[SmattaHead]

So, it's that time of year again.....
I figure I put about 7,000 miles on my 560sl this season, and there were many improvements along the way.
Overall, she ran great. I think I have a good handle on all the issues that were going on with the car, even the AC issues.

Before storing the car, I brought it to a professional shop for what they call a 'full reconditioning', meaning that they clean the crap out of it!

Once that is done, she is going in the garage under a cover for the winter. I did a search to find the recommended storage techniques, especially for the soft top, seeing as it was new in June. I will have to get a friend to help me remove the hard top, which has been on for a little over a month now.

Overall, I have been very happy with the car generally. The fuel economy isn't the best, but I think the car is really cool and I always get compliments on her.

I will miss her, but we all know that these are specialty cars...for the good weather, not the winter!!!

Ciao for now

 

[dickz]

Just around the corner from you. Likewise put mine away this week. Drove it last Saturday and the alternator gave out. Had it towed to my indie, where it sleeps for the winter, and had a new alternator, battery and some belts changed. Will do the usual oil, filter, etc change in the spring and be ready for another summer of top down fun.

 

[Nyyyce&Eeeezy]

Getting ready to start leaving ours in the garage for the winter also within the next few weeks. Still holding out for another drive or two.

Just purchased in early July, we only put about 450 miles on since purchase and now have about 26,685. We recently completed a full mechanical inspection, a complete service with oil change, tire rotation/balancing, a few minor maintenance repairs, and, today, we drained, flushed, and refilled the radiator with MB coolant. Also completed a comprehensive detailing, inside and out.

Have been asking and reading about proper storage procedures and techniques, and will miss driving this beautiful piece of machinery over the winter, but at least I won't have to be picking up these damn leaves for too many more weeks.

Think Spring!

 

[dgosh28]

As I read these posts I remember why we put up with the scorching summer heat and stifling humidity here. Today will be 67 and sunny and we will have decent temps now through May or June. Someone please remind me of this next summer when I am complaining about my garage being hot enough to bake muffins.

 

[reno4u2]

As I read these posts I remember why we put up with the scorching summer heat and stifling humidity here. Today will be 67 and sunny and we will have decent temps now through May or June. Someone please remind me of this next summer when I am complaining about my garage being hot enough to bake muffins.

Same here with the exception of the humidity. During the summer the top goes up when the sun comes out. My garage door faces west and used to heat up in the 130's until I insulated the door. Now it stays near ambient temps.

 

[RadioTek]

Look at it this way.... Would you rather have the beloved 107 stashed away dry and safe, or exposed to moisture, salt, and the other vagaries of the environment??

Some times you have to think of things in the long term, rather than the 'now'.

Scott

 

[dgosh28]

Look at it this way.... Would you rather have the beloved 107 stashed away dry and safe, or exposed to moisture, salt, and the other vagaries of the environment??

Some times you have to think of things in the long term, rather than the 'now'.

Scott

You are absolutely correct. All I have to do is look at the rust on my 74 to see what salt will do to a car. The rust on the 78 is more likely due to water getting into the car, but still will require tons of work to correct the damage.

 

[MBGraham]

You are absolutely correct. All I have to do is look at the rust on my 74 to see what salt will do to a car. The rust on the 78 is more likely due to water getting into the car, but still will require tons of work to correct the damage.

I have been driving the SL more than usual this Fall. Reason being, that my 300D is suffering from the malady you describe.

Much of the rust was due to water that entered with snow/salt laden winter boots and collected in low spots on the floor pans.

300D is currently at Last Chance Auto Restorers! I kid you not! Here she is.

 

[db51]

Nothing like battling a bad case of "cancer" is there MBGraham? Prayers are with you and your beloved 300D.

 

[MBGraham]

Nothing like battling a bad case of "cancer" is there MBGraham? Prayers are with you and your beloved 300D.

Thanks - I had no idea the rust was even there. The floorpan soundproofing on those cars is glued down and completely hides several low areas where water can seep in from above. It also seems one rubber plug was missing on underbody x-beam and that resulted in corrosion from below. Rust at front of rockers must be due to failure of undercoating - happens on SLs too.

It's a good idea on the SL to pull the varpets from time to time and check underneath. I once had just a little surface rust on passenger side, so painted the entire floor when I had seats out with POR-15. Luckily the SL doesn't see salt or even much rain.

 

[OldWorldShepherds]

Will semi-store ours this season. We put the hardtop on and expect to use it regularly on weekends as long as the roads are dry - hopefully at least monthly until springtime - counting the days already!