380sl Project "refresh" continues.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RickM · #1 07-28-2003, 10:21 AM

When I purchased my '85 380 SL I posted pics here immediately with lots of questions. Some answered, others not, leaving some room for experimentation.

I wanted to bring the car back to original but in an upgraded way. Below you'll see a pic when I received the car. It sagged in the rear, had the stainless (or Chrome) wheel well trim, AMG ground effects and Dayton wire wheels.

First I pulled the wheel well trim...a relatively easy job. You just have to hope there isn't any damage hidden. In my case all it needed was a very mild polish to bring to new.

Next came the rear AMG valance. When I removed I realized that the original rear center valance was missing. Oh what fun. I finally sourced a used one, which is in the process of being refinished.

Sourcing 560 SL wheels was a bit harder. Yes they're out there but usually in beat, very average or in ultra expensive form. I lucked out and got a beautifully refinished set WITH lug bolts for $150.

Be careful, the 16 inch 15 hole wheels (newer SL - 129), will not fit the 107 without quite a bit of modification. What you want are 15" diameter and a 7" width. The offset is 25mm...very important. These wheels came on a few other non-SL cars so they are out there. The stamp on the back of the rim will read: 7Jx15H2 ET25.

I did quite a bit of research on the tires. I wanted a quiet (especially with a convertible), good handling (in both dry and wet) and decent wearing tire. The number one contender turned out to be the Sumitomo HR200. Only carried by Tire Rack and at a ridiculously low price of $42 each. So far they're great!

Removed the AMG running boards (aka side boards or rockers). What I found was partially worn through black Wurth Stonegaurd. So it was half black and half body color. Didn't take long to clean it up and spray it with Wurth Satin Black paint. Looks factory original now.

Suspension-wise I replaced the rear subframe mounts, shocks and springs. I went with the Bilstein Comforts and 560 SL springs. Attached below is a pic of a side-by-side comparison. Quite substantial...brought the rear right to where I wanted it.

What's next? Well, I have to finish with the rear center valance, install the Blaupunkt Radio/10 disc changer/speakers, Steering damper/coupling/Gearbox? and other front end suspension pieces....including a 560 SL front spoiler....I'm still looking for a used one.

Also, a one-touch open/close window module and remote door locks.

BTW, I took pics documenting the rear shock/spring removal and replacement. I'll post on a thread but would probably be better off having it hosted somewhere designed for it. Perhaps a tech article here?

Anyway though I'd share my experience. Let me know if you have any questions.

BEFORE: The German Low-Rider....

RickM · #2 07-28-2003, 10:25 AM

AFTER: Please forgive the mess....just finished and didn't wash the car yet....

RickM · #3 07-28-2003, 10:26 AM

New 560 SL spring is 14 7/8" tall
Old 380 SL spring is 13 15/16" tall

Can anyone provide the height of a new OEM 380 SL spring?

Side-by-Side spring comparison:

cbdo · #4 07-28-2003, 08:52 PM

The car looks great!
If you did a DIY on the rear bushings, I'd be fascinated to see a step-by-step, as a complete novice to wrenching from the under-the-car position.

My own 560 probably would benefit from bushing renewal

erubin · #5 07-29-2003, 12:40 AM

You said: "Also, a one-touch open/close window module and remote door locks."

How do you plan on making remote door locks?

ctaylor738 · #6 07-29-2003, 02:32 AM

Very nice work!

RickM · #7 07-30-2003, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the compliments!

erubin:
The remote door lock kit with instructions is available from http://bergwerks.com/index.jsp. It will also work with the One-Touch window module so when you remote lock the car it will roll the windows up automatically. There are lots of other cheaper kits but these guys make products specifically for our cars....less hassle in the long run.
If there are off the shelf alternatives feel free to share.

Craig:
Unfortunately I didn't take pics of the rear subframe bushing replacement procedure. Actually I paid someone to do them and helped out. Here is a link with valuable instruction.... http://www.pindelski.com/cars/W126/560SELsubframebushings.htm ...click on the additional link on the page for a detailed write-up. My advice would be to use the threaded rod (or special MB tool) and silicone to insert the new bushing. If you dont it could turn out to be almost impossible to seat the new parts properly.
BTW, I noticed no difference in height after replacing the bushings but did notice the rear was a little less sloppy in turns.

erubin · #8 07-30-2003, 01:28 PM

Rickm,

thanks for the tip about keyless entry kits from Bergwerks. I gave them a call but unfortunately for me neither of my two MBs can be equiped with this upgrade. Only MBs with electric vacuum pumps are upgradeable with these kits. My 72 uses vacuum from the intake and my Diesel uses a mechanical vacuum pump. I assume your 380 has an electric vacuum pump which makes it a candidate.

Good luck with your projects.

ctaylor738 · #9 07-31-2003, 11:34 AM

Not to be argumentative, but why would it matter what the source of the vacuum was? And to my knowledge, a 380SL has only engine vacuum as its source.

erubin · #10 07-31-2003, 11:56 AM

Yes, i wonder the same thing but that's what they said. Maybe I'll call them again for more details. I would like to do it on my 300D in particular.

Thomaspin · #11 08-04-2003, 05:55 PM

You install the keyless entry in a non-vacuum pump car but will have to use an auxiliary electrical door lock actuator (v cheap) in the driver's door - see my piece on early-W126 keyless installation under Cars-Technical-Chassis on my site for how to install the actuator.

While the 300SD I did this on uses a vac pump, to actuate all the locks except the driver's door, the stored vacuum in the SL's vacuum tank does the same. The vac tank is in the right front fender.

RickM · #12 08-05-2003, 10:39 AM

Thomaspin,

Excellent site.....very informative. I've had it in my Favorites for a while and refer to it often.

Thanks!

bowbyeal · #13 05-19-2004, 07:36 PM

RickM,

I'm a little late coming to this thread and I would like to go back to the wheels you put on your 380.

They look just awesome. Do you know if they can be bought new anywhere? What is the proper description? I would like to put them on my 380.

RickM · #14 05-20-2004, 02:09 PM

Bow,

They are generically known as 15 inch 15 hole wheels. I don't recall another name for them. To get the right version will require checking the following:

Be careful, the 16 inch 15 hole wheels (newer SL - 129), will not fit the 107 without quite a bit of modification. What you want are 15" diameter and a 7" width. The offset is 25mm...very important. These wheels came on a few other non-SL cars so they are out there. The stamp on the back of the rim will read: 7Jx15H2 ET25.

Mercedes may sell them new. If so they'll most likely cost an arm and a leg.

Adsit sells new ones at $152 each but they may be aftermarket http://www.adsitco.com/catalog/productdetail.asp?ID=6230

Tire Rack has them as well. Made by ASA (Called Type 15) for $109 each.

Of course there is always the EBAY route if you want genuine for a good price. Just make sure they're the right size/offset and they're true....something that may be tough when dealing with auctions.

BTW, I'm still very happy with the Sumitomo HR200 tires.

Info on ASA wheels: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/asa/asa_info.htm
I'd also ask if they're TUV approved. If so ASA looks to be an attractive option.

bowbyeal · #15 05-20-2004, 04:12 PM

Rick,
Thanks for the excellent information. I have checked out the recommended sites for wheels and I now have a much better read on what's involved.

BTW, I will be putting Bridgestone Turanza's on my 380 soon but first I need to decide if I will be buying your type wheels. I'm very impressed with the look that you get with them. Hopefully there are shops in the Toronto area who have them. Just need to determine where they are.

Thanks again.