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380SL Hot Rod Project

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27K views 421 replies 28 participants last post by  Flipper_1938  
#1 · (Edited)
I really wasn't looking for another project, but I couldn't pass this one up. The body was really straight and solid. I was amazed I could buy a convertible anything for what paid, much less a Mercedes.

I have no intention of restoring the car to original. I am going to hot rod it. All of the problematic parts are going away and they will be replaced with something more reliable.

As found:
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The same day I bought the car, I also found these. They are 17" AMG wheels with a staggered fitment (7.5 and 8.5 inch if I remember correctly).
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This is what $1,200 (with new wheels) yard art looks like.
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#418 · (Edited)
I don't remember if I posted this wheel or not. It is out of a 1952 Mercedes 220. The cool thing about it is the turn signal switch....it is the "horn ring" (note the way it moves left and right).

I would need to build a collapsible steering column to use it in a daily driver.

I think I'm going to mock it up in the car for fun.

It doesn't really go with the racecar/corvette shit vibe, but it would be fun to look at while driving.

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#419 ·
Some early SL's have to rotating trim ring, some don't. Some have a turn signal on the column. Some have both.

I always assumed the 3 position switch was for turn signals.

I don't know anyone with a gullwing era car an neither of the 220's that I bought were functional cars....both were hot rod project cars.

I don't know if these pictures are from original car, reproductions,or what.
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#422 ·
I think some 50's cues would be a good thing. I won't ever get to enjoy a gullwing. This car will have to do.

⁸I'm guessing the early cars have the speedometer and Tach close together. ...like this.

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Versus having the multi-function gauge in the middle. ...like this.
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It might just be a difference in trim levels. I never had a reason to research it. ....still don't, I'm not doing a restoration. 😀