New to Pagoda

[CJHenderson]

Hi to all, I would like to introduce myself. I have a 1970 280SL that I'm going to try and restore. This car is located in Little Rock, Arkansas and has over 100,000 miles on it and is in bad need of restore. The body is in good condition but it sat in my wife's garage for over 18 years deteriorating until I met her. We sent it to the Mercedes dealer here to get it running and it cost over $9000 and two trips to them to get it running somewhat. I've only have restored one car in my life and that is a 1950 MG-TD. Knowing that this project will be a thousand times harder I will be picking everyone's brain for guidance. Here is the MG.

[stickandrudderman]

The first piece of advice I can give you is get it out of the main dealer as fast a possible!

[CJHenderson]

I already did that and I feel that with the advice good or bad from this board I'll be able to do this restoration.

[dseretakis]

It doesn't look bad at all. What does it need?

[CJHenderson]

Up close it looks shabby. The motor needs total gasket and seal replacement, interior weather beaten and showing dry rot, and exterior was at one time repainted and the fool that did it put it on thick along with orange peal look.

[kampala]

Welcome!

You will find amazingly detailed information here.  Make use of the Technical Manual and use the Search function.  This is a very helpful international community --- there are many here who are incredibly knowledgeable and generous with information.

What's the history of the car prior to the 18 years it was sitting?   Was it in the family since new?

Enjoy,

[CJHenderson]

My wife got it in June of 89 and had 98,393 miles, then after her husband passed away in 96 she lost interest in the three vehicles that were in the garage.

[Iconic]

What are the other two ?
I'm sure I'm not the only curious one.

[CJHenderson]

A 1950 MG-TD and a 1990 Corvette ZR1.

[Iconic]

Nice !!