1969 280SL Renovation

[TFM]

Looked at a wonderful car in the last two weeks and really appreciate the feedback I got from my earlier post (http://index.php?topic=7221).

I drove the car a couple of times, found a restoration shop that spends 50% of their time on Pagodas and had them spend half a day on evaluating the car.

Though first impression was good (mechanically very good), found a ton of stuff that needs to be done:
- all rubber, ie. hoses, belts, engine mount, seals etc need to be replaced

- some rust, pretty minor as it is a Nevada car that needs to be fixed

- which results in the need of a paintjob

- Transmission is at the end of its life

- Seats need to be reupholstered

- Softtop needs replacement

- tires are too old



Now here are my questions for you:
I got a quote for replacing all the tubes, belts, hoses, engine mounts including full service of the engine (60,000m service) at $2500 - does that sound reasonable?

Rust removal and paintjob at $5000 - same question

Paint: Car is original color baby blue (I think it is called Horizon Blue) with white interior. I am not a huge fan of the color, but don't mind it too much. What impact on value would it have if I change the color to a different original MB color?

Upholstery: Material appears to be vinyl rather than leather - has anyone got any inside on what was used 40yrs ago?

Softtop: does anyone have a source for a replacement softtop and how much do they typically run? It is unlikely that I ever put the top up, thus the question is if it is smart to buy a new one as they won't get any better being permanently in their cubbyhole.

Transmission (Auto) - anyone got a source for good rebuild trannies?

Tires - where the original tires whitewall tires? Any particular tire type you would recommend to stay original?

Tks a lot for your help







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[J. Huber]

quote:Originally posted by TFM



Now here are my questions for you:
I got a quote for replacing all the tubes, belts, hoses, engine mounts including full service of the engine (60,000m service) at $2500 - does that sound reasonable? -- strikes me as very high. Wonder what they mean by "all".

Rust removal and paintjob at $5000 - same question -- strikes me as low. But paint jobs vary (in price and in quality).

Paint: Car is original color baby blue (I think it is called Horizon Blue) with white interior. I am not a huge fan of the color, but don't mind it too much.

What impact on value would it have if I change the color to a different original MB color? -- might change it a little if you want top dollar. I think that color can be very nice -- but if you are keeping the car for a while -- pick a color you love. Just remember, you might have to paint the engine bay, dash, etc to match. Might bring that 5000 up!

Upholstery: Material appears to be vinyl rather than leather - has anyone got any inside on what was used 40yrs ago? -- It was one or the other. Most were MB-Tex but a good many also came in leather(which is a simulated leather). Not really inferior in my opinion, just different (and a little cheaper to replace).

Softtop: does anyone have a source for a replacement softtop and how much do they typically run? It is unlikely that I ever put the top up, thus the question is if it is smart to buy a new one as they won't get any better being permanently in their cubbyhole. -- GAHH makes a very good top. Installed will cost you about 1100-1200.

Transmission (Auto) - anyone got a source for good rebuild trannies? -- No experience here.

Tires - where the original tires whitewall tires? Any particular tire type you would recommend to stay original? -- They might have been. You would need to check your build card. Check the thread here on tires. Lost of discussion about the best ones out there. I think w/w looks good on your color combo.
Tks a lot for your help

Much of this is discussed A LOT in various threads. Have a look! Good luck.

James
63 230SL

[dldubois]

My 2 cents:

1. Rust removal and paint.   $5000 sounds like a steal.   I just went through a strip and paint with nil rust and spent considerably more.

2. Pick a color from the period that you like and go for it.  Just make sure to paint the dash, underhood, etc.
 
3. MB-Tex, leather and tops are also readily available at world upholstery.   www.worlduph.com.    

4. Your data card will show ww or not.   I'd just use what you prefer.  I've got blackwalls as I believe they look better though the car came with wws.

Can't help with your other questions.

Dana DuBois
1969 280sl
Corinth, TX

[waqas]

quote:Originally posted by TFM


I drove the car a couple of times, found a restoration shop that spends 50% of their time on Pagodas and had them spend half a day on evaluating the car.

Mind if I ask the name and location of this shop? (my car needs something similar). Thanks!

Waqas ('Wa-kaas') in Austin, Texas

[TFM]

The guy's name that is restoring the car is Greg (forgot the name of his company), he is based in Las Vegas, phone is 702 860 6968

quote:Originally posted by waqas

quote:Originally posted by TFM


I drove the car a couple of times, found a restoration shop that spends 50% of their time on Pagodas and had them spend half a day on evaluating the car.

Mind if I ask the name and location of this shop? (my car needs something similar). Thanks!

Waqas ('Wa-kaas') in Austin, Texas

[DavidAPease]

I haven't seen (or don't remember) much discussion of transmission shops for our cars.  While I have not had any transmission work done on my car, I was referred (by someone knowledgeable about old Mercedes) to Peter Schmid in Burlingame, CA.  Here is his web site:

http://www.peterschmid.com/

Again, I have no personal experience, so if you contact him please report back with your impressions.  He might be someone to add to our list of resources.

-David Pease
'66 French 230SL

[Ann]

I am presently restoring a 1970 280 SL Euro/silver Automatic. Prior to sending it out to be painted ($5500) replaced the rubber parts you mentioned, motor mounts,plug wires/tune-up and engine service -*started* at the price you've been quoted. I also added tires, the brakes which were "frozen", and relined/cleaned the gas tank, as the car had sat for quite awhile and was "sputtering" and the gas tank was loaded with "stuff" -ugh.. Not sure if I have used the correct terminology <G> as this is my first car to restore, but the prices you've been quoted seem more than fair. I have had two shops work on my car- a Mercedes specialist, and a german car specialist (30 year mechanic/old school & more local) and have been happier with the owner-operated german car specialist, because he seemed to take an interest in trying to do a great job. The Mercedes shop has been invaluable for referring me to a painter, upholsterer and transmission shop. I am learning as I go. I repainted it in the original factory color. Probably the only thing (so far) I wish I had done differently was getting the thin-white-wall tires instead of all black.But this even looks good with black leather upholstery.
I still face some transmission work and ALL the carpet and reupholstery redone on mine but will do that this winter. And all the wood- dash, console and trim under the hard top has been sent out to the refinisher.
I've been told these cars can be " a real money-pit".
But if you do it with love, you'll never (well...hardly ever) notice the cost.If you are willing to leave yours here in the San Fernando Valley I can give you some good referrals.
And know that atleast you don't have to do everything all at once.



Ann

'70 Euro 280 SL silver
'06 BMW Z4 Montego Blue
'98 Jeep Gr.Cherokee (125K mi.)