1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

[ouzo]

My brother own a European specification 1972 350SL.
The vehicle seems to be in excellent cosmetic and structural condition.
The engine has not been activated for over a decade. The gas tank is missing — the original is corroded.
I need suggestions for a business in the Chicago or suburban region that is capable of restoring this car.
If there are establishments to be circumvented, do send me a private message.
Your insights on the potential challenges and expenses associated with this project would be highly valued.

[slingshotvictim]

Numerous commendable vehicles are roadworthy and might be appreciated for a little expenditure rather than investing excessively on this particular one. Given the prevailing labor prices above $150 per hour, the need for a specialist will result in rapidly escalating costs. If the gasoline tank is corroded, it is probable that further rust is present, especially in the floor pans, trunk compartments, and cowl, among other spots.

[mindscoop]

As shown in my profile, I have accomplished what you are referencing. Trust me, irrespective of the car's appearance, there will be significant body corrosion. All rubber grommets, bushings, hoses, and seals need replacement. I have completed all the work alone, and my wife asserts it was a full-time occupation for three years. Additionally, there are between $10,000 to $15,000 in components and supplies. Unless the vehicle have considerable emotional significance, I concur with NYw126-91's recommendation. Invest the funds in a high-quality, later model year vehicle. I am located in South Carolina; nevertheless, if you like to proceed, please direct message me so we may exchange insights.

[OldBulwark]

X3 in flight Unless you can do all the labor alone, hiring a shop will only deplete your finances and leave your vehicle half assembled. It seems regrettable to dismiss a "almost perfect" and rather unusual vehicle; yet, unless it has emotional significance, your optimal course of action is to transfer it as a project to someone aspirant in its current condition. Otherwise, it will just induce financial strain and familial friction, ultimately resulting in an inability to recoup repair expenses.

I worked in a restoration shop for several years. The sentimental projects were frustrating; I attempted to inform the customers that they were wasting their money, yet they insisted on reviving those irreparably damaged items, believing their descendants would value them. In reality, the same investment, if allocated wisely, would have yielded far superior results.

[RudolphNuclear]

A business in the Milwaukee region specializes in comprehensive, high-quality restorations. However, unless you possess substantial financial resources and want to leave the vehicle unused for some years, I concur with others—abandon the endeavor! The vehicle may seem aesthetically and physically sound, but have you inspected under the carpets, behind the kick panels, and inside the upper storage compartment, among other areas? These, along with more concealed locations, may be corroded or, at the very least, significantly rusted. Furthermore, is it undercoated? Is the undercoating fractured? A further location for concealed corrosion. Was the vehicle used throughout winter in Chicago? Potentially further concealed corrosion. You may do it as a project; nevertheless, I propose disassembling it for parts.

[DIYMaster]

Commence your search here

[NatureLover]

I am uncertain about how to send a private message, but I am open to disclosing a location to avoid in a public forum. I trust that does not contravene the regulations. Refrain from patronizing THE WERK SHOP in Libertyville. While they may excel in servicing BMWs, my experience with my 350SL was unsatisfactory. A buddy, who owns a 73 450SL, recommended them, but he subsequently discovered that they had misaligned his passenger cam by one tooth. I had a calamity with an oil leak for which I was billed $3,900 for two distinct fixes that failed to resolve the issue.

[DIYMaster]

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