77 6.9 Restoration

[jbrasile]

gf,
It was a little more expensive than we anticipated because we had to have the transmission rebuilt and there were a few other surprises such as the suspension pump going bad.

We always try to approach these projects using as much common sense and caution as possible to control costs but either you do it right or not at all...

It is a pretty good feeling once the car is done and the client is happy. What I always try to do is actually use the car in all kinds of conditions before final delivery, this will make sure everything is 100% and that he or she can basically use it as a brand new vehicle.

Tks,

Joe

[MarkM]

Fanstastic!

How many labor hours have been involved thus far?

Mark

[adamb]

Fantastic restoration. As I am restoring mine now (see separate thread). I am realistic about what can be achieved given my budget. It's easy to see costs spiral out of control and it's nice to work with people that you feel you can trust on that front.

[brlufer]

it's nice to work with people that you feel you can trust on that front.

Agree 100%. It's one of the most important issues.

[jjb-w116-hu]

hi Joe, in the photo of the interior with the steering wheel's hornpad out and the fire extinguisher barely visible what is the matting on the floor that is shown without the carpet down? my old foam is totally shot... cheers James

[jbrasile]

James,

That is the floor insulation pad that goes on top of the steel floor under the front floor ducts.

They might be still available from MB

116 682 07 01 - floor insul LH - $192.00 list
116 682 18 01 or 48 01 depending on your VIN

These p/n's are for a RHD car.

Tks,

Joe

[jjb-w116-hu]

wow i thought i would have to dynamat these as they were NLA. please keen on that Joe.
i'll find my VIN and send it to you email , thanks !

[Casey]

I never liked burlwood until I saw this photo.  That wood came out looking amazing!  Love the color as well - this is one of the best for a classic Mercedes.

[jbrasile]

Casey,

The wood on the  6.9 was in pretty good shape overall. It only had clear coat issues but no damage to the actual veneer so the restoration wasn't too bad.

I am doing a RR Corniche coupe now that is going to require some re-veneering and boy that car has a ton of wood and some pieces use 3 different grains and colors...

Tks,

Joe

[Casey]

That is the floor insulation pad that goes on top of the steel floor under the front floor ducts.

Are these available for my LHD 1980 300SD?  I think this is entirely gone in mine - will have to check tomorrow.  I know the W123's is broken into tons of little pieces, many of which I just vacuumed up. 

[jbrasile]

Yes Casey,

116 682 07 01 - LH - 172.80 (192.00 list)
116 682 08 01 - RH - 172.80 (192.00 list)

Tks,

Joe

[1980sdga]

I am doing a RR Corniche coupe now that is going to require some re-veneering and boy that car has a ton of wood and some pieces use 3 different grains and colors...

Tks,

Joe

I would like to see some pics of that!  I'd love to have a vintage RR but I imagine sorting one could be a daunting task!  I would probably do a Grosser before a Rolls. Casey could be my driver. I'd get him a hat...

[wbrian63]

Overall, your $ (and there had better be several BUCKETS - make that BARRELS full) are best spent on a Grosser. I've seen the underhood of some "approachable" RR's. By approachable I mean something a person with a reasonable restoration budget could afford to purchase as a "project." Think a car for under $10k, with double that hidden in the mattress for restoration.

What I saw made me think twice. This was a mid-80's Silver Shadow (I think - it was a 4-door sedan, er - saloon). Cream exterior with a tan interior. Interior needed Lots of TLC and possibly some new leather on the driver's seat. To duplicate the Connolly (sp?) leather would probably cost a couple of grand just for the seat...

Under the hood - my GOD what a friggin' mess. It's as if the Brits took a "cars for dummies" book and strapped that to their forehead, obscuring all vision, and proceeded to design and assemble the car.

Truth be told, the car was un-loved. It hadn't seen a caring owner in quite some time. However, there were things about the way the engine compartment was designed, especially the routing of wires and hoses, that didn't lend itself to longevity. Lots of patching and such just to keep things from rubbing where they shouldn't.

I've heard the same thing on other forums. Given the opportunity, many would prefer to walk down the street, handing money to strangers. The effect is the same - you wind up with no money, but in this case, you feel better for having helped others....

I see it time and again with the Grossers. Someone finds one that's languished in a garage or shed for DECADES, and with a minimal amount of work, the car starts and runs. That won't happen without a TON of money and time with a neglected RR.

They are beautiful stately cars. Convey a completely different feeling than a Grosser, but they simply aren't in the same class.

Just my .02

[Mforcer]

That is the floor insulation pad that goes on top of the steel floor under the front floor ducts.

They might be still available from MB

116 682 07 01 - floor insul LH - $192.00 list
116 682 18 01 or 48 01 depending on your VIN

These p/n's are for a RHD car.

Are these the sponges that soak up any water and never dry out?

[jbrasile]

Michael, when they are new and not yet cracked they are a little better but on most our cars these pads have already worn out from heat, moisture etc and indeed they soak up water like crazy. Is is possible however to dry them out by removing from the car and leaving the pieces  in the sun for days, sometimes weeks...


Tks,

Joe