1972 350sl barn find part out or rebuild? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cl600 · #1 06-23-2019, 11:11 PM

I just purchased a 1972 350sl with 111k miles. Car is rough but no rust. Needs full resto been sitting around since 94 other than last guy serviced engine and car drives.

I have 87 560sl might do bumper conversion. Question, do I part out running driving car or sell to someone to restore or restore it myself?

I know these cars are rare but those bumpers would look tasty on my 560.

I got a really good deal on car so don't care either way. I have a bunch of Mercedes and a lift so anything is possible.

Any advice would be appreciated.

rwd4evr · #2 06-24-2019, 02:43 AM

No rust really or just not a normal rusty mess? An early car is a bit easier to do with simple dash controls. If it's running and driving it's a matter of interior, body and suspension/brakes. All the rubber is garbage, look for main seal leaks in the engine trans and rear. Interior isn't too bad to do(if you can locate all the stuff you need) besides replacing the actual dash if necessary. Lots of work. Tough to get all your time money back but a good project. If it's manual trans strip it of any extra weight, gut it weld the diff and have a ball.

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meltedpanda · #3 06-24-2019, 09:29 AM

the 350/450 SL's have been loosing value lately, so many of them around and the market is saturated with good to great models making them a buyers market. Unless you love the car, you will never get the $ you put into it , so decide what you want to do with the end result . If you need the parts , source them , and sell the rest ( if you can) and recycle

rwd4evr · #4 06-24-2019, 10:22 AM

Yeah everyone wants 560sl's right now. It could pay off if you keep it long term after a nice redo. Ten years I'm sure it will be far more valuable. I think the SLC will be going up in a little while too since they are so unloved and so few will be around in excellent condition.

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Tomguy · #5 06-24-2019, 10:55 AM

Don't try to speculate on what the market might be in a few years, unless you have excess money that isn't a concern. In which case, speculate away. I have a feeling once the Porche bubble crashes, it may bring a bunch of other vehicles with it.

The primary questions are how bad is it currently (what needs replacing aside from the obvious "Everything rubber" like rwd4evr said).

Is the paint good?
Interior good?
Engine turns freely by hand?

The fuel tank will probably need a good cleaning, injectors will need to be refurbished, and then every system with fluid is going to probably leak to a significant degree due to sitting. If you don't want to go through everything to refurbish or replace it, then this sounds like a great candidate for a fun weekend drift / autocross car, unless the exterior and interior are in such good condition as to make a restoration worthwhile from a "Good bones" perspective.

rwd4evr · #6 06-24-2019, 11:19 AM

He said it runs and drives. But if the last guy just"got it running " definitely be aware of timing chain guides and tensioner. Chain stretch and sproket wear should be considered too.

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Tomguy · #7 06-24-2019, 01:46 PM

Welp, I missed that part - whoopsie!

But yes, there's more to just running. Chain and guides... cam oilers, too. If it sat that long the old jelly oil probably is blocking multiple ports and thus the cams won't be long-lived if that's the case.

The other stuff I listed is probably also applicable unless he actually had the fuel system cleaned properly, all the hoses replaced (especially the fuel and injector lines), etc.

Tony H · #8 06-24-2019, 05:40 PM

Is it a 3.5 stick shift model? Only the very best examples may experience any serious appreciation. Collectors are looking for the best vehicles to invest in and that would be low mileage, showroom condition. It would be difficult to bring an older example to that condition.

rumb · #9 06-25-2019, 10:29 AM

full resto would be $35K. just go buy a very nice one for less.

97 SL320 · #10 06-25-2019, 11:30 AM

If the car is truly 100% rust free, it would be a good candidate to mix with a great drive train / interior car that is rusted beyond repair.

cl600 · #11 06-25-2019, 12:20 PM

Well, I will part it out, I can sell a few parts and get my money back and sell the shell to someone else.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Brent

bracurrie · #12 06-25-2019, 05:13 PM

Brent,
I had one of those and they are frisky. It may go better than your 560. Its a rare bird for sure. I would try to find someone that wants to restore. Please don't destroy another rare R107.
BTW what are the details on the car? US Model? Color?

Brad

fonzi · #13 06-25-2019, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cl600

Well, I will part it out, I can sell a few parts and get my money back and sell the shell to someone else.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Brent

How about some pics? How bad is this thing?

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cl600 · #14 06-26-2019, 11:33 AM

fonzi · #15 06-26-2019, 01:18 PM

On first glance, it looks like it just needs a paint job.

My first MB was a 1973 (7/72 build) 450sl with red interior. It was black, originally white. The dash had no cracks. I hope your red dash doesn’t either. The MB Tex cleans up to a bright red with Spray Nine cleaner and water to rinse.

That car would look amazing in black.

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