flood concerns

[dakno]

Hey Owners
This is my 1st post so???
I have had a titled 1965 230sl since 05. Its a very early manufacture date, around # 2000 built,  fall of 64, 3rd owner, all history known. As far as I can tell all body panels are original , its a unmolested car. Mechanical restoration nearly complete to factory specs with nos or new Benz parts. We had a rainwater flood here in New Orleans 5 weeks ago. Since then I have been working with adjusters (Haggerty), mechanics, upholsters , etc. My main concern at this point is what am i missing as far as damage? Fresh water was over the seat bottom for 5 hours. I know new interior, fluids. We just figured out the starter was dead and most likely the alternator. My question is what else should I be looking at? Exhaust system was completely submerged for hours. Because of the high water and humidity water vapor accumulated inside of the gauges. What about the new climate control system installed 2 years ago (the 4 plastic wheels)? New electric antenna was under water. new rebuilt becker steamed, also clock rebuilt in Germany steamed? Water level was 2" above body side moulding, at the top of wheels, just over the top of front bumper. What should I be looking at? Adjusters only included the most obvious ! Water did not get over the trunk floor. What about window regulators? Help please!!!

[teahead]

Was water found in the engine?

Possible it still can be saved with draining the fluids, removing spark plugs, and pouring marvel mystery oil in there while cranking the engine.

All the solenoids and relays may need replacing.

Heater blower and controls work?

Has AC?  If antenna motor got water logged, AC unit maybe screwed up.

Inside door panels will need inspection, but make sure all water drained out there.

What a mess.  You had agreed value insurance I hope.

Got Hagerty to insure Edelweiss for $65k.

[JamesL]

What a mess....
Won’t the sills/rockers have filled up/ need draining/drying
Does the fuel pump work?
Lights?

[Pawel66]

I am very sorry for what has happened....

From my off-road experience:
- it takes much longer to dry everything than it seems, much longer
- obviously: do not switch on anything until certain it is dry inside
- engine cranking only with plugs removed, but I would not try it before a lot of items are dry
- check for water in oil
- exhaust - maybe in Pagoda lifting front of the car will help, the rest will be blown/dried later
- you most likely have water in the rear axis - drain it, dry it
- you may have water in the gear box as well
- I would remove all carpets, chairs, door panels for drying and verifying if re-usable (you did that)
- make sure all drain points are de-clogged, those on frame members
- smaller items - relays, coils, clock, but also speedo or instrument cluster - I saw people putting them in bags with rice for a day or two in a warm place (rice is very hydroscopic); all youtube techniques of drying a cell phone would work here, I suppose

You tube may be a source of advise as well...

Maybe opportunity to get to places you needed to get to, but there was no time? Just trying to find something positive there...

[mnahon]

One of our members, BaronYoungman, went through this a few years ago. You should try contacting him and learning from his experience.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18339.msg128109#msg128109

[zak]

Dakno, I am so sorry to hear of this terrible happening.
We feel your pain. What a shame and waste.

But you got some good advice and direction  here.
Maybe also contact the MB Classic Center too for help.
You need expert help.

jz   

[stickandrudderman]

(rice is very hydroscopic)

Funny, I made this mistake for about the first 20 years of my working life.
It’s actually “hygroscopic”!😀

[JamesL]

It’s greased lightnin...

[Pawel66]

Funny, I made this mistake for about the first 20 years of my working life.
It’s actually “hygroscopic”!😀

It is indeed, thank you for pointing this, I will remember now .

[EeVeeWee]

Make sure all the hollow parts of the chassis can ventilate and may be there is a paint shop in the neighbourhood with a heated cabin? There you can put it a time with raised temperature and good ventilation to let the water evaporate.

[dakno]

Dash Instruments , speedo had water droplets inside? Condensation inside other instruments, Is there a source for rehabbing these ? Were still working on everything else. Haggerty has agreed to replace interior, however they had no allowance for starter and alternator which were totally underwater and now nonfunctional. I have already submitted 1 supplemental claim and working on a second. Thank you all for ideas

[stickandrudderman]

It’s greased lightnin...

yes James, but no hydraulic lifters or four barrel carby!

[Iconic]

Dash Instruments , speedo had water droplets inside? Condensation inside other instruments, Is there a source for rehabbing these ?

dakno,
You can try North Hollywood Speedometer or Palo Alto Speedometer, both in California.
I've used them for Porsche speedometers and clocks, as well as Pagoda clocks.
Other members might have other suggestions.
Good Luck.

[zak]

dakno, how is your flood restoration coming?

jz

[ja17]

Close the car up in a garage with a couple running de-humidifiers ASAP.