1967 250SL Automatic Restoration

[likes2laff]

Sorry in advance if some of my questions in this thread seem random. I spend a lot of time trying to find answers here without asking questions and I'm usually successful (this is a great site). Sometimes, I have to admit defeat...and here I am.

When I was examining the front wheel hubs after removal, it looked like they were plated. Is that correct, and if so, with what?

The same with the front wheel hub spindles...not the entire cast iron piece, just the machined spindle portion...if yes, what is it?

Finally, the rear axle halves appear to have a plating at least on the hub ends...any info?

Your help is much appreciated.

[Shvegel]

I think what you are seeing is simply shiny machined steel in the areas you mentioned.  Keeping in mind I was researching a 280SL here is what I came up with in the rear. The only plated part would be the small plate that retains the axle and mounts the parking brake which should be yellow cad plated(yellow zinc). The ends of the axles are only painted from where the rotor seats out.  I am pretty sure the axle ends would not have been plated due to any plating thickness issues would cause a wobble in the rotor and plating can cause the steel to become brittle through a process called Hydrogen embrittlement.   In the front the hubs are painted black including the wheel bearing dust caps and the rotors are left natural.

[thelews]

You can use my car as a guide for the 250 SL.  The previous owner was fastidious about every item being factory correct.  Took pictures before taking anything apart (I have them!).  Click on the FLickr link below.

I should mention, he polished the valve cover and refinished the dash wood to a higher gloss than original.

[Shvegel]

Found this front from the "Holy Grail" 280SL from Motoring Investments. I don't think the black brake caliper is correct.

[Shvegel]

black hubs showing and rear detail on same year W108

https://www.flickr.com/photos/auto-clasico-mallorca/4569970279

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14887.0