'69 230 build w/LQ4 swap

[Coasttocoast]

I changed out the JL Fabrication oil pan with one from Canton.

The Canton pan required some cutting and welding back to fit around the lower A arms, but a better pan.

Didn't end up having to pull the master cylinder as I had moved it far enough away from center for the engine to clear as I pulled it up.

Still took two days for the swap.

Then I went back to the interior. Finished clearing the wood dash inserts, then wet sanded to 2000 grit and polished with 3 stages of 3M polishing compounds/buffer. And installed.

Really excited how it's coming together. The book matching of the wood between pieces looks really great.







Around the corner from my house the 76 station lets various groups fundraise by washing cars, so took advantage.



Now back to the center console and the dyno for final tune and engine numbers.

[Coasttocoast]

Progress update.

I did in fact mess up the Flaming River rack by grinding some on the input shaft to try and make it easier to fit the linkage. Sent the rack back to FR and they corrected my errors.

I’ve added a little more bracing and almost have zero flex in the steering as a whole. Now trying to dial in the toe-in. Getting closer.

In total I’ve driven the car 175 miles so far.

Made some more tweaks to the engine/trans computer so that it’s about 95% there I think.

During the downtime’s I’ve been working on installing the head unit, rear deck speakers, subs and amps.

I built cabinets for the rear deck drivers and one cabinet each for the 8” subs powered by a pair of 500 watt amps. Cabinets are 3/4” MDF with bitumen sound damping pads and stuffed with blue jean insulation. Rear diver cabinet built the same way with a center divider between drivers.

I’m not sure of the logic of most audio guys that add subs facing into the trunk. I built my non ported cabinets with the driver cut through the trunk firewall and facing forward.

The bass is actually in the car with me instead of the trunk where I’m not

Dash has turned out nice. Not many ‘69’s with backup cameras, push button start, auto headlights and modern A/C.










Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Tomguy]

Very much enjoying the resto-mods. I know they're not in everyone's tastes, but I always said you build a car for yourself to enjoy and not others. I'm sure you're enjoying it!

Did you get a dyno run for power yet or are you waiting to get that last 5% first? Curious what you're getting to the wheels. I'm sure you'd smoke most stock Benzes now

[Tomas7]

This is absolutely amazing work. I've been following this thread and it is really impressive.

[Coasttocoast]

Tomguy and Tomas7, thanks for the compliments and taking time to post.

Yes, for some cars I can understand restomoding being a sin, but with the volume of W114’s still on the road today I think there is room enough for a few modified ones!

Although, I have tried to keep my interior changes true as possible to the original and no changes to the exterior, save shaving off the side markers and adding the extra exhaust penetration.

Going to the paint shop very soon.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Coasttocoast]

It’s been a few months since my last post, but I have been getting some work done.

Steering has still been a pain in my backside!

I have just over 500 miles on the car now, tweaking things here and there. After spending a good day with a couple lazer levels and reading info on the web I mapped out a plan to better the steering. I had previously shortened the steering arms to overcome the shorter linear range of the new rack and pinion. I needed to move the connection point of the tie rod inboard about 1” for Ackerman and downward about and 1” to keep the tie rods level at ride height.



And for bump steer I needed to lengthen the tie rods about 3 1/2” each side. All these changes required ordering up a bunch more parts to modify from and a couple more days under the car.

What a difference the changes made! I’m about 90% there now. Last thing to do is figure out how to add a steering damper. It’s so tight already it’s going to take some creativity.

But I’m tired of working on an ugly car and since I’m almost done with all the technical and modification work I sent it out to paint.

Prior to taking to the paint shop I removed 99% off everything on the exterior and the interior. Since the color is a different shade of grey, door edges, jambs, etc have to be painted too. I also deleted and welded shut the side marker penetrations, the antenna, and the model emblem on the trunk lid. The painter quoted me 4 to 6 weeks and I delivered on April 2.

Really ugly now;

[Coasttocoast]

Even uglier







A couple more weeks to go. Can’t wait. I also sent my wheels off to be straightened, stripped and chromed.



The bumpers, light trims, and front grill surround are in pretty good shape, no actual digs or dents, finish on the rear light trims is a little pitted, but the rest is cleaning up pretty good. At least good enough to put back on the car and change out later if needed.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Dubyagee]

Thats going to be one sharp little Merc.

[Coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by Dubyagee

Thats going to be one sharp little Merc.

Thanks, another week or so and we will see!

Here is this weeks progress, they are supposed to finish by the end of this week.

[CTD]

Looks like it is coming along well. Some day I'd like to get the paint re-done on my 1968 230, along with the chrome on the bumpers.

[Coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by CTD

Looks like it is coming along well. Some day I'd like to get the paint re-done on my 1968 230, along with the chrome on the bumpers.

Go for it!

Fingers crossed that everything turns out good. The shop is taking all the right steps. They pulled the doors to paint the jambs and door edges.

Here is a pic of the door edge, you can kinda get an idea of the color.



They are supposed to be finished Monday. But I did have them do a little extra work, so I’ll be happy if done by by Friday.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Coasttocoast]

I stopped by the paint shop this afternoon and took some update pics.

I’m really happy with the steps they have taken. They removed all the doors, the trunk and the hood to properly prep, prime and paint. All this work is done and now they have one more pass of primer and final wet sanding on a few spots. Prep looks really good.

They have painted the underside of both the trunk and the hood. Due to the way the hood sits over the engine bay they are going to paint the hood and the body with the hood off the car.

They plan to paint the body tomorrow.












Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Coasttocoast]

They painted the car yesterday and when I stopped by today they had started wet sanding/polishing the clear coat.

So far it look really good. The lighting is not very good in this area and the color looks kind of green, but it’s not.

I did see a bad spot on the trunk, they already knew of course, and already planning on respraying it.

Without it being in better light nothing else stood out as a problem. Sometimes paint with high metallic and pearl, like this color, can look streaky or cloudy. But can’t see any in this light.

Fingers crossed I get it Friday, excited about building it back.

Ordered a bunch more new parts, one I’m happy about finding, is an aftermarket company that makes both the driver and passenger side mirrors that look like stock. I also ordered the European headlights.











Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Tomguy]

Already looking good! I bet you can't wait to drive it looking like that.

[Coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Already looking good! I bet you can't wait to drive it looking like that.

Thanks!

Yes, excited about putting it back together, then the driving!

Wet sanding and polishing coming along nicely. For sure should have back home sometime next week.

Going to be rebuilding the seats, new headliner and roof insulation, and building a new center console all part of the next weeks.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk