I'm putting together a checklist for performing a mechanical restoration on my Italian 1966 230SL.
Current state: Drove the car at least 2,000 miles per year from 2000 - 2009. Car had a valve failure of some sort (not yet diagnosed) in 2009 and was parked. Don't judge!
Goal: Have a Pagoda that will reliably (as much as reasonably possible!) get me to Pagoda and other car events up to a few hundred miles away. I'm in Ohio, so I probably would not have driven the 230SL to Pagoda Fest San Diego, but I would like to drive it to Pagoda Fest Chicago if this gets done that quickly. It probably wont.
Let me know what you might add to the list! I've tried to break it down by area/system. I'm probably inconsistent with how I word things and there are some entries that are questions to myself, but you get the idea. Anyway, I look forward hearing the group's feedback!
- Engine
○ Send Longblock to Metric Motors
§ Get list of what they will replace by default and what they replace as needed
§ Make sure everything else is covered below
§ How to build a crate?
§ How to perform shipping to/from Metric?
- Engine Related Systems
○ Ignition and Electrical System
§ Battery
§ Starter
§ Alternator
§ Distributor
§ Spark plugs and wires
§ Wiring Harness
§ Fuses
§ Exterior, Interior Lights
○ Fuel System
§ Fuel injection pump (Pacific Fuel Injection)
§ Fuel injectors (Pacific Fuel Injection)
§ Cold start valve (Pacific Fuel Injection)
§ Fuel tank
§ Primary fuel pump
§ In-Trunk fuel vapor canister and vent lines
§ Warm Running Device
§ Thermo Time Switch
§ Barometric Compensator
○ Cooling System
§ Water Pump
§ Radiator
§ Thermostat
§ Fan clutch
§ Hoses
○ Exhaust System
§ Check header
§ Get remainder of pipes and muffler for stainless steel parts already owned
§ Rubber hangers
- Transmission
○ Send for rebuild?
- Drive Shaft
○ Send for balancing?
○ New flex disk
○ New pinion seal
○ New center support bearing
- Differential
○ New fluid
○ Check vent
○ Check gear play
- Rear Axles
○ New axle bearings
- Instruments
○ New speedo and tach cables
○ Send out instruments for rebuild??
○ Fix or replace turn signal stalk (doesn't return after signaling)
- Lights
○ LED headlights, taillights, turn signals
- Heater system
○ Get to heater box and clean/fix (foam deteriorated)
○ Get out fan for proactive replace/refurbish
○ Clean and lubricate all heater/vent controls and parts
- Brakes, Parking Brake
○ Replace front calipers (corrosion in caliper cylinders) and pads and rubber hoses
○ Refurbish rear drums
○ Refurbish or replace master cylinder
○ Examine parking brake
- Steering
○ Check tie rod ends
○ Check for slop and leaks in steering gear box
○ Check steering column-to-gearbox bushings
- Suspension
○ Replace shock absorbers
○ Replace spring pads
○ Replace bushings, control arms, links, etc front and rear as necessary
- Wheels/Tires
○ New black wall tires
- Exterior/Body
○ Soft top material replacement and new frame seals
○ Hard top seals, clean dust from headliner
○ Ensure window alignment for both tops
○ Remove as much trim & lights as possible and give it a good paint cleaning and wax
- Interior
○ Replace seat covers with better ones (eliminate 'sling' feeling with two piece covers!)
○ Replace under dash panels
○ Install a cup holder system
○ Get a period correct Becker Grand Prix and add in a jack or bluetooth
