tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11394018854832486742024-02-08T03:46:35.399+02:00Behind the White WheelEverything started back in the late 80s when still a kid, I spotted that dark red Mercedes-Benz Ponton. I started seeing life through cars. Behind The White Wheel reflects this part of my personality. In it, you will find thoughts, stories, events and valuable information related to owning, restoring, maintaining and living with a classic car.
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-13042137773046039282019-07-10T15:08:00.001+03:002019-07-10T15:08:43.311+03:00Sept Winery in a 1972 Mercedes 350 SL Touring and discovering some region in a classic car is always pure pleasure; few days ago, along with my close friends Alison and Kamal, we decided to drive through the region of Batroun, exploring a unique place, a not so common winery.<br />
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At the exit towards Batroun, with the scenery starting to change, a quick stop to take off the soft top of the red 1972 350SL becomes necessary.<br />
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The wind slapping us from all sides, the unexpected on the move sun tanning, the feeling of being in a far away country, on vacation, detached from all the hustle bustle of every day's tasks and duties and the roar of the V8 engine under the big red hood creates a unique sens of freedom and ignites a lot of positive feelings...<br />
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Driving through the small curvy roads of the very traditional village of Nehla leads us to Sept Winery; a dream made true by Maher Harb, who in 2010, against all odds decided to go back to his hometown, pay tribute to his late father and put his heart and soul in the vineyards - that he describes as his "babies".<br />
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Maher is proud of calling the different types of white and red wine he produces "Un Vin de Lieu" that has a unique flavor expressing the rich diversity and unique character of the Lebanese soil.<br />
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Our favorite white was that produced through the "Obeidy" grapes - a typical Lebanese type of grapes that left us amazed by its imposing yet smooth taste.<br />
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The view from Sept is stunning, over-viewing the northern part of Batroun heights at around an altitude of 900m above sea level.<br />
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Despite the heat on that day, exploring new regions in a car that was destined to be scraped but ended up restored is a truly remarkable experience...<br />
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Some of the parts are still the original ones, some have been changed and others restored; I made it on purpose to keep the hubcaps untouched with the original paint on them, the steering wheel, the dashboard, the radio, the engine, the gearbox...etc. all are still the same doing their "job" since 1972.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAPkU-dfbxs9uaHxsyht94rtZL2rUPdrRfSJn-X67p4aLlkK7p_2WLVndo2G981M9mZsyBF55NEmptH5TYeM3_ZwFpRZcoPWqpc0AN_uJRnlm4vBuIV6-olXwx5G9GFY1VDZqL6GferCL/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="551" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAPkU-dfbxs9uaHxsyht94rtZL2rUPdrRfSJn-X67p4aLlkK7p_2WLVndo2G981M9mZsyBF55NEmptH5TYeM3_ZwFpRZcoPWqpc0AN_uJRnlm4vBuIV6-olXwx5G9GFY1VDZqL6GferCL/s320/image.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div>
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That's a big part of the pleasure behind driving a restored car; one lives the blessing of the second chance that has been given to a beautiful machine thanks to patience, hard work and artistic talents...<br />
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-67982921120006668052015-12-30T22:23:00.001+02:002015-12-30T22:23:41.969+02:00Thank you 2015...<div class="MsoNormal">
2015 came to an end; it was a year full of surprises,
unexpected events and thanks God a lot of happy moments…</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQVBgwMYxcRavC7h-QRWrMJ1L7yv66TtRUS2Gen8mDTWlDUGMbc4Tk6Q8Ok3vXLG9mAB7YL0vAvstgsC51ZZMB2j_dHKMXISTSn2MZwv9jZgUtfOwcJBC4oXbalqDI4Bx07OYzB-pQz45/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQVBgwMYxcRavC7h-QRWrMJ1L7yv66TtRUS2Gen8mDTWlDUGMbc4Tk6Q8Ok3vXLG9mAB7YL0vAvstgsC51ZZMB2j_dHKMXISTSn2MZwv9jZgUtfOwcJBC4oXbalqDI4Bx07OYzB-pQz45/s320/IMG_7146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Breakfast on a beautiful spring day at the Matars' place </span></td></tr>
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On the Classic Cars side, this year witnessed a lot…it
started with me being able to decipher the “how does the Becker Mexico tube
radio works” and thus gained a certain advanced competency that allowed me to
fully restore my 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180’s radio and enjoy its warm sound…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxSmOvfjeHcg3rQEX5Nnlk9YCgM5lS_ud47SZqs2UVenWk_KQjz7faMgAlNSrZLF2CrFdfEeMDMy8cUlM7kYrFt4jcMIv7YY5VkMCQY9SneTWf0JpgByi5aYIEfMzMJM6ctm1u4dFCMuB/s320/IMG_8159.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Becker Mexico Tube Radio fully restored along with the Reims SW Adapter </span></td></tr>
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Then
came the time when social media, with its growing power allowed me to connect
with amazing people with whom we started organizing classic cars rides. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9sk685Dg4fs7VzBY9ZJu2SZ_3nQ0AmLSJTxKpcq_3Rw9uB7e8lhy94IrEcdZvzjPKTQed1X5Sj-chIGYTzDRONnvWmqEohPz1rwzzaxEQqXFPBiKVHYFZbmq4W-1huQLmhYP1FShajQ/s1600/IMG_9167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9sk685Dg4fs7VzBY9ZJu2SZ_3nQ0AmLSJTxKpcq_3Rw9uB7e8lhy94IrEcdZvzjPKTQed1X5Sj-chIGYTzDRONnvWmqEohPz1rwzzaxEQqXFPBiKVHYFZbmq4W-1huQLmhYP1FShajQ/s320/IMG_9167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From our first Cars & Coffee in downtown Beirut</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFxsfZ_evMxM2xFJlyT_Mo0Q5OVuaCkS4mQ3cdjyNQZDBz4LEZ7PX-Plmux1fWSQcnnLy7NOo6ExjRp-6wxCAkkBKv99-GkJE4jfFEfH87LjHNnn6Ah1aolidsQ8M8LKAczux9e9LS_Gv/s1600/IMG_9099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFxsfZ_evMxM2xFJlyT_Mo0Q5OVuaCkS4mQ3cdjyNQZDBz4LEZ7PX-Plmux1fWSQcnnLy7NOo6ExjRp-6wxCAkkBKv99-GkJE4jfFEfH87LjHNnn6Ah1aolidsQ8M8LKAczux9e9LS_Gv/s320/IMG_9099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">On our first ride to the Chouf region with Sary Najjar and Samer Halwani's 450sl</span></td></tr>
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The fun
grew and these people became part of my daily life. Finally, and thank to Sary
Najjar, a classic car enthusiast I met online, I got the guts to buy my 2<sup>nd</sup>
classic car, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB4lguhJYq-o7mjYzKckengCLGuuw_gVAALfYujef8iqH2u4qWrQpNJ4qd_wP8VW0MCQd-FYt5flRd6_NNjz9dLyVDF7OajLRwZyH0e3dlKNNbh3Na6qp-DvhL6QZGR6eDrA4qs1Efh6p/s1600/DSC00685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB4lguhJYq-o7mjYzKckengCLGuuw_gVAALfYujef8iqH2u4qWrQpNJ4qd_wP8VW0MCQd-FYt5flRd6_NNjz9dLyVDF7OajLRwZyH0e3dlKNNbh3Na6qp-DvhL6QZGR6eDrA4qs1Efh6p/s320/DSC00685.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Layers of dust covering the old and cracked burgundy paint</span></td></tr>
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The R107, an early model, had been unused for almost 20
years; rust has eaten out most of its floor pans giving ways to big holes! But
the car was all original; a challenging project that I hope will add fun,
experience and stories to 2016. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEfYo6sdSTxWMhc2m9Oac0gMQhZEXlG96PM7NYvzlIdn10GJt6EmvyAaS0w_x3_2fHlUw5mUmXLeM2SJsvEELUq2nRxf28jId0ZvodzpQnQpjTTxv-ffd_f0aQlwRXmFshzO2um3iqXSM/s1600/DSC00664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEfYo6sdSTxWMhc2m9Oac0gMQhZEXlG96PM7NYvzlIdn10GJt6EmvyAaS0w_x3_2fHlUw5mUmXLeM2SJsvEELUq2nRxf28jId0ZvodzpQnQpjTTxv-ffd_f0aQlwRXmFshzO2um3iqXSM/s320/DSC00664.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful R107's rear</span></td></tr>
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I have thought a lot about how to proceed with the 350SL’s
restoration; I wanted to find a way that would establish a certain “Best
Practice” that I would follow in all other projects. </div>
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Therefore I created the following steps:</div>
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1<sup>st</sup>: I examined the car thoroughly; other than
the sever rust in the floor pans it is all complete with the original radio and
original manuals and documentation. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MwVzW77KfyrsXEds0e8_Qx94yji7nGCsfVmk8PYtMJJoCFv9908qzS36MAvO9TKwoQfaLTFs2ZLYsgSpaoLK-n_sURLjPhRXLpFyNrqAqn_W_YyCKLRqu5_lsegjfTuWjpZu3SI0KUD6/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MwVzW77KfyrsXEds0e8_Qx94yji7nGCsfVmk8PYtMJJoCFv9908qzS36MAvO9TKwoQfaLTFs2ZLYsgSpaoLK-n_sURLjPhRXLpFyNrqAqn_W_YyCKLRqu5_lsegjfTuWjpZu3SI0KUD6/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Complete documentation/ owner's manuals</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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However, the interior is shot; the
dashboard is sun fried and the seats are covered with an ugly non-original
material. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjHPOxfyBgfXhnPMBT-f1QFXcz9em61L9u-kC8n4yt-7hr2yioBzf51OSax_SkEalcsuKphzFDWlele__rbd-ZbwizoSyOY6sPEucu8lWFvkAS-8TgrxzDxMP4v-xk0Svs90cOpEzx2q3/s1600/DSC00646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjHPOxfyBgfXhnPMBT-f1QFXcz9em61L9u-kC8n4yt-7hr2yioBzf51OSax_SkEalcsuKphzFDWlele__rbd-ZbwizoSyOY6sPEucu8lWFvkAS-8TgrxzDxMP4v-xk0Svs90cOpEzx2q3/s320/DSC00646.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">unoriginal non-original seats covers, rusted out floor pans</span></td></tr>
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2<sup>nd</sup>: The mechanic examined the engine and
succeeded in running it after 20+ years of sleep! To my luck, the engine
appeared to be in excellent shape along with the gearbox only needing the
normal maintenance work. </div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJTzCPYO2iKbXGvDqEpPYnX-fVG7TAqC1zVs1nDKbjRqoZPhZXETCmcADMM47S9qO9oMMMqiLBnpJHm6H51AAN6VblpgL5vpAT2u_yQumm_5672Gt6ouTrJU10n-fQYIGv_m15AcZ2-Cp/s1600/DSC00650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJTzCPYO2iKbXGvDqEpPYnX-fVG7TAqC1zVs1nDKbjRqoZPhZXETCmcADMM47S9qO9oMMMqiLBnpJHm6H51AAN6VblpgL5vpAT2u_yQumm_5672Gt6ouTrJU10n-fQYIGv_m15AcZ2-Cp/s320/DSC00650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Complete and well running 4.5 litters V8 engine with electronic Bosch injection system</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
3<sup>rd</sup>: Came the long discussion with the body
expert; practically, the car needs to be dismantled piece by piece and stripped
to bare metal. The rusted out floor pans will be cut and rebuilt along with the
other visible and non-visible rust spots; a process that would take between 3
to 4 months.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
4<sup>th</sup>: The dashboard will all be dismantled, taken
to a specialist for restoration. The plastic pieces will be repainted with the
exact color, using a special paint. This will be a good opportunity to check
all the AC/ wind flaps and ducts for any wear and repair accordingly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iqQsVzdXSxp94Uqp5mnOaEOb-f6BZQ8UsMusWUFVoeGT-2PbY6IEx2-ityx0Pw9rAr3gvQLu2wCZDQTb_sncabgRYXZsDZQLQ4U0QenZ5zKOA7flVdhsnFypPGDOvxB6_nsOalS6z7k5/s1600/DSC00630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iqQsVzdXSxp94Uqp5mnOaEOb-f6BZQ8UsMusWUFVoeGT-2PbY6IEx2-ityx0Pw9rAr3gvQLu2wCZDQTb_sncabgRYXZsDZQLQ4U0QenZ5zKOA7flVdhsnFypPGDOvxB6_nsOalS6z7k5/s320/DSC00630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Faded yet complete interior; can't wait to have it back to its former glory</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
5<sup>th</sup>: The seats and the doors covers will be
restored using the original matching red/ burgundy leather. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
6<sup>th</sup>: The soft top will be replaced by a German
reproduction using the same material as the original. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, re-chroming of the front grill and of the bumpers
will be left to a later stage (after the body work is over) if used ones in
good condition cannot be sourced. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam9jLZe31oEJzgx9UIE3DLxzVUEUNx3yFjpox5dqc-Kzgly498DL6xYlsJKUwQJpi9ET71r7j0yVEepv-QRh6cvySJRXlWZs88HGBjFXCDu1o-g4E3X7LD0WmQQ-rRMeG-ILD4hyDzbkK/s1600/DSC00699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam9jLZe31oEJzgx9UIE3DLxzVUEUNx3yFjpox5dqc-Kzgly498DL6xYlsJKUwQJpi9ET71r7j0yVEepv-QRh6cvySJRXlWZs88HGBjFXCDu1o-g4E3X7LD0WmQQ-rRMeG-ILD4hyDzbkK/s320/DSC00699.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Advanced rust on the rear bumper</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So here is my exciting 2016 Classic Car project; I hope to
be able to ride along with my wife Dona in a very special 40+ years old classic
convertible. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eDzS84CMglUHROm5Zd0qzVIuaXZhX9N-EKnwQRe2BdBfqmJinAZFF4boScrlSDmbjDr5EysUeZ4jvEMVu8Vpouksl8IkX-SiTemThebXBByVbiYdhLI-SPSBCCrOQlatSF1jpwz2xSOt/s1600/DSC00634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eDzS84CMglUHROm5Zd0qzVIuaXZhX9N-EKnwQRe2BdBfqmJinAZFF4boScrlSDmbjDr5EysUeZ4jvEMVu8Vpouksl8IkX-SiTemThebXBByVbiYdhLI-SPSBCCrOQlatSF1jpwz2xSOt/s320/DSC00634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The very rare early rubberized steering wheel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-85095551482065470142015-07-20T21:43:00.001+03:002015-07-20T21:53:08.904+03:00Testing the Bavarian Masterpiece<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I grew up loving and admiring classic cars, constantly
cherishing my 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180, I wondered why BMWs were always aging
badly. In fact, in Lebanon, once a BMW becomes old, it passes through what I
call the “gigolo modification process” whereby it receives a series of changes
that seldom make it an awful, non-original, unattractive, charmless vehicle. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Few days ago, I came by chance through an original 1973 BMW
E9 3.0 coupe that the classic cars’ expert Serge El-Khazen (<a href="http://www.minimemotors.com/">www.minimemotors.com</a>) has been offering
for sale. Serge and I have been following each other’s on Instagram and
Facebook for a while. I couldn’t resist the car’s original, never modified look
coupled by its beautiful classic shape; after exchanging few messages with
Serge, we agreed to test drive the car on a sunny holiday morning.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlypE7P1uFi3Bqxuqq6yii1v-zcJ1eN0LQWLox_GGXCUa6zu6bBLRoJzMmNrP2_2ATAD414PprRUCAIaG_PkfLLz1jq3250-LIkOGQz5U2n1QSkfVg5veg5BNhV5SGUjXicyCwSHz1gh8/s1600/IMG_6714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlypE7P1uFi3Bqxuqq6yii1v-zcJ1eN0LQWLox_GGXCUa6zu6bBLRoJzMmNrP2_2ATAD414PprRUCAIaG_PkfLLz1jq3250-LIkOGQz5U2n1QSkfVg5veg5BNhV5SGUjXicyCwSHz1gh8/s320/IMG_6714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gorgeous classical shape standing the test of time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk3ftf7xc2Bm8hwqXrPj2ytx2nUS2v1dpbItWOIN8U6RKSxFjnWcDk4dc2m6-RpgbRsEbyM9IQTcoe6A66z-z-uI9ozsPw5TT4NxpEvasWjNcex8hE6OsRBiE8XQvVqd5gLDUlAsEt5l3/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk3ftf7xc2Bm8hwqXrPj2ytx2nUS2v1dpbItWOIN8U6RKSxFjnWcDk4dc2m6-RpgbRsEbyM9IQTcoe6A66z-z-uI9ozsPw5TT4NxpEvasWjNcex8hE6OsRBiE8XQvVqd5gLDUlAsEt5l3/s320/IMG_8778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Special sensation behind the BMW E9's wheel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So here I am, heading towards the MonteVerde region to test
drive the car… At first, sitting behind the big black wheel with the flamboyant
BMW logo gave me a sensation of mastering both the road and the car. The
dashboard, despite being made of the typical 1970s leathered black plastic and
thin clear wood, gives the feeling of being in a top of the line car; the
gauges are well arranged and easily visible and the “vide poches” spaces are
abundant.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, the typical Blaupunkt radio is there, placed in the
center, easily accessible to both the driver and the front passenger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLuug02-H02y6jWai-hhObIUeO0G-wO05aBB5haDFdNNqRd5oWmoNrRzfmoieB8iCFH-yeYDCF3Kkk4LIxvDtmlftUzrTiYIHZPc0aoywnlnBoqwiASvlIGCeb57JZEB3s4LMouiKYtYr/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLuug02-H02y6jWai-hhObIUeO0G-wO05aBB5haDFdNNqRd5oWmoNrRzfmoieB8iCFH-yeYDCF3Kkk4LIxvDtmlftUzrTiYIHZPc0aoywnlnBoqwiASvlIGCeb57JZEB3s4LMouiKYtYr/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In love with the black wheel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uyMkx5szv1lc2eJjRH0g8BoledzduMi4ruIJG7Lbfj7VAXbBKAeNjweG4c-JtikE6XNM9OoytsiaS_wOzEJPKIfxtPpx17n1R2Z7URNw3BOWURag5gejac3XljIGbpCRGjuPlDR0hnx3/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uyMkx5szv1lc2eJjRH0g8BoledzduMi4ruIJG7Lbfj7VAXbBKAeNjweG4c-JtikE6XNM9OoytsiaS_wOzEJPKIfxtPpx17n1R2Z7URNw3BOWURag5gejac3XljIGbpCRGjuPlDR0hnx3/s320/IMG_6712.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Plenty of space to empty the pockets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Setting the gear lever on 1<sup>st</sup>, I start climbing a
small hill linking MonteVerde to Hammana; the engine roars gently barely
audible inside the car even with the electric windows open. 2<sup>nd</sup> then
3<sup>rd</sup> gears engaged and the car becomes extremely smooth with a firm
but comfortable suspension filtering well all the road’s irregularities. True,
the car’s handling is exceptional taking all the turns easily constantly
assuring the comfort of the four passengers that can be easily accommodated
with their luggage; a privilege almost absent in many coupes of the same
period.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDAX9Fxgjr90XuZKUSvCKpMpzFbZ67l799XmNeJXLSEmZhvA0l3YhUzZ2erxxhq8k3GOAh7JiGqBgyRKRBSixI2s0vfAuY7uR9YkHgMfAhjAOnXhZFAOEo4VklDFuKZKS0WX9v5HqJeD/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDAX9Fxgjr90XuZKUSvCKpMpzFbZ67l799XmNeJXLSEmZhvA0l3YhUzZ2erxxhq8k3GOAh7JiGqBgyRKRBSixI2s0vfAuY7uR9YkHgMfAhjAOnXhZFAOEo4VklDFuKZKS0WX9v5HqJeD/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Most comfortable rear seats with a typical sporty look</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I23mIQjTlP30H39QW_9ehX1m1-Gp3je9xX6ByUcwGXAG2WrTPOQwl21jwDKxjGyeDU5kfsSLlYbrBeVJnCUAb_fjyzxWYhzyQPl3deUG5RiXrCOa_W_qEmSml4AVbnNoFVhCiOuYZDfM/s1600/IMG_8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3I23mIQjTlP30H39QW_9ehX1m1-Gp3je9xX6ByUcwGXAG2WrTPOQwl21jwDKxjGyeDU5kfsSLlYbrBeVJnCUAb_fjyzxWYhzyQPl3deUG5RiXrCOa_W_qEmSml4AVbnNoFVhCiOuYZDfM/s320/IMG_8773.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The trunk can accommodate at least 3 pieces of luggage; notice the misc box on the right </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I drove with Serge from MonteVerde to Hammana and back on a mountainous
green road that I took for the first time. I didn’t feel any discomfort for a
second; the driving well-being is enhanced by the charcoal velour seats that embrace
the driver and gives the impression of sitting in a couch. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE-Byr8BfORTkw29sXXxLsXzjuk4jlbi_t7LzGtzcFIw80zkOyZgJ-NBtB_AklI045J73pQcKWFa3HXdbARdQ1JRJmKRyq4GsPKn9Sr2mZQRix8YyMhXKQztWGXmYQY9p3xTuDK0RTafJ/s1600/IMG_8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE-Byr8BfORTkw29sXXxLsXzjuk4jlbi_t7LzGtzcFIw80zkOyZgJ-NBtB_AklI045J73pQcKWFa3HXdbARdQ1JRJmKRyq4GsPKn9Sr2mZQRix8YyMhXKQztWGXmYQY9p3xTuDK0RTafJ/s320/IMG_8776.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Very comfortable ride</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Looking at the car’s engine and bay, one can’t but admire
the Bavarian engineering; all is well arranged and easily accessible for
repairs. This E9’s engine seems untouched since new, with most of the original
decals still present.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xS5bkvoMTUdN1S3eFlLyaysZgUOxOPwWdwNi6YQ2VuAzvfFgE7pFgZqh6gR_YntKa_SRG9f0s7ZGo5Wh7GdVcMZYLUjYt4zi0UNa-OLK-gp8uRgThsyDnrWUvbjjt3R6_73yVyoAeJbb/s1600/IMG_8774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xS5bkvoMTUdN1S3eFlLyaysZgUOxOPwWdwNi6YQ2VuAzvfFgE7pFgZqh6gR_YntKa_SRG9f0s7ZGo5Wh7GdVcMZYLUjYt4zi0UNa-OLK-gp8uRgThsyDnrWUvbjjt3R6_73yVyoAeJbb/s320/IMG_8774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The engine is still as it was in 1973; notice the original red fan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9O__XibLOm_zHQFVI1E3SCzSJtXNTBSW4ajheVkzHLwp08asQH-g9l591rCUUyTWfcUhRj7wCdfwkhcX5I5aax0Yp6mfmXtfO5VXExx2Mg2EGW5I2_tXi9hGfyw-vtqQlsT-AkVfXDSx/s1600/IMG_8775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9O__XibLOm_zHQFVI1E3SCzSJtXNTBSW4ajheVkzHLwp08asQH-g9l591rCUUyTWfcUhRj7wCdfwkhcX5I5aax0Yp6mfmXtfO5VXExx2Mg2EGW5I2_tXi9hGfyw-vtqQlsT-AkVfXDSx/s320/IMG_8775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">None of the bits and pieces are missing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To conclude, the 1973 BMW E9 is a luxury sports car by all
means designed for every day’s use and capable of adapting to different types
of roads. It is like most of the German cars; built to last.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EC81dABb5MA9Co1byK1iqEbOcsZYYZsQWzhivaFH-8uK256mUU0qityBcXo7cPPvM19YQBjd_VR6F9a1ifTyq6dlUJ7-Dj_G-n7jK-Re7ONs9I8Wwt1dgFTAP0jSEmAjaZm4w0ycfhP3/s1600/IMG_6701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EC81dABb5MA9Co1byK1iqEbOcsZYYZsQWzhivaFH-8uK256mUU0qityBcXo7cPPvM19YQBjd_VR6F9a1ifTyq6dlUJ7-Dj_G-n7jK-Re7ONs9I8Wwt1dgFTAP0jSEmAjaZm4w0ycfhP3/s320/IMG_6701.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Simply love the E9's aggressive yet classy look</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhF6ptN5NWd5g5vLT3wBZO0VDz9veB07sKp4N685CW1Ib6EXYctbgAYbT3TI3BSQkskJyB7B9gsgcqpaA3oS51aGvfu405FySj2LN06KGGhEklWEA0d9ZobL9IbAoM6ehnPgTb8drRCJ/s1600/IMG_6706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhF6ptN5NWd5g5vLT3wBZO0VDz9veB07sKp4N685CW1Ib6EXYctbgAYbT3TI3BSQkskJyB7B9gsgcqpaA3oS51aGvfu405FySj2LN06KGGhEklWEA0d9ZobL9IbAoM6ehnPgTb8drRCJ/s320/IMG_6706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Discrete taillights with the flamboyant BMW Logo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Serge will soon begin restoring his E9 to make out of it a
car in show condition and to mostly repair the few rust spots on the 40+ years
old paint. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0eM2Bjm8uObho7dU3sgP3dkiR_e0ZMPWiBvBfGirZUUleKLuK5IPMgz3jjB5RKhql-5xxfGG5IKICZvWlEvVqWOq9xcjoKfQMvE9umkS-HbY7Be0sC5qc2n6s-_Qkfj2J059FK7Fb4in/s1600/IMG_6704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0eM2Bjm8uObho7dU3sgP3dkiR_e0ZMPWiBvBfGirZUUleKLuK5IPMgz3jjB5RKhql-5xxfGG5IKICZvWlEvVqWOq9xcjoKfQMvE9umkS-HbY7Be0sC5qc2n6s-_Qkfj2J059FK7Fb4in/s320/IMG_6704.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful line and design</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Good luck Serge, you are about to start an amazing project. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-85807008826225383712015-05-21T16:32:00.000+03:002015-05-22T11:51:07.040+03:00About the Patience, the Love Affair, the Desire and the Dedication <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"It takes the patience of a panda breeder and pockets
as deep as the Mariana Trench to own a classic car".</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnvF2Wz-S0LmGV2uAv3q_XnEEIEnVj-fb3a8p664etL-VlFntbeJvsbg3TWd65fhLy_YsqjkdCE0BoAJa0_Pwm_FwGJEFsnzbT7WBqgopNuEX2gO7MChGtL-6z0BOwcAQJDcIVsGlaXqP/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnvF2Wz-S0LmGV2uAv3q_XnEEIEnVj-fb3a8p664etL-VlFntbeJvsbg3TWd65fhLy_YsqjkdCE0BoAJa0_Pwm_FwGJEFsnzbT7WBqgopNuEX2gO7MChGtL-6z0BOwcAQJDcIVsGlaXqP/s320/image5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That is how Ms. Jodie Harrison, the editor of MR PORTER's
Journal (http://www.mrporter.com/journal) described the owners of classic cars.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She is partially right; partially because I never thought
about what I have already spent on my car during the past 20 years (yes time
flew since I first acquired my 1961, Mercedes-Benz 180 in 1995) but truly I had the patience of a Panda breeder despite the so many feelings of resentment, discouragement and irritation I lived every
time my car refused to start, or that malignant oil leakage didn't stop despite
hours of work, or this rattling when passing on a small bump re-appeared
again...etc...however, at the end, always, something unexpected happens, a certain
luck, or coincidence brings the solution to the problem, makes me learn something
new about my car and allows me to meet new experts enriching my mind with new
stories... </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqZzW8vlrppeYgZYtNTSBaghKtsqmWAEq7KJ7gLH0xbnw4RMfPzCPOzWhWYA4aw7kuan9zVmG4gxAE3hg0oX7Kki0I_gWSXKvr2MeTt6mru20E7w-4FwwlpX_j87l152Dfx6p1HrCqYAg/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqZzW8vlrppeYgZYtNTSBaghKtsqmWAEq7KJ7gLH0xbnw4RMfPzCPOzWhWYA4aw7kuan9zVmG4gxAE3hg0oX7Kki0I_gWSXKvr2MeTt6mru20E7w-4FwwlpX_j87l152Dfx6p1HrCqYAg/s320/image4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Small villages' roads makes me live the Pontons era</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then comes that sunny spring day on that open road with
the special one whom you know is just enjoying the ride because you do, that
day that makes one forget all the pain and value the fact that he owns a superb
classic car. Nothing compares to the feeling of driving on that small
mountainous road, with an awesome scenery and some nice music radiating from
the Becker Mexico tube radio...On these roads one values nature,
values the machine he possesses and feels how each and every one of its
component is performing.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFOf80gQimIZI9FpalZuUDjYnNHmWu22swjZMW3fWqs4-nePhPe04s5xpAIDMNlo5635PFkhir78bJsf_m5GnhTi7CjKdP3v70MAyrxgA2BL3QHXmITgXQiw13meZwC0e9tLr_hVpx6W1/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFOf80gQimIZI9FpalZuUDjYnNHmWu22swjZMW3fWqs4-nePhPe04s5xpAIDMNlo5635PFkhir78bJsf_m5GnhTi7CjKdP3v70MAyrxgA2BL3QHXmITgXQiw13meZwC0e9tLr_hVpx6W1/s320/IMG_7146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful drive and weather with rejuvenating mother nature</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Last Sunday, I decided to go on a road trip with Dona. We
decided to visit the Barouk Cedars Reserve and the Chouf region surrounding
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxURj_cvtsEvwWFCRJC1gpg5Of-MX0Vo36aIee8sPsy_F4bkaCO0ADBf8ylKIhlHxNf-yIbjWeSHp0SBxNUmvfETlQjbjHG1NIt027WwVUOkGfdlozlzq5UfRfZ5A_4ld9yD9X-v91zkzh/s1600/image11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxURj_cvtsEvwWFCRJC1gpg5Of-MX0Vo36aIee8sPsy_F4bkaCO0ADBf8ylKIhlHxNf-yIbjWeSHp0SBxNUmvfETlQjbjHG1NIt027WwVUOkGfdlozlzq5UfRfZ5A_4ld9yD9X-v91zkzh/s320/image11.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">With the famous 2000 years old Cedrus Libani</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I drove my Mercedes-Benz 180 all the way there; at an
altitude of 1500 meters above the sea level, we enjoyed the clean air, the old
cedars and the few stone houses that have passed the test of time...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-8ETzVmH1RzDTcQ-QwjoicsVB3ug3EUztgpWUcMCDK_71idifRNT7FuZoQxt0Swuy0hIwYKP35SUsH7EnGT_sEdgJ49MeMbtC4KjeJpke_PWeT7zN7GGbrl9_nxMcm-rKewjvxlZvDVk/s1600/image10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-8ETzVmH1RzDTcQ-QwjoicsVB3ug3EUztgpWUcMCDK_71idifRNT7FuZoQxt0Swuy0hIwYKP35SUsH7EnGT_sEdgJ49MeMbtC4KjeJpke_PWeT7zN7GGbrl9_nxMcm-rKewjvxlZvDVk/s320/image10.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">At 1943 meters above sea level </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After every road trip, every drive, every reparation,
maintenance, waxing...etc. I become more and more aware that truly
"classic cars are a love affair; they require consuming desire and
dedication..."</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8JqY9N2fZJfA76SpEIdJ9V6eJGeltKY8I7AiReqU0Ne5XNa0iIx_u-PZ_s4YjkXsdNlbd3IQyQiJY4-sb2de1T_Pj5wAip10TxOlvxe3wW3R9TaDTELOt0lLWudymq4ddF2nFAs5Cdz/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijt8JqY9N2fZJfA76SpEIdJ9V6eJGeltKY8I7AiReqU0Ne5XNa0iIx_u-PZ_s4YjkXsdNlbd3IQyQiJY4-sb2de1T_Pj5wAip10TxOlvxe3wW3R9TaDTELOt0lLWudymq4ddF2nFAs5Cdz/s320/image3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16.0000591278076px; letter-spacing: 0.239999994635582px; line-height: 30.0001106262207px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-59117070700329337952015-04-04T09:51:00.000+03:002015-04-04T09:54:39.516+03:00Becker Mexico Alive<div style="text-align: justify;">
After rebuilding the power
supply, time came to rebuild the radio. Again, these units are made of simple
electronics components (resistors, capacitors and some semi-conductors) in
addition to the tubes. The Becker Mexico contains 7 tubes and complex circuits
that are much difficult to follow without the correct schematics. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QHEl0zYsrliakYYASYR3qfIqgArvBe7WpX3hApY0TDwYeO7V72LnsgFQx9DkKIcGOT_2VsEVfU0u-NNhmpjTSiVO8oIZffBe0gjm6YvfzyltkaQcOgnNeLw5X0V8AgmF6p1iXmTWdz96/s1600/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QHEl0zYsrliakYYASYR3qfIqgArvBe7WpX3hApY0TDwYeO7V72LnsgFQx9DkKIcGOT_2VsEVfU0u-NNhmpjTSiVO8oIZffBe0gjm6YvfzyltkaQcOgnNeLw5X0V8AgmF6p1iXmTWdz96/s1600/a.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Becker Mexico view from above; 2 tubes and the Wunderbar mechanism are visible</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks to Jeff Miller for posting on <a href="http://www.mbzponton.org/">www.mbzponton.org</a> the
schematics of the various Becker Tube radios (Mexico, Brescia, Europa and
LeMans), without them I couldn’t perform any reparation accurately. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a quick history of the
Becker Mexico installed in my car: </div>
<ol>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I bought it in 1999 from a retired taxi driver who had kept it
for more than 35 years untouched, unused to replace the original Becker LeMans (AM, LW) radio which was beyond reparation </li>
<li>I was 19 back then and had only very basic knowledge in
electronics, no schematics and no testers. I only had a soldering iron and an
ohmmeter. To my luck, visually a tube was broken (replaced it), cleaned the
vibrator pins and plugged in the radio listening to beautiful music. </li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>I changed the power supply's vibrator in 2004 after finding a solid state
replacement in Canada.</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span dir="LTR"></span>The radio worked well from 1999 up till 2014 when problems
started appearing:</li>
</ol>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> a-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The radio’s sound started
becoming unclear (bad quality of sound)<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> b-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Then the Wunderbar
(automatic electromechanical search system) stopped detecting any station<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> c-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Finally, the radio died on
the FM band followed by an extremely weak AM reception <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I sent the radio to two repairmen (one of them mentioned in a previous article on this blog)
who both failed to do the repair after leaving it at their shops for more than
a month; I lost hope and decided to give it a try myself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I started by studying well the
schematics; understanding the different currents, how things work and how the
radio is designed. I was lucky enough to find a very interesting website on old
radios’ restoration (<a href="http://antiqueradio.org/">http://antiqueradio.org</a>)
that Philip Nelson runs. I exchanged few emails with Phil who suggested I start
by replacing all the electrolytic and paper capacitors and see if anything
changes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The radio contains the following
electrolytic capacitors: </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>One 50uF 350V </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Two 10uF 25V </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>One 5uF 30V</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>One 100uF 25V </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Replacements were easily found
and installed; of course the new capacitors are much smaller making their
installation easier than expected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTlSsVFw2V0xevBYzXNLx9BErAzhGzjjx8wZZ0yJSsLiC8qV49wxAIs63UBgaM8U2PdvV4JKTz7crsPVeLcYJh6IXUuR92Fl9QQswsUK4ebqokuyzqSTNm0fws2LKB8T_swliqSaofqJT/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTlSsVFw2V0xevBYzXNLx9BErAzhGzjjx8wZZ0yJSsLiC8qV49wxAIs63UBgaM8U2PdvV4JKTz7crsPVeLcYJh6IXUuR92Fl9QQswsUK4ebqokuyzqSTNm0fws2LKB8T_swliqSaofqJT/s1600/7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">100uF new electrolytic capacitor installed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEb_pSYlUCb5vboW9rtrdPu39rDaXuCFXaIKwItTt0IqVBPL5BW4LsT33ma8_c4PBQWexxOiXbYDP2XNdD6HyrX4j1wtqFI_ULLjdqxj1TTsyvxMC_sBlFUXXklSNdHfTw3jBHqy9a2wL/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEb_pSYlUCb5vboW9rtrdPu39rDaXuCFXaIKwItTt0IqVBPL5BW4LsT33ma8_c4PBQWexxOiXbYDP2XNdD6HyrX4j1wtqFI_ULLjdqxj1TTsyvxMC_sBlFUXXklSNdHfTw3jBHqy9a2wL/s1600/6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">New 4.7uF electrolytic capacitor installed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After replacing these capacitors
I turned on the radio to only hear a hum from the speaker.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I continued recapping and changed
the several 0.022uF and 0.01uF paper capacitors; the replacements are the
smaller much more efficient orange and green drop models that are not polarity sensitive
(no + or – connections as the electrolytic ones).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq1PyFQtARpAIBaA06iXRzVMS6goYJ2qjxPNV4vRFRe2RO4ATwhqLC86SJp5qZoBP2SCO9S0dembqwcSDhoEt58zoNXqH9BFYoOxL2FFzmscc6Z-S7v6LPxZHgO0__HiuNw9zTpxmfYPF/s1600/c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq1PyFQtARpAIBaA06iXRzVMS6goYJ2qjxPNV4vRFRe2RO4ATwhqLC86SJp5qZoBP2SCO9S0dembqwcSDhoEt58zoNXqH9BFYoOxL2FFzmscc6Z-S7v6LPxZHgO0__HiuNw9zTpxmfYPF/s1600/c.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Green drop newly installed capacitors along with an electrolytic one</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSfeRLOt8uhskq0Fk7VbmPzj9GgORpw3UEeZ6Z1u2Ec5VJDO2jb2QDI2wPx1cwGQaOuQzWVnF0RhwhxEJui7UdZov85g4bf6k6h5DM2COvfPkdzoJU0W52R7tjUKyn9_k0eyIfW4duz47/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSfeRLOt8uhskq0Fk7VbmPzj9GgORpw3UEeZ6Z1u2Ec5VJDO2jb2QDI2wPx1cwGQaOuQzWVnF0RhwhxEJui7UdZov85g4bf6k6h5DM2COvfPkdzoJU0W52R7tjUKyn9_k0eyIfW4duz47/s1600/b.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Orange drop newly installed capacitors</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On a side note, always make sure
to install the new capacitors in a way that makes them look nice in these “board-less”
circuits. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Once this job done, I powered the
radio without succeeding in getting anything different than the “hum” on the AM
and very far FM reception (barely noticeable and accompanied by the hum). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At this stage I was starting to lose
hope; the resistors were the only left components that I didn’t test thoroughly; the tubes were out of any suspicion since I tested them all on my working Blaupunkt Santos radio.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Before doing so, and to get an
idea on the status of the old capacitors, I placed each old one on the tester
only to discover that the 100uF capacitor had drifted in value to 500uF and the
50uF one was shorted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe1blbp4vuMK7YgIshvri5SaaOsq2WamQsLtnXHbQwsaJn-ZVuQItKrhQDAotwJrZZMkRmOV9xqEFn6uGMwkHiN3vGjYEVNPbIOijsOoGSc8CnJY4BLlzCWtUvp2bUBPbA4mU8w8uP5ut/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe1blbp4vuMK7YgIshvri5SaaOsq2WamQsLtnXHbQwsaJn-ZVuQItKrhQDAotwJrZZMkRmOV9xqEFn6uGMwkHiN3vGjYEVNPbIOijsOoGSc8CnJY4BLlzCWtUvp2bUBPbA4mU8w8uP5ut/s1600/4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The old paper and electrolytic replaced capacitors; notice the bottom of the Blaupunkt Santos tube radio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I took few days off then started
again examining the values of the many resistors. After 3 long hours of
examining and noting values, I found a 500K resistor that seemed completely
open! This resistor (R104 on the diagram) connects Tubes EF89 to ECC85
indirectly; hence it plays a major role in the FM Band’s operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGydwZOlabsI5OkQUvgbmFjOr5KvOQtARzwmpCDhb3y_Ua6f5DulCTa4Ca5XbG2Dw0gfOdfAQn9RfLL6Ob5ra3uJDfAjZCnDvUFal_FI3kK1L2vmn5YOYb3hbeHLwDWFIp9rGwD2OL-eG5/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGydwZOlabsI5OkQUvgbmFjOr5KvOQtARzwmpCDhb3y_Ua6f5DulCTa4Ca5XbG2Dw0gfOdfAQn9RfLL6Ob5ra3uJDfAjZCnDvUFal_FI3kK1L2vmn5YOYb3hbeHLwDWFIp9rGwD2OL-eG5/s1600/11.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The famous 500K dead resistor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
100K resistors were the closest I
found among the ones I had on hand; I connected 5 of them in series, soldered
them to the respective points and powered up the radio…Eureka! Music was heard
on the FM with very strong reception and excellent quality of sound!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_h2ELLJrqqoGEIUytiK_4uDFWZponVN61FS0W4C7grXhdyPAqgedOiWPkUZv2ujFL1Pot_-m2cgufy5C672ZkpqdBA1JwXXRIkRPc0T1aDpS40500kTmN-ymf8gAxAkdtxN-NEngGa-K/s1600/e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_h2ELLJrqqoGEIUytiK_4uDFWZponVN61FS0W4C7grXhdyPAqgedOiWPkUZv2ujFL1Pot_-m2cgufy5C672ZkpqdBA1JwXXRIkRPc0T1aDpS40500kTmN-ymf8gAxAkdtxN-NEngGa-K/s1600/e.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5 x 100K resistors installed temporarily in series. Notice the 6 new orange drop capacitors </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">and the new 47uF electrolytic capacitor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnRU9ztADI3BuUCZBIJw13UDfoEjebLP9XLrby34ZTmt0Zeb-m0k39EBONPrwlcoej2MHJ9nqMEUarFUZ4kEWCdVGYrDlQbvT9H4VuZyz70kNl3-Vsdd3Qhz6aGPsdehlNnRpYNVkkr_L/s1600/d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnRU9ztADI3BuUCZBIJw13UDfoEjebLP9XLrby34ZTmt0Zeb-m0k39EBONPrwlcoej2MHJ9nqMEUarFUZ4kEWCdVGYrDlQbvT9H4VuZyz70kNl3-Vsdd3Qhz6aGPsdehlNnRpYNVkkr_L/s1600/d.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5 x 100K resistors installed temporarily in series. Notice the 6 new orange drop capacitors </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">and the new 47uF electrolytic capacitor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I bought few 500K resistors,
installed one adequately and started tackling the AM issue. The AM issue wasn’t
as difficult as expected; a good hour spent on testing resistors showed that
a well hidden (under many wires and other components) resistor R9 (70K - 2W) was completely fried! I wasn’t surprised when I found out
that, especially that it is directly connected to the 50uF capacitor which was
shorted. I changed the fried resistor and got strong signal on the AM.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzdjcceB49tbOFZ8ucVQI-dXW8uTZ-CSY-BpKuBgxNAoCXnwfYAd0cIErtn6gXVwysj1QDo-Pkxc-huga5eB-ggi39PHtrg-TALWQ0u68TnvviHZjQuD-6K4hBq96-Ukg9DNZl0d7DCgz/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzdjcceB49tbOFZ8ucVQI-dXW8uTZ-CSY-BpKuBgxNAoCXnwfYAd0cIErtn6gXVwysj1QDo-Pkxc-huga5eB-ggi39PHtrg-TALWQ0u68TnvviHZjQuD-6K4hBq96-Ukg9DNZl0d7DCgz/s1600/IMG_7430.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">70K Ohms (2W) fried resistor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, I addressed the
Wunderbar issue which was extremely easy as it needed a bit of calibration
(calibrating potentiometers P2 & P3 and variable capacitor C126) as indicated in the second page of the radio's schematics. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQnMc0VX6xUhCnZNU1EyXFkm93acoAJKcf14gSY7i5Td8hindlal0zcXnI_H9j31zmj4TSfWMUM_NmZak8knIf3ARYon1VTjLG8pT-KNE3b-VQVZbC_1aOKC1nyxSidT4nPp-a_XEfv6-/s1600/44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQnMc0VX6xUhCnZNU1EyXFkm93acoAJKcf14gSY7i5Td8hindlal0zcXnI_H9j31zmj4TSfWMUM_NmZak8knIf3ARYon1VTjLG8pT-KNE3b-VQVZbC_1aOKC1nyxSidT4nPp-a_XEfv6-/s1600/44.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rheostat P3 surrounded by 2 resistors. Watch out this area as it contains high voltage </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo courtesy Becker Autosound)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I tested the radio for few hours
and was very satisfied with its performance. I lubed the Wunderbar mechanism,
assembled it all and installed it in my car ready for additional years of playing music...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To conclude on this Becker Mexico
Tube Radio adventure; I can say that most of these radios are easily repairable
and can live for so many years. All what one needs is some logic, basic electronic
knowledge (resistors, capacitors), specific testers, a soldering iron and a lot of patience. I
admit it was a challenging project/ job to complete but on the other hand, I
learned a lot and covered an additional aspect of maintaining my car and all of
its components in a perfect shape. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJV-1uAENq-23Lwe9yn6O5CwCkziK2FfwejWMUkYIFYELAzKEsu_9fMpw9HxJWLNFoIaqljgbypAZKOzJVUylpDCKIxRT3RCXlRFcErEFx8g6oX2qO-i-fd7h_ZFIJmw1Y1kBLxtJbdk7/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJV-1uAENq-23Lwe9yn6O5CwCkziK2FfwejWMUkYIFYELAzKEsu_9fMpw9HxJWLNFoIaqljgbypAZKOzJVUylpDCKIxRT3RCXlRFcErEFx8g6oX2qO-i-fd7h_ZFIJmw1Y1kBLxtJbdk7/s1600/3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Enjoying the sound of the Becker Mexico Tube Radio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-10296631845629658272015-04-01T12:10:00.001+03:002015-05-21T16:35:56.460+03:00Rebuilding the Becker Power Supply <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Becker tube radios that fit the Mercedes-Benz pontons and other models
are composed of two pieces: The radio itself and a heavy power supply that is
mounted under the dashboard. The two are connected via a thick cable. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74PCbqyYEg5RSaMg9NPiyWwIiwisU6DgyPS3BMAuouBDgaeQ9KhzDL1crnHyDc0X0KoR6KMjf3qU8XbkzAxOlferZhFS-eEwxbjOH-BN5PnWPhquz0TKJL5brPG9bH6D7dpPfEpxW2wGM/s1600/mb_radio_reims_sw_adapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74PCbqyYEg5RSaMg9NPiyWwIiwisU6DgyPS3BMAuouBDgaeQ9KhzDL1crnHyDc0X0KoR6KMjf3qU8XbkzAxOlferZhFS-eEwxbjOH-BN5PnWPhquz0TKJL5brPG9bH6D7dpPfEpxW2wGM/s1600/mb_radio_reims_sw_adapter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A diagram showing each component of the 1950's Becker Sound System </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Ref: mbzponton.org) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir7A2cC2k-vG4QC9pettIj3_kEeTnnGW7TGlLg7aPFDMrc6a1efrecjnYC1RwVdCHng51KWU9YUMpwS4VX_ek0yNjo24y4BgAjAS5hLxMAogb4QpRJ7qqSU5jD-qv1NwlPNuXIIPocWE5/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjir7A2cC2k-vG4QC9pettIj3_kEeTnnGW7TGlLg7aPFDMrc6a1efrecjnYC1RwVdCHng51KWU9YUMpwS4VX_ek0yNjo24y4BgAjAS5hLxMAogb4QpRJ7qqSU5jD-qv1NwlPNuXIIPocWE5/s1600/image3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The power supply as it appears</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a start, let’s talk about the role and the components of
the power supply: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The power supply contains 2 transformers (1 big and 1
small), a buzzer or vibrator (a metallic can that has 6 pins, a vacuum tube
(EL84), a 50uF capacitor (in a metallic can too) and a selenium semi conductor
unit in addition to many paper capacitors and resistors. The power supply transfers the 12V DC current to 220V AC allowing the several tubes to operate. The radio then sends back the current to the power supply which amplifies it and transfers it to the speaker for the final output (music, news...etc.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The power supply is a critical component for the correct operation of these radios; hence rebuilding it is always a necessity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODPWw8KDAaypTkNHrJ3I6scJxyLo_XimYVv6X_DnBBiLLXvDXpqVZXtoSjd-eLMqYJO6uAkADDGMKS1V-R9CV_LB3YzRj8ROmKwR_bGq5707yxq-WWNwpxz-iY_YxERUC2rsT-2Ih9olr/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODPWw8KDAaypTkNHrJ3I6scJxyLo_XimYVv6X_DnBBiLLXvDXpqVZXtoSjd-eLMqYJO6uAkADDGMKS1V-R9CV_LB3YzRj8ROmKwR_bGq5707yxq-WWNwpxz-iY_YxERUC2rsT-2Ih9olr/s1600/image5.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Big transformer (from 12V to 220V) - small amplifier transformer - vibrator removed in this pic</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a rule of thumb,
all paper/ can capacitors should be changed, regardless of what they measure on
the capacitors’ tester. If they still haven’t failed, these 50+ years old
capacitors will soon do.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Luckily, they are all still available, much smaller in size
and much more efficient. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As a start, the first capacitor to replace is the big 50uF
can capacitor. The available replacement measures 47uF, which is OK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrKJDDnsHCvegjaL2xzAEV01pjQLsGNYO9j7c0lVNV3-CQZ-GYvkIqQvzi1NrmsoLfHldKU0hov9etn2Cek2DmAPzbyqMhFza_Qs4UGIntw9ZW2bZkcmgGhWrbSkyDESIOXiCztExHkpe/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrKJDDnsHCvegjaL2xzAEV01pjQLsGNYO9j7c0lVNV3-CQZ-GYvkIqQvzi1NrmsoLfHldKU0hov9etn2Cek2DmAPzbyqMhFza_Qs4UGIntw9ZW2bZkcmgGhWrbSkyDESIOXiCztExHkpe/s1600/image1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Here is the new (much smaller) 47uF capacitor installed (brown). I kept the old capacitor in its place (far left) for the purpose of originality of appearance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Then comes the time to replace the 100uF ones; always make
sure that the voltage on the new capacitors is equal to or more than that on
the replaced ones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcazI0xFPMJlLt1z9PxJwxZv6srCclJSDu51RL3YjTNQR7yJYUVi1PpNnW0msZ51XYeEAoEMvyPB3rOWF8Wq5O_9FIR3XLj4PU1zJC-JmFY7F8Uijs1qVbRnQl5zu0h8t4DUeFcK9Mjcj4/s1600/image71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcazI0xFPMJlLt1z9PxJwxZv6srCclJSDu51RL3YjTNQR7yJYUVi1PpNnW0msZ51XYeEAoEMvyPB3rOWF8Wq5O_9FIR3XLj4PU1zJC-JmFY7F8Uijs1qVbRnQl5zu0h8t4DUeFcK9Mjcj4/s1600/image71.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">100uF electrolyte and 0.022uF paper capacitors before replacement (in red boxes)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG_lJgP7gqT4z29RniUv0-x7TTC42txKUyTIuUlyA6_UtvQaRvQSS3L8FkDI0L4ac6ac_CB3XL1RSfgzD0p39OKpeW0xUMn2oUFVB1OFAA-u7rKg5KVHxSc7EgAG3WJkfONi54YIaBFHn/s1600/image81.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG_lJgP7gqT4z29RniUv0-x7TTC42txKUyTIuUlyA6_UtvQaRvQSS3L8FkDI0L4ac6ac_CB3XL1RSfgzD0p39OKpeW0xUMn2oUFVB1OFAA-u7rKg5KVHxSc7EgAG3WJkfONi54YIaBFHn/s1600/image81.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">...and after replacement</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, I replaced two 0.022uF paper capacitors that both
played a role in determining the quality of the sound. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took the opportunity to test the capacitors I took off and
they all tested badly; some of them were even shorted! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After replacing the capacitors and installing them in what I
see as an artistic and safe way, time came to tackle the vibrator issue. For
this problem, two choices are available; a permanent one – which is to buy a
new solid state vibrator from several online suppliers (much recommended) and a
temporary one – which is to open the can (break it) and clean the vibrator
points. Prior to finding the solid state vibrators, I used to clean the points
of the old vibrator every other year; fortunately, this is not needed anymore
after finding the solid state replacement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_gVvyPVlrM1FHXS5LdJa1spce5MC2XXgS7Lx8uvPtiLMl2ZivaAgQujx3t-XbMijt8aVWGWfPDuSAHfyzrbB559R_DFj9SW3tPPEKSGKwPIPhQvWbSm5y7hNMNC0bKskc-mc_jI4W4By/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_gVvyPVlrM1FHXS5LdJa1spce5MC2XXgS7Lx8uvPtiLMl2ZivaAgQujx3t-XbMijt8aVWGWfPDuSAHfyzrbB559R_DFj9SW3tPPEKSGKwPIPhQvWbSm5y7hNMNC0bKskc-mc_jI4W4By/s1600/image4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Solid State Vibrator installed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I had bought earlier this year 3 solid state vibrators, so
here it goes; I picked one and installed it in the place of the old Kaco
vibrator. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With the capacitors and vibrator replaced, it was time to
try to operate the power supply. I didn’t touch the EL84 tube as it looked good
and tubes rarely fail in these units. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I connected the working Becker Europa corresponding tube
radio, a speaker and a 12V source to the power supply and turned the radio on.
Few long seconds passed and the sound started radiating from the speaker. A look at the Ampere-meter showed that the power supply was drawing current
much more than it should. A quick test showed that the Selenium Semi Conductor
was overheating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbUPCqJEvQdGlWTCkDejJCNBJ7t-y2uSAFUsEqLQjYX-9LKUdfv2QGDztU9d8G5IwKTR6Rbr7i04ZcpRRfbnuEtw6iOsQ7LyAClhtbCfOf2cYjH9L0xWi0USERM3Wf4IDTiin17zWVbE7/s1600/image6.JPG" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Replacing the Selenium Semi Conductor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As I still haven’t dealt with such a situation before, I tried
swapping it with one from a donor power supply; the result was amazing and the
Ampere-meter read something between 1.5 and 2 Amps; the magical current that these
radios should draw when in use. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I let the radio play for a moment and verified the new
capacitors, the resistors, the new vibrator, the transformers…etc. for any sign of overheating or
melting but all seemed fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ziiKTxhGtZj9BjGhyIzdYRIAoJEPB6OyYYLwnF93M-_4HFuqCluw2J2defzfBUhBd1a39xJCjMcWz2FP3jOGc3W7bgvho57btti1X030KbjbetMM9P5IEVaR2qoueMaKAxGkTBVk4z6y/s1600/image9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ziiKTxhGtZj9BjGhyIzdYRIAoJEPB6OyYYLwnF93M-_4HFuqCluw2J2defzfBUhBd1a39xJCjMcWz2FP3jOGc3W7bgvho57btti1X030KbjbetMM9P5IEVaR2qoueMaKAxGkTBVk4z6y/s1600/image9.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Capacitors, Vibrator, Selenium Semi Conductor that have been replaced</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I re-installed the power supply’s cover, tightened the 2
screws and felt proud of having a power supply ready to be used for hopefully
another 50+ years … </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vkT0Cg0s2Jb0BHi9G9-jBXI7mJ_ccpYr1DAGBS12KZILKW3Wlkb9AzsTkVc0ikl_mssReKt87gka6YUIdrrYZlUID_xTYfUFmaFoe_WGgmJu-Q7xCpXjYxaWEMAm_ae5ELlkWNok5m3l/s1600/image1(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vkT0Cg0s2Jb0BHi9G9-jBXI7mJ_ccpYr1DAGBS12KZILKW3Wlkb9AzsTkVc0ikl_mssReKt87gka6YUIdrrYZlUID_xTYfUFmaFoe_WGgmJu-Q7xCpXjYxaWEMAm_ae5ELlkWNok5m3l/s1600/image1(5).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbUPCqJEvQdGlWTCkDejJCNBJ7t-y2uSAFUsEqLQjYX-9LKUdfv2QGDztU9d8G5IwKTR6Rbr7i04ZcpRRfbnuEtw6iOsQ7LyAClhtbCfOf2cYjH9L0xWi0USERM3Wf4IDTiin17zWVbE7/s1600/image6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-55418059810416001402015-02-28T17:37:00.002+02:002015-02-28T17:55:23.937+02:00The Most Exciting Ride <div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, I was amazed by a picture of an old man getting out of his Mercedes-Benz 180 ponton.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuny0JvIC3RKemH1zj76H6AFAYNi584Kro8yCjuFISLBx_Crjyt9fLfCZLeTtGAnizbjW1MDw-5LFQxgq8etZ68LZIhyphenhyphenZ_Y1TV82VMddKi8IZFi7lf7zMSUC-2P1c6TtTuPGs-DseHdHGO/s1600/Man+out+of+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuny0JvIC3RKemH1zj76H6AFAYNi584Kro8yCjuFISLBx_Crjyt9fLfCZLeTtGAnizbjW1MDw-5LFQxgq8etZ68LZIhyphenhyphenZ_Y1TV82VMddKi8IZFi7lf7zMSUC-2P1c6TtTuPGs-DseHdHGO/s1600/Man+out+of+car.JPG" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">In the middle of nowhere - Beautiful picture of a man getting in or out of his Mercedes-Benz 180</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I automatically felt a sort of complicity, a certain relationship between the man and his car. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a classic cars enthusiast and owner since the age of 15 (I am now 35) my teenage years, my 20s and now my 30s revolved around engines, gearboxes, paint waxing, chrome cleaning...etc. and most importantly around so many memorable rides with friends and loved ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The most remarkable ride was on my wedding's day; I surely never wanted to use my car, but as a good "to be" husband I couldn't say no to my future wife's request...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fNsd1jpgPr0OHUggOWYTopoJcokJrVPSv7T8YfiM6X8AsGF94fcaaLzlDRE1-2t7ghposATX-oBMbM_qfgc7eeFmRlO54nuQkJKm5S8CWwXxOsSGC8VvOwUaBzunbgdgRQ3ovhLhOPrK/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fNsd1jpgPr0OHUggOWYTopoJcokJrVPSv7T8YfiM6X8AsGF94fcaaLzlDRE1-2t7ghposATX-oBMbM_qfgc7eeFmRlO54nuQkJKm5S8CWwXxOsSGC8VvOwUaBzunbgdgRQ3ovhLhOPrK/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Driving the famous 100 meters and entering the wedding venue</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So here comes the deal after long negotiations; we agreed that I only use my car for the bride and groom's entrance. It was a 100 meters drive into the venue and the 180 would be parked afterwards under my sight during the whole wedding.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMIJ2W5oIAqCwzuO90T2hx7jIarcfA3KBH5fDbMqVRUJd1xRfg3P-7SNe1V03wzNw0KMdMwAtppAAUW753AEzEk3pW9yukHaeZNmRNjVnH2TPWsww2wZG5pVjf9MGhfvXc6pu-OB8BJH0/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMIJ2W5oIAqCwzuO90T2hx7jIarcfA3KBH5fDbMqVRUJd1xRfg3P-7SNe1V03wzNw0KMdMwAtppAAUW753AEzEk3pW9yukHaeZNmRNjVnH2TPWsww2wZG5pVjf9MGhfvXc6pu-OB8BJH0/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3343.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Posing next to the Mercedes-Benz 180</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">When I got into the car along with my bride (she had to suffer to squeeze her long dress), I had strange feelings; stress mixed with joy and excitement...</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How will the car "behave"? How will the people react when they see it? Will I be clumsy, as usual, and do some mistakes?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQNMrDOJaXlTI4h_NBmwhYZ44nPHePq0OlerglBOvVWjcqhsnzRD3BOM1-GBa3pjeG9iLXXUrsL2dJck9uWEhDCJ6n4xhFrRJ9qYC4kKrbQXpsvcCLlJP4ZwjvreW_JAafGPLgD3afV4y/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQNMrDOJaXlTI4h_NBmwhYZ44nPHePq0OlerglBOvVWjcqhsnzRD3BOM1-GBa3pjeG9iLXXUrsL2dJck9uWEhDCJ6n4xhFrRJ9qYC4kKrbQXpsvcCLlJP4ZwjvreW_JAafGPLgD3afV4y/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3374.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Getting ready for the entrance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I turned on the ignition key, pulled the choke and pressed the starter's button...the engine roared instantly with high idle...Will I have enough time to let the car reach its normal operating temperature so I could push down the choke before entering? I didn't want to drive with a high idle...maybe some cars' freaks guests would notice that and ask me about it...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't say a word about the conversation that took place between us; I can't trace it back easily...All I remember was Valerie (our friend and wedding planner) waving and giving us the signal to move forward...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAd4ozzLhYpJYZiX4DHN6tn5w1G1e4VGF3R065J5rtJIVJqMMYoyDQUSdr7PX4VEczgrMw7hIOUJEPoL0csswyuygNw4jfQAWqXSTkA7ZE5DEMIHAZByHSaDbfRETaJiByR0ZnmqiQsKu/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAd4ozzLhYpJYZiX4DHN6tn5w1G1e4VGF3R065J5rtJIVJqMMYoyDQUSdr7PX4VEczgrMw7hIOUJEPoL0csswyuygNw4jfQAWqXSTkA7ZE5DEMIHAZByHSaDbfRETaJiByR0ZnmqiQsKu/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3402.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Driving towards the venue; people started staring at us</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The entrance was a kind of a complete black out; I remember so many faces looking at us and I remember hearing someone asking me to honk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3wmHRquK4_flprS1uJ5T_T5LeXHFOjOnf5GBdgdp-MyeY1f8vGXWWK0atcXwWHfYmaRMndm-txmnoPW-oHUDztNFSNXuqmoOUXE5-NMq0mOh24ZfCIAR4Y2rv8gtUUAO3dQVQWp29Lse/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3wmHRquK4_flprS1uJ5T_T5LeXHFOjOnf5GBdgdp-MyeY1f8vGXWWK0atcXwWHfYmaRMndm-txmnoPW-oHUDztNFSNXuqmoOUXE5-NMq0mOh24ZfCIAR4Y2rv8gtUUAO3dQVQWp29Lse/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3421.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Getting in and out of the car wasn't easy for Dona</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I turned off the engine and went out of the car...within a fraction of a second, the OCD side in me woke up; I went back in the car and took the key out of the ignition lock...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAzJ-lBl4m2E638KvUQHhYOnqPyczVInvChuZpJZrE1b3dhwyjkQ4bN8oURNrNcmNuQ2GJHFi2t2beD5JJCipOrSVJiyiFTEnuNuQ5B05zP4uzZwcwZN8n3hh7qG9VoiEC9MpGK3YXy-m/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAzJ-lBl4m2E638KvUQHhYOnqPyczVInvChuZpJZrE1b3dhwyjkQ4bN8oURNrNcmNuQ2GJHFi2t2beD5JJCipOrSVJiyiFTEnuNuQ5B05zP4uzZwcwZN8n3hh7qG9VoiEC9MpGK3YXy-m/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">When I saw the picture, I automatically associated it with that of the old man above</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The party started, was awesome and I felt continuously that on this special day, my teenage and early adulthood companion was there adding a special touch to the wedding.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2ME9XV0jtZ-2CxYUMEF8hwqos_T81QDX6pmEsVoENpPsfnelAEBDh3dGwL0KX0L2K0KtwnSUZ2WklG1MluNc8GW3b0SY2oipxkT5Csk7VN75cgvyl4tQAQYOhnE0ZZdU7BDBwKOHD61n/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2ME9XV0jtZ-2CxYUMEF8hwqos_T81QDX6pmEsVoENpPsfnelAEBDh3dGwL0KX0L2K0KtwnSUZ2WklG1MluNc8GW3b0SY2oipxkT5Csk7VN75cgvyl4tQAQYOhnE0ZZdU7BDBwKOHD61n/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-3331.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking back at the pictures, the complicity I felt between the old man and his 180 was in fact not so different than the one that exists between my 180 and me...It is so far a life long relationship that I hope would continue "till the shadows retire"...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg9eO1hTXork0seAF-Ww_xDJLHSn0QhM7E44daRFELOeV8xkX5wNEjxgPHU3eh-277486M-YRo1SYoh1CCJlv6Vz3pYut367WS_3GCunbJuYv78LmPq5kOU_otqSXYbJSnLFA0ClfHmlo/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-4810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg9eO1hTXork0seAF-Ww_xDJLHSn0QhM7E44daRFELOeV8xkX5wNEjxgPHU3eh-277486M-YRo1SYoh1CCJlv6Vz3pYut367WS_3GCunbJuYv78LmPq5kOU_otqSXYbJSnLFA0ClfHmlo/s1600/Ramzi+&+Dona-+Nadim+Bou+Habib-4810.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thank you Nadim BouHabib for the beautiful pictures</span></td></tr>
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-20957305551729549882014-12-31T10:12:00.001+02:002014-12-31T10:17:27.082+02:00Before It's Too Late <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->I have always admired the Mercedes-Benz Fintail series. For
some reason; mainly to be able to compete in the US cars’ market and to follow
the 1960s trend, Mercedes-Benz “went crazy” and added “wings” or “tails” to the
newly designed sedans intended to replace the already aging pontons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The late style 180b/c ponton overlapped with the Fintail series <i>(Photo: Nadim Bou Habib)</i> </span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJtS8sjfxi75j2FwZmDK8SY_3eK-xMlDj1TYAUatrFKGxYaloVlYym9k4vDv6uq-Z4p5zmZ4vHJdT2wx92UJfLtj5qWvuRt7yx0ln8h_FEHmCrqflLAZq22BI1eogIHAqcMA-kukVaygo/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJtS8sjfxi75j2FwZmDK8SY_3eK-xMlDj1TYAUatrFKGxYaloVlYym9k4vDv6uq-Z4p5zmZ4vHJdT2wx92UJfLtj5qWvuRt7yx0ln8h_FEHmCrqflLAZq22BI1eogIHAqcMA-kukVaygo/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The early 190 Fintail shared the same wheels, front blinkers and grill with the late 180b/c. Notice the wrong star <i>(Photo: Dona Bardawil)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9rf6GgFpn2N9loolKx75fWWVKTjQJ1gZIAKCIkvG2ADJbVO_JMUNf3YDRftDg-XolsV-jUD7P7qpLp4F_IoEiiyFDTwZ9NniZIYYFB_MUoCcRfGfhbjWnemlgDk72ZEaGSeFbImmya1g/s1600/mercedes-190-saloon-petrol_8037006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9rf6GgFpn2N9loolKx75fWWVKTjQJ1gZIAKCIkvG2ADJbVO_JMUNf3YDRftDg-XolsV-jUD7P7qpLp4F_IoEiiyFDTwZ9NniZIYYFB_MUoCcRfGfhbjWnemlgDk72ZEaGSeFbImmya1g/s1600/mercedes-190-saloon-petrol_8037006.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A blue 4 cylinders 190 Sedan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The four cylinders (190 and later 200) and the six cylinders
(220S and its variants and the rare 300S) models of the Fintail series, had a
successful career and an impressive look. Particularly, the six cylinders
models with their big wings and long headlights enclosing the front blinkers had
an imposing “attitude”.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR4s6KfaZwgLykKzxLDzrKn-vGtQLvvFM5gXHqomWMaJVTCB6wUbJGOJtxXUuIrpfnlT8FtC_YK0c0BcqhNaO-8YhbBVe2I9XTGdTshTdCFylyOb2KfkO0UT7ba9bWg9Kc8szMovfZc_m/s1600/10.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR4s6KfaZwgLykKzxLDzrKn-vGtQLvvFM5gXHqomWMaJVTCB6wUbJGOJtxXUuIrpfnlT8FtC_YK0c0BcqhNaO-8YhbBVe2I9XTGdTshTdCFylyOb2KfkO0UT7ba9bWg9Kc8szMovfZc_m/s1600/10.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The imposing 220S, unlike the 4 cylinders 190, the front blinkers migrated from the rear fenders to the headlights</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap8eGLD0wcLImZS8Pl26iiQZdbgzcYFZJX-bqkN_ZrW9Q6sTiLC4xoT6re5YQa64LYWWQtx1mFbHpmku-CSVQqBFCR9LD3xCW900J-V8Gz2qu728nU6XrqDLr4TGdODCE-I-CJ83mNtEA/s1600/Mercedes_W111_220SB_rear_MTP07.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap8eGLD0wcLImZS8Pl26iiQZdbgzcYFZJX-bqkN_ZrW9Q6sTiLC4xoT6re5YQa64LYWWQtx1mFbHpmku-CSVQqBFCR9LD3xCW900J-V8Gz2qu728nU6XrqDLr4TGdODCE-I-CJ83mNtEA/s1600/Mercedes_W111_220SB_rear_MTP07.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A rare automatic 220S; notice the beautiful design of the rear wings, the huge taillights and the 13' wheels</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fmlL3PhQ7Tik3UlLOyzuYTs74xVrr63YTobi1fOiqKmDXORT8MYpJEEq1oQx2HOcO_iA4PnbaVr_yGSrYWNU3Ze6dyogOOyoCxCKzIE137DZaUM6A0qOCGy99JGhlItY2DLiev_9Fs5s/s1600/11.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pleanty of room to work on the powerful 220 liters 6 cylinders engine. Notice the dual carburetors </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two years ago; I spotted in Mar Mikhael - Beirut a tired
blue with beige interior 220S Fintail. Upon close inspection, the car looked
complete with a relatively acceptable interior. However, rust was peacefully
and generously eating its body.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ-NCb40w5XIAy9NDNp5PiRVN33aQb7zjAXRDNqcfJ9vDEn-G6lfz6ZOAHpUD6aUdk2p82EoUTnxRDDzgw6iV0NnUIfBUot_GOUcxeL7OEm_dNUB_bZEB-Rua19EWM8aeGVEMTsCGZlWz/s1600/IMG_4563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ-NCb40w5XIAy9NDNp5PiRVN33aQb7zjAXRDNqcfJ9vDEn-G6lfz6ZOAHpUD6aUdk2p82EoUTnxRDDzgw6iV0NnUIfBUot_GOUcxeL7OEm_dNUB_bZEB-Rua19EWM8aeGVEMTsCGZlWz/s1600/IMG_4563.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Broken headlights glasses and missing star. Notice the rust on the front fenders <i>(Photo: Dona Bardawil)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To my surprise, I found out that the car was for sale; I
quickly called the owner who turned out to be living in the building under which
the car was parked. An old funny guy, who had bought the car new back in 1963
and used it extensively until he stopped driving due to health reasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3ASWbjb3RmPKi7BXFxeUP_dZQEhk7wM451Upkc6OMUgdMmAyL_AMufy3xfdQ4ICr55La0-XXxtLLnX1SqvuZ3Q173bTv5y4UGuCysGkeWuS_iQC7ng60bKwg7h5KdRsriWtxW47PXePd/s1600/image2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3ASWbjb3RmPKi7BXFxeUP_dZQEhk7wM451Upkc6OMUgdMmAyL_AMufy3xfdQ4ICr55La0-XXxtLLnX1SqvuZ3Q173bTv5y4UGuCysGkeWuS_iQC7ng60bKwg7h5KdRsriWtxW47PXePd/s1600/image2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rusted trunk, and broken/faded taillights. Notice the reflectors added on the wings <i>(Photo: Dona Bardawil)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I sat
in the car, had a look at its engine, trunk and dashboard that surprisingly was
still housing the original Becker LeMans AM/ LW tube radio.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UMA-DCcez6fK95HCaaqJJo9yV2ZsDzE2KCjCHUJyXDT8AOy9IAHBoTnQCyRteJLonX0NTCkxxUv4YnK4OnjRQ8zc8HZgbjGmb8NbaZcAkpBpoaSzMu7cVMEHfCxZIyGEwi61qbgct41-/s1600/17.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Simple and classy 220S dashboard. Unfortunately, the dashboard of our 220S needs a lot of refreshing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vmKfvjzH_TBXwLS-Jzaoi7ykF9iCWgV0JqxRtmXWYkwNkcnhD4BT-ySV8uLAeL6bSwWkyrF1DaMY7qUQYyTcZOIQRykoM373Z9FohbEa7_oUsaCgJ1uzr8eTC5nM5ug5Aunf-0omAVYw/s1600/16.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">2 front seats that can easily accommodate 3 persons; notice the discrete pockets on the front doors interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8w7JDkWJJXXyRbq5OYvxHMNjF3o4BRq0axkr8A-QryA7gK_zlQqMqCPTheHTwy7RadJSvEwz3NM-Q8no5-LgmTvbv__VYzx17527snmtTsPBLNQw0iGqgwV0OFU5dkHPLUtb2cPwvHHOx/s1600/19.JPG" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Spacious interior and folding arm rest. Notice the wood strips on the doors' interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I fell in love with the car and found it an excellent
candidate for an extensive restoration that would give it back its formal
glory; unfortunately, the owner was asking for 5000$ non negotiable, an amount
that I found and still find huge for a sedan in a similar condition. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6J-vV9VwKiCDxltfWdMpA0qG26rQ0lJXJUOvEFZuNRiWXL0BSSZs-KC2Qd3aKqdiegqM8KRQzYUCk6zdPe72LiACwgrt00RJHw4xXDljgiR4y3QXmW_VMmuOp9yeUvW11saSghoW6tEb/s1600/image3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6J-vV9VwKiCDxltfWdMpA0qG26rQ0lJXJUOvEFZuNRiWXL0BSSZs-KC2Qd3aKqdiegqM8KRQzYUCk6zdPe72LiACwgrt00RJHw4xXDljgiR4y3QXmW_VMmuOp9yeUvW11saSghoW6tEb/s1600/image3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Missing hubcaps and chrome strips. These strips are very difficult to find <i>(photo: Dona Bardawil)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2012 passed, followed by 2013 and now 2014…Every six months I
used to call the owner asking for the price of the car; he never showed any
willingness to go lower than 5000$. I hope 2015 would make him change his mind;
the car has a history and deserves to be saved. Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-44421764348324774622014-12-11T16:57:00.000+02:002014-12-11T16:57:12.360+02:00Becker Mexico Kaputt <div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>The radio sets originally supplied with the Mercedes-Benz
Pontons are, like the cars themselves, of another age. The vacuum tubes need
to warm up before the sound begins radiating from the speaker. They are
prone to needing repeated adjustments, yet the audio quality is warm and
inviting. There is something about sitting in a Ponton at night with the radio on,
and hearing the barely audible buzz from the power supply that makes one believe
if they were to tune the dial to the right frequency, they would hear voices
and music from the past. - www.mbzponton.org - Jeff Miller / April 5, 2002</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RSJbYAVbNDVtnyAT7eCPRJcW68tb4Z86UiqahHKY5RV0Q-HvLIqRSWmIeuLUuOa_U83OyTYmeYPONcuix1RL3Yqmzg3oALsK62NJWHyXlBbARjSUS6xnsGET64gguxEzkV_y4ONWVvno/s1600/DSC00627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RSJbYAVbNDVtnyAT7eCPRJcW68tb4Z86UiqahHKY5RV0Q-HvLIqRSWmIeuLUuOa_U83OyTYmeYPONcuix1RL3Yqmzg3oALsK62NJWHyXlBbARjSUS6xnsGET64gguxEzkV_y4ONWVvno/s1600/DSC00627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back in 1995, when I bought my 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180b ponton, the owner (I respect him tremendously for that) had left the original Becker LeMans radio in the car's trunk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After restoring my ponton, and being a purist when it comes to original equipment, I deeply wanted to re-install the original Becker LeMans. Unfortunately, the radio wasn't functioning and operated only on the AM and LW bands which were both obsolete. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These Becker radios operate on vacuum tubes and are composed of two parts: The radio itself and a heavy power supply that is installed under the dashboard. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG-_Qxogk_0HVr3VxqcK8D5Eg77nv6XqOtSKqFMExlT14EuH3zo0woCbhVrMA4bWOKlDuF4hqB4_hM8gCl7BNXNxBpPzDwR03mVNWV3X-TkMRtL0o4U0nx7QeEAFu5A06m3XHNUXTlw_p/s1600/mb_radio_reims_sw_adapter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG-_Qxogk_0HVr3VxqcK8D5Eg77nv6XqOtSKqFMExlT14EuH3zo0woCbhVrMA4bWOKlDuF4hqB4_hM8gCl7BNXNxBpPzDwR03mVNWV3X-TkMRtL0o4U0nx7QeEAFu5A06m3XHNUXTlw_p/s1600/mb_radio_reims_sw_adapter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: www.mbzponton.org </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time passed by and in 1999, by chance, I found a similar radio in working condition. The radio was a Becker Mexico. I bought it quickly and was amazed when I found that it operates on the FM and AM bands. I installed it in my car and the love story started...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDduQF4FnUOW_P9GR2oraYm2UEbo-ZGFYJHJQ_LXGvqlPRIyhjVwg-02aKHWYha9fflld4gNFUR6gso2ampzyZ8cYSMqj6Wi-ieOnWXUYKRVIEd3lCVPbB0WqVMZiy2szi2aAX9Z2aggzk/s1600/image(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDduQF4FnUOW_P9GR2oraYm2UEbo-ZGFYJHJQ_LXGvqlPRIyhjVwg-02aKHWYha9fflld4gNFUR6gso2ampzyZ8cYSMqj6Wi-ieOnWXUYKRVIEd3lCVPbB0WqVMZiy2szi2aAX9Z2aggzk/s1600/image(12).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Becker Mexico Tube Radio - the perfect fit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Becker Mexico with its Wunderbar (Automatic Electromechanical Search System) was a piece of art on its own; it goes perfectly well with the car's dashboard, has a warm and inviting sound and is very practical to use while driving. The driver has to just push the wonderbar and the radio will start searching for different channels and stopping on the strongest one. I enjoyed this Becker Mexico for the past fifteen years up till two months ago when suddenly the Wunderbar stopped finding any station...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had been used to conduct regular maintenance on the radio; this included cleaning the tubes pins, changing few capacitors in the power supply and replacing the buzzer by a solid state one. Other than these operations, the radio worked very well for the past fifteen years. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiYxatyXesCjTKOmmFWn58-eHKEdge7cvCHNSDNiI6GbmYyeA9c5oo9LPRspn-DpCA3MClavohj5eq73ozLoN1MvsXANDpflPeePtg7_Ty9PXD9YhysMRfetuiCF6zvNza8Sszbi4ijfg/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiYxatyXesCjTKOmmFWn58-eHKEdge7cvCHNSDNiI6GbmYyeA9c5oo9LPRspn-DpCA3MClavohj5eq73ozLoN1MvsXANDpflPeePtg7_Ty9PXD9YhysMRfetuiCF6zvNza8Sszbi4ijfg/s1600/image3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the heavy power supply and the Blaupunkt Santos Tube Radio</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the help of IPOG (International Ponton Owners Group), particularly Jeff Miller who had posted the schematics of these radios on mbzponton.org I was able to get a hint on where to look to try to repair this defect. I changed a resistor and tried to calibrate a capacitor in vain...The Wunderbar would either not work or work sporadically. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM91TEDuZk2zDioy_WaascQER95h38AwJmy0FmtyhpxQXJumdhLRH5Y7bJ622AkomuqtMv_f4fqaowrHKyn0m_1uw6LnwMIbzTmmqucXZjyMmmudNioJrJ7WrJsSdH9K7_cXR8HYcIKUgY/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM91TEDuZk2zDioy_WaascQER95h38AwJmy0FmtyhpxQXJumdhLRH5Y7bJ622AkomuqtMv_f4fqaowrHKyn0m_1uw6LnwMIbzTmmqucXZjyMmmudNioJrJ7WrJsSdH9K7_cXR8HYcIKUgY/s1600/image2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The variable capacitor that I tried adjusting in vain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, as I was trying to source some capacitors that I thought might need replacement, I found by chance an old gentleman (Elias Kfoury) who used to repair these radios; he provided me with some additional tips on what to examine and where to look. Unfortunately, my trials all failed; the Wunderbar worked normally briefly and stopped again. I called Elias today, asking him to accept to work on the radio; after many trials and a lot of begging he accepted. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will give him the radio by the end of this week or early next week, hoping to get satisfying results. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I kind of have a positive feeling about it, I have a strong favoritism vis-a-vis old technicians; they are artists who have a certain know-how combined with a very rich experience. They are, "like the pontons themselves, of another age". I enjoy listening to their stories; they are often proud to speak about their experience that makes them remember the "good old days". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Elias, I am counting on you...I hope to publish a more detailed post once the work is done. </div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-84697845476836396102014-11-26T12:31:00.001+02:002014-11-26T12:31:45.742+02:00To Sabah<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Today, the legendary diva Sabah left us…another symbol of
the post independence Lebanon disappeared; a symbol of the “trentes glorieuses”
era where the young republic <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>and despite
all the surrounding turmoil “knew” how to shine and excel.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb7O8r7iOjj8RKylViVF6_BvUfkJcnu2qRKb3OHjSnNqmlouzlfrP3eVUNBMNZgcnH5d-Z0TiVcZFkLif0MSUtyY_u0gbjtIfDK0gxyufqz2zemj-kpEgYXoggE_Vyer9HekbeQegkOBN/s1600/sabah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb7O8r7iOjj8RKylViVF6_BvUfkJcnu2qRKb3OHjSnNqmlouzlfrP3eVUNBMNZgcnH5d-Z0TiVcZFkLif0MSUtyY_u0gbjtIfDK0gxyufqz2zemj-kpEgYXoggE_Vyer9HekbeQegkOBN/s1600/sabah1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sabah, I always long to a beautiful era when I listen to
your songs; an era I associate with the many pictures I saw and stories I heard
of a certain <span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="RTL"></span>“موسم عز"</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>, a certain short dream that landed
once in my village Kfarhata in the early 70s, an era that I feel every time I listen to your beautiful “mawwal” <span dir="RTL"></span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span dir="RTL"></span>"معنا بعدك و بتضل معنا"</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sabah, in one of your songs, Allo Beirut, you helped me feel,
discover and know my city, you increased my love to it, to its people, its
streets and its organized chaos. You projected me to moments where I walked
around its old streets, listening to some of your songs coming out of Mercedes-Benz
ponton and fintail tube radios. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbON6bzFR6pCdMv-4KxNATATqJrCuh9uVlqdVy2zt-lxAgsy5Mqp88BAWUye0zZgkCnC0iDD9Ek796x-TT3dF_smuho5hzAnRhuf7lX4qBdxo_T6zYUMkTPavgldoPLi0NaE8TOYFdPJc/s1600/tumblr_mosmflppWF1qhij65o1_1280.png.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbON6bzFR6pCdMv-4KxNATATqJrCuh9uVlqdVy2zt-lxAgsy5Mqp88BAWUye0zZgkCnC0iDD9Ek796x-TT3dF_smuho5hzAnRhuf7lX4qBdxo_T6zYUMkTPavgldoPLi0NaE8TOYFdPJc/s1600/tumblr_mosmflppWF1qhij65o1_1280.png.jpeg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sabah, with you gone, a beautiful part of Lebanon’s history
ends; a part that I doubt will ever come back again…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S03xim2-EeQMgnNkpp8UwG_kobCnqhRgSDr6tI54QpAZl_6Yo7xWAU6SHNFR2YFVik2fNj-IRfz9mbEYp3ghIh6VgWSANZJ9rHL1RVwr5STfo9KmKJjjJ9TF_YBr2qZEgfAc1JsGiY6I/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S03xim2-EeQMgnNkpp8UwG_kobCnqhRgSDr6tI54QpAZl_6Yo7xWAU6SHNFR2YFVik2fNj-IRfz9mbEYp3ghIh6VgWSANZJ9rHL1RVwr5STfo9KmKJjjJ9TF_YBr2qZEgfAc1JsGiY6I/s1600/index.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shine in the skies and keep on sweetening our lives with
your beautiful voice and smile. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-62794660419660951382014-10-23T16:19:00.000+03:002015-02-20T15:18:56.621+02:00The Tough Old Lady <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->This posting is part of a series of articles that will
target the Mercedes-Benz young classics. As a freak of the brand and a happy
owner of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180 (W120) since 1995, I am recently thinking of
acquiring/ saving another model. Will it be another sedan? Perhaps a coupe? Or a
convertible? My decision should be based of course, on the beauty of the model,
its price, the cost of its restoration and most importantly the memories and
feelings it ignites in me.<br />
I will start by the very dear Mercedes-Benz W115; the tough old lady that is still refusing to retire…<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwaWgrc6-6wz0URye79Yd_mwgf946G8cXwsCBozCk4A8FIdwfvS2PlWfX21O9_8fw_g01Wej87xESVinMeZeHXkwSfhzg4sRCRe2IvOnaNetPiiLwT74rTfucOxZ0GS8T_KUAKiR0sRfC/s1600/IMG_5790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwaWgrc6-6wz0URye79Yd_mwgf946G8cXwsCBozCk4A8FIdwfvS2PlWfX21O9_8fw_g01Wej87xESVinMeZeHXkwSfhzg4sRCRe2IvOnaNetPiiLwT74rTfucOxZ0GS8T_KUAKiR0sRfC/s1600/IMG_5790.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">38 years after its production stopped, the W115 still refuses to retire. Notice the red Taxi plate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Time takes me back to the late 80s; mainly in the month of
August or September of the year 1988; I was as usual sitting on the backseat
behind my dad in the 1983 dark grey Honda Accord that I loved. Some relatives
were following us in a navy blue Mercedes-Benz W115 (atech) on the Jal El Dib
highway. Suddenly and abnormally, it started raining, and as a young cars
freak, I started following the movement of my dad’s Honda’s wipers desperately
trying to listen to the barely audible noise of their motor…I had developed a
curiosity in discovering how the wipers’ motor functions and had nagged
infinitely to get the replaced wipers’ motor of my late uncle’s 1970 Oldsmobile
Cutlass Supreme. </div>
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When I laid eyes on our relatives’ Mercedes-Benz I noticed
that the wipers move in a different way; they go from the center of the
windshield where they cross each others’ towards the opposite extremities of
it. I was flabbergasted by their movement and found it so matching with the
look of the car that has intrigued me. Somehow I had the impression that the
general expression on the “Atech’s” “face” was a bit sad or reflecting some
worries. The model started to highly interest me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FVknJHNKQNbTVr9J7vQZtkpcVU1c3_9uMeyYa4OYdA3xDGDdB9npHtpznaWMbCPPbnjCzZaJkhDewtm3niJDN-EPzMWyizc2AA6411jxRFhza8ysipykWaXu37yEuztKoFJ2wdstSvFk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FVknJHNKQNbTVr9J7vQZtkpcVU1c3_9uMeyYa4OYdA3xDGDdB9npHtpznaWMbCPPbnjCzZaJkhDewtm3niJDN-EPzMWyizc2AA6411jxRFhza8ysipykWaXu37yEuztKoFJ2wdstSvFk/s1600/1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the ivory steering wheel and the crossed wipers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What can I say about the W115 series? Talking about how
successful it was, is just an habitual statement; in my perspective, I always
saw it as the successor of the 180/190 Mercedes-Benz ponton series (W120), a
successor that did not have the privilege of fully witnessing the golden era of
Lebanon. Nevertheless, the W115 was along with the W123 the main actors on the
“service”/ Taxi scene for nearly three decades; I grew up listening to their
honking and enjoying riding in one of them to go from Hamra to Mar Elias to visit
my friends there. To our generation, the W115 in Lebanon became quickly the
symbol of the “service” to the extent that one would be shocked to see it
without a red plate…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoblZ2tNKcw3jmm96VWY5LsANtF3OoORH6Vcr8xF6Ay18G1E2CDnYNQahL38BA5s6xbe8qdYdXfHc69IPLoIjqNjXyUhya8NbeE3FoVnapVvQOei48T_ejjuPNDVkxJFqE1WzEkGm8bF1/s1600/IMG_5795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoblZ2tNKcw3jmm96VWY5LsANtF3OoORH6Vcr8xF6Ay18G1E2CDnYNQahL38BA5s6xbe8qdYdXfHc69IPLoIjqNjXyUhya8NbeE3FoVnapVvQOei48T_ejjuPNDVkxJFqE1WzEkGm8bF1/s1600/IMG_5795.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A typical Taxi in Beirut</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is in these W115 that our laughs, our stories, our
endless discussions took place. In these W115 we discussed the performance of
my friend Georges Naufal’s W124, we discussed grades, teenage adventures, future projects…etc.
Today, as I look back, I find that a bulk of days and years has accumulated;
again, as the Mercedes-Benz 180/190 (W120)’s mileage has flipped over and over
so many times until they gave up 25 years ago the mileage of the W115 is still
flipping and flipping, yet these cars are still refusing to completely retire
albeit their decreasing number on the roads.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUekEaOVynoHrg69O0AlM_xnxq3CfpD1xa7PZnLiGXU8X6Nc11Ej_zsksNQZRTD6KSHSusKKC7KsnQ7TbqiWQTvGqQripMPjaJtpwOj3iRE0DKYK5HkNQKolVfOdCpMtiJz6L-7OISmilj/s1600/IMG_5793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUekEaOVynoHrg69O0AlM_xnxq3CfpD1xa7PZnLiGXU8X6Nc11Ej_zsksNQZRTD6KSHSusKKC7KsnQ7TbqiWQTvGqQripMPjaJtpwOj3iRE0DKYK5HkNQKolVfOdCpMtiJz6L-7OISmilj/s1600/IMG_5793.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An extremely tired 230.4</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UrYikwSBc0pKEv0dQQWF6RJ99LC8G7n-aJ0nZ9MjWY9SSbOtEweg4o8j6xF7aQrL1TWEw0Pv0tuf6tcsoe64Kuo0BjnElPNNXwWbVs5_ad1c6Gr4m0ypjVVwcjSpxxuv2aVW8qx6dN7J/s1600/IMG_5794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UrYikwSBc0pKEv0dQQWF6RJ99LC8G7n-aJ0nZ9MjWY9SSbOtEweg4o8j6xF7aQrL1TWEw0Pv0tuf6tcsoe64Kuo0BjnElPNNXwWbVs5_ad1c6Gr4m0ypjVVwcjSpxxuv2aVW8qx6dN7J/s1600/IMG_5794.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rotten interior. Notice the old style steering wheel and the sunroof</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before they completely disappear like their antecedents, I
will be doing my best to save one, restore it and try to re-live through it parts
of my childhood and teenage years. Usually, life obliges people to put
priorities and I admit it is not on the top of my to-do list to venture into
this project. However, acquiring a daily driver and restoring it slowly is
always a good option.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGjnKthS3UEkQ5Mt0BN0kZowtVuesBtHD1gwoNU-JsGhGktxoR-d88JnyY-_R1yDOsM0fY5eg08ugSTwTMHZ79GAMsodxlmTnd7wB6wTYA7ZOWthUbrIqfu5zpw9g0Xl_udImc_gvikDP/s1600/KXFU5ZxivMzJ136049454831P1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGjnKthS3UEkQ5Mt0BN0kZowtVuesBtHD1gwoNU-JsGhGktxoR-d88JnyY-_R1yDOsM0fY5eg08ugSTwTMHZ79GAMsodxlmTnd7wB6wTYA7ZOWthUbrIqfu5zpw9g0Xl_udImc_gvikDP/s1600/KXFU5ZxivMzJ136049454831P1729.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A perfectly restored W115. Notice the typical 1970s yellow color</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvDn49-Fn6-e-GPFv6gwZdIR2gkOtIXX-zMOAXXS_k3LVvYuZyHvf8d4M42RPrOXVdErfjUEAuBQBnzpD-uZ77GthNqg73amZaZ-l1i1SvAPUBD6YFAmz2wluEyJIlDydONElIq93-fXo/s1600/Atv2rzqQHf8L136187771232P1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvDn49-Fn6-e-GPFv6gwZdIR2gkOtIXX-zMOAXXS_k3LVvYuZyHvf8d4M42RPrOXVdErfjUEAuBQBnzpD-uZ77GthNqg73amZaZ-l1i1SvAPUBD6YFAmz2wluEyJIlDydONElIq93-fXo/s1600/Atv2rzqQHf8L136187771232P1729.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The taillights indicate that it is a pre-1974 model</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvE5bT35xxgpkzgNjCmpVw7khIwvfEmSu2k2FzT7UsWsCiacd12Y6fZGyX3xS5kUsEiwEjq2SjyyqjGFOgIF8Nw0PgE2hdslpcF44GEqiGMZlyjb6vqO2fY0CUkevyiA-a0eBsCKSZZ1n/s1600/Bc5yht9T3mJS136187761767P1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPvE5bT35xxgpkzgNjCmpVw7khIwvfEmSu2k2FzT7UsWsCiacd12Y6fZGyX3xS5kUsEiwEjq2SjyyqjGFOgIF8Nw0PgE2hdslpcF44GEqiGMZlyjb6vqO2fY0CUkevyiA-a0eBsCKSZZ1n/s1600/Bc5yht9T3mJS136187761767P1729.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Simple yet elegant interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During my honeymoon in Italy, and as I was acquainting
myself with the different spots of LeAgavi Hotel in Positano I bumped into this
beautiful and perfectly original W115 that seems to have been sleeping for
years. Was it a sign? Maybe! I automatically asked if it was for sale, unfortunately
it belonged to the owners of the hotel and selling it wasn’t in their plans…<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOXPKqVsi4yUIuKdOdmaZzYuaTkSDx3I7CgP157EGpQEOmSFaaWF8gmnA68N2wMxISU5w98PkpxF0rjUDpPFdCXswPGZB3tI8NhGw1EQt2D5zkgdi4iCd9u_sV_L3zLVB1GlLlM8yAqJQ/s1600/IMG_546677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOXPKqVsi4yUIuKdOdmaZzYuaTkSDx3I7CgP157EGpQEOmSFaaWF8gmnA68N2wMxISU5w98PkpxF0rjUDpPFdCXswPGZB3tI8NhGw1EQt2D5zkgdi4iCd9u_sV_L3zLVB1GlLlM8yAqJQ/s1600/IMG_546677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The W115 "dans son jus" overlooking Positano's beautiful sea</span></td></tr>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDuo3jEua2EuPJ2LYPGK5i1ESAUrGbCRTCj8ztQ8QoFU_U2M2LyqntCxTgsUGjXqjDNDx8jOvsvUDgpb_NIWuIjTRoHMD1xzBHg3wsOPyF6LIyT6XWmxLE1-HLNYwEMiPoWRl-PMqOar0/s1600/IMG_547277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDuo3jEua2EuPJ2LYPGK5i1ESAUrGbCRTCj8ztQ8QoFU_U2M2LyqntCxTgsUGjXqjDNDx8jOvsvUDgpb_NIWuIjTRoHMD1xzBHg3wsOPyF6LIyT6XWmxLE1-HLNYwEMiPoWRl-PMqOar0/s1600/IMG_547277.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another view; notice the unusual blinker on the side of the fender</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
liked how original the car was; it reminded me of a similar W115 that remained
parked for many years in the street where I live until it suddenly disappeared. I still regret not asking more about it! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDKPrTddmcXuWUlF0IL2EwrLxc2dtbQKJatZJPhM3-ZV9sUSCbLeFaa_BkCcwsV3Mz8JKNiyiDg59gAbi_SSphcSJ-oOFBWAzGweLMi_yokab8YVtBbHOmKvDpo8mA5WveBoCLWv-Khda/s1600/IMG_5792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDKPrTddmcXuWUlF0IL2EwrLxc2dtbQKJatZJPhM3-ZV9sUSCbLeFaa_BkCcwsV3Mz8JKNiyiDg59gAbi_SSphcSJ-oOFBWAzGweLMi_yokab8YVtBbHOmKvDpo8mA5WveBoCLWv-Khda/s1600/IMG_5792.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gone W115; I wish I was able to save it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-60328016230077264412014-05-27T13:47:00.003+03:002014-05-29T08:01:56.979+03:00Dreams, Street Shots, Pontons and more in Beirut <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I was born in a city that was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times as history tells. I was raised to despise the causes and consequences of the 1975 destruction and of the 1993 - 1994 urban planning massacre or "wiping out exercise". </div>
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As I grew up, listening to stories, looking at old pictures...etc. my interest in discovering how Beirut was grew tremendously. I wanted to feel a certain something that was lost; I was continuously looking and searching for a way of life, for habits, for people, for places, for buildings, for streets that have all vanished. Many months of surfing the net, of reading in "Le Centre Ville de Mon Pere" (by Tania Rayes Ingea), in "Pure Nostalgia" (by Imad Kozem) and in "Beirut, Souwar fi Zakirati" (by Pierre Maadanjian) books and in asking around provided me with a good feel of the daily life's vibes of the city. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLQPgCqStK4ekvLO1ca_jhKnRQtaPjBpaE6mE6PkF20Mxiyev0vCH-x2wnGQ1fewmL4PAHj3mg5tFr32RGNA7r6IpvJEGosycaD4ZIBNVjth6bV-As7_ch3cTdt_BZ6PRPztrd-3jqegd/s1600/200536_1003717246187_1105_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLQPgCqStK4ekvLO1ca_jhKnRQtaPjBpaE6mE6PkF20Mxiyev0vCH-x2wnGQ1fewmL4PAHj3mg5tFr32RGNA7r6IpvJEGosycaD4ZIBNVjth6bV-As7_ch3cTdt_BZ6PRPztrd-3jqegd/s1600/200536_1003717246187_1105_n.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">On the Martyr's Square facing the old police station towards Souk El Sagha.What is this guy selling? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I imagine myself going from Hamra to Al Bourj Square on a sunny morning of April, hearing the noises of the shops' metallic sliding doors opening with the typical Mercedes-Benz ponton/ fintail's honk in the back of my mind, feeling the still enjoyable heat of the sun and waiting for a "Service" to pick me up.</div>
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Yesterday, after a long evening of reading, of looking at pictures, of comparing between then and now, coupled by an infinite number of questions I asked my father and my Montrealais friend Kheireddine El-Ahdab, I ended up dreaming that I was driving my 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180 in the old Beirut. A weird dream I admit...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBVHx_okwDHWRGeqOhio7hHOPbRQLLAAKmR8C1H1WsEn04p2ZdnrzeTwMifu8TVWe_UHuHX7_0RNiQarQZAmxBva_uDIonUg2NA0BjoFG6I7PDELmIHhp8MqYKf5mUQsq1uvhucs6ipib/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBVHx_okwDHWRGeqOhio7hHOPbRQLLAAKmR8C1H1WsEn04p2ZdnrzeTwMifu8TVWe_UHuHX7_0RNiQarQZAmxBva_uDIonUg2NA0BjoFG6I7PDELmIHhp8MqYKf5mUQsq1uvhucs6ipib/s1600/Picture+034.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This picture of Dona and I popped up in my dream (Photo: Crystel Abboud)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In this post, I picked up random pics of some areas of Beirut that appeared in my dream...I tried to reconstitute it as accurately as it could get; we will therefore go in a virtual ride in my 1961 Mercedes-Benz 180 and discover snapshots of the city together...The route followed in this post is the same as the one I followed in my dream; hence some lack of logic might pop up from one time to the other. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GJ251JrVzaBCDpOTB0XYhots2RPYyAJKewMbKQiloXu-lUo2gMGNbbBB7nGne2Bb9JxtqXpD5hj-My9e9vOyqIIUqN7vZlHyLT439lWzkdgxvQIbFUFCnbcOPlcjA3vyltR9Ia0zhu2v/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GJ251JrVzaBCDpOTB0XYhots2RPYyAJKewMbKQiloXu-lUo2gMGNbbBB7nGne2Bb9JxtqXpD5hj-My9e9vOyqIIUqN7vZlHyLT439lWzkdgxvQIbFUFCnbcOPlcjA3vyltR9Ia0zhu2v/s1600/image.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Map of Downtown Beirut circa 1974. Source: Le Centreville de Mon Pere by Tania Rayes Ingea</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Lets start from some balcony in Ain El Mreisseh. We are facing the
St.Georges Hotel, and I can spot the arcades of "Ahwet El Hajj Daoud in
the Zeitouneh area. I parked my Mercedes-Benz at the entrance of the hotel. Lets go! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsBnJ997uYb692z1vwdvIBCLDJnv6xgbiSAY7HrPItq75V_eoz3j3LHsX2jCZgk0mNQHaP60tkXLJks32doiagfoiCcYZdQxNeeLkRkESHPUdIKicSuLO5W9mnNR2TZnF8cuTSWgQnKU6/s1600/8822004070_b4ba33ee9b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsBnJ997uYb692z1vwdvIBCLDJnv6xgbiSAY7HrPItq75V_eoz3j3LHsX2jCZgk0mNQHaP60tkXLJks32doiagfoiCcYZdQxNeeLkRkESHPUdIKicSuLO5W9mnNR2TZnF8cuTSWgQnKU6/s1600/8822004070_b4ba33ee9b_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Notice the beautiful flowers and the yellow steel chair and table on the balcony</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">O</span>n the road after St. Georges to the right, then to the left, we reach the beginnings of the Zaytouneh area (Blue bus line in the map above). On my right in the picture below (where two long pine trees appear), lies the Latin cemetery. My grand father Anis Mansour was buried there. This cemetery doesn't exist anymore, the "dead" moved to the region of Beit Mery. Rain has just stopped and a beautiful rainbow connects Beirut to the sky...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtv69mjv1Fsw3jzsbRVA8BgsTS1MJSZL6vlJ-R3AGS75wrHcFcdcwCLzDUDd3GDFVH4RsiXiWrHsYUNB0qBVai3PKpgw-qasmvPB6GagC2o8CykXF0VnnzsEGcv-vYcFAIkKqlWuw036R/s1600/012345r11617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8xwQEcQRroPnIJubjK_sCYs0JeUsficaGTnUmF92zVcHryd4ACl0HAuBeV2I0nu1lDIAhybOi_913GhypBSEs6bcXgPmMRhTot1ZtImqwN87KYCaBMzf7eNnrb_L8ue8XsM8hSLyXVOD/s1600/6868171929_b61ae7726d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8xwQEcQRroPnIJubjK_sCYs0JeUsficaGTnUmF92zVcHryd4ACl0HAuBeV2I0nu1lDIAhybOi_913GhypBSEs6bcXgPmMRhTot1ZtImqwN87KYCaBMzf7eNnrb_L8ue8XsM8hSLyXVOD/s1600/6868171929_b61ae7726d_b.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Zaytouneh area from the side of Ain El Mreisseh</span></i></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I co<span style="font-size: small;">ntin</span>ue straight on the road, 1st, 2nd, then 3rd gear. I can hear the newly re-built engine of my 180b calming down while still "asking gently" to move "him" to the 4th gear...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUoxpWTUE4sm5K-ysyi3G_a10KBQ-8XX4jBoOmvtDN8YfBnEKMksCR36r8r4nl8pBDHNinKhRHwFQOFOKGGLkmLINc0MtbEpNLD_-YaciEI34L3ymqQKYskxPpUVjsmzfNtmdRNiqhyphenhyphener/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUoxpWTUE4sm5K-ysyi3G_a10KBQ-8XX4jBoOmvtDN8YfBnEKMksCR36r8r4nl8pBDHNinKhRHwFQOFOKGGLkmLINc0MtbEpNLD_-YaciEI34L3ymqQKYskxPpUVjsmzfNtmdRNiqhyphenhyphener/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The tall pine trees used to cover the cemetery and isolate it from the surrounding noises. Notice the Saviem-Chausson bus (blue line)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Straight</span></span> on the road, I pass by Ahmad Shawki Street. Some old buildings, similar to the ones in Gemayzeh face each others, mostly all of the same height; this assures that the sun enters in all apartments; the ones facing the mountain get the sun in the morning and the ones facing the sea get it in the evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I continue driving...on my way I cross an Opel Kapitan Break and a beautiful blue Peugeot or Renault Fourgeonette. The streets still have the old Neon lights, a typical aspect of Beirut.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T3atMNb79Y6DbQw28KjJFtZp2cjSMsVxbF1VNfDukQaiiQx7QgtP7-rudDBBRwok1X3WT13USbibCdkhtjT2aPvQuo9ZkagwCU96sgK3ggLGKmGHCPO1F8ATN0pnwN4RRSpigCiI0O2C/s1600/215680_503402519686980_1133254093_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T3atMNb79Y6DbQw28KjJFtZp2cjSMsVxbF1VNfDukQaiiQx7QgtP7-rudDBBRwok1X3WT13USbibCdkhtjT2aPvQuo9ZkagwCU96sgK3ggLGKmGHCPO1F8ATN0pnwN4RRSpigCiI0O2C/s1600/215680_503402519686980_1133254093_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Towards Hotel Normandie</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I cross Ahmad Shawki street and stop towards "Ahwet El Hajj Daoud", looking back towards the Phoenicia Hotel's direction, I can see on my right, by the sea, the Kit Kat building. This building has been demolished in 1993, it used to be the hub of a very famous cabaret. The general aspect of this building is somehow similar to that of the St.Georges Hotel.<br />
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pQEDQmF58eFyWSKckJParn5gZkSzn1UiEqxjtixU6GDDNRLVvIlr4UUckSNq1ONtxPXsMndGZmMlC-oGkhJq5ly3xTzb0Z4-SS-zaHwT1fq90rNXAefqFyhX-7tYv45uD1X3iLNJMD3a/s1600/8811420045_d3f4faa800_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pQEDQmF58eFyWSKckJParn5gZkSzn1UiEqxjtixU6GDDNRLVvIlr4UUckSNq1ONtxPXsMndGZmMlC-oGkhJq5ly3xTzb0Z4-SS-zaHwT1fq90rNXAefqFyhX-7tYv45uD1X3iLNJMD3a/s1600/8811420045_d3f4faa800_b.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Zeytoune with the Kit Kat building on the right facing the sea. This area is now the road leading to the west side of Starco</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
On my left and behind the palm trees and in the picture below, lies what used to be Hotel Bassoul and Hotel Normandie. Hotel Bassoul or Grand Hotel d'Orient was the first hotel ever built in Beirut. I can remember its remains back in 1990 when the civil war stopped. A beautiful white and orange Ford or Chevrolet is parked facing the sea.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8XEssKr2uPQ1_FYZXYp0eWMs_hgcwaGI453RefmGyUYtkRy3Htmy3-NOwNBELbfXPCZvn8WIExsvn_IEsy-0NG4A2yq3FlGt3AApDM9JrNDf_ZOla-ydOxNJwHcfVWQU60dL1T8zQXWt/s1600/524182_10151561866325574_1901114072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8XEssKr2uPQ1_FYZXYp0eWMs_hgcwaGI453RefmGyUYtkRy3Htmy3-NOwNBELbfXPCZvn8WIExsvn_IEsy-0NG4A2yq3FlGt3AApDM9JrNDf_ZOla-ydOxNJwHcfVWQU60dL1T8zQXWt/s1600/524182_10151561866325574_1901114072_n.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hotel Normandy and Hotel Bassoul on its right</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQYL-7dyZUZRxSw-w_tnbVour_lCrG9f6BLTgd1OYiFkfk2EP5Uf5K1nBSy-S2ISHfz_rzJhzD8eNQbsJPMfZwKn3-PIvf1J1n4Yvs7FXKJEIT4UvlSUe0IEqBiLR-IYgaK2Iz0DGe-xI/s1600/3086855499_36ae9f9b77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQYL-7dyZUZRxSw-w_tnbVour_lCrG9f6BLTgd1OYiFkfk2EP5Uf5K1nBSy-S2ISHfz_rzJhzD8eNQbsJPMfZwKn3-PIvf1J1n4Yvs7FXKJEIT4UvlSUe0IEqBiLR-IYgaK2Iz0DGe-xI/s1600/3086855499_36ae9f9b77.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ahwet El Hajj Daoud and its famous arcades</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6FYnyvU_GoWVnb95GMPrX2aKkUEOM854X6CkPe5x4KfYfUWJtVmTiqHbQTx8rqxbXVAsY7ZMZ_xrQxZe9vDGEqKB5sa7KjMztqkDgiSRfdn_jgn2AyDDJ8NUKppxeB6oyCatQ1z0_QVg/s1600/p14500gb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6FYnyvU_GoWVnb95GMPrX2aKkUEOM854X6CkPe5x4KfYfUWJtVmTiqHbQTx8rqxbXVAsY7ZMZ_xrQxZe9vDGEqKB5sa7KjMztqkDgiSRfdn_jgn2AyDDJ8NUKppxeB6oyCatQ1z0_QVg/s1600/p14500gb3.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A view of Normandie Hotel, with Bahri Cafe and Ahwet El Hajj Daoud</span></td></tr>
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Turning around again facing the mountains, I can see "Ahwet El Hajj Daoud", directly facing the sea. "Ahwet El Hajj Daoud" constituted a sort of island between two roads: to its right, one would go towards the old souks, the Beirut Stock Exchange building and l'Orient le Jour building (still present nowadays, awaiting its renovation), to its left one would go towards Bahri Restaurant, and the building of "La Banque de la Syrie et du Liban" (still there).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I engage the 2nd gear and go towards the old souks, taking l'Avenue des Francais behind "Ahwet El Hajj Daoud" and turning left to catch the end of la Rue du Patriarche Howayek to reach the "Bahri" sea road.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz_y7nCSR0jd1_ANGa7cl_21RSaeR4gcnfIFAZjUTsR3kE-YlhGrJeWo2Mk8da7edwmSHZFldQ1XS00byGEtrTUitbItgzUrvXD6CVPSKxiJzUcZGMRVj0xtZRgvyhyh5YG_w7uD-6Fkp/s1600/DSC00471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz_y7nCSR0jd1_ANGa7cl_21RSaeR4gcnfIFAZjUTsR3kE-YlhGrJeWo2Mk8da7edwmSHZFldQ1XS00byGEtrTUitbItgzUrvXD6CVPSKxiJzUcZGMRVj0xtZRgvyhyh5YG_w7uD-6Fkp/s1600/DSC00471.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Becker Mexico with the Wonderbar (Photo: Dona Bardawil)</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There, my dream changes, and I should have skipped an area that I am still unable to re-construct in my mind. How was the road next to the Lebanese Marines Base? Which buildings were there? I still can not draw a clear picture of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I suddenly see myself on Foch street; it hasn't changed much...The Mosque is still there next to the beautiful red and off-white Idriss building. This building has marked my teenage years: After the demolitions of 1993, it appeared alone, standing among the endless waves of dust. Its colors combination reflects the unique Art-Deco style of the late 1920s. A two-tones paint ponton passing by a funny guy wearing what looks like marines uniform appears in front of me. The two tones paint 180/190b appears to have the additional chrome strips from the 220S model; these strips were a dealership addition at an extra cost along with the front fender turn signals. Again, the neon street lights are illuminating Beirut's nights. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDWpAIFz6P-u-sknqNtkdvEM_sTRnY831AMfwNirtn_SOwOAW5pctZyQm6B1RSr2U2GfP1GCZHCm2WCxlT9F4RoYIRI7RASV7T4OYz2bcv_RCtNmAxKgojsMa3StL-BzLhO2X7FiVkEg/s1600/fochstvendeencopainsmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDWpAIFz6P-u-sknqNtkdvEM_sTRnY831AMfwNirtn_SOwOAW5pctZyQm6B1RSr2U2GfP1GCZHCm2WCxlT9F4RoYIRI7RASV7T4OYz2bcv_RCtNmAxKgojsMa3StL-BzLhO2X7FiVkEg/s1600/fochstvendeencopainsmos.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">On Allenby Street, note the two tones Mercedes-Benz 180b/190b</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following Foch Street, I reach Weygand Street next to Beirut's Municipality. I see vaguely its buildings thinking of the big Daaboul building that used to stand between Foch and Urugway streets. This building was heavily destroyed during the early years of the 1975 civil war.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzOIwJzDDGJCvIUrYxibFUTciUt53pqrK4nBvY73tuiV6KhxO57rrHPng2FK4ZFMlEE4hLcENY6g_GaWocGkPV6wUmmDTFixymUv1URShT7hubhXCe_W1KCHbhE0ESKAYMRrh-kS8IWzH/s1600/tumblr_mwkgr1AOnr1qhij65o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzOIwJzDDGJCvIUrYxibFUTciUt53pqrK4nBvY73tuiV6KhxO57rrHPng2FK4ZFMlEE4hLcENY6g_GaWocGkPV6wUmmDTFixymUv1URShT7hubhXCe_W1KCHbhE0ESKAYMRrh-kS8IWzH/s1600/tumblr_mwkgr1AOnr1qhij65o1_1280.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Daaboul Building; destroyed in 1975. Note the Hotel Regent building that has been replaced by Annahar building</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jumping deeper in my dream, "madame chignon" (typical 1960s hair style) appears crossing Weygand Street towards the old souks. Was she entering souk el Tawileh? She looks so. Souk el Tawileh was distinguished by its high end small (by today's shopping mall standards) boutiques such as Beranger and Au Gant Rouge that has now moved to the intersection of Allenby and Fakhry Bey streets. At least three pontons, most probably taxis, appear on scene. The first one, with red interior has the typical metallic bar above the front seat's back; this bar helped people getting in and out of the car without pulling the back of the front seat with their hand. This typical Lebanese invention was present in my ponton when I first bought it. I took it out during its restoration to respect originality.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8i4ie9ittRpIhDHh09kiXu6go4JjOyJgp_rWpaybiLWVT-bdJllV-W4JNBFd10P-OymgiN5JkF3WBBH_8V2qbH9mmjqPzjI7QnN4huKxeZ9RJkenFt1WTR6yKTIkiwF1Nz2JIjzrrPNe/s1600/wegandavril67.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8i4ie9ittRpIhDHh09kiXu6go4JjOyJgp_rWpaybiLWVT-bdJllV-W4JNBFd10P-OymgiN5JkF3WBBH_8V2qbH9mmjqPzjI7QnN4huKxeZ9RJkenFt1WTR6yKTIkiwF1Nz2JIjzrrPNe/s1600/wegandavril67.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A woman crossing Weygand Street towards the old souks. Notice the row of pontons on the street </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Continuing up in Weygand Street, I reach its crossing with Riad El Solh Street, also known as La Rue des Banques (Banks street). Weygand was one of the most crowded streets of Beirut linking Hamra to Saifi, and the old souks to the rest of the city. In the picture below, three pontons (180b/ 190b) seem looking for passengers; at some point, the police used to forbid taxis to stop and take passengers on this street in an attempt to decrease the traffic; they used to immediately give a fine when a car's stop lights turn on! This decision apparently did not survive for a long period of time. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZZRY1eB3pG9u0UufX_BZPbKbFMF2ad9cUKmDvaUBXMHfdmGulfM0d0LHDfOugStEk9lY2dW_WSx2wygiRhwvilcPN-Pi77-BjEKKy0GLJ2efXhQIcR2Mb39rXukYDXaGMuJlEtm-xCtM/s320/541293_10150974789435775_770885903_n.jpg" eea="true" height="229" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3 pontons on Weygand Street</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I jumped in my dream to the Martyrs Square, specifically to the entrance of "Souk El Sagha" in the picture below...This souk was characterized by a big door that used to be closed at night...The Souk was located between two or more old buildings that connect in a way or another to Souk Abou El Nasr and Souk El Nouriyyeh; two of the very old souks once located between Place des Martyrs and Maarad Street.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs2YEyrgmLFsyu6QcT3xOgGAX84YlpIvByBEIPVSnMstv5mLUeY43y2w9hh8cyfQ9Iq0UFWSu-O3-Fny_p-IH-ZguXNidBF5yQ6mlToQl8UDJW9-hDzEOgPITSYbHtiwwa5jMalFZi7_1/s1600/Picture+125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs2YEyrgmLFsyu6QcT3xOgGAX84YlpIvByBEIPVSnMstv5mLUeY43y2w9hh8cyfQ9Iq0UFWSu-O3-Fny_p-IH-ZguXNidBF5yQ6mlToQl8UDJW9-hDzEOgPITSYbHtiwwa5jMalFZi7_1/s1600/Picture+125.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Arcade at the Entrance of Souk El Sagha. Notice the simple yet classy Mercedes-Benz 190 Fintail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLphLWxibI3mOlgGnVPLagTNXoNI0gEuIr6zdlxcIh3ULxxwXpiPOnuFNT_BNvOmLmfztlHNAiJFnEH3s3_CNZ2XPl5j3poDEbQYeXtfRlLsIJQHB1R14gevx7_e5-LGSrU0ZwbLIyytKf/s1600/69267_310166299065333_1902702931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What took me suddenly to this spot is unexplainable... Maybe the beautiful Mercedes-Benz 190 Fintail parked at its entrance that I long contemplated while looking at the picture? Maybe the so many questions I asked of who for example would close the souk's door every evening and who would open it every morning? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I looked at the door of the souk, read what was written: "Souk Al Sagha" in Arabic and French and continued my way up towards Azariyyeh building at the crossing of Emire Bechir street and Place des Martyrs.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNjSgMzi4LZdIt8aXDGBI6sd6phMM7Yyh5tgBfvSkyJGHiKxp-4Ou0aj6j5TH24w0BeZzM08lznV1Qzud6BClx1D9AkPWHf3fjZFDdPgc9F0sA08JM6qAYrp2C38FOfcttFwbr_4f9nUQ/s1600/9595912218_c2fa3f1590_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNjSgMzi4LZdIt8aXDGBI6sd6phMM7Yyh5tgBfvSkyJGHiKxp-4Ou0aj6j5TH24w0BeZzM08lznV1Qzud6BClx1D9AkPWHf3fjZFDdPgc9F0sA08JM6qAYrp2C38FOfcttFwbr_4f9nUQ/s1600/9595912218_c2fa3f1590_b.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Going towards Souk El Sagha and the crossing of Emir Bechir Street and the Martyrs' Square</span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiipkgMnElRqxG6UizO2LsMTuq3sV-sEGSM3bLbLSpkdqS4fmED3xYtTCYwQCIoIaowFJTiCDr0t04vvTv32oQP6pnoW15ESjcgqLJ2ZXxSUjybW-lyPsvuXOeXOoPNFtDIbTTf5LSSI-D/s1600/9595908264_1c34365945_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiipkgMnElRqxG6UizO2LsMTuq3sV-sEGSM3bLbLSpkdqS4fmED3xYtTCYwQCIoIaowFJTiCDr0t04vvTv32oQP6pnoW15ESjcgqLJ2ZXxSUjybW-lyPsvuXOeXOoPNFtDIbTTf5LSSI-D/s1600/9595908264_1c34365945_b.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">At the crossing of Emir Bechir Street and Martyrs' Square.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My iPhone's alarm started ringing pushing me to "squeeze myself" on the road driving towards the Holiday Inn Hotel next to Starco Center that has not changed much since then...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXdH0rKPzZzLcsRFeok_ckGbCXGuhpR8nYxjivWQMgPeu93z-e-RL2pHNzWjFAxg6uh5Cbw1vWM3zaqWwSbYddrDWDd3fydZBqtl0PBWDSczWHwr-oWK-Un26IzTvIAR6CHJ1kPSY2Fct/s1600/tumblr_mi1hefEG5n1qhij65o1_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXdH0rKPzZzLcsRFeok_ckGbCXGuhpR8nYxjivWQMgPeu93z-e-RL2pHNzWjFAxg6uh5Cbw1vWM3zaqWwSbYddrDWDd3fydZBqtl0PBWDSczWHwr-oWK-Un26IzTvIAR6CHJ1kPSY2Fct/s1600/tumblr_mi1hefEG5n1qhij65o1_1280.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Starco Building towars the St.Charles City Center. Notice the Mercedes-Benz 180b/190b </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I woke up, turned on my Blaupunkt Santos tube radio as I do every morning... The BBC on the AM Band was evoking the explosion that demolished completely the historic Carlton Hotel in Aleppo...I remembered the Daaboul Building, associating dreams and realities... My dream wasn't real, it was a series of old pictures that I scrutinized to the extent that they became engraved in my mind...In my sleep, I though I knew this old city very well; in reality, it was somehow unknown to me; it was evolving in its own way when a certain earthquake called war hit it deviating the path it was following before "reconstruction" changed completely its identity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking at Aleppo and comparing it to Beirut made me realize for the hundredth time maybe, that destroying people's past is most of the time made on purpose and rarely happens by coincidence. Conflicts arise, wars too, then certain regions get the heaviest destruction; "by chance" these regions are always the places that used to hold the richest and most remarkable memories and heritage of the society. I asked myself, what was the military importance of, lets say, Souk El Nouriyeh? Of Zaytouneh? Of Souk El Tawileh?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLphLWxibI3mOlgGnVPLagTNXoNI0gEuIr6zdlxcIh3ULxxwXpiPOnuFNT_BNvOmLmfztlHNAiJFnEH3s3_CNZ2XPl5j3poDEbQYeXtfRlLsIJQHB1R14gevx7_e5-LGSrU0ZwbLIyytKf/s320/69267_310166299065333_1902702931_n.jpg" eea="true" height="307" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beginning of Souk El Nouriyyeh behind cinema Opera that became the Virgin Megastore Building </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why were they looted, bombed and burned first then systematically erased as of 1983 almost ten years before the end of the civil war...?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The historically, culturally and economically important cities of our dear Levant are being systematically deprived of their original roles and heritage. Beirut first, then Aleppo and Homs...A pure coincidence? I really doubt...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that the conflict in Syria has reached an important turning point, I will be observing how the reconstruction of the old cities of Aleppo and Homs will take place. The hope to preserve the original social and economical roles of these agglomerations is all I wish for. Reconciliation in Syria cannot be reached without letting these old cities flourish as they did; playing their original stabilizing role.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank God old Damascus remained intact...
</div>
</div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-10616683095809768862014-04-30T13:14:00.003+03:002014-04-30T13:36:27.223+03:00To Hartwig Mueller<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being a founding member of IPOG
(International Pontons Owners Group), and an active daily visitor of
mbzponton.org, I always enjoyed reading the stories of Hartwig Mueller, a
retired German Mercedes-Benz Salesman. </span></span></span><br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tX4BB2RKISODAD2S1HEL0lYKe_QA8LQAXRyisQ_KtfO04sDIIQmgXHJow_UfBXnJ65pyA2Fo12bKvX3LHQA1TahigU58nEiummV3sho19P8REqYXB4K5kfDAV6oB2Dbco6hKumlZut3W/s1600/MB%2520Dienstwagen%2520D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tX4BB2RKISODAD2S1HEL0lYKe_QA8LQAXRyisQ_KtfO04sDIIQmgXHJow_UfBXnJ65pyA2Fo12bKvX3LHQA1TahigU58nEiummV3sho19P8REqYXB4K5kfDAV6oB2Dbco6hKumlZut3W/s1600/MB%2520Dienstwagen%2520D.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hartwig Mueller standing proudly next to a 180b/190b demonstrator (Ref: mbzponton.org)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From 1956 up till 1964, Hartwig's
daily work involved selling all types of Mercedes-Benz vehicles; from
the 180 to the 220S passing by UNIMOGS, Trucks, SLs...etc. </span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NHxXujpNo1upvUqVWlDlUZhTQopKz9E1MDYCAzYGFt5_PBM0D0W01XZkPvJDCNbgv7D_iJlZxCjrl2R8III3lhL5ZvthP_D-amVfcf-yz65AhS3ZuNjwdIB3_9AaomXPhok3tUdLixsp/s1600/HMLeavingDemonstNet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NHxXujpNo1upvUqVWlDlUZhTQopKz9E1MDYCAzYGFt5_PBM0D0W01XZkPvJDCNbgv7D_iJlZxCjrl2R8III3lhL5ZvthP_D-amVfcf-yz65AhS3ZuNjwdIB3_9AaomXPhok3tUdLixsp/s1600/HMLeavingDemonstNet.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Getting in or out of a 190b demonstrator; notice the 1960s sunglasses (Ref: mbzponton.org)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hartwig described in the Ponton Page as well as in
his now gone website the daily life back in the late 50s and early 60s
when pontons, especially 180 and 190 were brand new, top notch cars. He
sold many Mercedes-Benz to US soldiers stationed in Germany and to other
people who opted for the Mercedes-Benz quality and simple yet elegant
design. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMgJt-189Kx3pMfdNt_eurOBzqnEu_1XcGHUHzj0R8OgyUQTzkwLPP2qRUOog65avPjA8a1IPX37aDFq0_WZdXLejEY6c1oh-sY4IECyEJuj1vuq7FRMf_n7D5UIRzxDKoZ6dz3M61W60/s1600/TestRideNet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMgJt-189Kx3pMfdNt_eurOBzqnEu_1XcGHUHzj0R8OgyUQTzkwLPP2qRUOog65avPjA8a1IPX37aDFq0_WZdXLejEY6c1oh-sY4IECyEJuj1vuq7FRMf_n7D5UIRzxDKoZ6dz3M61W60/s1600/TestRideNet.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A 190b demonstrator (Ref: the now gone Hartwig Mueller's website)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hartwig passed away on the 13th of
November 2013. I regret not having the opportunity to meet him in person
and I regret not being able to save his personal website that included a
genuine description he wrote about the feel on board of a brand new
ponton. </span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAkGP_NAS1iaOXip8i7lr9J55yVNcMint3Athma-3-EeqpP5oYa_py1N0xZiwx5nN9-g0oT4_cE6FsHrUHPoNQrzfOki308MMup5W3_3I-CjGKlIvjx6hhMYrZxelR9NAjBDlRKlHaop/s1600/HMCockpit190D60_pr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAkGP_NAS1iaOXip8i7lr9J55yVNcMint3Athma-3-EeqpP5oYa_py1N0xZiwx5nN9-g0oT4_cE6FsHrUHPoNQrzfOki308MMup5W3_3I-CjGKlIvjx6hhMYrZxelR9NAjBDlRKlHaop/s1600/HMCockpit190D60_pr.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">It is easy to shift gears in a ponton (Ref: mbzponton.org)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJSyliRGNPtKGk7P5r9SltkrwUKb0YwEEt5bgVYMf9DriW3HaTbVIAPn0wFdU2viLKy7tyUfodLmjAXbeq4ey_3tHnjlceDAvNxKpYcj0-ryrwcvcD4mhsWpXGokPRzs8b2AVxScuQBcw/s1600/muellerMBSALESMANMBPONTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJSyliRGNPtKGk7P5r9SltkrwUKb0YwEEt5bgVYMf9DriW3HaTbVIAPn0wFdU2viLKy7tyUfodLmjAXbeq4ey_3tHnjlceDAvNxKpYcj0-ryrwcvcD4mhsWpXGokPRzs8b2AVxScuQBcw/s1600/muellerMBSALESMANMBPONTON.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the old pre-European Union white registration plates (Ref: mbzponton.org)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hartwig, may you rest in peace, your stories have inspired me and have helped me associate my 180b with its original context.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Associated Link</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
http://www.mbzponton.org/pax058/people/mueller/mueller.htm </div>
<br />Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-8446241423745941132014-04-17T16:45:00.000+03:002014-04-18T00:27:59.596+03:00"The Imagination of a Generation"<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is always fulfilling to read positive comments about my favorite car the Mercedes-Benz 180/ 190 (W120/ 121). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While surfing the net, I came through the article below; a test drive performed by Paul Stassino from Classic Cars Magazine in Australia on a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190b. Paul's description was so accurate that I felt I wrote the article by myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Indeed, <i>"The 190b Ponton (or 180b in my case) captured the imagination of a generation, and helped cement Mercedes-Benz's commitment to excellence." </i></div>
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnH4ovFo5l0Pd15klS0jVtEaR3kb_0g5cZVFVjYX8TJx0yBFp7S3ZxWXL7RhqFO9xObpBUxcQB9g7aQugWS3UNGFEn1MLfimf-CZnqfcyBJL3yNqwFT5Sro1bfDkdv6W8bvbyUNph5sGw/s1600/ClassicCarsJune2013p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnH4ovFo5l0Pd15klS0jVtEaR3kb_0g5cZVFVjYX8TJx0yBFp7S3ZxWXL7RhqFO9xObpBUxcQB9g7aQugWS3UNGFEn1MLfimf-CZnqfcyBJL3yNqwFT5Sro1bfDkdv6W8bvbyUNph5sGw/s1600/ClassicCarsJune2013p1.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREun13akm1BtprHIcuxheR9gB62ev_Y4TF6GjWuCFjClSlo0iBh8dhuiXxLDTd_N4GZ43CLfSpDv5cCDCs0bwCUecMXYtmOKjusyrJ58E5C8y5X-A99dcjx_yMYhgUVVogpGKBJQY1Gvf/s1600/ClassicCarsJune2013p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREun13akm1BtprHIcuxheR9gB62ev_Y4TF6GjWuCFjClSlo0iBh8dhuiXxLDTd_N4GZ43CLfSpDv5cCDCs0bwCUecMXYtmOKjusyrJ58E5C8y5X-A99dcjx_yMYhgUVVogpGKBJQY1Gvf/s1600/ClassicCarsJune2013p2.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N2qNB_b9tPzbYXkZQMkNyh_1whkkqUgkzA4dlPXVK8F1oj9-kAxO5fg_Ctvxbld5VE5W3tBouZWekcaDKbQFyGqtriEHfW4JWjHzt8l9_5VoSJTFDM6cD9FLWOGth0RFWNloNY6aExpA/s1600/DSC00406.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enjoying a beautiful ride in my 1961, 180b (photo: Dona Bardawil)</i><u><br /></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Back in 2010, the engine of my 180b (its original engine) started burning oil excessively leaving behind the car a blue/whitish cloud of smoke. Back then, I had a rebuilt 180b bloc that I have kept for years. I didn't know exactly how it was rebuilt but I knew it was ready to be installed. Quickly, I took out the original engine and replaced it with the rebuilt bloc keeping in the back of my mind the idea that this replacement is temporary until I find the right time to rebuild the original one. After Christmas and New Year vacation, and with 2014 announcing major changes in my life, I decided to take the opportunity and rebuild the original engine. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dismantling going on</i> </td></tr>
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I faced the dilemma of which mechanic to choose for the job. It was either Bechara Ghsoub or Abdo El-Hage. Both are experienced mechanics who have more than 50 years of experience in Mercedes-Benz cars. Finally, I decided to opt for Abdo El Hage for mainly his free time (he is retired but has kept his garage), for his continuous enthusiasm and good speed of work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Abdo working hard on taking out the bloc</i></td></tr>
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The original engine did not need boring; the pistons (standard size) were fine and the cylinder walls too. Of course new rings and polishing were a must. Looking at the crankshaft, we noticed that it needed boring and that it was already bored 4 times! It hence needed replacement! Among the many parts I had, there was a crankshaft that was only bored two times! Perfect match! The head needed new valves, guides and seals, a few hours job with the availability of the parts. Finally, I had a completely rebuilt engine ready to be installed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>New bloc installed</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Assembling the head after valves, guides and seals change</i></td></tr>
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The installation process took few hours, the "new" engine quickly took its original place. Abdo, with his usual enthusiasm, and after saying few prayers, asked me to jump behind the wheel and start the car. Three cranks were enough to let the engine start! I was amazed by how smooth it appeared despite everything being new and hence still rough.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Assembling at its final stages</i></td></tr>
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I took the car for its first ride. Nothing seemed unusual except its high idle which was left on purpose to smoother the engine. I drove around 100km, from Beirut to Batroun and back. I was happy no overheating was signaled and the oil pressure remained straight at its max.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a thorough cleaning</td></tr>
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When I finally arrived home, I noticed some oil dripping from the front crank seal; a deception after all the work performed. The seal I had installed was a NOS piece: I learned the hard way to never install NOS items when it comes to seals, joints and rubber pieces as these items tend to loose their elasticity and sealing properties with time. I ended up buying a new one from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The seal number 15 leaked oil</i></td></tr>
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With the new front seal installed, I started driving and enjoying more and more my car. The break in period has been completed now: An oil and filter change, greasing and an engine bay wash is all what is required.<br />
The next project will involve the rebuilding of the heating system; I admit it is a big challenge. <br />
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-18707943309846347182014-02-27T13:15:00.000+02:002014-02-27T13:15:13.545+02:00The 1 Euro Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZYsEaqUfdzsDoAIvzY-JVSxIy9K2rjDdIVZFEQ3jKhXBPySCp8OyD6XPy18E6XIcaEmKNDsOuqljxWi6VJsUJuS43KHCM-oZGUnpYIFawIFDHbeSQrGOwmozt8VKZrcGRQEdUGywyP1-/s1600/$T2eC16R,!yQFIjTp1J-hBSW821!imQ~~60_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_872720="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZYsEaqUfdzsDoAIvzY-JVSxIy9K2rjDdIVZFEQ3jKhXBPySCp8OyD6XPy18E6XIcaEmKNDsOuqljxWi6VJsUJuS43KHCM-oZGUnpYIFawIFDHbeSQrGOwmozt8VKZrcGRQEdUGywyP1-/s1600/$T2eC16R,!yQFIjTp1J-hBSW821!imQ~~60_12.jpg" height="317" ita="true" width="320" /></a></div>
An eBay find...a beautiful picture showing a family proudly posing in front of what seems to be a newly acquired Mercedes-Benz 190b ponton. <br />
This type of pictures was very common back then. The car symbolized a certain social status, a certain success. I don't know who are the persons in the picture, I know it is taken in Austria in 1959. From my analysis, the "grandfather" or father (person supposedly taking the picture) of the little boy has acquired this car. On a sunny weekend day, the whole family went out of Vienna or whatever other city to enjoy a nice ride in "dad" or "jeddo"'s new car. The young boy reminded me much of my childhood when I used to wait for Sundays to go on a 1 hour ride to a certain restaurant where endless family lunches took place. The ride to the restaurant was always more enjoyable than the ride back home...when the Sunday afternoon down-mood syndrome attacked me...when my mind started excessively worrying about a homework I have not completed or an exam I am about to get its results...<br />
This picture has awaken in me all these feelings, of course we never posed in front of a Mercedes-Benz ponton when we were kids as these cars had already became obsolete and almost disappeared from circulation but we have posed in front of a 1983 Honda Accord, a 1988 Pontiac Bonneville and a 1994 Cadillac STS...not to mention the exciting ride in ammo Walid's (my dad's best friend) 1970s white Jaguar...<br />
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<br />Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-62418803492732734332013-11-28T00:39:00.000+02:002013-12-31T12:52:17.180+02:00Once Upon a Time...Beirut by Bus <div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
I grew up in Beirut, witnessing its unique chaos, traffic, noises, cars smoke, Mercedes-Benz W114/115 "atech" and W123 "laff" honking all around looking for passengers...etc. I grew up without noticing that my city had almost no public transport...oh with the exception of these old always empty white and blue Berliet or Karossa buses blocking the roads, stopping everywhere, desperately competing with privately owned, newer and smaller Brazilian Mercedes-Benz buses. I admit I was never able to draw their pattern or to discover their route...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Abandoned Berliet PR100 in Mar Mikhael old train station - Beirut </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy: </span><a href="http://www.bus-planet.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.bus-planet.com</span></a></td></tr>
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I grew up listening to my dad's stories on how he used to jump of the Tramway traveling from the old downtown to Bliss street...and on how in 1964, the Tramway service was discontinued, replaced by buses commonly called "Jahech El Dawleh" (the State's Mule). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Tramway in downtown Beirut. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">They were green before being painted red & white in the late 50s</span></td></tr>
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I never had the curiosity to ask about these buses, their operating system, their routes...etc. No one seemed to have stories to tell, no one seemed to have any related memories except that they were used as streets barricades in the 1975-1976 phase of the civil war.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">An abandonned Saviem-Chausson in Beirut. Courtesy: Imad Kozem</span></td></tr>
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Time elapsed, downtown Beirut was destroyed then rebuilt in an awkward manner and I started looking for old pictures desperately trying to live and feel the long-gone spirit of the city. </div>
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In the many pictures I found, in addition to my favorite Mercedes-Benz 180/190 ponton, there was always beautiful off-white and red buses’ traveling on the main axes of the city. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStlhTYfJIanPSbn5BaJXr2TxydTxbz1vafJVUZzagzu3RXWaiMxxJXYI5KbTND_oD9MKt1ZgEMLYxf8SHWVQ6WAjfa1_Xhxaxqi6fBEnYDdhQxuKJ0DCcWjcTIP9Qatdvk1Tbg7B6-F4q/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStlhTYfJIanPSbn5BaJXr2TxydTxbz1vafJVUZzagzu3RXWaiMxxJXYI5KbTND_oD9MKt1ZgEMLYxf8SHWVQ6WAjfa1_Xhxaxqi6fBEnYDdhQxuKJ0DCcWjcTIP9Qatdvk1Tbg7B6-F4q/s320/IMG_0846.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jahech El Dawleh going from Debbas Square towards Bechara El-Khoury square. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the Mercedes 180 and the W114/115</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8piXiKrkS5ANX-5_T4J2Zs4pVYOJd8UyJgVxFDvfA4JgzGDG2OJUStIVropJ12lUhNyMeJ6Ze19UuwcxozIcyWG_OpQKNk_GHhb90mvHs3DCVqDt_psyD-_oDDwA0p7niNgEPU9hKTkjL/s1600/556124_10151276450530829_1313684078_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8piXiKrkS5ANX-5_T4J2Zs4pVYOJd8UyJgVxFDvfA4JgzGDG2OJUStIVropJ12lUhNyMeJ6Ze19UuwcxozIcyWG_OpQKNk_GHhb90mvHs3DCVqDt_psyD-_oDDwA0p7niNgEPU9hKTkjL/s320/556124_10151276450530829_1313684078_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beautiful SC-3 awaiting next to Parisiana building</span></td></tr>
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What was the brand of these buses? What were their characteristics? What was their route? Were they clean? Were they reliable? Etc. All these questions had no answers…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLB9jezM4DTFMcWaShyphenhyphenXMZKozWDOj-tqkOCzKNf94XqKlNQKM698xW_q-8zpd53egZ_DlCI4iywmiQC79W5-oUXbKj-vKcchRG8h4QWIksCrstRrpEDlJ5mdaMQIxfi2U4PfKuJ3jgUh-/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLB9jezM4DTFMcWaShyphenhyphenXMZKozWDOj-tqkOCzKNf94XqKlNQKM698xW_q-8zpd53egZ_DlCI4iywmiQC79W5-oUXbKj-vKcchRG8h4QWIksCrstRrpEDlJ5mdaMQIxfi2U4PfKuJ3jgUh-/s320/IMG_1782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Two Saviem-Chausson facing Rivoli building.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Direction: Bab Idriss then Bliss Street</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Heavy rain on the Corniche and an SC-3 driving "a contre-sens"</span></td></tr>
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My primary search led to the following results: The buses were French made Saviem-Chausson, a brand I never heard of before! The Saviem-Chausson buses were the fruit of the merger between two French companies obviously Saviem (Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Equipements Mécaniques) and Chausson Cars (a French company manufacturing utility vehicles since 1903). The Lebanese government and in an attempt to ameliorate the public transportation and decrease traffic jams in the city ordered 150 new Saviem-Chausson buses that would replace the already old tramway. These buses were the SC-3 model, the topnotch of the bus' industry back then. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green SC-3 in France. <em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy: gege75-53.skyrock.com</span></em></td></tr>
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Whether the bus system was efficient or not was the second question that came to my mind! Up till now, I am still not able to gather the needed information. Kheireddine El Ahdab, a friend living in Montreal and deeply interested in all the detailed aspects of daily life in the old Beirut described the bus service as inefficient, always late due to traffic jams, not having specified stops and generally lacking the required cleanliness. On the other hand, my aunt Annette described the bus service as efficient, clean and on time. She frequently used to take it from the National Museum Street to Koraytem. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A Saviem-Chausson facing the National Museum. Courtesy: Imad Kozem</span></td></tr>
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With the beginning of the 1975 civil war, the heart of Beirut was destroyed, the State paralyzed and the links between Lebanese cut. Whether these links were social, emotional or physical didn't matter; the war was there to cut them… The bus system as a physical link stopped, the Saviem-Chausson were mostly destroyed and used as street barricades; an ironical fate for a vehicle destined to solely connect the various parts of the city. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Another SC-3 on Debbas Square going towards the Martyrs' Square. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Notice the many Mercedes-Benz 180/190</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAAPIiZJpxR4NboHqizsZjZ5bNDf-YIUPdIUxLL0hedxy9BXgkCKMiFOaGhuSie1YfQ3oftHwulIO2EnazAhNNyyOUcT7POozVRP9iHbVhbi8wBwV96Dv7VniVJMtHXJsO1o0zUB5WDSP/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAAPIiZJpxR4NboHqizsZjZ5bNDf-YIUPdIUxLL0hedxy9BXgkCKMiFOaGhuSie1YfQ3oftHwulIO2EnazAhNNyyOUcT7POozVRP9iHbVhbi8wBwV96Dv7VniVJMtHXJsO1o0zUB5WDSP/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Martyrs' Square in all its splendor. Notice the Saviem-Chausson</span></td></tr>
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The war ended in 1990, Lebanese were told that they should re-connect together, without having the opportunity to discuss the past, why they fought and killed each others, why they destroyed their country…etc. Everything suddenly stopped, a page was turned and a “wanna be new starts” emerged… Quickly, the physical scars of the war were erased and downtown Beirut was transformed into a huge empty plot of land awaiting new constructions…and new “illegitimate” owners. No true efforts were done to heal the emotional wounds that the war left; no small actions were taken to re-connect people together. The once “big heart” that gathered and mixed all Lebanese together became a giant private property unable to tolerate one single bus stop where ordinary men and women could wait, discuss the weather…etc. before a certain “ja7ech el dawleh”, maybe the grandson of the famous “Saviem-Chausson”, would arrive and take them home, to loved ones, to work…etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6firF4QI0pz9Xxao-yBbB5sln67pjuq-XmabG4Bjr-oOQ4ERGFcFNG3qeGlcSvIF9xCOHdQTdUWSQfehyphenhyphenL5sjsflO3rOBxDnAHRlnJrlqeD7oHyesP3GIFyTQId8H9aTayeKRnhjzqqb/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6firF4QI0pz9Xxao-yBbB5sln67pjuq-XmabG4Bjr-oOQ4ERGFcFNG3qeGlcSvIF9xCOHdQTdUWSQfehyphenhyphenL5sjsflO3rOBxDnAHRlnJrlqeD7oHyesP3GIFyTQId8H9aTayeKRnhjzqqb/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Destroyed Saviem-Chausson SC-3 in Beirut. Courtesy: Imad Kozem</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Few days ago I passed by an old bus “sanctuary” on the “Corniche du Fleuve”. Some buses are still there; among them this Saviem-Chausson bearing deep marks of the war…I bet they mirror those engraved in people’s hearts.</span> </span></div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-36620704176661489532013-11-18T14:47:00.000+02:002013-12-31T12:08:36.814+02:00Swissvax Time Keeping a classic car in perfect shape is on its own a demanding task especially if its owner is kind of perfectionist. For me, the cleanliness, shining and immaculate functioning of my Mercedes-Benz 180b is subject to no jeopardizing under any circumstances; I always look for original parts, trust two extremely well experienced mechanics and use the best, yes truly the best, paint caring products. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopcNwOErNPWR52yqw47nkgzE0nN7AcW9lNmbFJ3hHEMddT8T8scEPsfzpTsBwmTcFUsSR83aslHyQj840c_fjo6gHp55HxZD1DpSd-dCqmTy2fMqg0Wk0L6mQ-PhA9CSp3himzilm_fBc/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_764204="null" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopcNwOErNPWR52yqw47nkgzE0nN7AcW9lNmbFJ3hHEMddT8T8scEPsfzpTsBwmTcFUsSR83aslHyQj840c_fjo6gHp55HxZD1DpSd-dCqmTy2fMqg0Wk0L6mQ-PhA9CSp3himzilm_fBc/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" zsa="true" /></a></div>
My car’s exterior color is the DB040 Black which on its own is one of the most difficult colors to take care of, hence the need to use the best products available on the market arises. After trying many brands I discovered Swissvax: a bespoke handmade series of waxes that vary in carnauba wax concentration and of course price. Using Swissvax on my car made me discover a new perception of “smoothness and shining”. In fact, I opted for the 2nd best product which is the Swissvax Concorso. The Concorso has a 52% concentration of natural carnauba wax along with many vegetable/ natural oils and aromas and constitute the best quality to price ratio in my opinion. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxbb5Hlj40zlXSsAqNr9-CoNsJQG-vGCUdwUrmZVuph1eK4N4aj-vVfDQHmicdFQWqgsXHvGP66Iv5KAE2ehs5BrRXk0Zzh1xgKcMS8AALvcUJhbmjKvJQhlT-BgMGtJ8lJ4HTOgqWsZp/s1600/2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_764204="null" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxbb5Hlj40zlXSsAqNr9-CoNsJQG-vGCUdwUrmZVuph1eK4N4aj-vVfDQHmicdFQWqgsXHvGP66Iv5KAE2ehs5BrRXk0Zzh1xgKcMS8AALvcUJhbmjKvJQhlT-BgMGtJ8lJ4HTOgqWsZp/s320/2.jpeg" width="320" zsa="true" /></a></div>
To keep my Mercedes-Benz’s paint in immaculate condition, I wax my car every 3 to 4 months using the non-abrasive Swissvax cleaner fluid and the famous Swissvax Concorso. The key to get the best result is the patience and love one puts in every polishing and buffing stroke! As a start, I clean my car from the garage’s dust and apply the cleaner fluid. Once done I wipe it out and buff it with the special Swissvax microfiber cloth. Afterwards, I apply the wax by hand and let it dry for few minutes before buffing it again. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliu6kKtLVPfIybk53PYKQc6HXv7JXnRYVyOCNP8ynRO05Ir8m1eWeKoL-lGuAieoi9XM8WM44C6I_HPw96GFgSz7LqPxWP7nchP5lsY2FzGJ8-7KfQceFpXPIFSdaCPvzyS62O8yhNHw0/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliu6kKtLVPfIybk53PYKQc6HXv7JXnRYVyOCNP8ynRO05Ir8m1eWeKoL-lGuAieoi9XM8WM44C6I_HPw96GFgSz7LqPxWP7nchP5lsY2FzGJ8-7KfQceFpXPIFSdaCPvzyS62O8yhNHw0/s320/Picture+001.jpg" /></a></div>
The result is generally immaculate, making me forget the fatigue and stand speechless with amazement in front of my shining Mercedes-Benz. Time has come for waxing! I will try mixing two waxes together; the Swissvax Concorso and the Swissvax Shield - a new blend that is able to fight nature's harshest conditions - hoping to get an even better result…stay tuned for new pictures… Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-62504665218352832602013-04-24T13:53:00.000+03:002013-12-31T12:53:12.321+02:00"Ponton Planet People"Jeff, <br />
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By writing the below paragraph on the IPOG (International Pontons Owners Group) forum you woke up in me old feelings I used to have back in the late 1990s and early 2000s when once school ended I would run to Kfarhata, put my ponton's battery on the charger, take off the famous Carcoon and "launch the season"!</div>
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Days have passed, my ponton's odometer flipped back to zero and I admit I still enjoy my car as much as the day I first bought it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jeff Miller's 1957 190</strong> <br />
<em>Note the fender's turn signals and the 190sl fog lights</em></td></tr>
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"Ponton Planet People": <br />
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"My 1957 190 sedan finally saw daylight this afternoon. Put the battery charger on it for an hour, and it came to life in less than 30 seconds (not bad for not running at all since last October). The original Blaupunkt tube radio (refurbished last year) played well. Brought the tire pressure up to 32 pounds, shifted into first, and went for a nice country drive. The heater was nice because it was only 46 (albeit sunny) degrees. Brakes worked well (no pulling, etc.), lights and blinkers all functioned. Even tested the cigar lighter, heater fan, and windshield wipers just for good measure. Next step (if it ever warms up): put some soap and water to the body – it was real dusty looking. Looks like 2013 is off to a good start!"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>My 180b in the old streets of Batroun</strong></td></tr>
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-91352092079026622862013-03-05T17:33:00.001+02:002013-12-31T13:47:03.058+02:00Blown Head Gasket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Les Caprices of the Pagoda "sont revisited"...</div>
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That is how I elected to start this post! I read once in my favorite magazine Auto Retro, that an old car "fait des caprices quand elle est maltrait<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black;">é</span></span></span>e</span>". So here we are..."she" was left alone for many years and suddenly we are trying to "get close to her" again...What would you expect? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>New shift lever bushing</strong> </td></tr>
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I finally got the new shift lever bushings when Bechara (refer to the previous post to know who is Bechara) called me:</div>
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"Ramzi, how are you"? </div>
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Me: "I am fine and you"?</div>
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Bechara: "I am fine too...but the car isn't fine"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Head still installed</strong><br />
<em>Note the water dripping from the 3rd plug hole</em></td></tr>
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Apparently, the engine was misfiring. Upon inspection, the 3rd spark plug was fouled with...water!!!</div>
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When water sneaks to a combustion chamber or mixes with oil, the head needs to be removed, maybe repaired and of course the gasket replaced. I was hoping it did not need any major work. </div>
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We finally took off the head, and to our good luck, all the water holes were intact. The problem lied in the gasket itself! Extremely thin machining was needed though. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>The oil and water holes are still intact</strong></td></tr>
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I am still waiting to find a new gasket on the local market! If I succeed, the car will be running in a matter of days. If not, I will have to order one from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. </div>
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I hope the car stops "caprice-ing" after this reparation...</div>
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The fuel pump is worrying me for no specific reason...</div>
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-66309071797772411582013-01-25T16:50:00.000+02:002013-01-25T16:50:15.525+02:00"Les Caprices" of the Pagoda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Following the route towards a perfect pagoda; unexpected surprises come along the way! Hence, a month ago, while taking the car for a short drive, I suddenly felt that the automatic shifting gear lever became too loose. I tried shifting from 4 to 3 but nothing happened! The gear was stuck on the “4” position making it impossible to shift to P or to N or to R. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0t-YSZwLhBMH_vayYy1LOyv2UzU7Xh-sSJyw6HKBEgYBC4QlAgHS_GhNgofm-Zr3LljBq6JLJ1RfcLZZjQCUahV8U8WM23aE5UgivvK3aouUCyrJ9n6TO1RFy9LXtPeL_R9-DvFtA4K/s1600/mbz_w113_auto_shift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBF0t-YSZwLhBMH_vayYy1LOyv2UzU7Xh-sSJyw6HKBEgYBC4QlAgHS_GhNgofm-Zr3LljBq6JLJ1RfcLZZjQCUahV8U8WM23aE5UgivvK3aouUCyrJ9n6TO1RFy9LXtPeL_R9-DvFtA4K/s320/mbz_w113_auto_shift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Luckily I wasn’t far from my cousin’s home; I succeeded to make a U-turn and to park the car. </div>
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Then Christmas came with its usual festivities all preventing me from effecting any reparations. </div>
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Like all cars freaks, I didn’t want to stay in the dark regarding this issue especially that my cousin mentioned that few years ago the same problem happened with the car!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ktNCIvf3D7mT31MvEntnP4NJmhXhj2fGnB_Zihma5i5LFT36xFnurFACrpoq92nk5qlwy9zhVr69W-NsELQ0nLJB2ECxwIGmX04eeae7UdyrB4xGuO9u-iUbNL7uR3co0NQ5i3bxMIY/s1600/IMG-20121214-WA002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-ktNCIvf3D7mT31MvEntnP4NJmhXhj2fGnB_Zihma5i5LFT36xFnurFACrpoq92nk5qlwy9zhVr69W-NsELQ0nLJB2ECxwIGmX04eeae7UdyrB4xGuO9u-iUbNL7uR3co0NQ5i3bxMIY/s320/IMG-20121214-WA002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In fact, and after a preliminary examination I discovered that the bushings (# 760 on the exploded diagram) connecting the lever to the gearbox detached from their male connection due to the normal movements of the engine and gearbox when the car is running. </div>
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Why do they detach? After careful inspection and analysis, I discovered that this happens for two reasons:</div>
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The bushing itself is weak</div>
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There is play in the whole lever mainly due to worn bushings number 728 in the exploded diagram. </div>
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A quick fix would consist of re-attaching bushings number 760 to its correspondent “head” or “male” and tightening the whole with a metallic wire! Will I do so? I might if and only if I am unable to find bushings 728! </div>
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Yesterday, I decided to finally take the car to the repair shop; the same one who had put it back on the road. </div>
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Bechara Ghsoub will decide what will be the best and most practical solution. Personally I tend to change all the worn out bushings if new ones are available…Yes! If new ones are available! That is the challenge! </div>
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-66682326585641579352013-01-10T19:03:00.000+02:002013-01-11T07:46:17.414+02:00Observing a 1953 Buick Roadmaster Coupe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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And comes the time to try something new! I admit I have never driven an American car older than my dad's 1988 Pontiac Bonneville that he owned from 1992 till 1997. I wonder how driving a 1953 Buick Roadmaster with automatic transmission would feel like. </div>
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Acquired few years ago and completely restored, this car belongs to my uncle who has kept it sitting for few years. A quick look at it shows that it might only need new tires, some normal fluids change and the usual tuning. </div>
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The year 1953 marked Buick's Golden Anniversary year. On this occasion, the old straight eight engine was replaced by a legendary new, smaller and more powerful V8 engine that would fit the newly designed Buick Roadmaster.<br />
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Simple yet rich in chrome, this Roadmaster gave Buick the needed momentum to venture into the golden era of the 50's. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrTkR60oH6rvUAsXbHUp_L1Lqk2a0_YuPZXbmhDwYali_ZIRksZ4tweLSrXglYh-nRlqk6dH0bemT6qpgd9GuGbPJkBE-yk7NvXhJWL4LL04Z3DcElLhIYq_3mQ4xty6yk9Hx2HhWCqfP/s1600/DSC00609%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrTkR60oH6rvUAsXbHUp_L1Lqk2a0_YuPZXbmhDwYali_ZIRksZ4tweLSrXglYh-nRlqk6dH0bemT6qpgd9GuGbPJkBE-yk7NvXhJWL4LL04Z3DcElLhIYq_3mQ4xty6yk9Hx2HhWCqfP/s400/DSC00609%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The car will need waxing to give the red paint its usual amazing shine and the chrome will need polishing to take out the dull spots in some areas. I will be tackling this issue as soon as I start the car and take it for a short drive. <br />
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The interior of the 1953 Roadmaster is spacious and simple. The emblem on the center of the steering wheel was specially designed for the Golden Anniversary: It has the Buick's logo in gold surrounded by the famous "Power Steering" in gold too. In fact, the power steering became a standard equipment as of 1953. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vz2kgwIGo0UAwIySZMOZvhtIJCqznKlaHHZfHtJz3uGzjIdfv_ophQ08V9csTkwYE31jJTriXi0RB6Hv_5mF68xsTBZr5UL6LaQhwg6bFiIaE1DlqJUucCh-1CdgUpbdtJ-jNmlOKVKG/s1600/DSC00610%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vz2kgwIGo0UAwIySZMOZvhtIJCqznKlaHHZfHtJz3uGzjIdfv_ophQ08V9csTkwYE31jJTriXi0RB6Hv_5mF68xsTBZr5UL6LaQhwg6bFiIaE1DlqJUucCh-1CdgUpbdtJ-jNmlOKVKG/s400/DSC00610%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite part in the 1953 Buick Roadmaster's interior is its radio and the chrome speaker housing. The radio operates only on the AM band and is provided with the "Selectronic" also known as the "Wonderbar" among the Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. The "Selectronic" is an electromechanical system that allows the radio to automatically search for, and stop on, available stations. I can't wait to start the car to check if the radio functions, if it has good reception, if the "Selectronic" works...etc. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLUXh6nIYhaIuoBuubWfq2P0jCV8-g5OvS6QDiYBUV_ExIBByqqrDmU5t0OIe-4adNiSVhwMxO2FRPy_JYKHW7AMmR77vX_U1KE4pqtsdne2OIP4YiM_2aNWBLr9ja0knmznCpnzuEfne/s1600/DSC00611%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLUXh6nIYhaIuoBuubWfq2P0jCV8-g5OvS6QDiYBUV_ExIBByqqrDmU5t0OIe-4adNiSVhwMxO2FRPy_JYKHW7AMmR77vX_U1KE4pqtsdne2OIP4YiM_2aNWBLr9ja0knmznCpnzuEfne/s400/DSC00611%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Those are my <span style="font-family: inherit;">preliminary</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">observations vis-à-vis this</span> car. Certainly, driving it will be a unique experience. I can't wait to have it running, waxed and cleaned. </div>
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Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-11221407380628053392012-12-27T17:03:00.000+02:002012-12-27T17:03:06.641+02:00A Visit to the Homeland of Pontons<br />
While surfing the net, "ebaying" for ponton parts I allowed myself to save some old pictures proposed for sale on eBay. <br />
What I liked about those pictures, is the fact that they reflect genuinely the daily life in Europe back in the 1960's and early 1970's. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce_WZVXelJyvPcbZWsjkWKdb094Albp6mo0QgDcqzoEmziER4l1jC8GKlT4wLD7hPf7SJVz-Btttk6w365LH-w9c-W47MVZS6NVpLaghR1ET725J7gJFlnJqLytqjiS6OlT6VttmvDXEn/s1600/A3897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce_WZVXelJyvPcbZWsjkWKdb094Albp6mo0QgDcqzoEmziER4l1jC8GKlT4wLD7hPf7SJVz-Btttk6w365LH-w9c-W47MVZS6NVpLaghR1ET725J7gJFlnJqLytqjiS6OlT6VttmvDXEn/s320/A3897.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here above, the legendary taxi driver stands proudly next to his ponton! The Mercedes-Benz pontons remained the taxi drivers' faithful companions for years!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuXHwCHxn52Sz4Q60_UPAL8dwNee_bIesps-u0K8LzLQR1N0aMq0FzFMpMh_Vbstz567_iUFnnNeNrScLuyjlAlNgOo25T_BpSQhyc4tVVwaGzTI_-Q_0JpqyoWl9yIYUO4b-o-Bdmw6k/s1600/A19138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuXHwCHxn52Sz4Q60_UPAL8dwNee_bIesps-u0K8LzLQR1N0aMq0FzFMpMh_Vbstz567_iUFnnNeNrScLuyjlAlNgOo25T_BpSQhyc4tVVwaGzTI_-Q_0JpqyoWl9yIYUO4b-o-Bdmw6k/s320/A19138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A typical old european country side road. The Ponton is part of the decor. Note the old style street light; this same model was used in the streets of Beirut back in the 1960's.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rPvo7zvYSjYZ2ZV-2LTSN2FEcVkdreuC3PI59yx9KalR6ZntttFRvHtnq1PWzfljfUuPnVWnO4BO_xLl4Fy82L_pMrVRwgiz8xM0o8038uOFfkwsRfa7F9M6PPBHpxBetz7ZURcJrwcq/s1600/A16761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rPvo7zvYSjYZ2ZV-2LTSN2FEcVkdreuC3PI59yx9KalR6ZntttFRvHtnq1PWzfljfUuPnVWnO4BO_xLl4Fy82L_pMrVRwgiz8xM0o8038uOFfkwsRfa7F9M6PPBHpxBetz7ZURcJrwcq/s320/A16761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Modernity by the 1960's standards: A 180b parked behind a VW Beetle and what appears to be a gray Fintail in front of a luna park in Berlin. All three cars are legendary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnPdcyQCIHK-Xbkf_9JSQpbtWmhNVgwEX3rnEvRAF8srWU5gEBYDzbRwURBAiD8zCjKCdALPMo7qto37UBUHAKaN__fIRt20oE4-37zsS7SMmQ5XxZTE5P1or9OpwTv-8jjQwSqIuZALl/s1600/A15026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnPdcyQCIHK-Xbkf_9JSQpbtWmhNVgwEX3rnEvRAF8srWU5gEBYDzbRwURBAiD8zCjKCdALPMo7qto37UBUHAKaN__fIRt20oE4-37zsS7SMmQ5XxZTE5P1or9OpwTv-8jjQwSqIuZALl/s320/A15026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A picture from the late 1960s or early 1970s. Youngsters selling dairy german products. Note the relatively tired 190b with the "Germany" badge on front grill. The architecture of the building on the right is typical that of the late 1960's early 1970's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3VVuxASaQc5UjUtVuD1LGE_p6maGnLeJLfurCgJ1qoPkKYYG0_HzeMsYuAi6C7kqrRdiwSB-8JgbmqW8xgqIA2XIWJKJZBIbAcZnIYA7iH9e3-DfHKgeIbTTAMLqJeVsKmdLBKhN044a/s1600/A14728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3VVuxASaQc5UjUtVuD1LGE_p6maGnLeJLfurCgJ1qoPkKYYG0_HzeMsYuAi6C7kqrRdiwSB-8JgbmqW8xgqIA2XIWJKJZBIbAcZnIYA7iH9e3-DfHKgeIbTTAMLqJeVsKmdLBKhN044a/s320/A14728.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A policeman in a German village. The serenity of the countryside is explicitly shown in this picture. Again, popular cars parked next to each others; a ponton, a beetle and what appears to be a Fiat Cinquecento.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTDQYVKluX1-altpwjQSDJssuuyywo2OGjZvA_5PIe73Mc9lZGGFXP1AIVUuHUh_vYx1YOglkx973YEHGmsQZ9gtFMN0TycSNwJM5j29opgZsjBO99WBMY_7Q6YbWu438KT88ze1hUeRh/s1600/A4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTDQYVKluX1-altpwjQSDJssuuyywo2OGjZvA_5PIe73Mc9lZGGFXP1AIVUuHUh_vYx1YOglkx973YEHGmsQZ9gtFMN0TycSNwJM5j29opgZsjBO99WBMY_7Q6YbWu438KT88ze1hUeRh/s320/A4526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Band members? A folkloric group? The 190 ponton with the remarkable "D" (for Deutshland) metal oval plate, the big square license plate and the roof rack seems to be a reliable and comfortable car for the group.<br />
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<img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Qbp-FDTuj089bOEwSUO8zyF3WXRalDIi35sx9JgRSf1AaPS5A32I5EyNX5ZiVcUmLCZTvJ7GSm8PLZBYUAdClQSUfDTte8vzP6ectjrMlpJCRPoB7r8bBotmPMPv-hmYqP5m6ZQvoAx1/s320/A10600.jpg" width="215" /></div>
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Beetles, VW Samba, an Opel Kapitan station wagon and a 190b. Note the extremely tall antenna! What was the radio this ponton had? A Becker Mexico? LeMans? A Blaupunkt? A Philips? Or perhaps a rare Telefunken? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvt7m3EOBCLMLRDddOpfkEXHjVu-RnUQgrJeSGXL7RQrF4kHcIKOX6dZ0qjtXO8NMAFgePOoy6A02XLg2cs1mJ4JdtVEHYgFy5yPKo8bDsPvfaNW3_n2FAGP6iudGykPncl4ZgaY32HUE/s1600/A2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvt7m3EOBCLMLRDddOpfkEXHjVu-RnUQgrJeSGXL7RQrF4kHcIKOX6dZ0qjtXO8NMAFgePOoy6A02XLg2cs1mJ4JdtVEHYgFy5yPKo8bDsPvfaNW3_n2FAGP6iudGykPncl4ZgaY32HUE/s320/A2700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 220S/SE was the top of the line of the Ponton series. Note the large white wall tires; an option on all the Mercedes-Benz models of the era.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzZfmev1BlmYlttisFZidIY8Ex_G-OXcBPaIoLowTvRhsMaD6uXVBvurIK0RSZzLJZnC1A1gw9UJLkq8AGadpgSvun-7G4VdCtDKhPY3qBAcg2cBMihpi9V6ZmxK4rG-NVqvwzpa8Oy70/s1600/A10066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzZfmev1BlmYlttisFZidIY8Ex_G-OXcBPaIoLowTvRhsMaD6uXVBvurIK0RSZzLJZnC1A1gw9UJLkq8AGadpgSvun-7G4VdCtDKhPY3qBAcg2cBMihpi9V6ZmxK4rG-NVqvwzpa8Oy70/s320/A10066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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An austere looking hotelsilber (silver hotel) with the typical late 1960s architecture. The 180b or 190b is as usual there...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiwsNWL1FvSKwwGrhQBoZhR-SVTjkUdMzSUiUZBFyjI83bBbF3PRQOKI_URFKrtCBYBxaTGA1zyJGX5aVs_7JRdEhWI1XRv1JhhUX0kT2J_hvZ9HyTP5miRUO3t900ol7XdOpByUkFsOJ/s1600/A13860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiwsNWL1FvSKwwGrhQBoZhR-SVTjkUdMzSUiUZBFyjI83bBbF3PRQOKI_URFKrtCBYBxaTGA1zyJGX5aVs_7JRdEhWI1XRv1JhhUX0kT2J_hvZ9HyTP5miRUO3t900ol7XdOpByUkFsOJ/s320/A13860.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A typical European "Auberge" or small hotel most probably in Germany or Austria. Note the 2 Mercedes-Benz ponton, the VW Beetle and the popular Renault Dauphine.<br />
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A group of tourists contemplating the mountains. Which mountains are these? The ponton is a rare two tone painted car. An amazing scenery that makes me want to drive my ponton there!</div>
Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-89481586093455214132012-12-20T16:59:00.000+02:002012-12-20T17:17:14.361+02:00Hoping for Syria<br />
I still clearly recall the old yellow Syrian taxis traveling on the Beirut – Tripoli highway. As a kid, obsessed with cars, I used to ask my dad, every time we crossed one, about the brand, type and year of manufacturing of a specific car. I used to cross old Desotos, Buicks, Chevrolet…etc. Of course there was no need to ask about the Mercedes-Benz fintails (often seen) and the Mercedes-Benz 180/190 pontons; I was already an expert…<br />
My dad had always a story or a remark related to each model. He used to give me the exact year of manufacturing and how the model was perceived when it first appeared. <br />
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Back then, owning a car in Syria wasn’t something easily accessible because of the economic restrictions. People used to preserve their cars and pass them from one generation to the other. Today, years later, these cars have disappeared; replaced by new Hyundai, Kia, Toyota…etc. <br />
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Looking back at those days and at the memories I have from the few times I traveled to Damascus visiting some relatives, I wonder if, God forbids, the Syrians lost the unique spirit their cities (Damascus and more precisely Aleppo) had, in the same manner Lebanese lost the unique spirit of Beirut! <br />
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Looking at the ruins of the Aleppo’s old souks, I see myself, and without any effort, comparing them to those of Beirut’s old souks! The places where all the people from different background mingle and mix together, these fusion hubs that fortify and unify the society, that make the identity of the Syrian society, are being destroyed! <br />
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I can’t but wonder if these destructions are made on purpose! Only time will tell and only the reconstruction process will show! <br />
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I hope the Syrians and with the help of strong Syrian public institutions will be able to rebuild their cities “from crap and not from scratch”, as Naomi Klein says! I hope the extremely rich Syrian/ Arab heritage will be preserved, the original roles of the old Souks will be safeguarded and the productive society relying on its resources and creativity will be shining. <br />
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Hope and faith are all I have! Till then, I will be once again looking at old yellow pontons, fintails…etc., associating them with gone good days… Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139401885483248674.post-14184370985050034832012-08-18T02:13:00.000+03:002012-12-22T12:37:23.592+02:00Route to Perfection: Episode 1<br />
The 1970 280sl Pagoda I am writing about in this post belongs to my cousin. It has been "sleeping" since 1998. Few months ago, she decided to restore it and re-use it. A close inspection of the car made me realize the following: <br />
• The engine still turns <br />
• The interior is still in very good condition with the exception of the dashboard wood <br />
• The body contains what looks to be some deep rust spots under the 25 years old dull white paint <br />
• The weather strips are shot <br />
• The tires are extremely dry <br />
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After pulling the car out of the garage, and turning the engine manually to get some oil pressure, I poured gas into the tank and tried to start it. I had to crank the engine a lot only to get some brief and non-continuous firing. <br />
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Obviously, the Pagoda needed a specialist's intervention. Few days later, I transported the car to Bechara Ghousoub's repair shop. Bechara is a mechanic with more than 40 years of experience in Mercedes-Benz cars. <br />
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Bechara started by examining the fuel tank. Indeed, it seemed full of old fuel and blocked by rust. The cleaning process was long and painful since two helpers had to fill it with a cleaning product, sway it then let the liquid out. They repeated this process around 10 times until no more rust was coming out! <br />
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Once done, Bechara re-installed the tank with an additional fuel filter before the fuel pump intake in order to collect any remaining residues. Once re-installed, we poured some gas and tried to start the engine. Two or three cranks were enough to let it start after almost 15 years of "sleep". The engine ran smoothly with absolutely no smoke. <br />
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Now that the engine was running, we started doing the usual maintenance work such as changing the engine's oil and filter, brake pads and seals, gearbox oil, thermostat and coolant. We will install four used tires in good condition and grease the suspension. <br />
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Once completed, and the car running flawlessly, my cousin will decide on the right time to paint it and change all the weather strips! Definitely, this is an amazing experience with a unique car! Stay tuned as the journey to reaching perfection has just started… Classic Cars Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16387873409196279800noreply@blogger.com2