New project - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

atwistd1 · #1 07-06-2007, 11:19 PM

I just picked up a 1975 450sl in need of restoration, seems to need a transmission based on the fact that at any type of incline while driving, the transmission begins to slip, the body appears to be solid at first inspection, there is a sizable hole in the lower right fender but that seems to be the only major spot, interior is good but missing some small trim pieces on the door handles, all in all for a 32 year old car, it seems to be in descent shape, motor is strong and solid. plans so far are to repair/replace transmission, get body taken care of and i would like to add the amg appearance package that was available for this car (spoiler, air dam, rims, rocker skirts) where is the best palce to source the old amg stuff, is there an aftermarket reproduction available or am i resorted to finding it in a bone yard? i got the car for just under 2000.00 it has 79,000 miles according to the car fax report and i figure that if i can get out of the restore for under about 6000.00, i will be happy and have a great car for next summer. this is my first benz and one that i have always wantedm anyone with experience with these cars, your thoughts and input/advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Engr693 · #2 07-07-2007, 12:18 AM

If you found rust on the fender there is more than likely some hidden rust you haven't seen yet. Pull up the carpet on the driver side floor pan and check for rust there. Also in the trunk where the spare tire is.

The 1975 model had the catalytic converter under the hood. If possible I would recommend moving it downstream out of the engine bay. It will cause excess heat to build up under the hood and will cause brittle wires and has been known to cause vapor lock.

If you plan on restoring this car I would recommend a rebuild on the tranny if necessary. Keeping the numbers matching will help the car to hold value better.

The AMG mod parts can be purchased online. I don't have the particular web site handy but do have one somewhere and will post it if and when I can find it. I have attached a pic of my 73 with the kit you are referencing.

atwistd1 · #3 07-07-2007, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engr693

The AMG mod parts can be purchased online. I don't have the particular web site handy but do have one somewhere and will post it if and when I can find it. I have attached a pic of my 73 with the kit you are referencing.

Very nice car!! mine is the same color and that is the exact kit i am looking for, the previous owner did the rugs a few years back, i did probe the under carriage with a screw driver and all seemed solid, the rust hole i reffered to does affect c\a small portion of the floor pan, my paint/body guy has recommended a patch rather than a full floor pan at this point, i am sure when we get into it we will find more, which is expected when you are dealing with a 32 year old car which has been sitting for the last 2 years.

i am not going to be driving the car till next summer as we are gonna do the mechanicals and body work between now and next april.i hope i am being realistic in my 6000,00 restore budget estimate.I have wanted one of these eversince my buddies brother had one in the mid 80;s that was a "grey market" AMG model in the same color. that car was awesome and alot of fun to ride in.

meltedpanda · #4 07-07-2007, 07:35 AM

if the mechanicals are solid, 4K will probably restore it if you are the labor. Very easy to get into $ quickly on these ol gals. They sure are fun . good luck and post some pics when you get a chance

randyr · #5 07-07-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engr693

If you found rust on the fender there is more than likely some hidden rust you haven't seen yet. Pull up the carpet on the driver side floor pan and check for rust there. Also in the trunk where the spare tire is.

The 1975 model had the catalytic converter under the hood. If possible I would recommend moving it downstream out of the engine bay. It will cause excess heat to build up under the hood and will cause brittle wires and has been known to cause vapor lock.

If you plan on restoring this car I would recommend a rebuild on the tranny if necessary. Keeping the numbers matching will help the car to hold value better.

The AMG mod parts can be purchased online. I don't have the particular web site handy but do have one somewhere and will post it if and when I can find it. I have attached a pic of my 73 with the kit you are referencing.

I just bought my 450. Yours is beautiful. I noticed the headlights are different then on mine. Is this aftermarket? Have you had to replace your fuel relay switch in your car? Here is a pic of mine.

cth350 · #6 07-08-2007, 02:39 PM

keeping the numbers matching on anything short of a show car is a needless expense with a 450sl. Work more towards enjoying the car and less towards thinking of it as an investment. A good used transmission is an easy aquisition as there are 10s of thousands of these cars and the 450se's and even the 280se 4.5's all of which have the same basic 3-speed automatic.

-CTH

atwistd1 · #7 07-08-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cth350

keeping the numbers matching on anything short of a show car is a needless expense with a 450sl. Work more towards enjoying the car and less towards thinking of it as an investment. A good used transmission is an easy aquisition as there are 10s of thousands of these cars and the 450se's and even the 280se 4.5's all of which have the same basic 3-speed automatic.

-CTH

my sentiments exactly! i bought this car as a fun car for me, i will restore it and make it beautiful for me many purists will cringe with my plans, as i want to add the amg appearance package (spoiler, air dam and rocker sills) as well as rims and tires, as i can not find penta's anywhere for a reasonable price, i am looking into aero I's or even replica's, which are not period correct for the car, but it will look how i want it to, if the value goes up great if not great also. my budget is 6000,00 to do everything and i think i can make it into what i want for that making my total investment well under 8000.00

Engr693 · #8 07-08-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randyr

... I noticed the headlights are different then on mine. Is this aftermarket? Have you had to replace your fuel relay switch in your car? ....

The headlights I believe are original (Euro style)...I am the third owner so do not know 100% positively. I believe the first owner was a doctor in NY. The data card I got from MBZ says it was a 350SL build, but it has 450 badges on it.

My door panels are two tone... black and parchment ... somebody told me that this car was probably custom ordered with the Euro stuff (headlights, interior, ground effects kit). It even has the jump seat. I am not crazy about the foam spoiler on the trunk and may remove it. IMHO it looks like an afterthought.

It is a ten-footer and does need some work. However, it runs beautifully and I don't even have to touch the gas pedal starting it cold. I plan on replacing the points ignition with a Petronix electronic module in the near future.

I also bought a 1972 for parts and used them to replace missing or damaged parts on my 73. Sold a lot of parts as well as the engine, tranny, and chassis. I still have a pile of parts on the shelf if anyone is looking.

Have not had to replace the fuel relay switch. Are you experiencing some problems?

atwistd1 · #9 07-08-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engr693

I am not crazy about the foam spoiler on the trunk and may remove it. IMHO it looks like an afterthought.

if you remove the spoiler and wanna quick sale, i will buy the spoiler from you, i am looking to add the amg body effects to mine. just pm me with a price.

randyr · #10 07-09-2007, 02:00 AM

Thanks for your reply. My 450 has 4 round headlights. I just bought mine last month. I drove it a couple of days then the fuel relay switch went out I believe. But I have no idea where it is located on the car. I've replaced the fuel filter, checked the power to the pump, checked the fuel pressure, checked the power supply from the battery, replaced the points and condenser and still I am getting no power to the fuel pump. Get this, no MB mechanic in my town of almost 1,000,000 population knows where the switch is on the car. Otherwise, its a beautiful car inside and out.