Restoration Finally Complete

[Ed Cave]

This seems like a good time to thank all of you who were helpful and supportive during my 280's restoration. This Forum has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to learn a lot about a car I knew very little about.
Yesterday, Intercity arrived and we unloaded the Mercedes and loaded the Porsche 356. I can't say enough about my experience with Brian Peters, owner of Motoring Investments and the outstanding job he did on the car. Working with him was an excellent experience, he has a real passion for these cars and it would be hard to find someone any more honest and pleasant to work with on a year long project like this.
Now I just need to learn how to drive the car! Take a look at the interior photo and you'll notice the car is parked but the transmission is a long way from PARK [:0]
OK, now a few photos to share. Enjoy!
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Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1964 356C
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[Kenneth Gear]

Congratulations..the car looks great!
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Tom]

Ed,
Very nice restoration-congrats!  One question-is the interior parchment?  Leather or Tex?
Best,
Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[hauser]

Beautiful!
I also noticed Brian has added another page of the restoration on his site.
1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Ed Cave]

Tom:
I know this will make some people crazy but I did not use an original Mercedes material on the interior. [:0] Instead I selected a very rich leather, similar in color to parchment but one I feel compliments the 158 White grey body color much better. All of the detailing (embossing, pleats, welts, etc.) are correct. I expect to own the car for many years and simply wanted to use a high quality leather of a very specific color that makes me very satisfied and happy   . No doubt that is the designer (my profession) coming out in me.

quote:Originally posted by Tom

Ed,
Very nice restoration-congrats!  One question-is the interior parchment?  Leather or Tex?
Best,
Tom
1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0 (wife)
2006 GS430

[TR]

<< I know this will make some people crazy but I did not use an original Mercedes material on the interior. >>
Ed -- Doesn't bother me a bit.  Personally, I agree with your decision.  It would be a simple matter to return to original materials should you wish to do so.
Tom -- You'd earlier asked what leather I'm going with.  My interior guy this time selected a Fine Scottish Leather from Douglass.  Grain is similar to the original, but the product is of a higher quality.  He ordered 6(!) hides for the job this time ... 6 is a LOT.  But he's going to be very selective, and there will doublessly be oodles of remants.  (any carpet edges, floor mats will be trimmed in this leather ... original steering wheel wrapped with it, hopefully the sun visors, etc., etc.) Also, there will be extra for some experimenting that'll be required for the new seat heaters, seat fans, and massagers.  I suspect he'll use some in the trunk too.
As discussed earlier, it would not be a big deal to put everything back to original design and materials if and when desired.
Tom in Boise  (although now on Orcas Island in the San Juans)
'71 280SL 4-spd, signal-red, lt. tan leather, enhanced.

[Ed Cave]

Thanks for your reply, Tom.
Given that I was making a pretty significant financial investment in the car I took liberty to modify a few things to be sure the car was exactly what I wanted.
For example, in addition to the leather I:
Changed headlights from US spec to Euro version
Deleted vertical bumper guards
Deleted side marker reflector lights
Added RH outside rearview mirror
Installed wool square weave carpet correct for older models rather  than the nylon product that would have been original to most 1971's
Changed radio from Europa to Europa II Stereo
Installed wool square weave carpet mats in trunk rather than rubber mat (should be less prone to moisture/rust issues)
Changed steering wheel, shift knob and seat lever tips from black to ivory
It is my opinion that these modifications give the car a cleaner, more classic appearance and provide an added touch of richness.
I mean its not like I added aftermarket wheels, round tail lights or painted it teal or fuscia!
(and oh yeah, I painted the wheel wells black [:0] )
Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0 (wife)
2006 GS430

[J. Huber]

Looks great Ed. How exciting to have a "new" car in your garage.
The picture that impressed me is the rear shot -- your trunk gap couldn't be any more perfect.
Just promise you will drive it every chance you get!
James
63 230SL

[Kenneth Gear]

I think we'd all agree that the enhancements you made are all tasteful and subtle.  Most importantly they make you happy!  
I know it would make me happy too to be driving that car.
Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Bearcat]

And you bought a GS430? A CLS/ Cayenne/ AMG/ didnt catch your eye?

[Ed Cave]

Bearcat:
The GS430 is my "Office Lease/Daily Driver". I realized I had 3 cars and they were all 2-seaters so when the lease came up on my SC430 I decided to get a sedan or, as they refer to them, a "Luxury Sports Sedan".
Its funny, it came down to the GS vs. a Cayenne S and when I realized how often I cuss  :twisted:  at SUV's when I am in my little cars, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The new 2006 GS's are pretty sweet, even for a Japanese car.
Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0 (wife)
2006 GS430

[114015]

Just stunning!
Congratulations, Ed.
Enjoy!
Best,
Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)