1977 450sl

[lsl64]

am considering purchase of a 450sl but there are several problems that may be more serious than they appear to me. the air pump has the belt removed. air pump squeeks when turned by hand so if it is reconnected would need to be replaced or just abandoned. am living in Nevada. there is coating of old dirt/oil coating underneath engine but there appears to be nothing fresh. there is rust spot 3" diameter on drivers door sill and corresponding rust spot on rocker panel. can find no rust anywhere else on car. is this a structural element? transmission makes positive shifts, body work is dent free, hard top is clean and snug and leather interior is in good condition.

[450slcguy]

Don't worry about the air pump, not a big expense.

Rust is your biggest enemy. Rocker panels are pretty serious. Check them out carefully, especially the structural jackpoints. Internal rust in the rockers is real bad and requires complete replacement.

Front steering/suspension should also be examined carefully. Check the power steering pump and steering box as they are very prone to leakage. Also check the interior carefully, especially the dash for cracks, leather seats worn, carpets ect..... very expensive to restore.

Consider the rust as a major factor as that is most important and probably(?) the most expensive thing to fix. Everything else is a few hundred here and there and all together everything can bleed you dry. Count on it.

If you can get it real cheap considering the rust damage, say less than $1000go for it. If you can do the mechanical/rust work and have lots of time and a fair amount of money go for it. If your not dedicated for several years of restoration then pass it by. These cars are not for the meek and demand lots of work to restore. Consider spending $6,000 to $8000+ bucks for one that's not rusty and has already had someone else do most of the work

[lsl64]

Thanks for the advice. asking price is $4000 but would end up around $3,500. Still alot of money considering the restoration involved. Thanks for the input! Appreciate your time. This is a great site. By the way already have a 1968 280se in good condition except for the front brown leather seats that are badly worn (holes in several places) but is a great cruiser. also have a 300e in perfect condition. always wanted a sl series though and will keep looking. not to be too verbose but owned a 1963 220s while i worked in Nigeria in the 60's. drove it 300,000 miles over the worst roads imaginable including launching over a ravine in the bush. it never failed me in 4 years. the rear end gave out just before i moved north to Niger so sold the car. it is probably still running as a taxi.

[dugald]

Don't worry about the air pump. It's just for emissions, doesn't affect running.

BTW I worked in Nigeria in the early 70s. Bought a 190 diesel fintail from another departing expat for 100 pounds. Served me well. Probably running taxi service now.