My unloved C43

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Gridlock

MB Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
1,707
Location
Bucks
Car
C43 AMG
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:

khiua.jpg


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...

8UiR0.jpg

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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Thank you foir the upbeat post and congratulations to you on turning things around. I hope the job proves to be a success and that your good health continues.:)
 
Thanks :)

Other side, shows the worst bits (anyone got an Azurite blue door they don't need?!)

0ykFU.jpg
 
Should that be Fast and Fireous now.
 
I've got a similar, albeit slightly bigger, job on with my latest purchase (a C36), so I'll be watching this thread very closely.
 
I've got a similar, albeit slightly bigger, job on with my latest purchase (a C36), so I'll be watching this thread very closely.

I'd appreciate it if you could start a thread so I could follow that closely, I'm very much the amateur when it comes to rust like this - I'm too young to have ever owned a British Leyland or a Mk3 Escort :D
 
I'd appreciate it if you could start a thread so I could follow that closely, I'm very much the amateur when it comes to rust like this - I'm too young to have ever owned a British Leyland or a Mk3 Escort :D

I've started a thread already, I can't post a link from my phone. ;)

Work begins on the engine tomorrow though, so it'll be getting updated very soon. :D
 
Looking forward to seeing yours fixed!

Mine's so rusty and dented now, I think when the petrol wars have finished it will be a great car for a post-apocalyptic road-warrior - they could use it in the new Mad Max film! :D
 
Great to hear about a C43 owner back on the mend and heading towards better weather. It is amazing to see the amount of rust on your cars in GB. Despite the amount of salt used in my part of the world during winter, ours don't look so ferrous oxidized. Some spots perhaps hear and there but no metal cancer (I hope.... :eek:) 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 ;)
Keep those 43's alive. They are part of the AMG heritage also :thumb:
 
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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:

khiua.jpg


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...

8UiR0.jpg

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.
How many cans did it take to do your wheels? I assume you used aerosol as opposed to spray on? Much preperation needed before hand?
Thanks
 
2 cans, but someone who isn't a complete idiot could probably do it in one (I had to redo a wheel). Aerosol, yes, but using a "can gun" handle which makes it so much more consistent and controllable. Preparation was just a good clean using my favourite Bilberry stuff and then fairy liquid to be sure.

Plasti-Kote Aerosol Can Gun | Screwfix.com

The badges were easy, just spray over all of them and then peel off from the paint, using a cocktail stick to clean the inside of the numerals.

For £12 a can you can have a lot of fun with this stuff, and if you don't like it it peels off in seconds.
 
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