At the end of 2020 I found this forum as I was in need of educating myself to an awesome car I just took on as a mild renovation, a 1969 280SL. From previous experiences with a 1970 BOSS 302 Mustang and a 2005 Ford GT, I knew a well experienced, well operated forum was a must.
A family friend inherited the car from his aunt and uncle (original owners) in 1994 and had it shipped to Los Angeles from Honolulu, where it was delivered from the factory. He kept it running but never got around to cleaning it up as was his intention. When he passed away from cancer in 2014, his widow and young daughter kept the car and occasionally drove it.
In mid 2020 she decided to move to Colorado where her family lived and she could not take the car at that time. I told her I was looking for a new project and would be happy to take the car and after performing some needed work on it I would send it to her. Today is the day she and her daughter received the car.
My original 2 year schedule took a hit when I was diagnosed with leukemia, but I was able to really get started on it in October 2022. The interior was the main target and with the help of you all and the forum’s technical manual and notes, was able to work through repairs and such: replace controls to the heater/vent mechanism, replace all carpet (thank you Len for great price on the carpet kit), steam clean, prep and re-dye all leather and headliner, refinish wood pieces, polish chrome, etc. The paint (so so repaint in 1992) cleaned up a lot better than I expected it would and chrome/stainless parts did as well.
The car was running too hot, so I sent it to the mechanic that had worked on it for my friend. They replaced the clutch fan, thermostat and radiator and now it cruises at 180. Brake fluid, oil, fluids, filters, spark plugs, gas was replaced and new Hankooks were installed. I wanted to be certain when owner and daughter received the car it would be in fine running and driving condition.
So as the thread title says, I want to sincerely thank this community for always selflessly sharing your collective experience and wisdom on this great enthusiast automobile.
Best of health and times for you who continue to own and enjoy your Pagodas!
