Parts car or Restore?

[hispassion]

A while back I bought a 1990 300SL to do a little work on and then put on the road. As I began to work on it, I found problem after problem after problem with it and have since lost interest in putting it on the road.

So, I'm now at a juncture and am willing to accept a loss. However, I'm finding it difficult to make the decision to let the car go to parts. Thus, the title of this post... Parts car or Restore?

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks!

Michael B.

[mowoc]

what is wrong with the car?

It seems that if the drive train and body are in pretty good shape it should be worth salvaging for someone.

[junqueyardjim]

Tell us what is wrong. You'll never get that 500K if you give up on a 90 300SL

[hispassion]

What's wrong with the car? Here's the list of problems;

1) Just about every hydraulic cylinder (for the soft top) is leaking.
2) The rear storage compartment cover (behind the seats) is missing.
3) Many wood trim and plastic moldings are broken (caused by previous owner [idiot] with screwdriver and pliers).
4) Needs to be repainted (looks like someone [idiot] used a brush).
5) Struts are totally shot (no dampening whatsoever).
6) Same with the rear shocks.
7) A/C system is leaking, likely at the condenser, but who knows where else or what else is needed.
8) It's been wrecked before (mild impact to right front)
9) Right hood spring is missing.
10) Needs new front bumper (cracked and poorly repaired)
11) Odometer broken (stuck at 102,000).
12) Radio missing.

Here's what I know is good;

1) Engine runs good and has a smooth idle
2) Transmission and drive line seem good.
3) Soft top is not torn; Hard top ok as well.

I figured the cost of repair (parts [not counting my time] may in fact put me over the cost of another SL in good condition.

Thanks for the input guys.

[500SL4ME]

1) Just about every hydraulic cylinder (for the soft top) is leaking. - can ll be rebuilt for $400 - search over at benzworld

2) The rear storage compartment cover (behind the seats) is missing. - get some wood and carpet and make your own.

3) Many wood trim and plastic moldings are broken (caused by previous owner [idiot] with screwdriver and pliers). - ebay

4) Needs to be repainted (looks like someone [idiot] used a brush). - depending on qulaity you are after, $1,000 can buy a nic driver paint job, or less if you do it yourself

5) Struts are totally shot (no dampening whatsoever). - fins some nce used ones for $100

6) Same with the rear shocks. see above

7) A/C system is leaking, likely at the condenser, but who knows where else or what else is needed. - put the top downa nd forget about it


8) It's been wrecked before (mild impact to right front) - if chassis or structure damage- hmmm? if just cosmetic,who cares.

9) Right hood spring is missing. - not sure

10) Needs new front bumper (cracked and poorly repaired) - ebay

11) Odometer broken (stuck at 102,000). - if you plan to keep and drive for a long time, find a used guage cluster on ebay for abotu 300 with close mileage

12) Radio missing. - $150 on EBAY.


not cheap for sure, if you plan to keep and drive for a long time maybe worth it. if your plan is to sell you will struggle to get your money back out of it.

[Peter K]

I have that rear storage compartment cover $50 plus shipping .
Let me know .
Peter K

[rowdie]

To every thing there is a season. I sense that your passion and interest has faded. Let it go. Get what you can and move on. Or buy another and save it for parts.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by rowdie

To every thing there is a season. I sense that your passion and interest has faded. Let it go. Get what you can and move on. Or buy another and save it for parts.

I'm not, a me too guy......but, me too!