Finally!

[Shvegel]

My chassis is finally back together.  A complete new skin as well as rocker panels and inner structure. It left Minnesota on it's own custom trailer bound for E-Coating at Redi Coat in Detroit. There it will be baked to 800 degrees F, dipped in acid, neutralized the dipped in epoxy primer.

When I get it back it should look like a body that was plucked off the assembly line.

[Valvechatter]

I am eager to see how it comes out! Thinking about doing the same with my Jaguar MK2 project. Please keep us informed.
Lin

[Flyair]

Shvegel,

tell us what the final car should look like (paint, interior etc...)

[Shvegel]

Original color was DB350 Medium Blue with Blue MBtex interior. I am switching to leather and converting the exterior from US to Euro spec.  This one is very close:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-SL-Class-280SL-1968-mercedes-280-sl-in-excellent-condition-/221344087932?forcerrptr=true&hash=item338922bf7c&item=221344087932&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[wwheeler]

That will be very cool!!! It is nice to have such a facility relatively close. What does the baking at 800F do? Is the epoxy primer the e-coat and is it heat cured?

I am sure you can't wait to have it complete.

[bsimaz]

What is the cost of having this done.  I too am looking at doing this for my latest project.

Thanks,

[Shvegel]

Baking burns of all the old undercoating and paint. It's a very slow rise in temp so it doesn't warp the metal.

Cost to do just the shell is $2700 which is in "ouch" range but it's really the only way to ensure that all the areas where the new panels were welded on are properly sealed. After spending so much rebuilding the body I figured it was good insurance to protect what was there. 

Here is a photo from the worst period.

[Flyair]

Shvegel,
it looks like a total chaos, but a very beautiful and promising one too

good luck

[Valvechatter]

Shvegel,

Hi,
Just wondering if you have gotten your car back from Mark's e-coating shop? In addition to knowing how satisfied you are with the process, I am also interested in how long it actually takes from the time you give them the car until you get it back? As I mentioned, my plan after some metal work is completed by my fabricator, is to take my 64 Jaguar MK2 to Mark. Perhaps the 280SL in a few years?

Thanks and I hope all is well.

Lin

[66andBlue]

Shvegel,
looks like you had quite a bit of work to do before you could drop it off?
http://redi-coat.com/preppart.html

[mdsalemi]

looks like you had quite a bit of work to do before you could drop it off?

That may be, Alfred--but not nearly as much work as he has AHEAD!! 

[Shvegel]

The fun is just beginning...  Started on my AC unit last night.  Louvers apart and sent off to be vacuum metalized(Plastic chrome), ordered new aluminum trim plates from Gernold, Spal blower in place.  I will sit down tonight and start ordering rear suspension bits.

[Valvechatter]

Shvegel,
Would you mind sending me a personal message? Your mailbox is full. Thanks,

Lin