SKcats fleet. New motorbike.

[Skcat]

24 minutes ago, Schaefft said:

Looking forward to finally seeing the new bootlid fitted to it, it'll make a big difference to the looks!

It's at the paint shop right now!

[Skcat]

having a huge pain getting the 300d through a mot. 

took it to my regular place and they refused to look at it because it had a oil leak, I told them rather then giving the car a test the tester could put it on the ramp for half a hour and try and identify where the leak is coming from then just charge me for his time. but I was told the mot tester only does mot's. I then went to pick it up as they did not want to touch it and got my ear chewed off as they lost a mot slot as a result. It seems the mot testers refuse to do anything but mot. so they just spent half a hour standing there looking at my car? little bit annoying but whatever.

to be honest the oil leak was bad, turned out there was a oil leak from the new vacuum pump so fitted a new gasket and hardware with some sealing stuff and sorted the leak out. My normal place seemed annoyed so I booked it elsewhere today and waited at home for a few hours, they then told me they were refusing to test it as the engine was "knocking", so I drove over and it seems they were starting the car up without letting the glow plugs warm up, that or they were assuming the injection pump noises are engine knock as it went up and down with the cars revs. its a om603 they do not sound very refined.

pretty much what it sounds like, ive driven it a good 200 miles and it seems to be fine.

however they did mention they would not pass it with its tyres, and I don't want to fit new tyres on the weird 19" rims, so I'm on the lookout for some new wheels and tyres. 

the brand new water pump bearing seems to be getting wonky already so i need to upgrade to a more premium pump! starting to be a pain, three months and its not been on the road, always a couple issuse!

[DeanH]

16 hours ago, Skcat said:

 

 I don't want to fit new tyres on the weird 19" rims, so I'm on the lookout for some new wheels and tyres. 

Got a set of standard alloys here with decent tyres if you're interested?

[Zelandeth]

Have you tried Merc themselves for parts?

I was surprised both by the availability and in as many cases as not how reasonable the prices were when I have both the camper and the S123.  Obviously not as you can probably get stuff of Autodoc or eBay, but for the proper stuff that you know will fit and isn't made of cheese I always reckoned it was fair value.

This was the one that surprised me the most I think.

Replacement lens for the indicator light on the dash (mine had a crack in). 

For a 30+ year old van.  Guy on the desk was hugely apologetic that they couldn't get it same day as it would have to come from Berlin.  Think it was something daft like £1.50.

[mercedade]

18 hours ago, Skcat said:

having a huge pain getting the 300d through a mot. 

took it to my regular place and they refused to look at it because it had a oil leak, I told them rather then giving the car a test the tester could put it on the ramp for half a hour and try and identify where the leak is coming from then just charge me for his time. but I was told the mot tester only does mot's. I then went to pick it up as they did not want to touch it and got my ear chewed off as they lost a mot slot as a result. It seems the mot testers refuse to do anything but mot. so they just spent half a hour standing there looking at my car? little bit annoying but whatever.

to be honest the oil leak was bad, turned out there was a oil leak from the new vacuum pump so fitted a new gasket and hardware with some sealing stuff and sorted the leak out. My normal place seemed annoyed so I booked it elsewhere today and waited at home for a few hours, they then told me they were refusing to test it as the engine was "knocking", so I drove over and it seems they were starting the car up without letting the glow plugs warm up, that or they were assuming the injection pump noises are engine knock as it went up and down with the cars revs. its a om603 they do not sound very refined.

pretty much what it sounds like, ive driven it a good 200 miles and it seems to be fine.

however they did mention they would not pass it with its tyres, and I don't want to fit new tyres on the weird 19" rims, so I'm on the lookout for some new wheels and tyres. 

the brand new water pump bearing seems to be getting wonky already so i need to upgrade to a more premium pump! starting to be a pain, three months and its not been on the road, always a couple issuse!

Massive pain, but I admit I'd be reluctant to rev the nuts off that for the smoke test

[Skcat]

21 hours ago, DeanH said:

Got a set of standard alloys here with decent tyres if you're interested?

I would like standard wheels but this one is running front brakes from a w203. The discs are 330mm and the calipers stick out another 25mm, let's call it 30mm for comforts sake.

That means I need 390mm clearance Inside the alloy to clear the brakes. But I also need to get the offset correct. It's a bit of a pain and I see why the last owner shoved a set of 19"s on, but from what I've seen a set of 17"s should work.

20 hours ago, Zelandeth said:

Have you tried Merc themselves for parts?

I was surprised both by the availability and in as many cases as not how reasonable the prices were when I have both the camper and the S123.  Obviously not as you can probably get stuff of Autodoc or eBay, but for the proper stuff that you know will fit and isn't made of cheese I always reckoned it was fair value.

This was the one that surprised me the most I think.

Replacement lens for the indicator light on the dash (mine had a crack in).  For a 30+ year old van.  Guy on the desk was hugely apologetic that they couldn't get it same day as it would have to come from Berlin.  Think it was something daft like £1.50.

Aside from the springs I've not had issues getting bits on eBay. It's just I bought a cheap thermostat when I should have been sticking to MAHLE or gates!

Unfortunately I've had bad luck at the Mercedes dealer especially in Milton Keynes. Two out of the three times I've ever been I've been told they are doing stock checks so can't even look on the system to see if they can get me parts. It does not help I go on a Saturday to be honest.

19 hours ago, mercedade said:

Massive pain, but I admit I'd be reluctant to rev the nuts off that for the smoke test

Yeah, my plan is to replace the waterpump as it makes a bit of a squeal and get the wheels sorted so there is nothing else that can be a problem. Another issue is I keep leaving the car at garages and calling back hours later. I get so much better success rates when I just stay at the garage with the car.

[DeanH]

3 minutes ago, Skcat said:

I would like standard wheels but this one is running front brakes from a w203. The discs are 330mm and the calipers stick out another 25mm, let's call it 30mm for comforts sake.

That means I need 390mm clearance Inside the alloy to clear the brakes. But I also need to get the offset correct. It's a bit of a pain and I see why the last owner shoved a set of 19"s on, but from what I've seen a set of 17"s should work.

Aside from the springs I've not had issues getting bits on eBay. It's just I bought a cheap thermostat when I should have been sticking to MAHLE or gates!

Unfortunately I've had bad luck at the Mercedes dealer especially in Milton Keynes. Two out of the three times I've ever been I've been told they are doing stock checks so can't even look on the system to see if they can get me parts. It does not help I go on a Saturday to be honest.

Yeah, my plan is to replace the waterpump as it makes a bit of a squeal and get the wheels sorted so there is nothing else that can be a problem. Another issue is I keep leaving the car at garages and calling back hours later. I get so much better success rates when I just stay at the garage with the car.

Ah fair play. They're 15" 8 holes so almost definitely wouldn't fit. 

[Skcat]

Found some new alloys. Some 17" 225 front 245 rear alloys off a w208. I think these are normally on a clk430.

Before:

And after:

The fronts seem to fit pretty much perfect the rears seem to be ever so slightly too wide. It's borderline legal. Might need to roll the arches to make them fit better.

I think although not standard they look a lot better then the ones that came on the car! They also fit absolutely perfectly around the w203 calipers.

[Skcat]

Another little fix while I wait for the water pump pulley.

New boot buffer alignment bits.what the old ones look like:

Boot is still miss aligned. Will need to do so messing about to sort it out.

[yes oui si]

On 21/03/2026 at 17:49, Skcat said:

Found some new alloys. Some 17" 225 front 245 rear alloys off a w208. I think these are normally on a clk430.

Before:

And after:

The fronts seem to fit pretty much perfect the rears seem to be ever so slightly too wide. It's borderline legal. Might need to roll the arches to make them fit better.

I think although not standard they look a lot better then the ones that came on the car! They also fit absolutely perfectly around the w203 calipers.

They look like they fit fine...are they rubbing on the rear?

[Skcat]

12 hours ago, yes oui si said:

They look like they fit fine...are they rubbing on the rear?

I imagine they will slightly, people have reported going from 245 to 235 helps a lot but I need to test them out. I'm waiting on a new waterpump pulley so I can get it through a mot. Hopefully that will be the final thing!

[Skcat]

Off away in Wales so took the comfort. Thought this photo looked cool!

[Skcat]

After some decent time off  I got back home to find the water pump pulley for the 300D arrived. I think this one came off a g wagon from the listing but got it fitted.

It's the most rusty bit I fitted but I just wanted to see if it would work, and it did. It's quiet now. Finally done with the vast majority of the little jobs on the 300d although it's moaning a bulbs blown when it's not again.

[Volksy]

13 hours ago, Skcat said:

although it's moaning a bulbs blown when it's not again.

My W126 did this, and it was due to the fact that I'd replaced a tail light bulb.

Seems unlike most other manufacturers they use a 10w tail light rather than the more standard 5w.  So having put a 5w in it confused the system.

[Skcat]

1 hour ago, Volksy said:

My W126 did this, and it was due to the fact that I'd replaced a tail light bulb.

Seems unlike most other manufacturers they use a 10w tail light rather than the more standard 5w.  So having put a 5w in it confused the system.

I've already gone through that drama, put the correct bulbs in the rear and it was fine for a month. Now it's back again after doing nothing.

I will probably go around and clean all the bulb holders next, failing that I will replace every last bulb with osram ones rather then cheapies. Then it's possible the relay is bad.

Someone online said they can get a bit faulty if your bulbs are close to failing but I'm not so sure on that one!

[Volksy]

I'm guessing the system works on resistance to see if there is a bulb out. 

However, despite mine getting it's knickers in a twist over an incorrect tail light, it didn't seem to mind the Chinese Death Ray LEDs I had fitted as headlights for a while. 

[Zelandeth]

1 hour ago, Skcat said:

I've already gone through that drama, put the correct bulbs in the rear and it was fine for a month. Now it's back again after doing nothing.

I will probably go around and clean all the bulb holders next, failing that I will replace every last bulb with osram ones rather then cheapies. Then it's possible the relay is bad.

Someone online said they can get a bit faulty if your bulbs are close to failing but I'm not so sure on that one!

Not impossible.  It detects how much current is passing through each bulb and looks for an imbalance.  The resistance of the filament will increase as it thins and burns hotter towards the end of life, so depending how sensitive the system is it could indeed trigger it.

[Skcat]

Boot is back from the paint shop and looks new now.

Even got the light trims done.

If I get the time hopefully I can get the rear end assembled this bank holiday weekend.

[Surface Rust]

On 31/03/2026 at 20:19, Skcat said:

Finally done with the vast majority of the little jobs on the 300d although it's moaning a bulbs blown when it's not again.

I noticed my w124 put the bulb warning on when the fuses were a little corroded (bulbs were fine).

Fixed with the 'fuse box service ' suggested on here!

[Skcat]

@Surface Rust @Volksy @Zelandeth

Went to look at the merc's bulbs today and it's decided it's no longer a issue. I'm sure it will be back before too long!

Spent some more time taking the leaking power steering pump of the cordoba but found I have the wrong parts.

Everything online seems to point to be it being the correct part but the pulley does not mount the correct distance away. Looked up the part diagrams:

For 1.4-2.0:

For 1.0 to 1.6 (there is a bit of overlap)

1.0-1.6 cars have hub spacing of 41mm with a part number 6N0145157. Other 1.4 to 2.0 cars have hub spacing of 52mm part number 6K0422154.

Parts 6K0422154 and 6N0145157 are not interchangeable. However every retailer seems to think they are. I can only buy ones with a photo as a result. What a pain!

[Zelandeth]

53 minutes ago, Skcat said:

@Surface Rust @Volksy @Zelandeth

Went to look at the merc's bulbs today and it's decided it's no longer a issue. I'm sure it will be back before too long!

Spent some more time taking the leaking power steering pump of the cordoba but found I have the wrong parts.

Everything online seems to point to be it being the correct part but the pulley does not mount the correct distance away. Looked up the part diagrams:

For 1.4-2.0:

For 1.0 to 1.6 (there is a bit of overlap)

1.0-1.6 cars have hub spacing of 41mm with a part number 6N0145157. Other 1.4 to 2.0 cars have hub spacing of 52mm part number 6K0422154.

Parts 6K0422154 and 6N0145157 are not interchangeable. However every retailer seems to think they are. I can only buy ones with a photo as a result. What a pain!

Don't trust the photos.  Especially if it's fucking Autodoc.  Or the part numbers.  If THEY THINK the part numbers cross reference, they'll just pick one at random to send you.  I think I have four sets of drop links in the garage which were ordered using the right part number but the other one they think is equivalent turned up.  As their returns process is such an utter farce they can stay there until we move and get skipped then...

It's why I basically couldn't buy anything for the Renault from there as their catalogues don't differentiate between the 2.0 carb and injection models despite there being a bunch of bits that are different for no reason other than Renault thought it would be funny as far as I can tell.

It's a pain in the tail when manufacturers do stuff like this - and is no small part of why I decided to move that on.

[Skcat]

Did the rear end conversion on the Toyota after months. How It started:

After taking all the older parts off and fitting the new boot:

The new rear light clusters and painted body panels that go below them:

After fitting them:

Then I ran into a issue. I assumed the lock cylinders were the same but unfortunately they are not, I did not want to buy a entire lock set for the car as it would take ages to arrive. Maybe I will in the future. For now I took the cylinders apart and swapped all the pin things over:

It seemed to do the job but I should eventually just replace all the locks while I can still buy the set!

Then it was time just to assembly all the parts on the boot itself.

I have a couple missing light fittings so I will need to order some bits, but I got the lights working to a basic legal standard for now. As far as I know this rear end was never fitted to a short wheelbase comfort, I've seen one in Japan someone did a conversion on but it's got to be one of maybe a dozen! Looks like a little boxy American car!

[Schaefft]

A big improvement in my opinion. I still can't believe how much smaller it looks in the photos compared to seeing it in person.

[Skcat]

1 hour ago, Schaefft said:

A big improvement in my opinion. I still can't believe how much smaller it looks in the photos compared to seeing it in person.

It has gone from a 1992ish Toyota Carina/ Cressida look to a 2004ish usdm Japanese car or squared off crown vic or Buick.

I like the old rear end and if I could have a million cars I would keep it but I got to pick my favourite look.

It does not look nearly as old anymore which is a bit of a shame.

[Skcat]

Just saw it on Facebook, someone drove my old 220 across Europe! Glad it made it.

Pretty cool it made it!

[Skcat]

Been busy with work lately but has time to look at the 300D rear discs. They looked like they have been under the sea.

Weirdly the pads where genuine Mercedes ones. Who knows how old they are, no idea on the discs.

Took them off and managed to break the friction material off the drum shoes! So now I need to order those. Awaiting those parts now.

[J-T]

Could I ask who you used when you imported the Toyota (rear end is now the same as all the Hong Kong taxi versions, enjoyed travelling in them when I was over there!) and how you found the process? I’m looking to do similar, possibly using BeForward.

[Skcat]

43 minutes ago, J-T said:

Could I ask who you used when you imported the Toyota (rear end is now the same as all the Hong Kong taxi versions, enjoyed travelling in them when I was over there!) and how you found the process? I’m looking to do similar, possibly using BeForward.

Hong Kong ones are the more basic comfort ones outside and inside. Then at some point (I think around 2007) they had the exterior trimmed up to the crown sedans spec. So early cars have the basic rear end. As you can see there is a mix but the ones with the basic rear end are probably extremely rare now as they are all probably 20 years old now!

Probably means we have another 10 years of these in use before they are retired for Chinese cars.

You can't really get a Hong Kong spec one from Japan. You kind of need to make it! What do you want in particular?

Finding the right car takes time and if you want it for a decent price it takes even longer. Cheaper ones could probably be had for around £6k in the country including all fee's but spending  bit more will get you one with half the milage and probably in better shape.

I used JDM Auction watch but be forward is probably a ok platform as long as you find a car with loads of photos. I bid on a car using a auction sheet which was pretty accurate.

You then just need to wait around 6 months for it to arrive which is a bit fun but nerve racking. Getting it mot'ed and registered is no too hard. I would budget around £500 for that if you can do the reverse light yourself. Plus you will need a new battery.

You will need to cavity wax and underseal it if you want it too last. I did all that then put it away over winter.

My car came with some paint damage from the shipping. You don't really have anyway of proving who did it so you just need to deal with it yourself.

I would expect some sellers to hide some damage as well.

Be forward seems good but it feels like some sellers expect you to haggle some don't. I'm not really sure how it all works to be honest.

There are a few for sale in the UK. They are a bit high but probably the same price then it would cost you to import one. With the benefit that you can view before you buy. If you import a odd car like this you need to understand you probably are throwing money away in a sense!

I imported one as it's been a bucket list item for me, I love trying oddball cars that make no sense to import so just decided I've got to do it myself. If you have any other questions ask them here or send me a message!

[J-T]

Thanks - it’s not actually one of those I’m looking at importing. I’ve looked at JDM Auction Watch, good to hear it went well with them.

 

[Skcat]

25 minutes ago, J-T said:

Thanks - it’s not actually one of those I’m looking at importing. I’ve looked at JDM Auction Watch, good to hear it went well with them.

 

Yes I saw random people on Reddit who recommended them but never engaged with anyone who used them, they are legit!