US restoration information

[rob walker]

Can any of the US members of our group advise me on the following restorers and if they are highly regarded for their work.

1) Dave Twitchell
2) Al Poskus (Autobahn West)

Thanks Rob

Rob Walker

[hauser]

I can not vouch for these guys I have not had any dealings with them.  I have heard Dave does very nice 300Sl work and is a very good engine rebuilder.  Sports Leicht in N.C. does very nice work. I thought that Al Poskus had passed away.

There are quite a few reputable shops out there.  I am not sure what part of the country you are in.  It's always nice to be able to visit the shop prior to and during dif stages of the work.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[rob walker]

Hauser, thanks, its actually concerning work they did on a restoration some 6 years ago.
The car is being advertised at Dearborn, a dealer I believe you are familiar with and they have given these names.
In fact dave Twitchell actually owned the car.
Living in Europe this will take a special trip to the US to view, how have you found Dearborn to deal with?
Rob

Rob Walker

[hauser]

Rob I was going to direct you to the Dearborn site when I replied to your first post.  It seemed there were similarities in your criteria.

As for Alex Dearborn I found him to be a very good person to deal with.  Prices are negotiable. His policy on the cars that are for sale is the buyer has a "trial period" if you are not happy with it he will refund all your money except for transportation costs.  This trial period is only for the cars he owns.  I do not know if this is a consignment car.  If you are in doubt I would have Gernold www.sltechw113.com  check it out for you before buying that trans Atlantic ticket.  You may check with Hatch and Sons to see if they offer an inspection service.

If there is anything else you need just ask.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[rob walker]

Hauser, note that Gernold has Dearborn on his website do you know if they are closely linked therefore how unbiased for an inspection?
Do you have a contact number or email for Hatch and Sons?
Thanks Rob

Rob Walker

[Douglas]

For what it's worth, Gernold, Dearborn, and Hatch are all friends. (In my experience, all decent people too.)

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[hauser]

Gernold has always been very candid with me.  If he doesn't like something he'll say it.  He and Dearborn are friends and have had many dealings.  One thing about Gernold is that he won't sugar coat it.  If he says "it's a very nice car" most likely it is.  On the other hand if it's not a good car he'll tell you to stay away.  Do not quote me on this but I believe he charges something in the $300 range plus expenses (travel time) to inspect and go through a car.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Ed Cave]

I considered this same car and learned a little about it in the process. Apparently it has had two color changes and several of the body panels have been replaced. On the bright side, I found Alex Dearborn to be very candid and honest. Twitchell is know to be a 300sl affecionado and my feeling is that this 280 underwent a quality restoration. Sure looks nice from the photos.

[hauser]

I have one question about this car.  In the description Dearborn states "optical ignition."  Can someone explain this to me?

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[rob walker]

Alex, informs me the car has been sold. Agree someone will be drivign around in a very nice car.

Rob Walker

[Cees Klumper]

Hauser - some electronic ignition systems use an optical trigger, rather than (I suppose) magnetical. I'm not sure which one of the two systems is also called "Hall effect".

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[hands_aus]

Cees,

The Pertronix is a "Hall effect" unit.

If you need more info about the "hall effect" look here

http://www.fact-index.com/h/ha/hall_effect.html

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto