New UK member advice

[paddockman]

Firstly thank you for the activation of my membership.

I have recently become the very proud owner of a 1965 230SL that had been my Father's car for the last 40 years. The car is basically sound but it is my intent to get a sympathetic restoration as befits the car of this nature.

The issues I'm aware of include poor rear wings and a complete paint refurbishment

The engine is in good order but the fuel pump seems to have issues with slow running, I'm unaware is the valve seats need doing to accommodate Unleaded on this engine? It has an auto box that may need setting up.

The interior is ok apart from the wood veneer and the seat covers are not original and would be better replaced. It needs a soft top and the hard top refurbishment

The question I have is - To whom should I turn for this work. I've looked at Roger Edwards but can't find a web page, also the SL Shop, however any recommendations on this would be very much appreciated.  Also I know it's like asking how long is a piece of string but I'd like some idea of the cost of refurbishments.

I live in the North East but in this modern era vehicle transportation isn't too much of a problem, that said the ability to see the work would be an advantage.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Keir

[JamesL]

Welcome Keir

Someone nearer you might be able to chime in... there was an MB club member who lived that way (now moved southwards) called Paul Jobling. Not sure if he ever joined here but he may know someone

SLShop: I've always thought to be 107 specialists. Roger Edwards Motors is in Amersham and is run by his son

You might give Colin Ferns (stickandrudderman) a call. He's in Richmond (ours, not the one in Yorkshire!) so far from local (moreso than say, John Haynes in Worthing who DOES have a glossy website). Flying Blue Dog transport might help you shift the car somewhere.

How badly do you need your hardtop done? For what they are, they can be notoriously pricey to renovate/restore! Don't think you need to do anything to run on unleaded (ethanol is more of an issue)

[AGT]

Keir

That sounds like quite a list.

I used Colin Ferns in 2015/16 to have my car repainted and for reasonably extensive mechanical work. I was very pleased with the work done. Also, Colin has the expertise to provide a detailed estimate which is reassuring when signing up to a restoration.

There are one or two to avoid!

I agree with James on the hardtop. I used to put mine on and off winter/summer but it has now been off the car for four years and now I understand why from time to time someone loses a hardtop.

Best of luck

[stickandrudderman]

I'd be happy to take a look for you but I'm some way away from you.
The one thing I will say is avoid at all costs the company with the brilliant marketing.....

[Liquid silver]

I can recommend Roger Edwards Motors. They had my 65 230 for 5 months over the winter doing a complete concourse detail of the engine bay, fitted sun visors and seat belts. They also did a complete refurbishment of my hard top not cheap at £4.5k + vat but came back like new.

[Liquid silver]

Another pic

[paddockman]

Thank you for all the advice both on here and also direct to my inbox, it really is appreciated.

If a roof renovation is 4.5k + Vat I can see the value of the advice from James, eye watering when I'd have a soft top.

I can see I'm in for a costly but rewarding experience

Thanks again to all who were in a position to help.

Keir