keeping her alive

[jsaylor]

Well I'm about ready to dive in.  I've found someone that I feel has the talent and integrity needed to do major surgery on my '65 230SL.  Some floor panels, rocker panels... kind of scarry but she needs me and my attention.  May be jumping into deep water, but what the hell.  I'll keep you all posted.

Aloha,

Jim Saylor

[Cees Klumper]

Sounds great! These cars all 'deserve' a new lease on life, I hope the attack on your finances won't be too severe, and you will be able to enjoy the returns for many years. And we're here to help!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[hauser]

It's a shame so many are parted out and sold for spare parts.  I had a guy tell me if he could not sell his car he would sell it off piece by piece and make even more money.

Jim we need more people like you to give these cars a new lease on life!  Yes, it is a costly proposition but the rewards of a job well done will go a long way!

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Ben]

Yeah I'd be interested to hear how you get on. I am thinking about changing the front wings on mine, and possible the rear 1/4's too. There is some blistering at the wheel arches and rust behind the headlamps.

My floors and sills are all perfect but its time to bite the bullit. A friend suggested I remove the wings myself, with his help ( he's used to doing some small bodywork) but I dunno !

Has anyone ever done this themselves ??

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[Cees Klumper]

One thought Ben - there are repair sections for fenders, I had one welded in place on my rear quarter fender lip and the result is excellent. If the rust is local, it may make sense to work with repair sections. You can also buy the headlight buckets separately, so maybe that's a solution for that area.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Ben]

Thanks Cees !

Where can these be purchased from. Despite looking at most, if not ALL of the "on-line" webshops I have nevver seen the repair sections listed !

That would work on the rear end but the front wings have to be changed aswell as the buckets !

Any pointers ??

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[Cees Klumper]

You can try Van Dijk (send an email to Frank van Dijk) via their website http://www.classicsl.com

Also there is K&K Manufacturing in the US: http://www.kkmfg.com

Good luck!


Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello Jim,
As cees has mentioned  , try K&K Manufacturing in Michigan,
Tim Kidder has been manufacturing vintage Mercedes repair panels for about twenty years. He sends these all over the world. I am not sure what all they produce these days. He can help with other parts also. They have a nice on line parts catalog with MB part numbers.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Ben]

Thatnks for that......I'll make the calls !!

BTW anyone know how well these panels survive international / European shipping ??

Are they packed well ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor