

We are proud to have you as Fleet Surgeon of the W123 Character Club. There is nothing sadder than seeing a clapped-out 123 dragging itself around town. Conscientious club members keep their cars sparkling clean and in fine working condition.

[GrayStar]

Your right D.L. When someone approaches me with the question "why pay all that money for a 20 year old car" I just tell them to see me if their car ever comes close to that age. My "CROPDUSTER" looks better and runs better than most of the 5 year old "rust buckets" that are on the road today. I'm sure and expect all will agree that our 123's will outlast any 1970's to 1985 vehicles out there today.

Sorry.....I just had to vent! So an average cost of $500.00 per year for fix-m-ups is not bad. Hey that's only one car payment!

Still venting! I think I'll take "Cropduster" out for a ride so I can calm down. Ha, Ha.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Hoilday and to those who share my Faith....have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Did I cover everybody?

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Joanie and the Spiderman brought Donka II home today.
He was in the hospital for over 2 weeks.
Boy did we miss him even though we had that big v-8 380 sel loaner.
You can't believe the improvement in his CHARACTER.
George, my Technican gave us an early Christman present.
He cleaned and sprayed the MB TEX with a special toner for MB TEX. Oh how beautiful it is; no minor sun fading.
I could list everything I had done but there isn't enough room.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Joan and Don.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don

[badali]

Don,
Do you have any pictures of your car to post? I don't remember ever seeing any.
Brad

[Grey Ghost]

numerous requests have been made to see Donka II's picture in the forum in his full glory...Spiderman is working through technical problems with his equipment (his gear is too powerful for the site, or something like that)

[Tom Hanson]

Merry Christmas to all. Watch next week for some interesting news in "general discussion".

[Grey Ghost]

we're all friends in the 123 Character Club...give us a sneak preview for the love of Pete

tell, tell

[D.L. SWINFORD]

G.G. Skip I;
I have a few photos not digital that I'm sending to you via USPostal.
I want you to see Spiderman no speak with forked tongue.
When the weather improves and we can give Donka a bath I will take new Digitals formating my Nikon in Basic not High res. I'll try again.
As you have guessed me no like Digital Imaging.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don :p :p :p

[D.L. SWINFORD]

I don't mean to tease; but I'm going to send new Digitals ASAP.
docphil; you are what makes 123s have CHARACTER, 384K miles and getting better. As I've remarked Donka II has had a Major rebuild, he had a heater core leak and we had the "Evaporater Housing" completely rebuilt. In addition the Radiator, water pump, and Thermostat were replace with OEM units. Evap core, drier reciever/drier, xspantionvalve and H/P cose. All of the vac pots, vac molded fittings, the push button temp sensor and adjuster with fan speed control. The Blower motor and fan assy. Steering lock and ignition switch. Cruise control amplifier and switch. Radio automatic antenna. He was in the hospital for over 2 weeks.
I'm not sure if I listed everything but he sure is nice.
It's amazing how many little things you have overlook in time.
Oh I did forget a freebe from my Tech; he cleaned the M/B Tex and sprayed a toner on it to return it to it's original color, no sun fad. It is Beautiful and the Toner is made for M/B Tex mat'l.
Forgive my gramatical and spelling errors.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Don

[Unregistered]

Hi All its Al Cooper again still with my PC problem so I just log on this way. I'm glad that DONKA got home all done up, for as you said Don what can you buy for the few thou $ it takes to keep him & ours going.

Manfried, my 240D is probably worth 2000-2500 & I spent $ 800 on him a couple of months ago but he runs like a top & what nondecscript piece of junk could I buy for 2500-3000, maybe a 10 yr old Corolla or Kia ready to die from old age.

Keep your 123's running Al in RED SOX NATION with Manfried in slo moshun at 126,200