INSPECTION REPORT

 

Date:                                                                      February 15, 2007

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Inspector:                                                              Van C. – Please request title be available for photo

Date and Time of inspection:                            Saturday, February 17, 2007 at approximately 3:00 p.m.

With whom did you confirm appt:    

 

Year, Make & Model:                                           1973 Mercedes 450SL

Dealership (if any)                                                                                              

City/State/Zip:                                                       Walnut Creek, California  94597

 

Instructions:                          This is a pre-purchase inspection.  Our client is the buyer. He has the following concerns (PLEASE PUT IN BRIEF RESPONSES BUT BE SURE TO INCLUDE THESE IN THE REPORT AND OVERALL COMMENTS):

1.   CHECK ENTIRE VEHICLE FOR RUST, INCLUDING UNDERCARRIAGE, FLOOR PANS AND AREAS IN FRONT AND BACK OF WHEEL WHEELS. REPORT ALL FINDINGS ON REPORT FORM AND DOCUMENT WITH PHOTOS.

2.   CHECK FOR BONDO, DENTS, PITTING CHROME, WEAR ON INTERIOR, INCLUDING SEATS, CARPET, DASH, HEADLINER, ETC. REPORT ALL FINDINGS ON REPORT FORM AND DOCUMENT WITH PHOTOS.

3.   RECORD ALL NUMBERS ON REPORT FORM, INCLUDING THE TITLE VIN, VIN PLATE, TRIM TAG (CODES FOR BODY, TRIM, COLOR ETC.), ENGINE, AND ANY OTHER NUMBERS ACCESSIBLE.  DOCUMENT ALL WITH PHOTOS.

4.   CHECK TIMING CHAINS AND REPORT ALL FINDINGS AND DOCUMENT WITH PHOTOS.

5.   WHEN ARRANGING APPOINTMENT, REQUEST TITLE (OR A COPY OF) BE PRESENT FOR TAKING A PHOTO. IF NOT AVAILALBE, EXPLAIN WHY.

 

Photos –                Please take digital photos of all four corners of the exterior of the car, the frame rails, floor pan, oil pan, interior seats and dashboard, gauges, steering wheel, odometer, convertible top, carpeting, trunk, back seat, windows, chrome, metal panels, doors, etc. Also take photo of trim tag and VIN tag if available. Take photos of anything that is not right on the car.

 
Test Drive:

Does the vehicle drive straight? Y or N

  NO

Steering Performance? Tight or Sloppy

  TIGHT

Brake Performance? Good or Needs Work

  NEEDS WORK

Suspension Noise? Comment

  NO

Bounce Test? Comment

  YES - GOOD

Comments:         

THE VEHICLE PULLS SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE PULL BECOMES GREATER WHEN BRAKING CONSISTENT WITH THE CALIPER HANGING UP. 

 

Engine:

Engine Size:

  4.5 V8

Designation: (SS)

  NO

Performance

  GOOD

Oil Level / Quality

  FULL & FAIR

Carburetor (Make/Model)

  MECHANICAL FUEL INJECTION

 

 

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  YES - SEE COMMENTS

 

 

Comments:

THERE IS A SMALL ENGINE OIL LEAK TO A DRIP FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE. THE RIGHT EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS BEEN RECENTLY REPLACED. THE BATTERY IS NOT THE CORRECT SIZE. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN RECENTLY DETAILED.

 

Transmission:

Transmission Type:

  AUTO

FWD / RWD

  RWD

Fluid Level / Quality

  FULL & GOOD

Clutch Operation

  GOOD

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

Miss Shifts

  SLIGHTLY DELAYED

Performance

  FAIR

 

 

Comments:

THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED SLIGHTLY LATE CONSISTENT WITH TIME AND MILES. 

 

Steering:              

Steering Type

  POWER RECIRCULATING BALL

Performance

  GOOD

Fluid Level/Quality

  FULL & GOOD

 

 

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

 

 

Comments:

THE OWNER MENTIONED HE REPAIRED A POWER STEERING LEAK RECENTLY. 

 

Brakes:

Brake Type:

  POWER ASSIST FRONT DISC / REAR DRUM

Performance:

  FAIR

Fluid Level / quality

  LOW & POOR

Noises

  NO

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

 

 

Comments:

THE VEHICLE PULLS SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE PULL BECOMES GREATER WHEN BRAKING CONSISTENT WITH THE CALIPER HANGING UP.

 

Rear End:               

U-Joints:

  GOOD

Performance:

  GOOD

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

Noises

 

Comments:

THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS WET WITH FLUID FROM THE PINION SEAL. 

 

Air Conditioning:

Air Conditioning:

  PERFORMS POORLY

Operation / Noises

  NO

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

 

 

Temperature Control:

  POOR

 

 

Comments:

THE A/C COMPRESSOR DOES ENGAGE BUT THE SYSTEM NEVER GOT COLD. 

 

 

Suspension:

Suspension Type

  FRONT: LONG ARM/SHORT ARM AND INDEPENDENT REAR

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

Operation / Noise

  NO

 

 

Drive Train Type

  RWD

Operation / Noise

 

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

 

 

Comments:

THE REAR END RIDE HEIGHT IS LOW. THE EXHAUST IS DAMAGED AS A RESULT.

 

Cooling System: Radiator

Temperature / Fan

  GOOD

 

Performance / Noise:

  GOOD

 

Signs/Evidence of Leaks

  NO

 

Comments:

THE AUXILIARY ELECTRICAL COOLING FAN ENGAGED WITH THE A/C AS DESIGNED. 

 
Wheels / Tires Type:

Type (Manufacturer/Factory):

  FACTORY BUT FROM A DIFFERENT YEAR/MODEL

 

Tire Size:

Front – 225/55R16

Rear – 225/55R16

 

Tread Depth:

  10/32"

 

Comments:

THE TIRES ARE NEW FUTURA BRAND, MODEL: ALTRA. 

 
Exhaust:

Type

  FACTORY SINLGE OUTLET

 

Mufflers:

  FACTORY STYLE

 

Headers:

  FACTORY MANIFOLDS

 

Accessories (i.e. chrome tips, etc)

  NO

 

 

Comments:

THE RIGHT BANK EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS BEEN RECENTLY REPLACED.

 

 (OP – Operational       INOP – Inoperable or       N/A)

Exterior Lighting

  OP

Interior Lighting

  OP

Horn

  OP

Turn Signals

  OP

Power Windows

  OP

Power Locks

  N/A

Power Seats

  N/A

Gauges

  OP

Power Mirrors

  N/A

Clock

  OP

Trunk Release

  N/A

Wipers

  OP

Security System

  OP

Fuel Door

  OP

Hood Release

  OP

Power Antenna

  N/A

Radio

  OP

Rear Defrost

  N/A

Cruise Control

  OP

Heater

  OP

Convertible Top

  SEE COMMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments:

THE INSPECTOR COULD NOT VERIFY THE CONDITION/OPERATION OF THE CONVERTIBLE TOP BECAUSE THE OWNER DID NOT HAVE THE SPECIALTY TOOL AVAILABLE. THE HARD TOP IS INSTALLED AND IN GOOD CONDITION. 

 

 

Interior:

Interior:

  GOOD

Seat Color:

  BEIGE

Seat Cover Material

  VINYL

Seat Cover Condition

  GOOD

Headliner/Dash/Carpet

 GOOD / GOOD / SOILED, WORN AND SLIGHTLY FADED

Trunk Area, Under Carpet

  GOOD/EXCELLENT

Comments:

THE REAR 1/4 INNER TRIM PANEL IS FACTORY REPLACEMENT BUT THEY ARE NOT THE CORRECT COLOR. THE PANELS HAVE BEEN PAINTED AS OPPOSED TO DYED. THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT WEBBING IS FRAYED. THE OWNER DOES HAVE THE CORRECT REPLACEMENT PART. THERE ARE A FEW SMALL SPOTS ON THE HEAD LINER. THERE IS A SPOT MIRROR ATTACHED TO THE LEFT SIDE VISOR. THERE ARE A FEW WRINKLES AROUND THE VANITY MIRROR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE CARPET WEAVE IS PULLING UP IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AT THE DRIVE-LINE HUMP.

 

BODY & PAINT

Exterior

  2 DOOR CONVERTIBLE WITH A HARD TOP

Quality of Paint

  GOOD

Body Straight? Waves?

  STRAIGHT

Any scratches, orange peel? (please comment)

  YES - THE LEFT DOOR HAS A SCRATCH APPROXIMATELY 3"

Color

  BURNT ORANGE/BRONZE

Collision Damage –

  NO

Sports Options

  NO

Glass Condition –

  GOOD

Any Signs of Bondo?

  YES - SLIGHT USEAGE

 

 

Rust anywhere?

(please be specific)

  YES - ON THE EXHAUST

Condition of chrome -

  GOOD

Comments:

THE INSPECTOR NOTED THE PAINT HAS SLIGHT ORANGE PEEL WHICH CAN BE WET SANDED. THE LEFT REAR 1/4 PANEL IS CHIPPED AT THE TRUNK. THE PAINT HAS OTHER SURFACE SCRATCHES/SWIRLS. THE CHROME IS NOT PITTED BUT THERE IS A DENT ON THE LEFT 1/4 PANEL BELT MOLDING NEAR THE DOOR. THERE IS A CHIP IN THE CHROME ON THE LEFT SIDE 1/4 GLASS TRIM.

 

UNDERCARRIAGE                                                          FRAME

Front End Type:

CONVENTIONAL DOUBLE A-ARM

Condition?

  GOOD

Floor Pan: Hard or soft?

  HARD

Any rust?

  NO

Trunk Pan: Hard or soft?

  HARD

Any rust?

  NO

Comments:

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNDERCOATED. 

 

Vehicle Modifications:

  1) THE WHEELS ARE FACTORY BUT NOT FROM THIS YEAR OR MODEL.

 2) THE HEAD LAMPS ARE FACTORY BUT FROM A EUROPEAN VEHICLE.

 

 

Comments:

               

THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.

 

 

IS THE TITLE AVAILABLE?                               NO - SELLER STATED HE LEFT IT AT THE OFFICE.

 

WHAT IS THE VIN NUMBER ON THE TITLE?               N/A

 

WHAT IS THE VIN # ON THE DASH PAD?                     10704412014258

 

WHAT IS THE BLOCK NUMBER ON THE ENGINE (IF ACCESSIBLE)? N/A

 

 

 

 

RECORD PLATE INFO (all info on firewall tag, fender tag, door tag or dash tag depending on the car):

 

PRODUCTION DATE: 7/73 MODEL #: 107 MADE IN GERMANY. MANUFACTURED BY DAIMLER-BENZ A.G. STUTTGART 

 

 

 

ARE THE ODOMETER TUMBLERS ALIGNED?                            YES

 

CURRENT MILEAGE:         107914

 

IS THERE MUCH BRAKE PEDAL WEAR?     NO         

 

CONDITION:                        CLASS FOUR                      

(See attached breakdown of Classes)

 

 

FAIR MARKET VALUE:                        $6,800.00

 

 

 

OVERALL COMMENTS:     

1)       THE ONLY RUST VISIBLE ON THE VEHICLE IS ON THE EXHAUST. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS UNDERCOATED WITH NO RUST INCLUDING IN THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELLS.

2)       THE ONLY BONDO/BODY FILLER USED IS THE SKIM COAT FOR THE FINAL METAL WORK FINISH. THERE IS A SLIGHT DENT IN THE FRONT VALANCE PANEL WHICH IS ALSO CHIPPED AND SCRATCHED. THE INTERIOR IS IN GOOD CONDITION.

3)       THE INSPECTOR COULD NOT CHECK THE TIMING CHAINS WITHOUT DISASSEMBLY.

4)       ITEMS NOTED IN ACCOMPANYING PHOTOS:

carpet pulled, stained carpet, swirls in paint, broken lower grill, scratch at trunk opening, diff IS leaking, headliner is stained, mirror on left visor, right visor material looks loose, scratch on side of vehicle, dented chrome.

 

PHOTOS:
Photo 1                  Photo 2                  Photo 3                  Photo 4                  Photo 5                  Photo 6                 
Photo 7                  Photo 8                  Photo 9                  Photo 10                Photo 11                Photo 12

Photo 13                Photo 14                Photo 15                Photo 16                Photo 17                Photo 18

Photo 19                Photo 20                Photo 21                Photo 22                Photo 23                Photo 24

Photo 25                Photo 26                Photo 27                Photo 28                Photo 29                Photo 30

Photo 31                Photo 32                Photo 33                Photo 34                Photo 35                Photo 36

Photo 37                Photo 38

 

 

DISCLAIMER: and the opinions expressed are exactly that, opinions. Many parts perform perfectly until the moment of failure. Failure may occur suddenly and without warning. The inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report cannot accept liability for failures, which may occur after the inspection is completed. By accepting this report, the consumer acknowledges that the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report, cannot be held responsible for any and all alleged vehicle defects, and further, the consumer releases and holds harmless the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report from any and all further claims on this vehicle. No warranty for this vehicle is implied or given by the inspector and/or all parties relative to the compilation of this report. In each case, the owner has the opportunity to see the car in person before he or she buys the car. Buying this car based on this report alone is completely at the consumers’ own risk.

 

 

 

 

CONDITION CLASSES

 

Class One (Excellent):

Almost always a “body off” restoration, or an untouched, factory-perfect, piece that is very close to perfect. All components are either original or appear as new and are fully operational. This car is a top show winner and is not driven, but transported to shows by trailer. This car is almost “one of a kind”. This particular class of vehicle is very rare. The vehicle is completely detailed, including the engine compartment, interior trim, wiring, suspension, paint, and frame. Ideally, this vehicle has been judged with other vehicles in its class and achieved the highest point ratings.

 

Class Two (Very Good):

This car is well restored with an eye for detail. The interior and exterior show minimal wear, and it runs and rides smoothly. The car is driven very little (maybe 800 to 1,000 miles per year). This class is a slight grade below Class One. A Class Two has not been detailed to the extent that a Class One has been. This class (Class Two) has some evidence of use and wear, although not very much. It is considered “cherry” or “mint”. This vehicle might appear as a Class One until judged against one. It would not qualify as a 95, or better, “point” vehicle. (This class should have no rust on the undercarriage, not even surface rust.)

 

Class Three (Good):

This is a functional, drivable vehicle in good overall condition needing no, or only minor work. Most vehicles at car shows reflect this condition. This car is what is termed a “20 footer”. From 20 feet, it may look very good. Close inspection, however, would reveal some worn interior trim, and less than perfect paint (worn, and perhaps faded). You may even see some early evidence that surface rust is beginning in the body panels. This car is completely operational and is an “older restoration”. It is driven fairly often, runs great, and is enjoyed by its owner. It is probably a candidate for a full restoration. The undercarriage may display surface rust, and may be in need of detailing. Chrome and trim may exhibit limited pitting.

 

Class Four (Fair):

This type of car is a fun “driver” with a solid frame and is structurally sound. This car is in need of considerable work. It needs work in and out. Cosmetics, body, and mechanical components all need work, to some degree. It is not a serious collector candidate. Soft floors, isolated areas where rust has eaten through (but not structural), excessive use of Bondo, lots of pitted chrome, glass repairs are symptoms of this condition. Badly soiled headliners, badly soiled and ripped upholstery, rusted out trunks are also signs.

 

Class Five (Poor):

This type of car is in need of complete restoration and may, or may not, be able to be driven. The exterior body panels have significant areas of rust-through. The floor and structural components may, or may not, be intact. This car is usually the first project for layman’s attempt at restoration.

 

Class Six (Parts Car):

This type of car is good for parts only.