What would be a no-brainer in a ground up restoration?

[RobSirg]

Hi There,

New member here. I am about to embark on a new restoration (near total) of a 280SL manual (or standard) transmission (RHD) and was hoping to tap into the brains trust for some tips.
I am wanting to know which parts should be replaced in a total restoration if you could.......... regardless of the condition of the original part?
Firstly, I'm all for retaining the original item and would much prefer to restore and refurbish original items and went to great length to retain my original hose clamps, wiper washer reservoir, firewall padding, etc, on my first Pagoda. However, seeing as I am having this next car pulled apart there are some items that should simply be replaced as a no-brainer due to their availability, low cost, likelihood to fail, difficulty to replace once assembled, etc. I'm not referring to cosmetic items- only working parts. Items such as speedo cable, gear linkages, clutch plate, etc? Also what items are highly recommended for overhaul / service - Eg: Brake booster, Gearbox?, Fuel pump?, etc? Sadly, whilst I would love to work on this myself I am have limited experience and even less time so I will mostly likely be paying for professionals all the way......ouch! (thankfully, after my first car I now have a decent list of trusted people).

Many Thanks

Rob

[ctaylor738]

 This would probably be better posted in the General Discussion, but here is my opinion.

If you are doing a true ground-up restore, you should plan to remove and inspect all mechanical components.  Electrical such as fuel pump, starter, alternator should be replaced or rebuilt.  The rear end should be re-sealed and re-bushed.  Shocks and all bushings replaced.  The front end should be taken apart, cleaned, and put back together with worn components replaced and all rubber replaced.  Brakes (pads, rotors, rubber lines, parking brake cables, master cylinder) should be new.  The booster should be rebuilt.  If the engine and trans are good, then they should be resealed, otherwise rebuilt.

In other words, when finished the car should basically be new, or close to it, mechanically.  This is what I did on my 280SL project, and I'm very happy with the results.

Good luck,

CT