Re awakening a sleeper

[Ian the aviator]

Afternoon all, new to the forum so please be gentle with me.
You know how projects get put to the back of the shed (or in my case hangar) with the idea you'll get around to it soon?. Well i've got one of those but have bit the bullet and could use a bit of advice.
I have a w108 280 3.5 sleeper. It was bought in berlin in late 69 by a cattle dealer called Grest who took it to the isle of man. He ran it for about 18 months clocking up just under 40 k kilometeres then manx plod asked him to get it registerd there.
Instead he parked it up in a warm garage untill a pal bought it off his widow in
1996. He couldn't get her going and after he went skint I aquired her and got her going. She came over from the island with me the year princess diana died, and got parked up when modern ethanol buggered the fuel pipes.
Im re commisioning her now( injectors need servicing along with the new pipework) , But the hydropnewmatic compensator over the diff has spat out its seals and oil. Im guessing a new one is the GDP of albania so the question to those in the know is (a) are they rebuildable and if so by who, and (b) if not any ideas where i might get a 2nd hand one?
my last bit i know i need is right hand drive headlight sealed beams/ glasses. can anyone help.
Youre hopefully Ian

 

[Giantvanman]

I am unable to assist with your questions beyond trawling Google (which you have no doubt done) but welcome to the forum and looking forward to photo's and updates.

Just a thought; it may be worthwhile translating the parts' names to German and searching .de as there is a far bigger/wider market/scene over there.

 

[mattc]

Absolutely no idea re your questions but love the sound the vehicle. Can you post pics for us please?

Intelligent responses will be along shortly I am sure.

 

[trapperjohn]

Not from me they wont Matt. Welcome to the forum Ian.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Yep, can't help either. Welcome.

 

[Sp!ke]

I think there is a kit to replace the hydropneumatic compensator for a plain spring should you find a replacement difficult to come by.

As above, we need pics.

 

[GLK]

I actually thought it's going to be a discussion of the pilot episode of Allegiance ...

Seriously though, just like about everybody else, I'd love to see pictures of your car

 

[stwat]

It will be well worth watching this series of vids from Kent Bedrgsma,

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtRKk64pu2woOOe_OXXPu2clnNUDh7OtU

I know it's a different animal he is restoring but he covers lots of the same issues you will face., including the suspension.

 

[grober]

from hydraulic suspension for 3.5? - Mercedes-Benz Forum

part you need [ made by Boge??]
SLS | 35.b Rear Suspension 1959-1972

IRRC early range rovers had a similar device but was for ride height rather than as a suspension aid?

no mention of repair kits??
SLS | Hydromat unit, overhauled, guaranteed Hydromat unit, overhauled, guaranteed | purchase online

Some folks replace the hydraulic unit and spring with a spring only.
some pics here

this

instead of this

but some people have experienced problems with ride height and camber due to incorrect spring length / rating? see thread below

w108 Hydropneumatic Compensator Replacement - Mercedes-Benz Forum

They are pretty complex devices as they essentially " pressurise " by being worked Nivomat use the same principle. essentially they are a form of sealed gas [nitrogen] suspension

ps you can still buy Nivomat Shocks - maybe a modern substitute could be found?
http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/nivomat-shock-absorbers-self-leveling-monotube-ride-control-units/

 

[Druk]

Dave Collins for spares..07710 672986

Also selling spares are:

Vic 0208 890 3220.
Tom (Belfast) 02890 869314.
and: [email protected]

The last two list headlights.

 

[Ian the aviator]

Thanks to you all for the welcome and grower and drunk for the practical help.
I have pics on my pc I just have to work out how to post them.
Pip pip ian

 

[Druk]

Thanks to you all for the welcome and grower and drunk for the practical help.
I have pics on my pc I just have to work out how to post them.
Pip pip ian

"Grower and drunk". Ha ha . You should fit in here just fine Ian.

 

[Ian the aviator]

I'd like to think it was my wit but alas just autocorrect spell and I didnt look before I hit send, no poke intended.
Ian

 

[Ian the aviator]

Quick question from the terminally dense , I have pics on my windows PC in office. how do I upload them onto this site as a peek seems to be the most common request. Ian

 

[Giantvanman]

Quick question from the terminally dense , I have pics on my windows PC in office. how do I upload them onto this site as a peek seems to be the most common request. Ian

At the bottom of the page there is a text box with Go Advanced under it- do that. This opens another window which gives more controls. Use the paper clip to the right of the smiley face and go from there…….

 

[grober]

According to a landrover forum there is a guy who rebuilds them???
Reconditioned Parts
There are 2 snags
1 He's in Australia!
2 Because its a gas pressurised device it can't be sent airmail only surface mail

even if it turns out cheaper to buy a reconned unit the shipping might make cost prohibitive?
If anyone can supply rebuild parts/seals for a DIY repair he might . Might be worth an Email??

 

[Ian the aviator]

pictures of "Cruella " the sleeper

could only download 3 pics this time but as they say "you'll get the picture.
Ian

 

[Ian the aviator]

and another 3

 

[Ian the aviator]

back tyres are orig (as is the spare)

 

[John Jones Jr]

back tyres are orig (as is the spare)

Original! There's your number one expense before taking the car on the road.