Have been on sabbatical for a while, with health issues.
Nearly 2 years of stress, low funds and energy means that my C43 has gone the way of all late 90s Mercs (except for base model taxis, apparently) and is now referred to as the Fast and the Ferrous. I'll get some better pics, but this is pretty much where she is right now:
I've used some PLASTIDIP spray on the wheels and badges, fun stuff - sprays on and turns to latex, almost, ideal for hiding scruffy wheels and semi-debadging! The point is that you can peel it off when you want, like a wrap. And it's cheaper than 4 wheel refurb, but this is on the list.
It's not obvious but the rust has set in;
As for the milage...
At least there's no warning lights
So, this is the start of the turnaround. Tentatively, I have found a full time job. Health issues are on their way out. I've stayed on top of the servicing, she was done at PCS last time and has had a new transmission cooler and pipework (that was fun - and cheap at just £300 for parts..)
I'll get some close-ups, to scare/cheer up other 202/208/210 owners, and then the repairs start. She *will* shine again
Oh, and needs 2 new fog lights (one's cracked and one's full of condensation). And a trip to Monaco (specifically, sitting in a sunny car park there) dried and cracked the leather on the steering wheel top, where it joins the right hand horn button. I am the definition of shabby! Mechanically tip top though, where it matters for me.
Nearly 2 years of stress, low funds and energy means that my C43 has gone the way of all late 90s Mercs (except for base model taxis, apparently) and is now referred to as the Fast and the Ferrous. I'll get some better pics, but this is pretty much where she is right now:
I've used some PLASTIDIP spray on the wheels and badges, fun stuff - sprays on and turns to latex, almost, ideal for hiding scruffy wheels and semi-debadging! The point is that you can peel it off when you want, like a wrap. And it's cheaper than 4 wheel refurb, but this is on the list.
It's not obvious but the rust has set in;
- Both front arches
- OSR arch from swage line down to sill
- Passenger door has 2 large rust spots on swage line
- Subframe crossmember (badly jacked at some point - now repaired for MOT)
- Boot lid above lock
- A few little oxidising stone chips on the front and around the c-pillars (?!?) that aren't bad but are there
As for the milage...
At least there's no warning lights
So, this is the start of the turnaround. Tentatively, I have found a full time job. Health issues are on their way out. I've stayed on top of the servicing, she was done at PCS last time and has had a new transmission cooler and pipework (that was fun - and cheap at just £300 for parts..)
I'll get some close-ups, to scare/cheer up other 202/208/210 owners, and then the repairs start. She *will* shine again
Oh, and needs 2 new fog lights (one's cracked and one's full of condensation). And a trip to Monaco (specifically, sitting in a sunny car park there) dried and cracked the leather on the steering wheel top, where it joins the right hand horn button. I am the definition of shabby! Mechanically tip top though, where it matters for me.
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look forward to seeing the progress on your C43 
) Perhaps it is due to the regular technical inspections we have where a vehicle has to be steam cleaned and spotless. Now don't want to see a technician getting dirty when looking under the car 
