Cradle for 280SL

[CJHenderson]

I'm getting ready to remove the engine and once I have done that I plan to build a cradle using the jacking points to be able to move the car around and to transport it to a body shop. Has anyone done this?

[Shvegel]

Here's mine.  The tongue is removable by removing a few bolts.  It's been from Minnesota to Detroit to Cleveland and back to Minnesota.

[Shvegel]

Here's a better shot.  I didn't like how the pins were retained as they relied on a bolt in shear so shortly after this was taken I welded the pins in.  They are together for the duration.

[CJHenderson]

Thank you for the photos that helps a load. Also my next question was to ask about bracing the door area so the car wouldn't bend without the doors and that was answered in your photos. Now I know just what to do. On last question was how did you lift the car into the cradle? Thanks

[Shvegel]

I lifted the shell with a couple of ratchet hoists and some straps around the car.  The shell is pretty light so it doesn't take much.  After I took the photos I moved the tongue jack to the main body of the cradle so when you pull the tongue it is still supported.   If you are doing any major structural work fit and keep the hardtop on the car.

[Shvegel]

Here is the best shot I have of the door bars.  Seat mount to hinge to door lock striker mount.  If I had to design the trailer again the upright posts going up to the jack points would fit into sockets with bottoms on the trailer.  That way if a bolt breaks the car isn't going to fall off.  If you are not going far it doesn't matter but if you are I would weld chains on the uprights to the frame so if something lets go the upright won't go bouncing down the highway.  

[Benz Dr.]

I suppose if your car was very rusty bracing would be a good idea but a solid shell should never move around. These cars are much stronger than one might think. The doors and hard top provide minimal reinforcement.

[CJHenderson]

Looks like I have a fair amount of corrosion but not sure to what extent, just don't want to chance it. This car is a northern car and it's loaded with Ziebart which if moisture gets between the body and the application of that material there will be corrosion. And by what I see it was not the greatest job.