Latest Adventure - 1981 380SL

[ctaylor738]

Guys - thought I would share this, even though it's not "Vintage" strictly speaking.

My latest project - arrived late last week. I just don't seem to be able to resist the stray cats and dogs.

Died on 1-95. It starts and moves, but is missing badly and making a terrible "chuffing" noise and huge clouds of blue smoke. Suspect cracked or burned piston. But it has oil and water, not mixed.

Some rust, both tops, very original and complete. 248K miles.

I also managed to acquire a replacement engine (M116.963) from a euro 380SEC, but it needs new cams.

It is my goal to return this car to roadworthy and improved cosmetic condition to be a summer driver on a strict budget that will be monitored closely by Senior Management, obviously avoiding retail parts where possible. Having aquired the car and the engine, and with a deal in the works for replacement cams, there is $625 left in the budget. I am still in need of the following:

- Driver's seat or cover in palomino leather
- Arm rest in palomino (cover is OK, internal mechanism broken)
- Rug set in palomino
- From bumper metal cover

All leads and offers considered and greatly appreciated. The replacement engine came with some extra stuff (compressor, starter, alternator, etc), so I have stuff to trade, including what may be left from the original engine.

I am looking forward to learning about the 107's.

wow Chuck, thats a cutey ... tell us what you paid for it?
If you decide to sell any of the parts from the 250c let me know.

I have a new guy I am dealing with for used parts www.online-mercedes.com

[Riggermike]

Chuck, that looks great! I'm sure that with your ability, it will be up and running soon! Keep us informed as you go through it!
Mike

[300SDog]

I know that chuffing noise.... once bought an R69S that had hole punched in one piston by previous owner using a spark plug that was too long.

Naturally, you've gotta ask yourself if 4spd. conversion is possible using the 250C clutch and tranny..... Your $625 should cover an imported 3.8 flywheel, and maybe have enough left for the driver's seat. You can cut your own rugs from whatever carpet material you choose.

[ctaylor738]

You can follow the ups and downs of this car by doing a search on "Wayward Woman."

The short version is that the problem turned out to be a rocker arm so worn down that the intake valve on #6 cylinder was not opening. Hence gasping and no compression. That engine was a well-worn with a single chain, so I went ahead with the e-bay engine which turned out to be a higher compression euro model. I bought a set of euro cams from a guy in Australia, of all places.

By April of this year, the car was back on the street as a daily driver. Here's what it took:

- used engine
- used cams
- new ball studs (hydraulic)
- new timing chain and tensioner
- used front bumper and cover
- rebuilt steering box and front-end tool set
- rebuilt fuel distributor (ouch!)
- rebuilt climate control servo and amplifier (ouch!)
- new injectors and seals
- new windshield
- new plug wires, cap, rotor, plugs
- install new soft top that came with car
- replace side bolster of driver's seat

Todo list -

- resolve rough idle
- new rugs
- upgrade stereo
- get AC to work

I paid $1200 for the car. It was my naive goal to have a good-running, good-looking roadster for $3000. This was trashed by the need for the fuel system and climate control parts and the steering and windshield. I will probably end up at around $6000 when all is said and done.