R107 Restoration

[SilverSaloon]

blog updated with more stuff:

http://r107restoration.blogspot.com/

[pwogaman]

Nice write up. Add part numbers of the parts you're using, such as those for the retrofitted fender (wing) liners and side indicator lights.

[GaryF]

Great information, my headlamp washer have been siezed since I got the car and I read that the rods rust to the inside of the tubes and its not worth trying to fix but I might just have a go now !

[SilverSaloon]

Originally Posted by GaryF

Great information, my headlamp washer have been siezed since I got the car and I read that the rods rust to the inside of the tubes and its not worth trying to fix but I might just have a go now !

yes the main one that comes out of the motor was rusted on with mine. i put the end piece in a vice and pulled hard and it eventually came free with some spray lube (WD40).

definatly worth doing and it will come free eventually. then treat it with rust remover liquid, and then when refitting, coat it with a thick grease of some kind.

these rods are No Longer Available from mercedes anymore (i tried to get one) so repair is the only option unless you can replace with a similar cable from a DIY store.

[dmotl]

I got one also but, was lucky. It was sold in Germany and drove there for 6 months.
Than came to US and sold to a guy named terry who only drove it in the rain twice from 1986 to 2005 when he sold it to me. Only rust I can find is a small spot blister by the gas fill.

Anyway since you had this apart can you tell me how to open the air filter cansister? I assume it is that black round can sitting in the front of the engine on the right?

Thanks

Dan

[SilverSaloon]

Originally Posted by dmotl

Anyway since you had this apart can you tell me how to open the air filter cansister? I assume it is that black round can sitting in the front of the engine on the right?

Thanks

Dan

yeah you need to remove the metal clamp holding the pipe on and prise it off. then just turn the lid of the canister. pull upwards and the filter inside is revealed.

hope this helps

[woolf]

Loving your work Derek, I've some very similar problems with mine and am now feeling a little less afraid and perhaps even motivated

Did your wings come off easily? I'd like to have a good look in the hidden corners and add protection before it's too late!

[SilverSaloon]

Originally Posted by woolf

Loving your work Derek, I've some very similar problems with mine and am now feeling a little less afraid and perhaps even motivated

Did your wings come off easily? I'd like to have a good look in the hidden corners and add protection before it's too late!

thanks. Drivers side wing came off fairly easily - i think it may of been off before. the passenger side wing was really hard and i dont think it had been off.

after all the bolts were removed, i had to use a large flat bladed screwdriver and hammer it through the underseal and eventually basiclly rip it apart. i was replacing the wing so could afford to be a little more brutal though, but everything was done from underneath with the wheel off.

when re-fitting you should buy the foam that MB sell for the wing top and a new seal to go down the side. depending on rust situation on yours, prepare for the worst (see blog). also the wing partition panel that screws to just above where the sill ends can rust badly. i repaired my drivers side one, but fabricated a new one for the passenger side myself as its quite an expensive part (£35) but an easy shape to cut and make yourself. doesnt have to be 100% as it cant be seen behind the wing - aslong as it seals and protects.

live update on the resto - front spoiler is primed!! rear valance panels primed!! headlamps and wing brightwork are going back on tonight!!!

hope this helps!

[Mistress]

Silver- awesome job, I love watching the re-birth of these old beauties. The article with photos is great!

[SilverSaloon]

Originally Posted by Mistress

Silver- awesome job, I love watching the re-birth of these old beauties. The article with photos is great!

thanks. the post 86 front spoiler is now painted and looking great ready to bolt on. but i cracked my headlamp glass whilst fitting one of the lights so i've had to order a new glass

[Benzmeister]

for undertaking a job like this. I have a 79 450SLC that is rust free, rebuilt top end of engine, SS exhaust new brakes. New AC compressor, dryer, exchanger, heater core, amplifer, servo, and it still don't work, but other then having no heat of AC the car runs great.

[alabbasi]

Originally Posted by Benzmeister

for undertaking a job like this. I have a 79 450SLC that is rust free, rebuilt top end of engine, SS exhaust new brakes. New AC compressor, dryer, exchanger, heater core, amplifer, servo, and it still don't work, but other then having no heat of AC the car runs great.

Ouch, have you checked the fuses?

[Benzmeister]

Yes I took off the fuse box cleaned it replaced all the fuses even the 2 1/2 amp fuse that is located with the relays and still nothing, except the default defrost which works if nothing else does. I forgot to mention someone mentioned I should check and or replace the vacuum switchover switch, but it is tucked way up under the dash and with a very bad back and being a big guy it is impossible for me to get at it.

[Roncallo]

Nice work, Its good to see people keeping these cars up.

[Strife]

This has inspired me to replace the bushings on the upper A-arms - I've had the parts around for a year but was nervous about doing it.

Also interesting is that you didn't have a problem with the aftermarket fenders (which no doubt all come from the same place) - I am seriously considering biting the bullet and replacing mine on the 380SL, which have a little bit of creeping rust, and grinding/filling/painting is a battle I know from experience that I will lose.