Hello everyone!
This is my first message on these forums and what better way to start it than with a full car restoration thread!
I haven't seen many of SEC restoration threads or videos around, so here's one for your enjoyment.
Well then, about the car - It's a 1982 Euro spec Mercedes 500sec. Got it quite recently from one guy, who originally bought it to restore himself but realized that he didn't have the time or money to finish it. He said the car had been garage kept for 10+ years without moving. And it definitely shows, as there are lots of imperfections from it not being driven for so long.
Upon closer inspection, the car seemed to be in overall decent shape. Few rust spots here and there, some dents and faded trim. The underbody is all solid, floor panels haven't rusted through and that's a huge plus in my book.
The leather isn't torn, but it has become dry with age. I think with some shampoos and new leather paint the interior will look as good as new. The seatbelt extenders do not work,
in fact, the drivers side one is missing altogether.
The wood has seen better days, but i do have a guy who can restore it to factory new condition for about 400$.
All window regulators and electric seats work fine, but the sunshine roof doesn't slide back. The motor works, it goes down, but something is preventing it to slide backwards. Will have to drag it to the shop for closer inspection.
Now comes the engine. There seems to be a knock under the valve covers on the passenger side. Also, a few cylinders are misfiring (could be because of ancient plugs and coils). I suppose the knock is due to the old chain that hasn't been replaced for 20+ years. The air filter box is in bent, i have no idea how that happened but i do have a replacement in the boot.
Now then, course of action is as follows: First, ill take care of all the rust issues, i know one guy who is really good with metal work, he will create new arches and fix all the dents of the car. He should come over this sunday to check the car fully over and give an estimate of how much it will cost.
Then i'm gonna send it to the shop to fix the engine and suspension (I really hope it won't be anything crazy, but we will see)
That's it for this short introduction, as i get new parts and or some work done i'll update this thread. :>
This is my first message on these forums and what better way to start it than with a full car restoration thread!
I haven't seen many of SEC restoration threads or videos around, so here's one for your enjoyment.
Well then, about the car - It's a 1982 Euro spec Mercedes 500sec. Got it quite recently from one guy, who originally bought it to restore himself but realized that he didn't have the time or money to finish it. He said the car had been garage kept for 10+ years without moving. And it definitely shows, as there are lots of imperfections from it not being driven for so long.
Upon closer inspection, the car seemed to be in overall decent shape. Few rust spots here and there, some dents and faded trim. The underbody is all solid, floor panels haven't rusted through and that's a huge plus in my book.
The leather isn't torn, but it has become dry with age. I think with some shampoos and new leather paint the interior will look as good as new. The seatbelt extenders do not work,
in fact, the drivers side one is missing altogether.
The wood has seen better days, but i do have a guy who can restore it to factory new condition for about 400$.
All window regulators and electric seats work fine, but the sunshine roof doesn't slide back. The motor works, it goes down, but something is preventing it to slide backwards. Will have to drag it to the shop for closer inspection.
Now comes the engine. There seems to be a knock under the valve covers on the passenger side. Also, a few cylinders are misfiring (could be because of ancient plugs and coils). I suppose the knock is due to the old chain that hasn't been replaced for 20+ years. The air filter box is in bent, i have no idea how that happened but i do have a replacement in the boot.
Now then, course of action is as follows: First, ill take care of all the rust issues, i know one guy who is really good with metal work, he will create new arches and fix all the dents of the car. He should come over this sunday to check the car fully over and give an estimate of how much it will cost.
Then i'm gonna send it to the shop to fix the engine and suspension (I really hope it won't be anything crazy, but we will see)
That's it for this short introduction, as i get new parts and or some work done i'll update this thread. :>