Author Topic: A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here  (Read 3603 times)

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here
« on: December 20, 2013, 15:19:28 »
Links to a fantastic restoration (by Darek) most of the photographs also have captions. Even if we are not restoring our car at the moment or doing any work on it, the photos (I think) provide a perfect point of reference. As they say “A photo is worth a 1000 words” sometimes when we look for an answer to our question even more then that.

Mercedes W113 Pagode 1967 250SL Restoration

Link here ---> https://picasaweb.google.com/dkdariodarek/MercedesW113Pagode1967250SLRestoration

Mercedes W113 Pagode 1967 250SL Assembling

Link here ---> https://picasaweb.google.com/dkdariodarek/MercedesW113Pagode1967250SLAssembling

Mercedes W113 Pagode 1967 250SL Final pictures

Link here ---> https://picasaweb.google.com/dkdariodarek/MercedesW113Pagode1967250SLFinalPictures

Anyway, I found it very informative and interesting that is why i share it here with you folks Enjoy.
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

garymand

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Re: A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2013, 17:49:48 »
Wow, great detail, very nestalgic.  Every thing was cool until I got to the front suspension and saw the Monroe shocks. 

If you know this guy, tell him to toss the Chevy shocks and get Bilsteins.  In fact, the 4 bar Bilsteins I saw in earlier pictures are aftermarket/replacements and rated heavy duty.  Heavey Duty for the Bil;steins means not just tighter specs and more robust construction.  It means higher dampening rate.  The rears should be 2 bar to match.  My 4 bars are 30 years old and I think they are still in-spec.  I have to pull them out to test them.  You test them by compressing the shock and measuring the length of shaft that won't compress, (go in).  Less than 25mm is good, the go-no-go spec. 

Bilsteins are the best in the world.  This car is the best in the world.  Why would you put cheap Chevy shocks on a Mercedes??  Also the gas shocks are calibrated to add spring pressure to the suspension.  And the valving is matched to how Mercedes wanted these cars to ride.  Unless Monroe has greatly increased their quality and make a comparable GAS shock, and match these to the MB spec... No forget it Please don't put Monroes on a mercedes: it will not respond like a mercedes.  That is how important the Bilsteins are to the suspension on these cars.  I don't even trust KYJellies.  My ride is too important to compromise on $50 a shock.
Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2013, 18:11:52 »
Hi Gary,

Yes I saw that too, no I don't know the fellow other then he just joined the German forum site. I only shared since I found the photographic record excelent I don't like to nit pick on what people do to there cars, I think that is there own affair. From some of the photos in the "Final Photo Section" I think he may be a Benz Dealership somewhere in eastern Europe, looks like the finish product is on display in a MB / AMG Showroom. I ordered Bilsteins shocks for the rear of my car and had them installed. I soon need to change my fronts and when I do they also will be Bilsteins (quite a bit more expensive then the rears, then they have to look after all that front end weight). I properly will do this after I have the control arm bushings replaced.
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

dario

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  • W113 1967 250SL Euro model
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Re: A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2013, 20:38:40 »
Hi,
It seems like I should give you here a bit of explanation.
Yes, indeed I received 2 front Monroe shocks as a bonus from the supplier of the spare parts for purchasing whole set put it into front suspension and forgot. Then I've found some information in another thread about the Monroe shocks (General Discussion  |  Topic: Restoration Difficulty Level - REPLY #345) and was a little bit confused about it.
But after deep analyse (among other things how Bilsteins work in other MB: G-Wagen) I realized that Gary is right: for Mercedes Bilstein shocks match the best. That Monroes in front suspension will be replaced before she will go on the road. It's already decided.
Rolf-Dieter, no I'm not Benz Dealership but ordinary private person. Simply, after I ended my work my local Dealer in Wrocław/Poland asked me to put my beauty for few weeks into the AMG stand in his showroom as a little exhibition and a special event. I have to say, that she looked there like at home.

Dariusz
Dariusz

1967 250SL Euro model (early)
1992 350GDTurbo (expedition)

bogeyman

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Re: A nice Pagoda restoration of a 250SL worth sharing here
« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2013, 21:03:29 »
Dariusz:

You certainly achieved an excellent result!
Congratulations on a beautiful Pagoda!
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio