Look what was saved from going to the crusher

[robertd]

Just thought I would share my latest side project.

I will upload some pictures of a very straight and original 1978 280SEL that was sitting unloved in a Melbourne wreckers yard, about to be stripped and crushed. I new I didn't need another car and I certainly didn't have time for another project but I just couldn't let this grand old Dame end up a pile of scrap metal. It was all there except for the fuel pump, hub caps and mud guards that had been removed, mechanically it was all good except for a cracked or warped head that had let all the coolant into the sump. the best part was NO RUST in the body or panels and the interior had full sheep skin seat covers so the original MB TEX was like new.

cheers

Rob

sorry guys have been trying to upload photos, They are low res @ 50 to 100kb's but won't allow? any suggestions

here we go!

curious how the Vin number has been crossed out and restamped at the factory, looks like they made an error with  the "125" model designation where it should have been "025".

also notice the mikshake on the dip stick.

[nathan]

i need to see this Rob!
sign up to photo bucket or image shack and use the links form these. thats how i do it. and be quick, i want to see another RD salvation!

[mrkozzy]

You're a "softie" robertd !

Although who am I to talk.  I've stopped visiting local wrecking yards for the very same reason.
Too afraid I'll bring back something I don't really need.

Looking forward to a picture or 2.

[robertd]

Updated!
The car has been sitting for over 12 months since those photos were taken and unfortunately the big end must have seized due to the water sitting over it,  it will not turn over. so I have decided to do an engine swap.

The donor car a 1978 280E was another I rescued from the wreckers it is in full running order with approx 220,000kms I had used this as a paddock racer back when we had the farm. The body was damaged and not worth saving.


Here it is in the new shed

I first tried to remove the engine and transmission as one unit but could not get enough angle to loop it over the front panel.

it was a tiresome process to drop it back down in the engine bay and then start again by  removing the transmission first.

Removing the engine on its own was fairly easy process.

[s class]

Awesome save.  Interesting to see yet another car with a factory VIN error and correction.  It seems that this wasn't that uncommon. 

[mottati]

nice! Same color combo as my 73 450sel!

[beagle2022]

Well caught!  It is so sad to think that this was valued as scrap.  I am sure that a new donk will bring it back to life.  Mine also came with MBTex cocooned in sheepskin.  Still looks like new. Keep us posted.

[robertd]

Hi beagle2022
Thistle green has never being a colour I have chased after, but I agree this combination looks smart, have you posted photos of your car? would like to see it. in fact why don't we have a call to arms to all the Thistle green 116's to post up a picture.
cheers
Rob

[robertd]

This may be of interest, or not.
I recently took part in an 8 week course on automotive spray painting,  I thought it would help me do small fix up jobs on the cars, anyway I had a go at the front panel in front of the radiator, just to clean it up and a bit of practice.
The job;
strip back to bare metal
spray on one coat  Zink primer
3 coats filler primer then sand back with 3 grades of paper
3 coats of colour
3 coats of clear 
the finish is like new.
I know I should have waited till the engine was removed, but I couldn't wait so I was very careful lifting it out.

next chapter is to go and collect the donor car for engine removal, I will try and keep the engine/transmission together,

cheers Rob

[Beastie]

in fact why don't we have a call to arms to all the Thistle green 116's to post up a picture.

861 was called 'silver green' or silbergrun in the german. (it says silbergrun on that spray can you have there) Mine is this colour. I've always liked it. In fact, I specifically looked for one in this colour after giving up hope of ever finding one in 422 or 618.







That one you've got there looks pretty straight and tidy. Nicer than mine, and mine has done 100,000 fewer kms. Mind you, I have put mine through a fence. It's a shame that anyone wanted to scrap yours but unfortunately It's really not surprising.

[robertd]

Hi Beastie
You are correct,  the colour code 861 is silvergreen, I,ve always thought it was called thistlegreen until now. Anyhow its a good combo .
I like the alloys on yours, think I might do the same, have a few spare sets laying around.
Cheers

[floyd111]

Can I have dibbs on the sheep skins, help you pay for your project?

[Peter]

Nice save and  great colour Robert, this seems to be a very original car under the grime and dirt. Well worth saving.  The engine bay looks unmolested and we look forward to progress photos.

[robertd]

Here are some pics of the Donor car, has been sitting for approx 18 months in the bone yard

[robertd]

Hi floyd

The sheepskin covers are available. make me an offer by PM.

cheers

Robert