Restoring an 8,000 Mile 2.3-16

[lomtevas]

I appreciate the accolades but may i add two points that arise.

First, if someone came up to you one day and said, "Here is an almost brand new 22 year old 16 valve 190E," how would you react? Look at the first two pictures of the car in warehouse condition. This is what met me one night in January minus the hood star.

Even if you never owned one or cared for one, the idea would be rather compelling I would think. For a current owner, the deal was irresistible.

Secondly, I do have an affinity for these cars because I do own one since new. I have raised a family in one and when it came time to decide which car would have to be eliminated, the 190E was always voted to stay. I remember a taxi ride in Frankfurt many years ago when a cabby drove me in one. I never forgot the experience and waited to return to the states to buy one. I did.

The bottom photo is my barolo 190E just before I installed "hid" headlights and European baskets.

[190E Dutch driver]

wy does the american version of the 190e have does ugly headlamps
the european headlamps are mutch better

[355190E26]

LOL. It's because back in the day, the Department of Transportation wouldn't allow the usage of the much more superior e-code lamps. So we got stuck w/ Americanized lights that have the same output as a candle. And now you know why people in North America think euro lights are so cool

Of course I've seen a couple instances where people in Europe put the American headlights on their cars.

[lomtevas]

Today is set aside for masking the car for the paint booth.

The paint arrives today.

The hood's supports have been repaired and rewelded to the underside of the hood.

All of the hidden areas where original paint looks perfect are being masked to include inside the door lines and the hood/fender lines.

The engine compartment is dusty. It will be recleaned by the team.

[190E Dutch driver]

I can`t wait for the finishing paint job on your car

greetings from Holland

[lomtevas]

All but the color arrived today. We're still waiting.

In the meantime, taping is proceeding.

The last of the cladding is being removed for its own prep for paint.

[lomtevas]

Here are the little parts that count for much.

Nicks are filled in with fiberglass filler. The inside of the skirt is yellow so it looks grungier than it really is. All dirt will be removed after roughing is completed.

[lomtevas]

This port front fender cladding needed the full strip and prime.

The rest of the car awaits the glassman to remove the front and rear glass prior to paint. And we are waiting for the paint to arrive.

[lomtevas]

Originally Posted by Boardmonger

wow.

And what is even more amazing is that the reflection test was done with water. You were looking at dripping wet panels last week.

I myself cannot wait to see how really serious and sophisticated chemistry will look on that car.

[BoyNextDoor]

i gotta give it to those guys, they deserve every penny that this will cost... they do an awesome job...

EDIT: I'm still curious as to what the final bill will come out to...

Kudos to you and your dedication... we need more ppl like you in this world!