Help with 280SL restoration in Minneapolis

[EricR]

Hello,  New member here.  I am helping a friend with his recently aquired 69' 280.  The car is very nice having had a recent restoration on the US East Coast.  Having said that, it does need a few things to make it right.  I am seeking a shop in the Minneapolis area that could do a great job with such things as having a few small pieces replated, panel fit needs work where hood meets left fender, add three point retractable belts, etc.  Can anyone here recommend a dependable Mpls shop that knows their way around a 280?

Many thanks for any help.

roy

[mdsalemi]

EricR,

There are quite a few Pagodas in the greater Minneapolis area.  I can put you in touch with a couple of people who can connect you to this group.  Contact me via PM with an email address and I'll forward your contact information on.

[EricR]

Thanks for your response Mike.  I've been trying to determine if TopGearAutoWorks might be the right people to take care of my needs but so far I haven't found any information except what their website shows.  Do any of you Mpls area members have any information, opinions or experience that might help direct me?

Thanks,

roy

[Shvegel]

There is a guy in Duluth that would probably pick up and deliver. Probably one of the best bodymen on the planet and a great fabricator. I have known him for 30 years and he is very honest and reasonable as well. His name is Rick Ollah (218) 428-3538  He is currently doing massive repairs to my body shell.  He is well connected to great mechanics if need be.

[pagoden]

How about Albrecht Stachel, "Chief Bottle Washer" at Brooklyn Motoren Werke in Brooklyn, Wisconsin?  [Just south of Madison.]

I don't personally know him or his work, but as a former midwestern lad myself, and one who used to style my (quite modest) operation there (in Iowa) as "Clarke Streete Carriage Werkes" -- blush: it was a long time ago and I was actually trying for irony -- I've long been intrigued by this apparently broad-spectrum and high quality Mercedes specialty house located in a large barn near a tiny town named Brooklyn.

You can get an introductory feel for the Bottle Washer and his Werkes on page 70 of last fall's Star magazine out of MBCA, where the first of his "regular technical column(s)" appeared in the September/October issue.

Best luck with the quest.  Please keep us posted as to what you find and how your friend's project goes.

Denny  

[RonB]

Why not give Bruce Kelly at Lake Country Classic in Minneaplis a call

at 612 724 1399. If my memorie serves my serve me right he is in

the  process of restoring 3 or 4 113's. right now

His specality of bringing old 113's back to life. That would  be 100 pont aoutobmiles

I know he has door panels on hand. Also has all the catloges for leather, vinvl

and carpet. He has source for many parts for me.

It would be a shame to have to drive to Duluth or Wisconsin when your can go see his shop

just off I94 & 33 ave south and see your work in progress.

One of Bruces 300SL Gulwings restorationa just sold for over $700K. at auction.

[Bob G MN]

Eric,
By all means call Bruce Kelly.  He worked on my 113 and did a great job.

Bob