W203 [PASSED INSPECTION!] Intercooler removal and cost breakdown PROJECT CAR Mercedes C200 [Ep 8]

[@Boffin486]

A very worthwhile rebuild - I did a very similar one on my Merc Coupe which uses (mainly) identical running gear. I replaced pretty much all the same parts so I know the effort involved. I think you should be justifiably proud of recovering a car that was otherwise scrap - though you don't suffer the rust problems we have in the usually wet & miserable UK! Good series & like your entertaining presentation style. 🙂👍

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Thank you! It's hard to convey the total work required for everything involved, but feels worthwhile when cruising down the road with all the power it should have, and no knocking noises from anything.

[@colindavidson4297]

Great project, really enjoyed the content. I think it was worth it, so keep going.

[@ProjectCarHaven]

I also feel like it was worth the work and expenditure. This car didn't deserve to be pulled apart for parts. I appreciate your support. I just have to get better at making videos! 😆

[@retrofaction496]

What a transformation, great job! Really enjoyed the series

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm not sure how many people are going to stick around once I start working on the next projects....

[@retrofaction496]

@@ProjectCarHaven well I'll be here. Any ideas what the new project will be?

[@ProjectCarHaven]

There may have been glimpses in the background of this video series. Something JDM.

[@raymondmumford6255]

Loved the series. The accountant was a bit cute 😂. Maybe take us for a drive next time you finish a build.

[@Splundiferus]

That was a great video series, thanks for sharing the process and details! I think you are right in regards to the amount of money put in to this project, that you are ahead compared to alot of these that are available in the used car market. You now have a really good car that runs and looks great, and is maybe more valuable to you due to the time you put in and the experience gained.

[@ProjectCarHaven]

This is exactly how I feel about it. Thank you!

[@stanitodo1075]

Enjoyed watching this restoration. In my opinion you did quite a good job with the paint considering you used can spray. And of course overall amazing work.

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Thank you. I'm going to have to upgrade to an actual spray gun at some point, especially when I have a much larger surface area to cover!

[@stanitodo1075]

@@ProjectCarHaven What is the paint color code? I have a silver metallic (775U) W203 that has some rust spots I want to repair, but I've heard that silver metallics are very difficult to match. And on video and under the australian sunlight, yours looks just fine.

[@ProjectCarHaven]

The 775U rings a bell to me, it may be the same code as yours. But, when I went to get it mixed, there were about 5 options for shade. Some were labelled as "lighter" and "yellower" This was probably to account for aging of clear coat, and fading of colour over time. I went with 2 cans, "standard" and "lighter". I then sprayed each on a primer prepped test card and held it up to the body. The "lighter" was a better match, so I used the standard for the first 2 coats, and the lighter over the top. It does actually match quite well. This gave me the build height I was after, and the closest matching shade to the factory paint, without wasting any of the paint I bought.

[@stanitodo1075]

@@ProjectCarHaven Thanks for the reply. I'll have to check if my local paint shop can offer me something similar, hopefully it will. Good luck with the Mitsubishi!

[@rafaminus5366]

Very nice job!!!

[@noell7205]

Great job, Andy! 💯

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Thanks! It took a while, but got it finished eventually.

[@donhaschi]

Great job! Greetings from Frankfurt, Germany

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rjkulman8990]

its always worth doing, another one may cost you more, its a one time cost, but the parts will last you for years ( hopefully) ask your account to explain "amortization"

[@antonybarker8841]

you are ahead for years

[@antonybarker8841]

I am restoring one of these just the suspension i am replacing now but have you come across the issue with the 40amp fuse with the air conditioner

[@ProjectCarHaven]

I haven't had any issues with the air conditioner fuse, sorry.

[@antonybarker8841]

@@ProjectCarHaven no worries will post it there when i find a solution

[@jamessisson9920]

Nice wrap up. How much was the paint and sanding?

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Cost about 2 fingerprints and around $150 for the materials for paint, sanding, and buffing.

[@Bruinou19]

It was 100% worth it.

[@ProjectCarHaven]

I think so too. As I said, I could possibly find one in the market for the same price (but they are usually a bit more expensive than my total outlay), but those cars would still need work and parts too because they wouldn't be perfect.

[@Bruinou19]

@@ProjectCarHaven I love these Mercedes and I'm thinking of gettin the 2005 model cause i heard the one's before 2004 got rust and electrical issue's

[@antonybarker8841]

Your costs are with in line i spent 5500 usd but i bought headlights fixed upholstery etc but my car was in worst condition and lowering springs and rims as well but our prices are heavier than yours but it is better than paying the bank interest

[@ProjectCarHaven]

Agreed. I'd rather make an older car reliable by replacing the worn parts as needed, instead of having a newer car with a bank loan.

[@antonybarker8841]

@@ProjectCarHaven people don't understand plus i don't have to worry about the bailiff man if things go south

[@sumeetlamba4603]

So you painted the bumper in a previous episode and in this one you put it down on cement!!!!!!!

[@ProjectCarHaven]

I'll be sure not to do that again. Thankfully the paint was unharmed.

[@afrostigmeister]

Nice work! Finally an accountant who dresses according to the weather 👓👔🩳

[@ProjectCarHaven]

The tie may have been too much 😆👔