Wrecked ’80 450slc: Worth for parts? Replace w/ 380slc or older 450slc?

[Jeff K]

Hey all,

Sadly, I wrecked my 1980 450slc (100K miles) last week on the way to work after sliding in the rain and hitting a concrete barrier. Car runs, but front end heavily damaged. I don’t think it is worth fixing given the cost of parts and my time and the fact that I was self-insured (bought the car for like $4K two years ago). Any thoughts?

So, I’ve got a hulk in my yard now. What would it be worth as a junker and anyone know of junkyards I should contact? I imagine that it would be worth more out on the coasts rather here in the Midwest (St. Louis).

Another thought I had was to buy another SLC and use my current junker as a donor over the years. I rather like the fact that there are few SLCs, they are relatively solid, and, as I know now, very good in crashes. Any thoughts on this scheme?

I was hoping to get a 1977 450SLC (more reliable older AC, but still mechanical injection and less engine compartment heat damage than earlier models [cats moved]), but got out bid over the weekend on Ebay (had 16K miles and went for $4300!).

I’ve got my eye now on a cheaper 1981 380SLC (same color combo as my 1980 and the 380’s timing chain has been replaced with a double row) with 91K. Besides the body parts and interior (that I assume are interchangeable), would the 450SLC’s parts be of any use to me or did it change too much with the switch in engines? Any practical way to (someday) put the 450 engine into the 380slc or have the mounts, etc. changed too much from 80 to 81?

If I get another SLC, I’m exempt from emissions and would pull the cats.

Thanks for any advice.

-Jeff

[Rick76]

Sorry about your loss.

Is the suspension damaged? Have you had anyone look at it to see what it would take to repair? Doesn't look all that bad from the photo. There are a lot of parts still around as all front end parts (body and suspension) are common with the SL's. Bumper stainless covers are the same as the W114 bodies.

What color is the interior?

[Jeff K]

Rick:

Thanks for the sympathy! Really a hell of a way to start Monday morning! Anybody reading this should think long and hard about replacing their Michelin MXV tires for something that grips decently on wet pavement.

You're right, I may be jumping the gun and should have it looked at by someone professional. I shouldn't assume the repair costs aren't worth it, but I'm pretty sure I'd have to do the work myself with used parts (at least bumper, lights, hood, fender, radiator). I'm attaching another picture of the damage.

I really don't know what mechanical damage was done - in my adrenalin rush on the way back, it seemed to drive ok (other than leaking coolant). Some existing problems (I'm glad I didn't fix) are the AC (servo presumbably), sunroof cable, cracked windshield and rear quarter dent (was hoping Dent Wizard could handle it).

The interior is a medium blue leather. It's pretty good except for the wear on the front seats and, of course, a sun cracked dash. The car came from California two years ago, so time has been kind to it.

-Jeff
jpkjpkjpk@aol.com

[mgporsche]

If you are going to do a DIY on the sheet metal replacement, a decent place to start is www.car-part.com. It is a nationwide used parts locator service (free), you can search from local salvage yards or post a request for specific parts. Was successful in finding rear quarter panel, door glass, tail light assemblies at really good prices.

[mgporsche]

BTW if you decide to part it out - would be interested depending on your location.

[kip Foss]

check out this site, maybe you can find a donor car.

http://ww2.collectorcartraderonline.com/searchresults.php

[page62]

I think my SL had a similar collision about 10 years ago. It has a new fender, hood, bumper, etc. All genuine Mercedes replacement parts -- must've been an insurance job. It was very well done, and since I got an aluminum replacement hood, I think it's better than new!

If your driver's door opens OK -- and you say you drove the car home -- you're probably in good shape. These are VERY tough cars, and I think yours deserves a second chance.

[Noeljb]

If you do write the car off where should we send the flowers?
Be brave it'll get better she is in a better place and driving on brand new very smooth roads at 110 mph.

[manni]

Hi

All just bought my first 380 slc, Can some one send me photos of the switches on the cnetres console near the gear stick, eg the centre is the hazard, i need to know trhe swicthes either siode of this also a picture of the dash board, this will give me a idea of what switches go where?

this place is great though.

thanks

Manni