PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Cal Learner · #4 05-20-2011, 10:39 AM

Thanks, all. JohnM, I appreciate the cautions you mentioned. I had come to the same conclusion re: rear arms vs. only bushings, for the same labor-intensive reason. As in any restoration, the idea is to return the vehicle to like-new condition, so a different logic applies than if I were simply trying to track down and fix a problem. I've kept the car in immaculate condition inside and out (the floor carpets have never been stepped on--floor mats from new), no kids, no pets, no smokers, washed weekly, waxed quarterly, vinyl protective treatments quarterly, always garaged, and so on.

I'm not independently wealthy and I recognize that the 124 isn't prized as a collector car, so of course cost will enter into it at some point, but the suspension is one place I intend to spend what's needed to bring it back to assembly line condition. Smaller amounts are budgeted for such things as brake and fuel line replacements, vac lines, a new throttle body and linkage. Inside, refinishing all the wood trim (still looks very presentable, but the urethane finish has surface scratches and cracks), and reupholstering selected panels on the seats that have been exposed to the sunlight. The big expense, I expect, will be a complete A/C renovation, including evaporator, all vent pods and compressor. Then, there are the smaller bits and pieces--For the last 6-7 years, I've been accumulating selected parts that I judged most likely to deteriorate or most likely to be discontinued from MB, and these have been stored in several gigantic Rubbermade bins with snap lids, kept inside the house. Those are my "restoration bins." All told, about $4,000 of OE Mercedes parts, still in original packaging, waiting for my eventual resto project. That's what I'm now putting the budget together for, probably to take place in early 2012, when the car will just turn 24. So that's my story. Thanks for contributing your ideas.