PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Richard Wooldridge · #2 03-25-2006, 02:27 AM

Hi there,
Congrats on the new wheels! I know you will have fun getting it back in shape. I recently purchased an '82 380SL that has a 560SL engine installed in it, and it's lots of fun to drive. It had a slight miss at idle, and while checking it over I found a loose vacuum hose, replugged it and all is good now. I also had to go through the window adjustments on both doors, the driver's door glass was low at the rear because the regulator arm was bent at the middle pivot area, and both doors needed the glass angle moved in at the top so they would close into the rubber correctly. Also, the plastic rain shield was missing on both doors. (Absolutely necessary in Washington due to the rains we get!) I had to rebuild the doorlock vacuum system and rebuild the trunk lock/vacuum lock, the key didn't work in the trunk and the vacuum lock needed adjustment.
The clearcoat was falling off the hood and parts of the rest of the car, I resprayed clearcoat in the affected areas as a temporary fix until a new paint job can be done, it doesn't look too bad now. I also have a '79 450SL that is in very good condition. My wife thinks it sits too low at the back, I just today received the thickest rubber spacers that are available through Performance Products, will compress the springs and replace the upper spacers. These spacers are 19mm thick, should raise the rear around 1/2" I think. I had the carpets replaced and new leather seats installed by a shop in North Hollywood, CA, they did a great job and the interior looks like new now. The '79 needs a new soft top, and I think I will try replacing it myself. Keep us informed/entertained on your progress!