Discussion
Allrighty then!
With the decision not to sell my beloved SEC, I am going to use it as a daily driver over the summer months. During this time I want to make it much more of a driver's car. I know that many of you with older cars are sticklers for originality, but I prefer to subtly modify the car to bring out the best in the handling and driving characteristics.
I've started with one of the most important aspects of this, the wheels and tyres. Tyre technology has massively improved over the past twenty years, and substantial benefits can be gained from taking advantage of this. I hate aftermarket wheels, as few of them come anywhere near the standard of the originals so I've fitted a set of Mercedes 18 inch wheels from a 500SL, fully refurbed.
Apart from the fact that I think the car looks terrific on these wheels, I cannot stress strongly enough the transformation in handling. These cars are often criticised on vagueness of steering and excess body roll, particularly at low speed. I find myself now driving at speeds I wouldn't have contemplated on the old 15 inch wheels.
The next job is the suspension, hopefully in the coming two weeks; this will involve lowering and Bilsteins. More details at the time.
Please feel free to offer your thoughts, even if they are critical, because it's always good to get varied opinions on this.
Regards,
J
With the decision not to sell my beloved SEC, I am going to use it as a daily driver over the summer months. During this time I want to make it much more of a driver's car. I know that many of you with older cars are sticklers for originality, but I prefer to subtly modify the car to bring out the best in the handling and driving characteristics.
I've started with one of the most important aspects of this, the wheels and tyres. Tyre technology has massively improved over the past twenty years, and substantial benefits can be gained from taking advantage of this. I hate aftermarket wheels, as few of them come anywhere near the standard of the originals so I've fitted a set of Mercedes 18 inch wheels from a 500SL, fully refurbed.
Apart from the fact that I think the car looks terrific on these wheels, I cannot stress strongly enough the transformation in handling. These cars are often criticised on vagueness of steering and excess body roll, particularly at low speed. I find myself now driving at speeds I wouldn't have contemplated on the old 15 inch wheels.
The next job is the suspension, hopefully in the coming two weeks; this will involve lowering and Bilsteins. More details at the time.
Please feel free to offer your thoughts, even if they are critical, because it's always good to get varied opinions on this.
Regards,
J
yellowbentines said:
Critical response ahead - you did ask!
I don't think the style of wheels suit, they look too big as the car appears to sit very high (and lowering it would make it look a bit pimp my ride IMO), the car looks like it's a 4x4
I take it the paper bag over your head YB, is so I won't recognise you at the next show!I don't think the style of wheels suit, they look too big as the car appears to sit very high (and lowering it would make it look a bit pimp my ride IMO), the car looks like it's a 4x4
I don't think anyone has ever said my car looks like a 4x4!
There are two issues here. The first is that most German cars of this era had the suspension set on the high side. I have often thought the reason for this is so that five big Germans and all their luggage can sit comfortably at speed without risk of the car bottoming on yumps! Who knows. Without exception, any car like this I have lowered has resulted in significant improvements in handling. The trick though is not to "pimp my ride"; not my kind of thing. The amount is very subtle and will still yield adequate ground clearance.
The second is that of the cosmetic aspect and I'm afraid that this comes purely down to taste at the end of the day. These wheels are genuine Mercedes from the same era and I personally think they look superb. I have to say also that in the past two weeks since fitting them the car is drawing many admiring glances and remarks.
But thanks anyway for your critique.
J
jith said:
I take it the paper bag over your head YB, is so I won't recognise you at the next show!
no, just wondering how you'd take my comments, I used to see a mint looking SEC around Cumbernauld, which I thought the owner had spolied with huge 5 spoke wheels, blacked out windows and far too much shiny chrome around the arches, mirrors, windows etc - just hoped you weren't going down the same route!I'll stand corrected after seeing the above photoshop, it does look fine when lowered without looking too low/'pimp my ride' - an improvement on the original wheels anyway IMO.
As you rightly say it's a matter of personal taste, I have SL55 wheels on an E-Class, I love them, others don't, we probably shouldn't care too much about what others think if we like them, eh?!
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