Empty's 1966 Mercedes 200 “fin tail” kinda resto

I’m a Toyota man, so if I ain’t keeping it original or going with a Mercedes engine, it’s getting a Toyota motor. Mostly because that’s what I know

 

I have 3 Toyota’s in my driveway. Still here to tell you the easiest parts to find ever will be Chevrolet 350. Ask the forums

 

Oh I know.


But I’m a stubborn Serbian.

 

I just hope you get that car where you want it.

 

In due time. I’ve got the Tacoma to finish too.. this was one of those impulse buys.

 

I know there are guys that can build the cars they want and I know guys that get cars they never build. Forgive me for being a pessimist

 

Eh, I’ve finished one project (sans interior because a donor hasn’t popped up) the Tacoma is slowly getting closer to running, but that’s a labor of love with attention to detail second to none. This Mercedes? It’s just a toy.

 

so, theres a walnut in cylinder 2 of the mercedes.


and it would appear the timing chain has skipped before and likely was why it was parked... starting to really look like this car may receive a different engine and transmission than it originally had

 

No chance of a rebuild?

 

If I can find parts I will. Parts are the hard part

if I go with a new engine I’m leaning Toyota 20 or 22r and retrofitting the Mercedes carburetors to the Toyota engine.. they’re close enough output wise and what not

 

Leave it stock you may have a winner there and don't know it.

 

If I do anything engine wise it will be 100% reversible. I’m not one to tear up history if I see it being repairable

 

I know you have wiring/harness concerns and are leaning towards LEDs.

But since you are blessed with 7" round lights I suggest you consider either CIBIE or Hella Euro lights. They are both remarkable on the darkest roads you can imagine with outstanding cut off lines.

You can save load with LEDs for all the other stuff where you want people to see you. But to be able to see where you are going, those lights rock.

And @crashnburn80 may have some bulb upgrade recommendations for those housings.

Fun project!

 

The issue with going h4 for this car is the original wiring is for incandescent bulbs and not up to the task of h4 bulbs. LED would require no work to make work, plus the little 35 amp alternator will be happier.

but I would do cibie if ultimately I decide to go halogen

 

Cool project! I love German cars though have always been more of a BMW guy. I like how everyone is rubber necking the 1st Gen in the photos.

As for the headlights, 66 is before the first dual filament halogen was available in 71, so I'd guess it is running sealed beams which would also account for the headlights looking new. Lots of room for improvement there. I'd look for an H4 conversion in appropriate size, my favorite is the the Hella e-code swap. It will be a substantial upgrade on its own, but then you can follow for a bulb upgrade in the thread covered below whether using stock wattage performance bulbs or high wattage for boosted output.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

So the original plate from the car is in my possession now. Cars back at the farm till I can find an engine or parts for it

 

goalz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGny3fKnxwM

 

Ok. I’d be up for that if I can’t find an engine by the time the tacos running. But I’d use a Mercedes engine.




Lexus IS350 drive train has all crossed my mind

 

Buddy who works for FCP euro is going to see what he can find for me to get this engine fixed up and running.. Fingers crossed.. once its running i'll be a happy man

 

The 1UZFE is one of my all-time favorite motors. Shove it in there!