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Classic Cars Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs
437 messages, Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 AM
You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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| I think the 560SL stands out among them. It is the fastest and the least clumsy of the type. The SLs overall are expensive to maintain but generally very reliable if you get a good one to begin with. They are, however, heavy on gas (especially the older ones) and not very agile. | |
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My wife has a 84 380SL that we have been fixing up. I've come across a couple of companies that sell wood trim kits to enhance the original pieces of trim, but the only kits I can find for the 107s were made for the 450SL. One such place is: http://www.woodtrim.com/catalog_woodtrim.cfm My question is this. Does anyone know how closely a kit for a 450SL would fit the 380SL? This kit has 33 pieces to it! The shadow print looks pretty close to me, but the distributer claimed he had no information on this and would not guarantee a fit (ie, buy it at your own risk). I might have to ask my mechanic to call me the next time he has a 450SL in the shop so I can go look, but I thought someone here might know. On another note, although I mostly agree with Mr Shiftright about value, you've got to factor in the intangibles. My wife had the opportunity to get this car for essentially free, and it had a strong engine, but was neglected cosmetically. I tried to talk her into something else....well ... anything else. I took her to see the SLK, the Z3, etc. But she had her heart set on the SL. After new shocks, struts, radiator, ignition, soft top, carpet set, rebuilt seats, leather, trim, and more too numerous to list, I've got about $13K into it. But I also have one very happy wife, who get's constant comments on her car, which brings a smile to her at least once a week. I've put 7 coats of Zaino on it now and it looks like new. One thing I have found to be true in life is that when your spouse is happy, chances are good that you are happy too. I figure she could have ended up with the Z3, and at the end of 5 years, I'll be about even .... depreciation vs repairs, and she got what she wanted. |
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"One thingI have found to be true in life is that when your spouse is happy, chances are good that you are happy too." Man, ain't that the truth! WRT your wood dash problem, I was wondering if the company would send you by mail or email, a full size paper pattern that you could cut and check the fit. If it fit, they could start listing the kit as applicable to the 380 and increase their market. Worth a shot. |
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Well, now, if you had asked me to factor matrimonial bliss into the equation of which car to buy, I may have been more liberal in my evaluation! In any event, I'm glad it's working out. I have no idea about your wood question, but knowing German automakers, I'd be willing to bet there have been changes to the wood trim here and there. They never let anything alone. 33 pieces of wood? No wonder the rain forests are disappearing (just kidding!). |
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The aformentioned SL has the original 15" wheels. I think they are painted with a paint that makes them look very much like the low-shine aluminum alloy. I was thinking of getting them chromed or replacing them with chrome wheels of the same style and size. I've noticed that after 16 years, one is a little out of round and they have a couple minor nicks. Any thoughts about this? Can they be trued? Is it worth trying to salvage or should I just replace them? My mechanic suggested going to 16" wheels for performance, but I was thinking of staying with 15" for the original look and better ride characteristics. Christmas is coming soon. It's going to be wood or wheels. |
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Just my opinion, but I wouldn't chrome the wheels...it doesn't strike me as appopriate for such a car--nor does anything concerning "performance". The car is built for comfort and luxury, so I think you should make any improvements in that area. Trying to turn it into a sportscar or a Camaro isn't going to work I don't think. That being said, yes, you can have the wheels trued and painted, or even powdercoated, which is a very durable finish. |
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| So how would you feel about Cragars and a small block? | |
| Is Cragar still around? I had Cragar S/Ss on my '70 Z/28 and thought they were the greatest looking wheel on earth. It seemed like Cragar was king of the hill back then. I haven't heard of them in years. | |
| Mr Shiftright, I agree about the performance/luxury aspect. Actually I think I misstated the original wheel size. They are 14". And I think we will stick to the smaller wheels, larger sidewalls for comfort. I don't know about the chrome though. There are actually quite a few old SLs around So Cal with chrome wheels. I think they look pretty good with all of the other chrome accents on the car. My wife is realy hoping to get chrome. (Which is probably reason enough.) What is it you don't like about them? | |
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| I don't feel they are appropriate for a German car of this type. Chrome wheels belong on a Camaro or a Harley or a street rod. They de-value the car in my opinion, "tart it up" and make it look cheap, like you outfitted it at Grand Auto. But aside from the subjective taste issue, I can list some more "solid" reasons-- chrome is a terrible for heat dissipation, is expensive, and is maintenance-intensive. | |
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