350SL Restore - Follow on from "My First Post"

[iank]

Happy New Year fellow "Ozbenzers". Welcome to 2018.


I have started this topic as a follow on to the many helpful (and much appreciated) conversations we have had since I first joined Ozbenz back in February 2008. I can hardly believe it - that is just on 10 years ago, when I was first "getting serious" about "restoring" my beloved 1971 350SL. viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5392&start=50

I thought the original post was not only getting a little unwieldy, but was also somewhat confusingly titled, so time for a new post to cover any further work, and answer a few outstanding comments still to be addressed.

My apologies for "deserting" the forum since last October.

A brief catch up - I had got the car all back together, down off the stands, and running, albeit having problems with idling after it started to come up to operating temperature. Many valuable suggestions were contributed, pretty much all of which I either followed up, or had already attended to. The "problem" one, which was mentioned, was the cold start valve. I had no prior knowledge of how it may stick, or even how it operated.

Having done as was suggested, and removed the unit, and checked its operation with the boiling water test, I soon confirmed it was stuck tight. Having soaked it in kero for a couple of days, drying it with gentle compressed air, repeating the boiling water check indicated it was now opening and closing beautifully. Re installed - the M116 started and ran very smoothly, from cold through to full operating temperature. Once again, many thanks for the advice from the forum members.

I was a "happy camper"!! Repositioned the R107 in the shed, ready for a drive around the paddocks next day!

Hmmmm! Oh dear - next day before starting up I performed my customary "inspection" around (and under) the car. What was that VERY WET patch in the shed gravel? It took no time to realise that the fuel pump was leaking, when running. A most unwelcome, new fault. A close inspection upon removing the pump, showed the body was leaking where swagged onto the electric motor (if I am explaining it correctly??) Anyway, I had not had that problem previously, but I had done some work on the pump itself (as distinct to the electric motor), on this pretty old looking unit (I guess original). So time for a new Bosch fuel pump.

Needless to say, that all delayed the test drive somewhat,by the time I identified, and obtained the correct pump, and installed it (along with some necessary minor mods). Anyway, all done, very successfully, and much peace-of-mind with the new pump.

So, that brings progress report pretty much up to date, except perhaps for a few comments regarding brakes? I will get back to you in the near future with any comments about that work.

[Mercmad]

looking at what sort of money the 350 SL is fetching today, you can rest assured that you have not lost any money over the decades you kept your car under cover. in fact you might just be making money ...

[iank]

Good'ay Mercmad,

Many thanks for the comment - that has certainly brightened my day!! :dance:

[iank]

<r>Well, here I am back, about two and a half months later. The "few comments regarding brakes" mentioned in my previous post, can now be delivered!<br/>
<br/>
After far too much mucking around tweeking, checking, bleeding, etc I now have 4 new Rotors and 4 completely overhauled Calipers, a new Master Cylinder, c/w new Reservoir installed and working as necessary to provide the braking system any of us would demand of such a wonderful vehicle.<br/>
<br/>
I have also replaced all instrument cluster globes, and the foot well lamps with the appropriate LED units. They are significantly brighter, and to my eye, make a big improvement. There is also a new Radio / CD / BT unit in the dash. Perhaps may not meet the approval of "traditionalists" but the "original" radio is long gone - before my time!<br/>
<br/>
About all that is left to do is a good body wash then cut and polish, obtain a "Roadworthy" and register on Red Plates I am expecting to arrange this in the next month or two.<br/>
<br/>
I have just put the hard top back on the "baby", but have posted here a few photos of the car taken a couple of weeks ago, while still in "convertible" mode.<br/>
<br/>

Once again, I do thank all of you who have taken an interest in my protracted "restoration" project, and indeed, provided me with so much valued assistance.<br/>
<br/>

[iank]

[iank]

<r>Well, here I am back, about two and a half months later. The "few comments regarding brakes" mentioned in my previous post, can now be delivered!<br/>
<br/>
After far too much mucking around tweeking, checking, bleeding, etc I now have 4 new Rotors and 4 completely overhauled Calipers, a new Master Cylinder, c/w new Reservoir installed and working as necessary to provide the braking system any of us would demand of such a wonderful vehicle.<br/>
<br/>
I have also replaced all instrument cluster globes, and the foot well lamps with the appropriate LED units. They are significantly brighter, and to my eye, make a big improvement. There is also a new Radio / CD / BT unit in the dash. Perhaps may not meet the approval of "traditionalists" but the "original" radio is long gone - before my time!<br/>
<br/>
About all that is left to do is a good body wash then cut and polish, obtain a "Roadworthy" and register on Red Plates I am expecting to arrange this in the next month or two.<br/>
<br/>
I have just put the hard top back on the "baby", but have posted here a few photos of the car taken a couple of weeks ago, while still in "convertible" mode.<br/>
<br/>

Once again, I do thank all of you who have taken an interest in my protracted "restoration" project, and indeed, provided me with so much valued assistance.<br/>
<br/>
<IMG src=""><s></e></IMG></r>

[iank]

[edenning]

Congratulations Ian on all your hard work and persistence. I trust the car is running much better now and for all the years to come. A wash, cut and polish now will be the most rewarding finish to all your endeavours. Enjoy your beautiful machine.
cheers Evan

[iank]

Hi Evan,

Many thanks for your congratulations and encouragement. I am yet to get a road permit (in preparation for the Road Worthy) and get it out on a "real" road. So far I am just driving it around the farm. I am sure only then will I get a true sense of how will the 107 is really going, but my feel at present is that not only is it running really well, but feels so much "tighter" in the body, suspension and steering.

I will post again when I have a better idea of its performance.

Yes, it has been a long, drawn-out journey bringing it back from where it was nearly 20 years ago, but that is largely due to the small "bursts" of time I could afford to working on the project, until I retired (from formal employment) at the end of 2016. Mind you, the car doesn't really look much different outwardly from what it did all those years ago, as 99% of my effort was underneath, in the cockpit, and under the bonnet.

Time will tell how it goes!! I'll let the Ozbenzers know. Cheers, Evan.

Regards,

[iank]

Hi All,

Well, I guess to finally draw a curtain over this post, I can report that the (often) aforementioned vehicle that has been the focus of my mutterings, is now road "registered" on Club plates. Yipeeeee!

It passed its Road Worthy Inspection on the first go, is looking well, handling well (on a "real" road), and ticking over like a clock.
Oh! In completing this project, I also may have discovered what may be a pretty well concealed secret - the existence of RACV "VVC" Comprehensive Insurance. Worth a check, I feel.

I guess I'll need to look for a new project now . . . . . . . . . . well maybe not just yet.

Cheers, IanK

[edenning]

Great news Ian ! Well done on all your work and now it's time to enjoy the car for what it is, a great daily driver if it needs to be. Enjoy. cheers