Reviving the C240

[jamesfuller]

I recently bought this one. It was parked for a year as the previous owners health deteriorated. Unfortunately he passed away and his widow wanted his pride and joy to go to someone that would appreciate it.
I really do like the car, it's smooth, relaxing and has always been well looked after mechanically.

This morning was spent making a start on the outside.

 

[lastfan]

That is responsibility, well done for taking it on! Will look forward to seeing the progress.

 

[jamesfuller]

I've washed it. I had genuinely forgotten how hard it is to wash a car that hasn't been waxed recently.
I used the MB Starguard shampoo that was supplied new with one of my W126 and wasn't expecting much but it has still worked.
Clayed using Poorboy's clay and rainwater.
Washed again, then decided to call it a day.
I've ordered a few more cleaning products to try out so maybe the weekend will see some progress.

I'm not unhappy with how it's going so far.

 

[lastfan]

My wife's car had a regular car park under trees for years at her work and it attracted the sap and general mess. The mildewy covering on the back of yours around the glass and model number was awful to get off, so good luck and looks a great start.

Thankful mine a coated but cleaning hers reminds me how hard it is!

Good luck and let us see some more after the weekend. ( it does become a bit OCDish for me, incl. buying more product...lol) Anyway enjoy!

 

[jamesfuller]

More progress.
Washed again, used fall out remover and then Bilt Hamber cleanser.
Once the paint was stripped back it revealed plenty of work required. I knew the front wings and bumper where rough but didn't appreciate how rough....

 

[jamesfuller]

After lots of rain shower dodging I have gone over the worst of it with G3.
Did the whole car with Maguire's compound, polish and wax.
Autoglym wheel protection spray (absolutely love the smell)
MB star guard tyre and trim treatment.
That was about the end of my daylight, I did the interior plastics while waiting for showers to stop. So tomorrow I just need to finish off a couple of bits, Hoover it, do the windows properly.
In the future I would like to get the seats valeted, and also tidy up the engine bay.

 

[lastfan]

Looks like a different car! A good day‘s work, and worth every minute

 

[jamesfuller]

Thanks. It will never be perfect, I just want it to be as clean and tidy as possible while proudly displaying it's stone chips and battle scars. I'm happy with it and I think it looks like someone cares for it. Not the worst 19 year old car I've seen about.

 

[AltonAnt]

Impressive. No rust signs either which is a bonus.

 

[jamesfuller]

Little update. The car was filthy, and after last week's dash across to Norfolk it really needed a wash. I couldn't believe when I came back to this thread it's been 5 months!
A quick spring clean revealed the Mequires is still doing a reasonable job. However I've ordered some more stuff to try soon.
I have it booked in for a fresh set of Pirelli P7's so thought I would check the locking wheel bolt key etc, they all loosened fine but one front bolt snapped. Also found a snapped coil spring. So plenty to do and more updates soon.

 

[HB]

We have a W203. They are a brilliant car and if looked after belie their age. Ours is a 2006 320 cdi.

 

[jamesfuller]

I am a bit smitten with this car. I could easily and happily drive it all day, every day. It's so relaxing, even after a few S class' I still feel at home. A 20 year old C class with auto lights and wipers, entry assist, even the passenger seat has memory. I would love to try a C32 or 55.

 

[hy-cupcakes]

Looks great, well done !

 

[Gollom]

I had an E class with that engine and now have a CLK also with the 240. Not the most economical engine in the world, but smooth and effortless.

 

[jamesfuller]

Yesterday was just a maintenance wash and did all the glass with Angelwax H2GO.

 

[jamesfuller]

Race transport for today's Leicestershire time trial.

 

[abeft350]

After lots of rain shower dodging I have gone over the worst of it with G3.
Did the whole car with Maguire's compound, polish and wax.
Autoglym wheel protection spray (absolutely love the smell)
MB star guard tyre and trim treatment.
That was about the end of my daylight, I did the interior plastics while waiting for showers to stop. So tomorrow I just need to finish off a couple of bits, Hoover it, do the windows properly.
In the future I would like to get the seats valeted, and also tidy up the engine bay.

Looks amazing, well done

 

[Londonscottish]

Autoglym wheel protection spray (absolutely love the smell)

Oh no. Another product I didn't know about but now must have.

 

[Londonscottish]

Yesterday was just a maintenance wash and did all the glass with Angelwax H2GO.

........and another.....

 

[jamesfuller]

........and another.....

It seems every time I read a detailing thread on here I end up having to buy one more product to try out.