History:
Last month I purchased this 1981 380SL from a gentleman in Michigan who had inherited it three years previous from his wife's father.
He had purchased body replacement panels for the rough spots (before and behind the rear wheels and behind the front - see pics) but had never progressed further than removing the trim moldings as his son went semi pro on the 4wheeler racing circuit, so I guess that chewed up all his free time and $. It then sat in his garage until I bought it.:thumbsup:
The car has 132K original miles and had been parked indoors her whole life, I was told. The pics he provided of the interior, floor pans, undercarriage and body basically confirmed that.
I did quite a bit of research on the vehicle (excepting a carfax, which is what I REALLY should have done) (I know, I know - stupid) (I got lucky) and decided it was a pretty good investment. It runs but is very rough, doesn't want to stay at idle (probably due to the fuel system processing old gas) and has a tapping noise coming from the valve cover on the pass. side (valve or lifter, maybe?) that goes away as the car gets to op. temp. Other than that it is in pretty reasonable shape for a 27 year old!
Things missing:
Radio (I think he may have had an aftermarket installed and then he removed), top wrench, all the manuals, two small "fins" on the grill, the muffler and (I think) one trunk panel.
Things included:
Replacement panels, trim and moldings, tool kit (or his own tools if MB didn't provide as std equip).
My Plan:
I bought a maintenance manual and plan to go through it this winter cover to cover. I am told this is what MB mechanics do on level 1 & 2 service checks. Make sure all mechanical systems not listed in the manual are in good condition. Once that is all taken care of, weld in the body panels, get it ready to paint and start on the interior. She needs new seat covers (whew$$$), the ashtray cover put back on and the center console replaced (lost a piece of wood down by the hazard button). I think the carpeting is salvageable, will have to wait and see - first things first.
So that is that, here are the "beginning" pics and if anyone has any pertinent info, suggestions or comments I will be glad to hear from you. Belly shots (from Jody or any other female BW member) are also welcome. Anyone in the northern ohio area that wants to stop by and see my progress and down a couple cold ones is also welcome, give me a shout!
Da Bandit
Last month I purchased this 1981 380SL from a gentleman in Michigan who had inherited it three years previous from his wife's father.
He had purchased body replacement panels for the rough spots (before and behind the rear wheels and behind the front - see pics) but had never progressed further than removing the trim moldings as his son went semi pro on the 4wheeler racing circuit, so I guess that chewed up all his free time and $. It then sat in his garage until I bought it.:thumbsup:
The car has 132K original miles and had been parked indoors her whole life, I was told. The pics he provided of the interior, floor pans, undercarriage and body basically confirmed that.
I did quite a bit of research on the vehicle (excepting a carfax, which is what I REALLY should have done) (I know, I know - stupid) (I got lucky) and decided it was a pretty good investment. It runs but is very rough, doesn't want to stay at idle (probably due to the fuel system processing old gas) and has a tapping noise coming from the valve cover on the pass. side (valve or lifter, maybe?) that goes away as the car gets to op. temp. Other than that it is in pretty reasonable shape for a 27 year old!
Things missing:
Radio (I think he may have had an aftermarket installed and then he removed), top wrench, all the manuals, two small "fins" on the grill, the muffler and (I think) one trunk panel.
Things included:
Replacement panels, trim and moldings, tool kit (or his own tools if MB didn't provide as std equip).
My Plan:
I bought a maintenance manual and plan to go through it this winter cover to cover. I am told this is what MB mechanics do on level 1 & 2 service checks. Make sure all mechanical systems not listed in the manual are in good condition. Once that is all taken care of, weld in the body panels, get it ready to paint and start on the interior. She needs new seat covers (whew$$$), the ashtray cover put back on and the center console replaced (lost a piece of wood down by the hazard button). I think the carpeting is salvageable, will have to wait and see - first things first.
So that is that, here are the "beginning" pics and if anyone has any pertinent info, suggestions or comments I will be glad to hear from you. Belly shots (from Jody or any other female BW member) are also welcome. Anyone in the northern ohio area that wants to stop by and see my progress and down a couple cold ones is also welcome, give me a shout!
Da Bandit