[W126 Coupe] 1984 500 SEC

[Dean Slone]

Hi Lisa,

Condolences.

I second what Axel said and would add the following.

If your husband AND son are into mechanics then this could be a fun project.    

Since the car is in California already it would be a simple matter to bring the registration current.  So it is saleable to a California person but would still have to pass California smog.  It is not easy to bring old cars into California due to the smog restrictions.  Where ever it moves to it would have to be hauled (I am assuming not operable and not currently registered) on a car carrier.  I just moved one 400 miles at a cost of $396.  Check with the auto shippers as to cost to move ... you can find them online and some have online quotes.

Is it a bone stock SEC or does it have desirable after market add-ons AMG - Lorinser - Brabus ???.  

Ask whoever is handling the estate to provide you with the state of the registration (current, lapsed, non opped) the VIN# and ask them to take some digital pictures of the exterior, interior, instrument cluster and the cowl tag (metal plate located in front of the radiator).  With those in hand we can help you make an informed decision.  I.E. (1) Sell it no reserve on eBay (2) sell it fixed price on Craigs List (3) Flatbed it to Texas and either part it out or restore it.  Whatever you (and your son) and your husband decide,  please do not let the car get crushed ... .  This is one of those instances where someone in the hobby wants or needs it or the parts. 

You might also ask your son what he wants to do.  Would he like to restore it with his friends or by himself.  The car would be a real chick magnet when he goes off to college.  ;-)  Sorry to add to you worries but high school graduation is only 2 years away.  

Dean

                 SLONE REALTY
   DEAN SLONE     -     Broker/Owner
   P.O. Box 5291 -  Eureka, CA 95502       
                 (707) 499-4999 
              daslone at saber.net



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Axel Wulff 
  To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com 
  Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 4:56 PM
  Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 1984 500 SEC


  Dear Lisa,
   
  My condolences on your loss of a family member.
   
  I think the best way to approach this would be to assume the car has been sitting and prepare for a full re-commissioning. The opposite (to expect the car to be drivable), could lead to a lot of issues.
   
  A recommissioning would entail:
  - Drain the fuel tank.
  - Replace the tires.
  - Drain and replace all fluids and filters (engine oil, engine coolant, differential oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid).
  - Replace the brake fluid and verify the brakes work properly.
  - Replace the battery.
   
  If the car has the SLS rear suspension, you'll need to replace the hydraulic oil there as well.
   
  I think it is nice that your father in-law left an SEC for his grandson, but depending on the car's condition, it might be more trouble than it's worth.



  Axel J. Wulff
  610-731-5453 Cellular
  610-572-4611 Home



   

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: lisalevi at austin.rr.com
  To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
  Date: Mon, 25 May 2009 18:29:05 -0500
  Subject: [W126 Coupe] 1984 500 SEC


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  I just got word last week that my father-in-law left his 1984 500 SEC to my 16 year old son who doesn't even have his license yet. Problem is, the car is in Los Angeles and we're in Austin, Texas. My father-in-law passed away in 2000 and the car may or may not have ever been driven since then. Now that his wife has died, the car is now my son's. So I cannot ask her when the last time the car has been driven. The car probably has low mileage as my father-in-law was retired for many years before his death. Where do I start with this issue? Is it worth the repair cost? We don't even know when we get possession so I can't even fly out to take a look first hand as we do not even have access to the keys. If its worth it, my husband will drive it for a few years before we even consider giving it to our son. Any suggestions will be appreciated.


  Thanks.


  Lisa




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