Bought a 1980 280SL - $1,200. - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pwogaman · #31 07-03-2008, 08:11 PM

I just made a nice little score for some needed parts. I got OEM, new old stock (NOS) right and left rear quarter panels, rear center panel, and front valience, and a used, but rust and damage free front right fender - all shipped - for $900.00.

pwogaman · #32 08-03-2008, 07:17 PM

I did some more triage on the trunk today. I removed the tail lights, trim, and bumper. I pretty glad now I decided to go ahead and ordered the complete quarter and center panels. The rust damage on the driver's side of the trunk bottom will need some repair, but I should be able to use good donar pieces from the quarters and fenders I'll be removing. Same on the passenger side, but I already knew that was coming.

http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll4/pwogaman/1980%20Mercedes%20280SL/1980%20Mercedes%20280SL%20Disassembly/

450slcguy · #33 08-03-2008, 07:50 PM

That seller must of been laughing all the way to the bank. I would be. Good luck.

powerpig · #34 08-03-2008, 07:56 PM

Hey, I've got a lot of admiration for Paul undertaking this restoration. He may be the one laughing when it's done.

450slcguy · #35 08-03-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

Hey, I've got a lot of admiration for Paul undertaking this restoration.

Absolutly deserves a medal for ambition. But why did he pay so much for it? I would have offered $500. (actually I would have run like hell).

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

He may be the one laughing when it's done.

A sense of humor can't hurt.

powerpig · #36 08-03-2008, 08:55 PM

You gotta know what you have before you can make it nice again. I've seen the car and it is restorable.

One of the best memories I have is of my father pulling a 27 Ford Model A out of the woods and chasing the squirrels out of it. A couple of years later, he was driving it in parades and back and forth to work (150 mile round trip) every day. That was in 1964. The car is still running to this day and my brother has it.

Don't knock ambition.

pwogaman · #37 08-03-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

That seller must of been laughing all the way to the bank. I would be. Good luck.

Thanks for the interest in my having good luck. I appreciate that.

Its fine if the seller was laughing on his way to the bank. I'm okay if he wants to do that, it won't bother me. He is a nice old guy who obviously didn't properly do much for the appearance of his car. Strangely enough though he kept pretty regular service of the engine and other parts. It must have driven his Indy nuts. The car came with pretty much a full set of service records going back through all of its first 50K kilometers in Germany.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

Absolutly deserves a medal for ambition. But why did he pay so much for it? I would have offered $500. (actually I would have run like hell).

I don't need any more metals. I've earned my share and the price was much higher then just enhanced ambition. As to the monetory cost of it, perhaps your response would be the appropriate thing to do when confronted with an American model SLC of similar condition. The price was a on edge of about what I was willing to pay for it, but I had my bird in my hand so I went ahead and got it. It all pretty much depends on what you intend to get out of your purchases.

If you don't want a Euro project car like I did, you can save your money for other things. Good luck with that.

450slcguy · #38 08-03-2008, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwogaman

If you don't want a Euro project car like I did, you can save your money for other things. Good luck with that.

No offence intended, sorry if you took it that way.

Strife · #39 08-03-2008, 10:31 PM

I wish I had the skills/guts/time/space/tools to attempt such a project.

Strife · #40 08-03-2008, 10:34 PM

And, there is a lot for everyone to learn on this project - for example, what will happen if you neglect seals/paint/drain holes/under-car washing for long.

meltedpanda · #41 08-04-2008, 11:17 AM

if you want what is left of my W107 ( 82) for parts and metal, come and get it , $250 takes all I am just over the hill in Kentucky

pwogaman · #42 09-29-2008, 01:20 AM

I did a little more damage assessment in the driver's foot-well. It looks like it should be pretty straight forward welding. Nice thing about the area is that I won;t have to grind to a finished surface because I will be covering with seam sealer and undercoating on the underside.

The rocker tunnel has some surface rust in it. If I can figure a way to scrap it off I'll do that and then POR it just for extra measure.

I will probably replace the jack tube while I'm at it because I will have to beef up the area around it.

alabbasi · #43 10-02-2008, 01:24 AM

Cracking project, reminds me of my 6.9 restoration. Keep it up.
If you need some sheet metal parts, let me know. I parted a 450SLC recently.

neds380sl · #44 10-02-2008, 10:42 AM

You're a hero to try that. I saved a number of cars, a '57 Chevy convertible that I'd bought for $35 for one, but I'd never do it again, getting too old, I guess. It amazes me that some people make no effort to maintain their cars, even expensive ones like that, and just let them go. Good luck with it, and keep the pics coming.
Ned

Chad300tdt · #45 10-02-2008, 10:50 AM

You're doing a great job Paul.

Those pics are very cool. I especially like how you were able to get clear shots down the inside of the rocker.