This one of my projects ,as you can see it has been stripped and repainted from it's original gloss black and repainted matt black by a previous owner,it is a 220 SE auto matic,has power steer ,disc brakes (front) and MB tex upholstery.Fully restored in Australia it would be worth $5000 max. as it is i could get $500 max.There may be good market in the UK and germany for finnys but it is only us mercmadmen that want them !!.To restore it would cost in the area of $15,000 as there is almost no rust,the car has been like this for at least 12 years.
...as has been said,stick to the SL,no matter what you spend you will get it back in both sheer driving pleasure and investment value.[:)][:)]
Well, I guess I understand your frustration when I hear her cry and shout how we were able to devalue by ten. Yes, we used to be the proud owners of a W124, but we now own a W114.
Economics aside it was bought in running condition to be a daily driver and is currently undergoing clutch repairs.
Oh, and we have a fintail, which has a for sale sign on it but no one answers the damn phone, on our "to buy list"
Restoring a car is, in general, waisting money. No, don't slap me, because waisting money can be very pleasant (why did I think of my wife while writing this ?) But serious now: if you would restore a car to gain profit or make an investment, you ever will get disappointed: just a happy few manage to get there investment back when selling the object. So: do it just because you want it and enjoy the progress and the result after even years of work. Every hobby will cost lots of money: even collecting comics can be very expensive if you want just THAT old one. (btw: did you know that an old TinTin-comic in France made about $40.000,- at an auction?) To show you how my nightmare changed in a dream, I will add two pictures of my 250SL. I did buy it from a guy who started to rebuild it, but he could not handle it anymore and I got a naked caros, included 3 giant wooden boxes filled with parts. The ressult is the second picture. I wish you good luck, much wisdom and a fair provider for the missing parts.[;)]
At the next bulk trash pick up put it next to your garbage cans. This is a regular/normal fintail. The money you put into it will never be recovered and that rust will continue to grow even with your husbands best efforts to get rid of it. Good Luck
Restoring a car is, in general, waisting money. No, don't slap me, because waisting money can be very pleasant (why did I think of my wife while writing this ?) But serious now: if you would restore a car to gain profit or make an investment, you ever will get disappointed: just a happy few manage to get there investment back when selling the object. So: do it just because you want it and enjoy the progress and the result after even years of work. Every hobby will cost lots of money: even collecting comics can be very expensive if you want just THAT old one. (btw: did you know that an old TinTin-comic in France made about $40.000,- at an auction?) To show you how my nightmare changed in a dream, I will add two pictures of my 250SL. I did buy it from a guy who started to rebuild it, but he could not handle it anymore and I got a naked caros, included 3 giant wooden boxes filled with parts. The ressult is the second picture. I wish you good luck, much wisdom and a fair provider for the missing parts.[;)]
Spending money is a waste ,it you look at it that way[:D]
You can't take it with you and if are clothed and fed in a warm enviroment,and have some left over to spend ,Do it!.Sure it costs money to restore a car ,it costs money in the US to go to a doctpor too but it as i said ,you can't take it with you when you die so spend it now and use it to feel good and damn the childrens inheritance.
All kidding aside, I love my fintail. Its fun to drive and it looks good and alot of other people seem to like it. Your car doesnt look to be unworkable and you could get some enjoyment out of it, but my point is why spend $1200 on a brake booster when you could patch in an old chevy booster out of a junk yard for $20. There are alot of parts need replacing that dont show. You dont have to stay stock and you could probably get it on the road at a reasonable price. I notice you have air conditioning. You could probably sell that but it will be an asset if you get it working.
What is the point of "restoring" something if you are going to kill it's value by putting anothe makers parts into it? Spend alot more money and time and do it right.
Women know how to shop and look for deals. So spend time looking and find the parts cheaper.
Hi,
Restoring a rusty car will be a never ending and very expensive effort and the (probably never) finished project will never be worth anywere near what was spent on it.
I would suggest cutting your losses and buying a good rust free CA car and keeping yours for parts. You could buy another for far less than you will spend on restoring yours. Just my 2cents.
Best wishes on your project,
Tony
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