Looking at 73 450sl

[brown220d]

I am thinking of taking the plunge,have a 73 220d daily driver w 370k on the clock. the sl has 220k outer body better than avg(for northern new england) needs floor work comes w a new pan,quick look under looks good,rockers inner,outer both sides good ,trunk floor surface rust.I have not heard run yet,both tops ,paint decent(only looking for a sometime driver anyway) interior out and havnt seen yet. I would greatly appreciate any input on what to look for next oh yea the water pump leaks. I am not scared of welding as we have some fine english iron that I have rebuilt.

Thanks Mark

[97 SL320]

I don't know all the specifics of these cars ( the R107 body ) but from what you describe this is more of a parts car than a restoration project. The R107 is hardly a rare car having being built for nearly 20 years so finding a better example no matter the year might be a better move.

I've fixed cars I should have junked and junked cars I should have fixed so I've been on both ends of the scale.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by brown220d

I am thinking of taking the plunge,have a 73 220d daily driver w 370k on the clock. the sl has 220k outer body better than avg(for northern new england) needs floor work comes w a new pan,quick look under looks good,rockers inner,outer both sides good ,trunk floor surface rust.I have not heard run yet,both tops ,paint decent(only looking for a sometime driver anyway) interior out and havnt seen yet. I would greatly appreciate any input on what to look for next oh yea the water pump leaks. I am not scared of welding as we have some fine english iron that I have rebuilt.

Thanks Mark

Sounds like you would be up for the body restoration job. Don't pay much for the car though!

The engine uses the Bosch D-jetronic (electronic fuel injection) system. It can be a little frustrating at first to get running perfectly, but it does work well once set up properly. (My 72 350SL uses same system).

Over on the Benzworld 107 forum, there are threads by several who have brought rusty 107s back from the dead. And in the stickies (Encyclopedia Germanica), there are good write-ups on D-Jetronic subjects.

Some links:
Buyer Checklist Thread - Mercedes-Benz Forum
1985 500SL rust repair and restoration project - Mercedes-Benz Forum (Different car, but same chassis)

[brown220d]

Thanks,car is in the 1k range.If it runs well will prob pick up.

Mark

[rowdie]

The bumpers alone can be worth 1K. More money for the front turn signals and fog lights if in good shape. Signals are North American specific and only used on '72-'73 models. Fog lights are the same as ROTW models and not like those on big bumper 107s.

As with everything location matters.

[brown220d]

Thats why I want the car,GREAT LOOK bumpers that were designed for the car
not the country.will keep informed.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by brown220d

Thanks,car is in the 1k range.If it runs well will prob pick up.

Mark

Doubt it will run WELL, but if it runs at all, that is a start

A few random thoughts:

Try and find out if timing chain and tensioner have been changed. You can change your self for say $300.

Soft top can be a DIY job for about $400.

Proper spec tires are N/A but you can get away with T rated tires if you don't drive at Autobahn speeds, and they are available.

Check out the interior upholstery - It can cost a few $$$ to replace, but is readily available.

Some D-Jet parts like trigger points are expensive and used ones are often worn out. Fuel pump is special type and you need to dig to get one for a 1/2 decent price. Other D-Jet parts can be bought used and they are usually not too expensive. Some of us have at least 2 of each!

Look forward to hearing if you go for it.

[97 SL320]

At 1 K or even 1.5 K it sounds like worth the risk. The other thing to consider, find a later car ( in better condition ) and install the old bumpers / headlights to get the look. However I don't know the details of accomplishing this.

[rowdie]

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

At 1 K or even 1.5 K it sounds like worth the risk. The other thing to consider, find a later car ( in better condition ) and install the old bumpers / headlights to get the look. However I don't know the details of accomplishing this.

If it is a North American model they all have the same quad headlights originally.

[meltedpanda]

easy to part and at 1K , I'd do it for that reason alone

[brown220d]

Even a nieghbor (met looking at 2nd time driving the wifes 68 MGB GT) he just had to have a Triumph in his garage said then car runs well.owner (in an e mail
says he has a new fuel pump ? guessing all is needed to get going)Will keep informed IN Northern Vermont really hard to find reasonably solid ORIGINAL cars that PO s have really faaqued up this looks like one could be a good one
Hopefully some papae trail..

Thanks for all the input so far!

Jurassic Marque

Mark