Please help with 450SLC questions [pic]

[BoneStock]

Link to my post in the vintage forum

I recently aquired a 1973 450slc and wondered if any of you people would take a sec to answer some of my questions. Basicly I'm new to the 107 chasis and need some pointers. Thanks!

[kip Foss]

I have a 1977 450slc and will answer what questions I can.

[BoneStock]

Thanks!


Sure wish I had taken more pictues so I could explain what I lack. This is what I need:


compleet interior, all I have is a dash, seat frames, head liner and steering wheel.

Car runs good [could use some tune up parts though] but I have a mechanical concern. The transmision seems to shift smother [slower] then my 280SEL. Its the same engine.. does that mean the trannys should be the same between the cars? The fluid seems clean ?!?

What is the diff rato and since it has a finned cover does that mean its a limited slip diff?

I really would like a new power window switch set, who has them new.

How do I get the sun roof moving faster, seems like the tracks might be gummed up? what causes this?

I'm repainting the car shortly [once the datsun Z is done], I have spotted rust in the trunk and under the rear seat but the body / chasis seems very solid. Where should I look on the body for rust before priming / painting.

Any general info about productoin numbers and history would be interesting. I understand the SL is currently rarer but the SLC cost more new, is that true?

Any info would be apretiated, thanks!

[c107]

Looks like the car is the same Dunkelblau as mine.

I'm working on a restoration of a 1980 450SLC that I inherited from my father-in-law. I have redone almost all the interior either by acquiring new parts or re-coloring the interior trim with Surflex Palomino colorant. There's also another company that supplies colorant that people have raved about as well.

There are several places to buy seat covers from; I bought a complete set (front and back) from convertibletopsonline.com in Palomino MB-Tex. The original seat covers were leather, but for the price of converting them to Tex, with my budget, I was able to get front and back seat covers.

The only place I found that was able to supply the seat horsehair pads was GAHH for the front seats and Adsitco for the back seat pads. Looks like the rear seat pads were drop-shipped from Germany since it took about a month to get them.

Here's how the seats came out:
http://www.idunno.net/c107/mbtex_seats.jpg

Although on the '73 it's probably vinyl-covered, I attempted to refinish the wood pieces on the center console myself. I was able to strip the finish quite well but had lots of trouble with applying urethane evenly. I wound up giving up and buying a set from eris-car.de. At least on my SLC there are 4 switches (antenna, dome light, sunroof, defroster) on the front panel and I had to cut the wood pieces myself to fit. They supplied a few extra pieces of finished woof for me to do that.

The sunroof tracks are lubricated with Mercedes "Gleitpaste," which can be found a few places as well as on ebay. I bought 2 film cans worth, which was enough to do the sunroof tracks and seat tracks while I was rebuilding the seats.

I also managed to lubricate the cable that runs from the motor in the right section of the trunk to the sunroof, but it is a pain to get out and a bigger pain to return correctly. I got it back in but now the motor vibrates a bit because I'm sure I don't have something aligned correctly.

I've got rust issues primarily where the jack points meet up. I'm chasing down a leak with Kip Foss' help... the rear window seals tend to go. I was quoted $1400 for a new window from a glass shop (which had to go to the dealer).... I think I will just wind up getting the seal and having a willing shop replace the seal.

The power window switches are available in many places, including Fastlane, which advertises here. There are 2 types, one with a rear-window override switch (for the driver side) and without (for the passenger side). Also look at bimmerparts.com.

The differential stuff is beyond my expertise..

The SLC (At least in 1980) ran about $45000 1980 dollars, and only about 2000 were made. The convertibles are more valuable now but were cheaper when compared to the SLC when new.

Here's a link to production numbers:
http://www.procee.com/SL_SLC/English107/InfoW107/W107_PAm/w107_pam.html

Steve

[230/8]

With respect to the transmission: I believe you have two very different transmissions, so there may be a difference in shifting quality. I think the 280/4.5 is a 4 speed (usually more firm) and the SLC is a 3 speed (often softer). The modulator of the SLC usually can be adjusted to stiffen the shift, but do with care. Line pressure for the modulator when adjusted properly should be about 55-60, or so I have been told. Remember, the linkage adjusts the "when" (speed) for the shift, and the modulator adjusts the "how" (feel) of the shift.

230/8

[BoneStock]

Thanks all for your replys, this is most helpfull. Steve those seats look wonderfull, I bet you even have that 'new car' smell inside

I had another questoin. The exhaust is fairly rusted, both the pipes and muffler. What are optoins for replacement besides doing it my self or taking it to a muffler shop for custom work.

It seems like my 280SEL will remain a member of the vintage forum but I think my SLC will apear regularly around here.

Thanks again,