Calling Jox (an other car heads)
Out of context: Reply #13
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- jox0
Don't have a ton of experience with these cars, but my dad had a 350 SLC and a 450 SEL when I was little.
But I DO know these are quality cars, nothing like the half-assed stuff coming out of Stuttgart these days.
First, you have to ask yourself if you have the time and the money. Because a) it's going to cost you a LOT of money if it's in bad shape. Almost always more than if you had bought a mint to begin with. And second, do you have the time? A restoration project often takes years.
And you must REALLY want this, because when you can't find parts, or the unique bolts you ordered don't fit, you're going to have second thoughts and question your motivation. I've been there. I started restoring a 1998 550 Maranello last year that had been in a fire, but I gave up halfway through because I didn't have the time or the energy.
Also, If you plan to make any money off it, research what engine/options most people would want. I'm not too experienced with these, so I don't know.
Some things to look for would be parts that are expensive to replace. How much work does the engine need? Tires ok? (not a big deal for modern cars, but the dimension on old ones are usually rare and expesive.)
Not too many electric gizmos in it (thank god), but if it has A/C - does it work? If old ones don't, you usually can't fix it because they require freon gas which isn't legal anymore.
And most important - rust. check everywhere. Under floor mats, suspension, axles etc.
Oh, and GOOD LUCK! ^_^
Jox
(who actually got his first MB a few months ago!)