New member introductions

[Fab]

Thank you Jonny 

Where may i to ckeck the car registry ?

[FGN59]

Here’s the link:

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Registry/Start

Consider becoming a full member, well worth it.

Bienvenue indeed!

[Jonny B]

Go to the tech manual, and on the front page, just scroll down a bit and you will see a heading for "Car Registry" Just click there and you should be able to get to the list.

I don't think you need to be a full member to access. But not sure about that. From another post, may need to.

[Doubledutch]

Hello from Rhode Island! I came over from the dark side (BMW E9) but finally after many years of looking/wanting I bought my first Pagoda from a fellow West Coast s113.org member. A euro (tourist delivery) ‘69 280SL auto with a pretty rare (from what I have read on the forum) 3.69 rear axle ratio. Car was originally blue but was painted white at some point, interior was redone by the previous owner.
Car was delivered yesterday just in time for some wonderful, top-down, summer driving in New England
Happy Motoring!
Pieter

[neelyrc]

Welcome to the group, Pieter. Thanks for posting the pictures.  Rhode Island is a great place for summer drives.  I have found memories of summers there in the days of the Quonset Point Naval Air Station and Davisville Construction Battalion Center.  I saw my first Pagoda there in 1964. 

In those days the Jamestown bridge was only a dream and we accessed Newport by ferry.  My 280SL is also a 1969 tourist delivery (February 12) but without the 3.69.  This ratio should improve your cruising pleasure. Enjoy!

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Here you go Fab ... Welcome to our site!

-----> https://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Registry.Start

Dieter

[Francis Abate]

Hello.  I'm a first time member here with a long history in the International M100 Group as far as my ties to Mercedes Benz.  While not an owner of a W113, in my second career in Automotive Restoration I am currently working on a 1970 280SL at Vintage Car Works in Englewood, CO.  I have a lot of questions to research regarding proper finishes, particularly in the engine bay; re: cad, or zinc plating, natural VS polished finish, etc.  If anyone can direct me to any threads at the same time that would be great.

I've also got a 250SE Cabriolet for which I began restoring last year, starting with the engine which currently sits as a new long block.  I'll be able to get back to this project once I return home to Steamboat Springs, CO in August. 

This site helped me a bit a long the way with the 250, so I look forward to learning more about both projects through my full membership.  Neither car will be a show car, but rather they will be driver's with the correct look and finish for the most part.

I look forward to chatting with anyone who is interested.

[Garry]

Hi Francis and welcome to the Group.


The search engine is your best friend.  If you use the search button in the “home” line you will search the whole forum. If you use the search button at the top right it will only search the heading that you are currently in.  Some even say it is easier to use Google to do the search.


I hope you enjoy the Group and everything it gives you, noting that we also have a sub set for W11x vehicles due to similarities.

[Jonny B]

Yes, welcome Francis. I think you will find this a group dedicated to helping.

If you look up Pagoda Notes Volume 9 No 2, there is a detailed description of how to use the search functionality.

[Francis Abate]

Thanks much gentlemen!

[Blue Ben]

Hi there. My name is Ben. I’m 31, And have been fascinated by cars and classic designs in general for quite some time.

After years of hard work (to save enough), and research (not to lose too much money in case ever wanted to resale!) - I have been able to afford my first ever car, and one of my dream cars, and I’m here to share and learn from this community.

It is a true passion moment for me, and by no mean do I pretend to be a connaisseur whatsoever. I’m just an ambitious newbie, who’s dream was to own a real car, and is fortunate to start this journey with what I hope will become a nice 280sl...

I’m very open to feedback and suggestions throughout the process. And would be really grateful to benefit from your collective knowledge and experience.

To start, I’m sharing with you a few pictures of the beast. And look forward to engaging with you, and share more if you are interested

[yves]

Welcome Ben this forum is a must for every pagoda's lover....
A fabulous knowledge for your restoration...
Good luck  but you have some already ,: owner at 31 ...

[Blue Ben]

Thank you Yves! Owner of a blue pagoda? Mine is blue too! Hard to find pictures of blue pagodas - would love to see rendering of 387h paint if you happen to have!

[Garry]

Hi Ben,


Welcome to the group. Another blue Pagoda owner here.

To help you and give you access all the best information that this site offers, you may wish to consider joining as a Full Mamber and that way you will have access to the Technical Manual that will become your best friend as you put your Pagoda back together.

I’m biased of course being the Membership Admin 😁😁

[jeffc280sl]

hi ben,

welcome and congrats on buying your first car.  looks like a great project.  many of us have been through similar technical issues and are happy to offer encouragement.  this site is a fantastic resource.  in time you will find the answers you need.  in the mean time start by asking questions

[Blue Ben]

Thank you All. Can you please let me know where should I start a thread to show you the progress of the restoration process and get your views along the way?

[jeffc280sl]

hi ben,

i would start your posts in the body, paint category.   as your work moves to other subsystems you can switch to that category

[ChrisInNashville]

I’m returning with a new name after years away. My ‘69 Pagoda is about to complete a 4 year restoration project with Pieter at SilverStar, including an engine rebuild.  I’m anxious to get her back and find my new routine with her. 

I originally joined here 16 years ago and was active a few years, but after a whirlwind decade away, I’m back!

[Jonny B]

Welcome back Chris (inNashville) - very glad you are back with us! I think I can speak for all - we can't wait to see the pictures. Hope all is well.

[Jagbct42]

Hello, all.

New member. Inherited my Dad's '67 250SL.  Kept garaged. Last ran in 1993.  I last drove it in 1986, when I got my first speeding ticket in Durham, NC. Got it running again.  Now I get to PLAY!  I can't wait to get this beauty back in tip top shape.  Looking forward to the advice from you folks.  I am not a mechanic, but I like to be very Hands-on.  So... Already have the new gas tank and pump and radiator. (Does the fuel pump always make that much noise?) Need to trouble shoot the turn signals.  Tires come tomorrow.  If the attachments work, pics are below.  I've already got some good insights from the forums, and will appreciate all the sage advice and cool tips I can get!

Cheers!

Bill Terry

[Jonny B]

Let me say welcome! Glad to have you on board. You have found the right place for help with your car. When you can post some more pictures - we just love pictures.

Did you father purchase the car form new?

[elliotd]

Hello everyone,

New member here, after inheriting my dad's 1970 280SL.  He was the second owner, after purchasing it in 1971. It was his daily driver for many years - but for the past 5 years or so it's been mostly sitting.  He started it weekly, or took it for short trips, but in his old age he didn't have much energy to put into it. He passed last summer, and I'm very glad I found this club!

He kept it up himself (mostly) over the years.  I believe he rebuilt the engine once himself, and then a 2nd time ~10 years ago by professionals.   I know he restored the seats, wood pieces along the dash, and door paneling, at around the same time.  He's also made some modifications over the years - like adding a digital clock.

The only thing the desperately needs restoration is the air vent switches, they have almost completely deteriorated and the heater is stuck on to full blast.  Not great for the summers here in California. . That will probably be the first thing I try to restore.  Second thing will be the soft top, which is also completely deteriorated.  Luckily the hard top is in excellent condition.

Looking forward to learning a lot from you all, and keeping this classic in great shape!

BTW - the car is located in Santa Cruz, CA (picture taken in Carmel)

[Cees Klumper]

Welcome Elliott - the stuck-on-full heater is likely the result of the hot water valve under the hood, close to the windshield under a black rubber plug, being frozen in the 'open' positions, and/or the dashboard sliders being stuck from lack of use. There is information about both issues in the technical manual and the forum. Just like on all other things Pagoda.
Fitting a new soft top should be do-able by oneself - not that I ever tried, but I watched my dad put one on my '69 Triumph Spitfire back in 1980, and as I recall it only took him a few hours and he managed it perfectly, and he had 0 experience doing this type of work. The tops look pretty similar. 

[pantocrator]

Hello all,

I'm from Barcelona, Spain. My father got a 1965 230SL on 1977. It's been in my family since then, and at this time I'm the owner. I've enjoyed it since I was a kid as my son does it now.

Nice to participate

[Jagbct42]

I think he, technically, was the second owner. I have the original maintenance book and it was serviced in Germany. Dad was living in Oakland at the time (Navy). But dad had it within the first 10k miles. I’ll get more pics up as I start to clean it up.  Thanks for the welcome!