[MBZ] Lights Out
Just got done changing the oil on the S500 and figured I would take a look at the diagnostic LED to see if there were any stored codes. My particular car is a transitional model as it still has both the 38 pin diagnostic connector, the single diagnostic LED, but no OBDII connector. There is a cutout in the bolster under the driver's side dash for the OBDII connector, but it's not punched out and there's nothing behind it.MY 96 is when they started using OBDII, and from what I have read MB was not keep about adopting it, so they were a bit of a holdout in this area. You can use an LED with a current limiting resistor and a momentary pushbutton to read codes directly out of the diagnostic socket, but it's a PITA in my opinion. The single diagnostic LED give you a global indication of codes but only shows the main ones and not codes unique to certain modules. Anyway, I ran the diagnostic procedure on the diagnostic LED and.. voila! No codes stored. Same as it was when I got the car. Amazing how complex these cars are that it's gone since February without throwing even one code. Nice. I really like the W140... Dan ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] lights
..Is that the correct location for the foglamps? On my '79 they are closer together, more or less under the radiator grille. On this car they are all the way out under the headlamps... Those are aftermarket lights not in the original spots. RLE/Former owner of '73 450 SE, nicer than this one. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
You also need some dry argon, sputter coating requires a carrier gas. Also a nigh voltage (3000V or so) supply to drive the transfer. Probably a fluorescent lamp ballast would work, no need for much current. Biggest problem is going to be a vacuum proof chamber, it's fairly difficult to keep all the air out. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
Peter Frederick wrote: You also need some dry argon, sputter coating requires a carrier gas. Also a nigh voltage (3000V or so) supply to drive the transfer. Probably a fluorescent lamp ballast would work, no need for much current. Biggest problem is going to be a vacuum proof chamber, it's fairly difficult to keep all the air out. If you have argon in there, it's not a vacuum anymore -- Philip, confused. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
You don't need (or want) a hard vacuum, you want a very low pressure argon atmosphere. I don't remember the exact procedure, since it was 20 years ago, but I sputter coated specimens for scanning electron microscopy back in the day. Electrons aren't heavy enough to displace metal atoms from the target, you need the argon to make the plasma so the metal atoms will migrate. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
You also need some dry argon, sputter coating requires a carrier gas. Flood the chamber with your MIG welder shielding gas, then evacuate. Also a nigh voltage (3000V or so) supply to drive the transfer. Hello, microwave oven! Isn't that about what the anode voltage is for a magnetron? You get a nice HV transformer and rectifier in the typical microwave. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
You may be able to use a silver plate even though that is not original. There is a way to do the prep work, then drop the reflectors in a bath of electrolyte, Pinch and old quarter or two in a jumper cable dangled in the electrolyte, hook the cathode and anode cables to some number of old car batteries and do it yourself. The tricks are getting the prep right, getting the right electrolyte, getting the right voltage, using the right alloy of silver and getting the right length of time. I am sure there are people in mexico and other countries that do that pretty low tech. I see signs nailed to poles for re-plating headlights in big cities. I don't think those guys are high tech. When I was in Uganda, one of the guys I met made mirrors in his spare time. Just give him some glass, and some silver, and he would make you a mirror. He had no sophisticated tools. I suspect most of his tools and consumables came out of a junkyard. There were prior threads about plating kits, for the faint of heart. I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I'm pretty sure those Headlight Restoration signs you see nailed to telephone poles in big cities refer to the restoration, or polishing of faded polycarbonate or glass headlight lenses that have yellowed and clouded over the years. I'd be interested in seeing how much a plating kit would cost, and how the headlights would turn out. -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Dieselhead Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 2:57 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise You may be able to use a silver plate even though that is not original. There is a way to do the prep work, then drop the reflectors in a bath of electrolyte, Pinch and old quarter or two in a jumper cable dangled in the electrolyte, hook the cathode and anode cables to some number of old car batteries and do it yourself. The tricks are getting the prep right, getting the right electrolyte, getting the right voltage, using the right alloy of silver and getting the right length of time. I am sure there are people in mexico and other countries that do that pretty low tech. I see signs nailed to poles for re-plating headlights in big cities. I don't think those guys are high tech. When I was in Uganda, one of the guys I met made mirrors in his spare time. Just give him some glass, and some silver, and he would make you a mirror. He had no sophisticated tools. I suspect most of his tools and consumables came out of a junkyard. There were prior threads about plating kits, for the faint of heart. I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I would encourage you to find someone who does silver plating. As I mentioned in an earlier post, this is what I had done with my W112 headlights, and they turned out very nice. Look around for someone who is a silversmith or (re)plates silver stuff. Dan --- On Sun, 12/20/09, TE ban...@carolina.rr.com wrote: From: TE ban...@carolina.rr.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Date: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 2:30 AM I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I know that some headlight reflectors, specifically SEV Marchal and Cibie reflectors in 67-75 European-market Citroëns, were plated with a nickel/silver blend of some kind. They do tend to cloud over after 40- or-so years. Since reflectors are often used in more than one application over multiple years (as opposed to glass, which must obviously match the vehicle's specific shape requirements), it ought to be possible to find other vehicles, possibly newer, to use as a donor, eg I'm pretty sure that the reflectors on Euro W123 and W116 models are common to other vehicles. It would take some digging through the Bosch e-cat, but might be worth it. D. Dieselhead wrote: You may be able to use a silver plate even though that is not original. There is a way to do the prep work, then drop the reflectors in a bath of electrolyte, Pinch and old quarter or two in a jumper cable dangled in the electrolyte, hook the cathode and anode cables to some number of old car batteries and do it yourself. The tricks are getting the prep right, getting the right electrolyte, getting the right voltage, using the right alloy of silver and getting the right length of time. I am sure there are people in mexico and other countries that do that pretty low tech. I see signs nailed to poles for re-plating headlights in big cities. I don't think those guys are high tech. When I was in Uganda, one of the guys I met made mirrors in his spare time. Just give him some glass, and some silver, and he would make you a mirror. He had no sophisticated tools. I suspect most of his tools and consumables came out of a junkyard. There were prior threads about plating kits, for the faint of heart. I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/ W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
If you want to try it yourself - http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-coatings/electroplating.html?srccode=ga130040gclid=CMHXtYyr5Z4CFcx25QodZ1-4JQ and: http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/index.html There's others if searching for Electroplating Kits HTHs LarryT 91 300D OilAnalysis Time? Looking for Weber Parts or Porsche Posters? www.youroil.net -- From: TE ban...@carolina.rr.com Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 2:30 AM To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
There are those and they outnumber the platers. I do see signs for replating the reflectors. I'm pretty sure those Headlight Restoration signs you see nailed to telephone poles in big cities refer to the restoration, or polishing of faded polycarbonate or glass headlight lenses that have yellowed and clouded over the years. I'd be interested in seeing how much a plating kit would cost, and how the headlights would turn out. -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Dieselhead Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 2:57 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise You may be able to use a silver plate even though that is not original. There is a way to do the prep work, then drop the reflectors in a bath of electrolyte, Pinch and old quarter or two in a jumper cable dangled in the electrolyte, hook the cathode and anode cables to some number of old car batteries and do it yourself. The tricks are getting the prep right, getting the right electrolyte, getting the right voltage, using the right alloy of silver and getting the right length of time. I am sure there are people in mexico and other countries that do that pretty low tech. I see signs nailed to poles for re-plating headlights in big cities. I don't think those guys are high tech. When I was in Uganda, one of the guys I met made mirrors in his spare time. Just give him some glass, and some silver, and he would make you a mirror. He had no sophisticated tools. I suspect most of his tools and consumables came out of a junkyard. There were prior threads about plating kits, for the faint of heart. I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
TE, et al. Know anyone in the wafer fab biz? I'm sure that they would love to take your headlights, rust and all, into their 1000 clean room! Fred Moir Lynn MA At 02:30 AM 12/20/2009, you wrote: I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
Many of those little signs you see nailed to telephone poles are actually numbers for drug dealers. I'm talking about the small ones nailed up high... One of my friends called one for prepaid cell phones and got confused. I did some research and got the scoop. -Curt Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:29:44 -0500 From: TE ban...@carolina.rr.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise To: 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: 01ca814e$95223680$bf66a3...@rr.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I'm pretty sure those Headlight Restoration signs you see nailed to telephone poles in big cities refer to the restoration, or polishing of faded polycarbonate or glass headlight lenses that have yellowed and clouded over the years. I'd be interested in seeing how much a plating kit would cost, and how the headlights would turn out. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? I've always wondered if you couldn't do your own. An AC vacuum pump (a real one, 2-stage vane) might get you enough vacuum. (Or it might not. Certainly anything lesser would not work.) You also need a vacuum tank, and a raw tungsten filament and some aluminum foil. Another thing I've always had a hankering to try! getting the right electrolyte, getting the right voltage, The Caswell spot-plating kit uses 1.35V for silver. Wafer fab line. Come to think of it, that's what my brother does! Hmm. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue clay On Dec 18, 2009, at 6:40 PM, Jim Cathey wrote: I am running a set of Euros in Gump. As am I in the Frankenheap. Even with rusty reflectors and pitted, glued-together lenses the lighting is superior to the not-new USDOT mercedes lamps I've driven behind. The original R2 bulbs have been replaced with H4's and adapter plates made from the dead R2's. I've mounted Harbor Freight auxiliary driving lights to help the high beams. I've also mounted HF auxiliary fog lights as the stock 10086 Euro fog bulbs are pathetic, especially with rusted reflectors. (I've replaced one with a soldered-together 10086 carcass and an H3.) The lighting on this car is actually pretty good. And the HF fog lights are true fog lights, with a cutoff shade on top. They actually work as intended, and are only useful in foggy conditions where you're considering opening the door so that you can find the stripe on the road! Unlike the crap found on most Dodges and Subies (along with their crap-for-brains drivers who turn them on all the time so that they can blind oncoming drivers, without reaping any safety benefit whatsoever) where the 'fog' light just appears to be an unshaded floodlight. Best $16 I've spent on that car! (The H4's and H3's are yard-sale and clearance scores, we won't count them. That's just maintenance anyway.) The HF lights are pure crap, and will snap off if you look at them funny. They're more Shoe Goo now than original plastic. Seems fitting, on that car. I'm generally with Stern on his opinions about lighting, for what it's worth. The 450SL got relays and a full set of 5 Hella Euro rounds from Performance Products. 400W of high beam power, it really lit up the road. Called them 'deerslayers', or 'lasers'. Took much time to get them dialed in just right. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
Redghost wrote: I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue I have done many tail lights with chrome spray paint. Works rather well. I don't know how it would handle the heat of a headlight... -- Philip ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I used the Chrome Dupli color for tail lights with much success. Not as reflective as I would like, but ... it works well enough. I would think a chrome powder coat would provide better light transmission and heat handling clay On Dec 19, 2009, at 1:11 PM, Fmiser wrote: Redghost wrote: I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue I have done many tail lights with chrome spray paint. Works rather well. I don't know how it would handle the heat of a headlight... -- Philip ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
Aluminum foil works better than spray paint. Won't burn, for instance! I've done a few MB taillights this way, as they are getting scarce for the W115 chassis. Peter ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I had a pair of Euro lights given to me for my former 1962 300SE. The reflectors were toast, so I took them to a plating guy. He stripped them, nickel plated, then chrome plated them. Didn't cost a lot (under $100, I think) but it took him a while to do it. They worked great, at least I thought they did. I didn't have a point of reference, but I was pleased with the results. Dan --- On Sat, 12/19/09, Redghost redgh...@comcast.net wrote: From: Redghost redgh...@comcast.net Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Date: Saturday, December 19, 2009, 4:38 PM I used the Chrome Dupli color for tail lights with much success. Not as reflective as I would like, but ... it works well enough. I would think a chrome powder coat would provide better light transmission and heat handling clay On Dec 19, 2009, at 1:11 PM, Fmiser wrote: Redghost wrote: I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue I have done many tail lights with chrome spray paint. Works rather well. I don't know how it would handle the heat of a headlight... -- Philip ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz..com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz..com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I have a lot of interest in this thread as I have a pair of W114/W115 euro's that have corroded main and fog reflectors. Silver plating was only done on old school headlights to my knowledge. I think from the 60's on, most headlight reflectors were coated by using ion vapor deposited aluminum. I've already talked to my guy at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes here in Charlotte (a fellow Mercedes enthusiast) and he doesn't recommend painting them with a chrome paint like DupliColor, etc. Sherwin Williams doesn't even have a paint that is suitable for this application. I then talked to my powder coating guy at Prince Wheel Services in Monroe, and he says that although there are some reflective finishes available in powder coat, that too will not stand up to the heat. Needless to say, I need to find a place, preferably in NC that can do ion vapor deposited aluminum. Anyone have a source? Regards, TE -Original Message- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Jim Cathey Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:17 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise I saw an article somewhere about refurbishing the reflectors with metalized ducting tape. Given the cost of resilvering, I may look into doing that for Gump. Rust is not yet an issue Once mine get bad enough I'm thinking of trying spray 77 glue and aluminum foil. This _is_ the Frankenheap, after all. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? I find it not bad on high beam but if I am compelled to stay on low beam due to oncoming traffic, then my lighting distance is pretty low. I just have the original north american lights. Don't see the euro style offered much anymore for these old cars. Any advantage to different bulbs inside the lamp assembly. Or different fog lights with more umph or something similar?? Randy in the dark ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
R A Bennell wrote: Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? 7 Rounds? I'd say 7 Hella or Cibie E-codes. I went to 6x8 Hellas in my Citation back in the 1980s, then moved them to my Horizon, then found out I could not buy a new lens when one of them got holed by a stone. A few extra $$ for Cibie would have gotten me replaceable lenses. 114/115 Euros aren't easy to find, and probably have dull reflectors and chewed up lenses by now. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
Get in touch with Daniel Stern. R A Bennell b...@mts.net writes: Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? I find it not bad on high beam but if I am compelled to stay on low beam due to oncoming traffic, then my lighting distance is pretty low. I just have the original north american lights. Don't see the euro style offered much anymore for these old cars. Any advantage to different bulbs inside the lamp assembly. Or different fog lights with more umph or something similar?? Randy in the dark ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- 1983 300D ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
I am running a set of Euros in Gump. Much better than the junk DOT lamps. I like having the integrated fogs and the ability to put in brighter H4 lamps. Need to resilver the reflector, since I am losing a bit of bright clay On Dec 18, 2009, at 3:02 PM, R A Bennell wrote: Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? I find it not bad on high beam but if I am compelled to stay on low beam due to oncoming traffic, then my lighting distance is pretty low. I just have the original north american lights. Don't see the euro style offered much anymore for these old cars. Any advantage to different bulbs inside the lamp assembly. Or different fog lights with more umph or something similar?? Randy in the dark ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
we've used both Cibié and Hella H4 lamps in the family cars. (we've also tried other product offerings that don't bear mentioning in comparison; these 2 are the family favorites.) seems that the Hellas have a more delicate glass (as we've had to replace broken ones more often). it could just be luck that we've never broken a Cibié... but it's nice to know that we *could* replace just a lens if we needed to. more importantly to me, the difference between the High and Low beam pattern of the 7 round Hellas seems to be too far apart; if you adjust the Hellas so that the High beam falls in the proper place at the horizon, the Low beam falls too short for my taste. (since in real-world driving we spend a high percentage of our driving time on the Low Beams, this is not an insignificant issue.) i'd highly recommend the 7 round Cibiés with a set of standard wattage bulbs; the difference is startling. (i wouldn't bother with the City Light version unless you want to go through the extra effort of wiring them in just to attract more attention.) yes, you could get them from many places, but i wouldn't hesitate to recommend Daniel Stern. (be prepared for a chat when you get him on the phone! ;-) ) http://dsl.torque.net/products/products.html cheers! e Mitch Haley wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? 7 Rounds? I'd say 7 Hella or Cibie E-codes. I went to 6x8 Hellas in my Citation back in the 1980s, then moved them to my Horizon, then found out I could not buy a new lens when one of them got holed by a stone. A few extra $$ for Cibie would have gotten me replaceable lenses. 114/115 Euros aren't easy to find, and probably have dull reflectors and chewed up lenses by now. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Asian or otherwise
I am running a set of Euros in Gump. As am I in the Frankenheap. Even with rusty reflectors and pitted, glued-together lenses the lighting is superior to the not-new USDOT mercedes lamps I've driven behind. The original R2 bulbs have been replaced with H4's and adapter plates made from the dead R2's. I've mounted Harbor Freight auxiliary driving lights to help the high beams. I've also mounted HF auxiliary fog lights as the stock 10086 Euro fog bulbs are pathetic, especially with rusted reflectors. (I've replaced one with a soldered-together 10086 carcass and an H3.) The lighting on this car is actually pretty good. And the HF fog lights are true fog lights, with a cutoff shade on top. They actually work as intended, and are only useful in foggy conditions where you're considering opening the door so that you can find the stripe on the road! Unlike the crap found on most Dodges and Subies (along with their crap-for-brains drivers who turn them on all the time so that they can blind oncoming drivers, without reaping any safety benefit whatsoever) where the 'fog' light just appears to be an unshaded floodlight. Best $16 I've spent on that car! (The H4's and H3's are yard-sale and clearance scores, we won't count them. That's just maintenance anyway.) The HF lights are pure crap, and will snap off if you look at them funny. They're more Shoe Goo now than original plastic. Seems fitting, on that car. I'm generally with Stern on his opinions about lighting, for what it's worth. The 450SL got relays and a full set of 5 Hella Euro rounds from Performance Products. 400W of high beam power, it really lit up the road. Called them 'deerslayers', or 'lasers'. Took much time to get them dialed in just right. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
I also recommend the Cibies to replace the 7 rounds -- I've had the same experience with them. On Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 7:27 PM, ernest breakfield erne...@backyardengineering.org wrote: we've used both Cibié and Hella H4 lamps in the family cars. (we've also tried other product offerings that don't bear mentioning in comparison; these 2 are the family favorites.) -- OK Don CONSERVATIVE, n. A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal, who wishes to replace them with others. The Devil's Dictionary Ambrose Bierce ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Lights - Aisan or otherwise
that's what i would do and i think you can't do better for that sort of question. i presume this hating on stern is just an extension of hating on me, but it doesn't diminish his level of expertise On Fri, Dec 18, 2009 at 6:01 PM, Allan Streib str...@cs.indiana.edu wrote: Get in touch with Daniel Stern. R A Bennell b...@mts.net writes: Anyone got any good advice for improving the lighting on a 115? I find it not bad on high beam but if I am compelled to stay on low beam due to oncoming traffic, then my lighting distance is pretty low. I just have the original north american lights. Don't see the euro style offered much anymore for these old cars. Any advantage to different bulbs inside the lamp assembly. Or different fog lights with more umph or something similar?? Randy in the dark ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- 1983 300D ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- save 5% on our already low, low prices. use coupon code DAVE at checkout. www. BuyEUROparts.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] lights (was: Re: Funny boo boo among MB owners)
i don't find it difficult to look at the road instead of oncoming lights,... why would it be difficult? it's not like my eyes are drawn to overly bright lights. Glare isn't just from things that you're looking directly at. I pass plenty of cars that are no problem whatsoever, and plenty more where I have to practically close my eyes to avoid losing my night vision. interesting is that most of the ads i see for them have those lamps completely disabled. apparently the advertising agency doesn't like the way they look on camera?!) Maybe there's too much contrast-reducing glare for the camera lens? -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] lights (was: Re: Funny boo boo among MB owners)
More likely the UV output does really strange things to the film or CCD sensors. I don't suppose a bright halo around the headlamps and multiple images of the diaphram would enhance the quality of the picture! I wish I could just look away from the xenons and be fine. Problem is, I have to close my eyes... Peter
Re: [MBZ] lights (was: Re: Funny boo boo among MB owners)
Jim Cathey wrote: i don't find it difficult to look at the road instead of oncoming lights,... why would it be difficult? it's not like my eyes are drawn to overly bright lights. Glare isn't just from things that you're looking directly at. I pass plenty of cars that are no problem whatsoever, and plenty more where I have to practically close my eyes to avoid losing my night vision. i gotta' say, even with all the crappy lights i encounter on the highways around here, i honestly don't see the problems you're talking about to the severity you describe. i also don't expect or count on night vision when driving at night; that's what *my* headlights are for. interesting is that most of the ads i see for them have those lamps completely disabled. apparently the advertising agency doesn't like the way they look on camera?!) Maybe there's too much contrast-reducing glare for the camera lens? it's possible they don't like the way they 'flare' on camera, but more likely, they just don't *look* stylish. there's ways to deal with the photography problems they might run into if they *wanted* to. cheers! e
Re: [MBZ] lights (was: Re: Funny boo boo among MB owners)
The other day I was sitting in traffic and noticed the difference in beam patterns. My 124 Euro lights make a very nice sharp cutoff but the DOT lights are this horrible smear of light. Very big difference. It's enlightening when you can do a side by side comparison like thatno pun intended Also, ast night driving back in to town it was foggy.people had their fogs on but now 90% of their lights weren't bothering me. The fog was dulling their lights enough to make them bearable. Unfortunately, big ugly Ford and Chrysler trucks still were aimed too high. Jeff Zedic Toronto
[MBZ] lights (was: Re: Funny boo boo among MB owners)
Jim Cathey wrote: of course, more simply, just don't look at the silly things! That is difficult to do, and half of the definition of 'glare' is the reduction in contrast of the _entire_ visual field due to scatter in the optics. (That would be your eye, and the windshield.) i don't find it difficult to look at the road instead of oncoming lights,... why would it be difficult? it's not like my eyes are drawn to overly bright lights. you touch on an interesting point, though; the windshield. i notice while most people will clean the bugs off of the outside, many people don't bother to keep both the outside and the *inside* as clean as it should be, and even non-smokers will find a build-up of glare-producing haze on the inside in surprisingly short order. obviously, it's worse for smokers... (maybe this is another reason i don't have the problems with this that some others seem to have; i keep both the screens i'm looking through and the lamps pretty clean.) Dodge trucks and Subarus have the worst always-on fog lights IMHO. They're like baby high beams. the Chevy and GMC trucks seem pretty awful as well, on 2 counts; their lamps seem to be more of a driving lamp pattern so i notice far too much glare off of them for what Fog Lights are supposed to do... also it seems they have a real problem keeping them working; a surprisingly high percentage of them on the road that have only one lamp lit. (more interesting is that most of the ads i see for them have those lamps completely disabled. apparently the advertising agency doesn't like the way they look on camera?!) I hate having anybody have headlights on until you can actually see the road better with them than without. That would be much later than most turn them on. Once there are headlights on in the area, things like pedestrians, deer, and dogs become almost invisible, yet I can barely see the effect of my lights on the ground. agreed; i'll use the running(/parking) lights in the cars until i can see the effect of headlights on the ground. (motorcycling is a different story.) cheers! e
Re: [MBZ] lights
ernest breakfield wrote: i don't find it difficult to look at the road instead of oncoming lights,... why would it be difficult? it's not like my eyes are drawn to overly bright lights. I find it helps to deliberately look towards the right shoulder when going past cars with HID lamps, fog lamps, or their high-beams on, at night. It helps to avoid those afterimage spots. Still haven't found a good solution for SUVs tailgating me, though. Someone needs to invent an *outside* rear view mirror that's dimmable. you touch on an interesting point, though; the windshield. i notice while most people will clean the bugs off of the outside, many people don't bother to keep both the outside and the *inside* as clean as it should be, and even non-smokers will find a build-up of glare-producing haze on the inside in surprisingly short order. obviously, it's worse for smokers... (maybe this is another reason i don't have the problems with this that some others seem to have; i keep both the screens i'm looking through and the lamps pretty clean.) After a while stone pings and windshield wiper scratches become a problem, too. Not much help for those except a new windshield.
Re: [MBZ] Lights left on Buzzer
No buzzer when key left in lock, or lights left on, usually means the time The key-in buzzer is sounded (in part) by a switch that is hooked to the steering column lock. So, if your column doesn't lock the buzzer won't work either. Can happen if things get sticky. There are other reasons that switch could fail to operate, too. -- Jim
