Classic Benz Mechanic in DC Metro Area

[teddyk]

Hello, I recently purchased a 1971 280sl and I'm looking for an experienced mechanic to handle maintenance and long-term restoration in the Washington, DC metro area.  Any recommendations would be much appreciated.  Thank you!

[Mike Hughes]

Welcome Teddy!

There are a number of us here in the D.C. metro area.  When things clear up I'm sure that we will all want do one of our local gatherings again and hope you will be able to join us.  In the meantime there are several technically competent local members who contribute to these forums from time to time and are likely to see and respond to your post and may be in a position to give your more advice than I can.  In addition there are a handful of technicians at local M-B dealers who know their way around '60s and '70s models. 

For instance, my 230 SL was sold new at American Service Center (now known as Mercedes-Benz of Arlington) and my stamped service pages show that it has been maintained by them every 3K miles since the very first delivery service performed in 1966.  Other area M-B dealer service and parts departments in both MD and VA also cater to owners of older models in my experience and there are some independent shops in the area which can maintain Pagodas well.

Post a photo of your '71 when you can, we'd all like to see it!

[teddyk]

Thank you - Looking forward to it!  Here's a picture of my 280:

[Leester]

Hello Teddy, Welcome. You might check in with Chuck Taylor in Falls Church - basically straight out Rt 50 to 7 Corners from DC. He posts here and is very helpful.

[Mike Hughes]

That's lovely.  Are the seats leather or M-B Tex?

I would also recommend Chuck Taylor, but was reluctant to do so in my earlier post as I had not asked his permission to give his name out.  As regular viewers of these forums may remember, Chuck and Ray reached out to offer their services when my 230SL burned a valve a few years back.  She has been running like a champ ever since, including a 1500 mile round trip from Alexandria to PUB 2017, Asheville, NC via the Blue Ridge Parkway, Hightown, VA and back to Alexandria.

Pagodas are wonderful cars for traveling.  See:  https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28366.msg218162#msg218162  I thought nothing of driving the 230SL on a day trip to and from Greenwood, VA to meet Garry and Kate while they were staying with the Sargeants at Ramsay Farm.

I hope you get a chance to take it out for a nice run soon!

[teddyk]

Many thanks Mike and Leester.  Mike, the interior is a tex material, not leather.  Also not original, but a nice color complement with the black exterior.