1981 380sl resurrection

[timm9]

Perry,

Mattlis is correct. I do not even remotely recognize your photo.

Mattlis has a 81 and would know best. I was searching my PC as I thought I had photos of my 82 torn down to the air chamber but realize that PC's dead and gone. I think there are similar engine 'area' photos attached my the old post you read earlier if the system has not dumped them.

I'm wondering if you need to look at engine and chassis numbers based on Mattlis's observations. Possibly there has been a marriage?

Tim

[fischp]

Hmmm, that could definitely be a possibility. I'm the third owner of this beautiful buggy, literally and figuratively, car. Where do I find the number on the engine? The only thing I can see is a 91 on the driver's side head. One curious thing... The back of the car has a 560SL insignia on it, but the title and the metal label in the driver's door jam says 380sl. Is there some sort of 380-ish 560? I can also take more pictures of the engine. It looks like it belongs in there...

Thanks in advance.

[timm9]

Perry,

If memory serves me the serial numbers should be in several locations, but the one of most interest will be at the rear of the engine rear left side cylinder head. You will also find numbers at the radiator brace, door jam, and at the windshield.

You may need a mirror and flashlight to see it...

[fischp]

The only number I could see on the engine was towards the back of the engine on the passenger side (USA) valve cover, it is 15486372. All of the other numbers on the car match.

[fischp]

Here's a close up of the number I found on the valve cover and a view of the engine from the passenger side.

Thanks!

Perry

[timm9]

Perry,

Have you tried entering the VIN in one of the VIN Decoders referenced on the site? Record the VIN and then do a search for mercedes VIN decoder and enter the VIN. The results should tell exactly the year, model, build location, etc. I'm starting to wonder if you have a Euro version...

[fischp]

I did a VIN decode and got the following:

Model: 380
Make (Manufacturer): Maybach, Mercedes-Benz
Model year: 1981
Manufactured in: Europe
Sequential number: 003590

Body style: CONVERTIBLE 2-DR
Driveline: RWD
Trim level: SL

I don't think this tells too much...

[rowdie]

15486372 on the valve cover is the firing order.
Engine number is stamped into the top of the block behind the left cylinder head. Hard to see and probably covered with debris.

If your VIN begins WDBBA45 it is a North American model. A Euro VIN would begin WDB107045. The stamped number on the upper radiator support may be in Euro format as I don't think they started stamping that with the US standardized VIN until later. North American model will also have a plate with VIN riveted to the drivers door jamb and a VIN plate attached to the left A pillar visible through the windshield..

560SL trunk badge means nothing. Easy to change.

[fischp]

hi Rowdie, based on what you're saying mine's definitely a north American version. I've been staring that the engine and noticed that the air pump's disconnected and the (former) connections are the same size as the ones on the intake manifold. I don't think it would make sense that they were connected at one time but just an observation...

Thanks to you and everyone's input. I'm currently waiting on a handful of little rubber vacuum elbows to arrive and to return from a business trip.

[sublettd]

As I read through this thread I noticed comments about an $1,100.00 WUR and a request for place to buy carpet pieces.

Here is a contact for the WUR and Fuel Distributor: Larry Fletcher, CIS Flow Tech Llc., 251-929-3771. Larry calibrates and rebuilds both the WUR and FD. His garage is slam full of both. Larry has worked with Bosh folks on both the rebuild and calibration of these parts. He knows his stuff.......and his prices are very reasonable...or as reasonable as Mercedes parts for these old cars can be. Here is a link to his website: CIS Flowtech - Rebuilding Bosch Fuel Distributors & Warm-Up Regulators

Instead of buying carpet pieces, I recommend you buy the OE carpet in a (bulk) roll from GAHH and take it to a carpet/upholstery shop to have them cut and bind it. GAHH: Convertible Tops, Auto Interiors, Quality Convertible Tops

I did just that when I redid the carpet in my SL. I also purchased the soft top, cushions and seat covers from them when I did the rest of the restoration. Stuff isn't cheap, but it is OE.

For MBZ manuals and literature, I use Books4Cars.com - Every Repair Manual, Service Manual, Owners Manual and Book for your Car, Truck and Motorcycle

Finally, i have a center console for the 107SL that came out of an 81 380SL. The car was dark blue and the console is light blue (almost grey in color) and is in excellent condition.

[fischp]

Hi subLettd, thanks so much for the information. I think I'll give your WUR "guy" a call. I'm reassemblingthe top of my engine this weekend, I may need their help. As for the carpet, I'm on the fence on that aspect, I found OEM carpet in CA for about $400. I don't have the original carpet, so I can't have a shop use them as a pattern. I might just buy the OE carpet this time, but thank you!

Perry

[sublettd]

Perry,

Larry is a good guy and really knows his stuff. Most of the WUR's and FD's you see on websites like German Auto, etc., are ones that he has rebuilt and provided to them.

I bought carpet from GAHH at ~$50.00 a yard (measured 3' x 5' on the roll), but understand about not having a pattern for the carpet folks to go by.

Good luck with your work on the car. You're going to find that a lot of time, effort and money is going to be spent.

Don

[meltedpanda]

Have you pop tested the injectors?