380sl Project "refresh" continues....

[RickM]

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....