Thanks for your comments Leester and MHughes. And yes, for my Dad's memory I would like to see this through to the end, maybe drive it for a season and then, let someone else enjoy it. But, I also am cognizant that I have my own work and parental responsibilities and am fearful of getting sucked into the vortex. I could see myself obsessing over finding that one elusive OEM part and combing German websites, because that's exactly what my father would have done. Ol' man take a look a look at your life, I'm a lot like you are. Anyway, it's a slippery slope and there's a lot's to consider.
The person who restored it over the past many years has been very generous with me in his sharing of information. He offered me this narrative about the scope of his work and sent me all of the associated invoices.
Body: Complete disassembly. Everything with exception of the hood was stripped down to metal, all rust removed, all rust decay repaired with metal. The hood was sanded down to it’s original paint (and primer) and sealed. Previously installed new panels (Left Quarter and Rear Panel) needed to be adjusted and re-attached. (welded) Body was Epoxy primed. Flatwork performed. 2k urethane primed and sanded. Single stage, driver quality 2 tone paint job.
All body rubber and gaskets are new. New Windshield New exterior door handles. All exterior trim installed. Sliding roof rebuilt. Drain hoses replaced. Motor is a little weak. (Normal) didn’t replace it. Works fine with a good battery. Needs a new front sliding roof gasket and side felt strips installed. These pieces weren’t intended as water seals. Only to cut down on water getting in and whistling from the wind. We had trouble getting the correct ones but they are available. Front fog lights are rebuilt and tested.
Engine: I installed the engine and all peripherals per the Mercedes Shop manuals. (In the trunk) I rebuilt the cold start injector. The engine starts but doesn’t stay running. I told your father that was as far as I was willing to go on the engine. This is a mechanically fuel injected engine requiring expertise in repairing and troubleshooting problems. I won’t touch it because I don’t want to damage it trying to fix it. Many people do. I simply wont.
Exhaust system is new. (stainless)
The original fuel pump didn’t work. I put a $50 Carter in it to get it running. Rebuilt ones are very expensive. His is disassembled in a box in the trunk.
Brakes: I installed all the brakes using all new slave cylinders and other new parts using the Mercedes shop manual. They are bled with the proper fluid. (Remaining fluid in the trunk) The brakes should be yard tested before driving the car. They may need adjustments. The rotors are new but have surface rust. The rear proportioning valve (Under the car above the rear axle) is original. I’m assuming it works.
Transmission: I put it in, hooked it up, and reworked the propeller shaft. It needs to have the rear drive shaft guibo bolt lock plates installed. I had trouble getting them and then I never got to installing them when they came. The other guibos should be checked as well.
Interior: I replaced the headliner. The visors need to be cleaned, dyed, and installed as do the rear courtesy light and rear-view mirror. The location points can be found using the original headliner. (in the trunk) I completely restored the dashboard, heater unit was gone thru and bench tested. Heater cores were flushed and valve seals were replaced and tested. All gauges and clock were disassembled, cleaned, painted if necessary, and re-installed. Under dash electrical is all hooked up as is the oil pressure and temperature sensors. Window regulators are all lubricated and adjusted.
The electrical system is as follows. Fuse box is empty. Rear dome light wire is floating behind the headliner in its proper location. Light is in the trunk
Headlight wires are in the buckets using new rubber boots but are not connected to the headlight assemblies which I cleaned up and installed. The wiring on the assemblies is corrupted with missing connectors. I installed wires from the headlight buckets to the center of the car (underneath) to feed the fog lights. They need to be connected. The taillight bulb holders are cleaned up and tested with good bulbs are in them.
The right harness connector is missing so wires are just plugged into the pins. The left side connector is intact and plugged in. They are both lying in trunk ready for a test run. All charging system wires are properly connected as far as I know.
I couldn’t check it under running conditions.
The Tires must be replaced.
Power steering is all hooked up. It should work. There is one fuse under the hood near the wiper motor. This fuse was used for additional options. I don’t know what it’s for in this car. The front suspension was complete when I got the car. The rotors hubs and wheel bearings were as well. I assume they are ok, but I don’t know their condition.
If I decided to take the plunge and finish the project I feel like the upholstery replacement/repair is a finite cost that could be quoted and determined. But the motor/transmission seems like it could be a sieve. Any thoughts on the worst case scenario for the motor and transmission costs?
