Dressing Rhino up...

It's been a long time since I updated this blog. After a hiatus of over 1 year, there is some focus being put on Rhino. I took a break to allow my focus on other objectives and also to take a financial break from all the parts and labor paid for in rebuilding Rhino.

To begin with, Rhino has been sent to a restorer who specializes in the W124.

I am working to achieve a few goals this time, which are:

  1. Touch up the exterior to color-match all panels
  2. Apply and obtain the classic certification which allows for a road tax reduction of 80% bringing down the annual road tax from over RM 1600 to a reasonable RM 325.
  3. Address the fuel fume smell in the cabin
  4. Address minor issues like a faulty steering lock that does not engage and also a lamp relay module that is faulty

As his place is about 250km south of where we are and Rhino does not have a valid road tax and insurance on it at the moment, we had to tow it. I have been informed and agreed that I am in no rush and he can take his time to address the work.

A few weeks later I was shared with an update that the touch-up painting has been completed. What was done was the left rear most cladding was missing and has been reinstalled while all 4 missing jack hole covers were replaced. This was then painted along with the front bumper and trunk lid.

Before:

Reinstalled missing rear cladding trim along with jack hole cover

All marked spots are to be painted for color matching

All marked spots are to be repainted for color matching.

After:



Next was to check on the fuel smell observed in the cabin. The check revealed broken/chopped charcoal can hose on the chassis. It is believed that fuel fumes were escaping from this hose and into the cabin.

This was rectified by replacing the broken hose from the charcoal can to the secondary fuel injector MOT valve and also from the charcoal can to a hose around the left front wheel. This would resolve the fuel smell issue. I am unsure if there are any other effects on the performance and fuel consumption as the hose connects fumes from the fuel tank through the breather valve, passing through the charcoal can and into the MOT purge valve. 

Next would be to send Rhino to the Road Transport Department for an appointment to obtain the classic status certification.

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