Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: santropezblueSL on February 21, 2012, 11:34:46

Title: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: santropezblueSL on February 21, 2012, 11:34:46

Hi All, I have a 1964 230SL still in its original factory paint, and virtually rust free.  I have found it very interesting documenting the actual build details of these early cars.  There are so many differences from the early cars to the later 280SL's.  One item that I see is the body data plate was installed after the body was painted.  I am sure that the paint is original and all of the factory fender welds are present and correct. there is no sign that the plate has ever been changed.  There is no sign anywhere that this car has ever been apart for paint.  all the factopry fasteners are unmarked, and the overall condition is fabulous.  I know these cars were all hand made and there were many variations during the build depending on whether Fritzy or Hans built the car, and how much sleep Fritzy had last night.  I wonder if this was normal at one time, or if someone forgot to install the plate on this car. Does anyone else have an original paint 230SL with an unpainted body data plate?  By the way my car is presently for sale, but will be gone soon, so if anyone wants to check details on my original car let me know before it is gone.   I wil lpost pictures if I can figure out the system.

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: santropezblueSL on February 21, 2012, 11:48:54

here are some pics (I hope...)

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: Tom Colitt on February 23, 2012, 16:37:13

Hi Santropez

It looks to me like somebody cleaned up the paint, but they still left a few traces on it. Unscrew it to see if you find the factory primer underneath. I think you will. What do you mean when you say the fasteners are unmarked? Are you saying that the bolts for the hood hinges still have all the green paint on them? :-)....

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: MichaelB. on February 24, 2012, 22:41:23

Yes, I think it was painted... Then someone cleaned it off at some point.

Here is a photo of an original paint tag from my past '66 showing how it was from new.

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: 49er on February 24, 2012, 23:50:10

Here is a photo of mine, untouched since the day she was born:-) Notice the hand brush "touch up" work done along the crease after final assembly and how the color has yellowed through the years.

John

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: Jonny B on February 25, 2012, 04:29:06

I just went out and checked mine, also as far as I know, untouched since birth. It looks the same as 49er.

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: J. Huber on February 25, 2012, 05:05:26

The only thing I can add is the earlier cars did not have this plate -- is it possible it was added later? Not sure when the cut off was for the non-plate. Do you see stamped (into the ledge) numbers under the plate?

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: twistedtree on February 25, 2012, 09:51:27

I've got a January '64 built 230, #1946, and it has a data plate.  So if they were omitted at some point, it was before that.

Title: Re: Origninal paint 1964 230SL
Post by: GGR on February 25, 2012, 11:21:12

It would be indeed interesting to unscrew the plate and see what's underneath. If you see paint and an edge (like there seem to be on the right side on the picture you posted) it is possible that area was repainted and the plate cleaned and fitted back.

Title: Re: Origninal paint plate
Post by: 114015 on February 26, 2012, 22:19:31

Quote

The only thing I can add is the earlier cars did not have this plate -- is it possible it was added later? Not sure when the cut off was for the non-plate. Do you see stamped (into the ledge) numbers under the plate?

Yes, James, correct.
Was changed from VIN 001076 or 001176 on or so.  ???
Sorry, forgot that exact number ...

Ahh, Wiki says change was made after 001175; so that matches fine. ;) :D ;D

Best,

Achim