2007 C55 Estate, laundry list

[Dammit]

They wouldn't ship it outside the US, and when a friend looked at buying it for me and shipping it he couldn't get a cost below a thousand pounds (!) for the shipping.

 

[Dammit]

Message from Craig this morning "Hi tanks out and subframes gone for coating , brake pipes are in a terrible state , and lots of rust but no real rot as such . I think we have it just in time , we are de rusting it then etch primer , re coat it . Then new rear brake pipes , and new bushes in subframe when it’s back from coaters"

 

[Dammit]

The state of the floor/sills/etc is actually more concerning than the subframe, and of course the brake pipes.

Any other owners of these reading this thread - I'd recommend taking a very good look underneath. I think one more winter might have finished mine off.

 

[Dammit]

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Looks like they’re doing a thorough job

 

[Dammit]

I asked them to fix absolutely anything/everything that they came across - no point in half measures.

 

[Dammit]

Here's a question (fresh from my insurance renewal person): where can I get my C55 valued? I need an official valuation that I can send to Locktons, otherwise they'll use "market value", which I suspect is not going to be what I'd like it to be.

For my 911 they'll accept a valuation from the indy garage that looks after it (Precision Porsche in Uckfield), but DDR don't engage in values, apparently.

 

[bolidemichael]

The official MB Club has a valuations team

 

[Abb]

The official MB Club has a valuations team

Don't be surprised if none of the work you have carried out gets taken into consideration and adds little to no value when they carry out their appraisal!

 

[bolidemichael]

Well, it was only done because it needed to be done, so in that respect it may not add a premium. I speak as a serial investor in my local indy.

 

[Dammit]

How would I best contact the official MB Club?

 

[Abb]

Well, it was only done because it needed to be done, so in that respect it may not add a premium. I speak as a serial investor in my local indy.

That was my point of contention with the valuation. I have spent a considerable amount of money on my C43 restoration and obviously wanted the insurance valuation to reflect that. It is fully documented and photographed.
There is no way a 'market value' of the same model would come anywhere close if you were trying to replace like for like. As you are supposed to be no worse off than your original position (should the worst happen) as that is the point of insurance, I was quite surprised to find out otherwise.

Paying for an independent valuation from a nominated expert in their field, to me was a bit of a waste of time. Just my experience.

 

[Abb]

How would I best contact the official MB Club?

They will not carry out a valuation if you are not a member. You have to sign up 1st, (approx £48pa) and only then will they engage with you.

 

[bolidemichael]

Hi Abb, I agree with you on all counts. I'd never realise anywhere near the value of my car should it be written off.

 

[Rpp999]

What a great post. I applaud your attitude and determination, may you continue to enjoy the vehicle of your choice.

 

[Dammit]

It’s had etch primer, spray sealer, then stone guard, all new brake pipes, and waiting for all new OEM Mercedes bushings to be delivered on Monday.

 

[Dammit]

This is looking rather better.

 

[AltonAnt]

Well done for taking this on and whether it adds value or not, it was something that needed doing.
Looks great too.

 

[bolidemichael]

Thank goodness you attended to that in time. That's really satisfying maintenance that you've commissioned.

 

[Dammit]

Thanks chaps - and yes, very satisfying to have turned the clock back on the underside of the car.

I've been very impressed by the speed, quality, and communication about the work that Dyno Torque has done - it'll be interesting to see the bill!

One thing I would say is that I've tried to be as transparent as I can in this thread about what running this car has cost me, and whilst I am aware of the sunk-cost fallacy I couldn't consider scrapping the car due to this issue.

Craig (owner of Dyno Torque) observed this morning that whilst the floor and the sub-frame both looked bad they weren't posing any imminent danger to the car and it's occupants - but the brake lines, on the other hand, very definitely were. He used the phrase "just in time" a lot when talking about them.