Greetings,
I have just joined the forum because I am contemplating the purchase of a 1965 European market 230 SL. The car has not run in 10 years and has been stored outside in the upper Midwest for at least 5 years. It has 43K (original) kilometers according to the owner. The car seems to be complete and includes the hard top and at least the frame for the soft top. There are rust issues (surprise!) but the worst of it seems to be that the floors of the driver and passenger side are completely rotted. The frame seems to be sound and the trunk has only a small hole. The interior is ratty, but complete. Both fender have dents, but there is no other bad body damage. All of the glass is intact and the bright work is all there, but not all shiny.
My plan if I buy the car is to at least dismantle it myself and appraise the damage. I have some mechanical ability, but have never done body work or paint. Having said that, I am reasonably patient and would see this as a 5+ year project. I have a barn that I can use to store and work on the car.
To my unpracticed eye, the car is a bit above a parts car, but needs a great deal of work to put back on the road. I think the car is cheap enough ($5000) to justify buying. If it turns out to be way more than I can handle, I suspect that I could part it out and double my money. However, I would much rather get it back on the road as I have always wanted a Grey SL with a red interior. ( The car is currently dirty white with a ratty tan interior).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If any one it interested, I can post pictures.