New to me '85 SL Diesel-repair and renew thread

[ROLLGUY]

I cleaned more carpet pieces today. The process: I wet the carpet and then spray on the cleaner. Most any cleaner will work. I had some L A Awesome that I thought I would try. Brush the surface with a brush, working the cleaner throughout the piece. I then vacuum the piece with a wet-dry vac. I then place the piece in the water, and vac again. Let the pieces dry overnight, and they are ready to dye.

[ROLLGUY]

The vacuuming, rinsing and finished product.

[Squiggle Dog]

I really like this car! I had a chance to see it in person six years ago and meet the previous owner. If I were to have an R107, it would have to be a diesel conversion like this! How fun.

[ROLLGUY]

I got more carpets dyed and installed. All the carpet pieces that needed to be glued down are installed and looking good.

[Junkman]

Back when I was ~18, a 450SL was my dream car. They in all of the permutations will always be classy.

[ROLLGUY]

I got the rear floor carpets done today. I will be working on the seats soon. I have not had much time to work on this project any more than an hour here and there. I will also be working on my set of 15" Bundts. Not sure if I should paint or polish them. I have a good polisher, but if I do go this route, I will need to paint the inside anyway. Any opinions?

[Mike D]

Polish them! At their best, the stock finish always looked dingy to me. Chrome doesn't last but a good polish job really makes the rims sparkle. This is coming from a guy who doesn't like "shiny"!

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by Mike D

Polish them! At their best, the stock finish always looked dingy to me. Chrome doesn't last but a good polish job really makes the rims sparkle. This is coming from a guy who doesn't like "shiny"!

I like the polished look as well, but I am hesitant because I would need to KEEP them polished. That is a lot of work. I could clear powder coat them, but not sure how that would last (or look). Either way, I have chrome lug bolts for them. I think a chrome center cap would look best with polished wheels, and of course painted the same as painted wheels.

[Mike D]

Nope, a good polish job is a LOT easier to clean than the stock finish. A quick swipe with a soapy brush and you're done. Brake dust and road grime won't stick to them as they do the original finish. I don't clear coat mine. I've seen it peel too many times. Same with chrome.

There's a thread with pictures somewhere on the site.

[ROLLGUY]

I did some work on the seats this evening. I removed the seat tracks on the passenger seat base, and then removed the cover. It seems that I am missing one of the plastic guides. Either it fell off as I was removing the rail, or it was gone before I took it apart, not sure which. I wonder if I can get this part new, or will have to find a junk seat to cannibalize?

[ROLLGUY]

I ordered a set of the new Legends black personalized plates for the SLD the other day. I will probably change my avatar photo when they arrive, and I capture a good photo. It is going to be COOL!!!

[Junkman]

I've known several people with polished valve covers on various vehicles. They all said to shoot them with clear after polishing to keep them looking nice.

[tyl604]

I like bundts painted and clear coated. Here are mine.

[Mike D]

Originally Posted by tyl604

I like bundts painted and clear coated. Here are mine.

The rims look sharp but dust off that wallet and spring for some chrome lugs for that baby.

[okyoureabeast]

I would have totally bought Mach4's diesel r107.

At least it is in good hands.

BRB battling Kjet monsters!