Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: RobSirg on April 02, 2020, 01:45:23

Title: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RobSirg on April 02, 2020, 01:45:23
Hi All,

After a gruelling 5 year total restoration, I finally had my first drive of my Dark Red, manual 1970 280SL. I only had a brief drive (100 miles) after purchasing the car over 5 years ago which was somewhat of a rust bucket at that time. The car was restored in its original colours as per the datasheet, but I took the liberty of gifting myself some optional extras (IE: White steering wheel, Chrome Roof Rails, Tinted glass).
The completion was timed to enter into the local MB concours this month but sadly that was cancelled. Oh well, at least I have the car finished. I still have a number of small jobs to complete (painted hubcaps, detailed clean, replacement of some items, etc) but they will be my isolation jobs.

Car drives beautifully and I am really pleased with the result - will try send video of engine running. We have put in a huge effort these past few months which has been a welcome distraction at this difficult stage the world is facing.

I have hundreds of photos of the restoration process which I hope to sometime collate electronically or find someone to do it for me :)

Cheers

Rob
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: Garry on April 02, 2020, 02:32:25
Great to see Rob.


 Pity about the cancellation of the MBCV Concourse this year that I think you were aiming for.


Looking at that picture, you must have driven past almost where we are holed up in at the moment awaiting completion of the housr in Kyneton.


Garry
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RobSirg on April 02, 2020, 02:48:36
Correct Garry,

Not far from your place. There has been wonderful weather for driving recently. Not sure of the legalities of simply 'going for a drive' under the current restrictions, but I figure if you are allowed to walk, run and ride a bicycle on that road ….you should be allowed to drive. Certainly not putting anyone at risk.
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: cfm65@me.com on April 02, 2020, 04:25:57
Well done Rob.
Regards
Chris
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RobSirg on April 02, 2020, 05:05:41
Thanks Chris - tried uploading the video but couldn't get it in a compatible format.
A couple more pics
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RAY on April 02, 2020, 10:04:46
Hey Rob, What a proud and happy moment that must have been, that first drive in the sunshine after so much hard work.

Well done, beautiful.

Ray
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: Peter van Es on April 02, 2020, 10:42:04
Thanks Chris - tried uploading the video but couldn't get it in a compatible format.
A couple more pics

You can't upload video in the forum. Upload it to Youtube and then post a link here!
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RobSirg on April 02, 2020, 11:41:46
See if this works - it’s only a few seconds

https://www.dropbox.com/s/it3x4xteh3jksq5/IMG_2089.MOV?dl=0
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: johnk on April 02, 2020, 12:15:53
Beautiful and inspirational Rob! Looking forward to seeing more pics.

where did you source your interior?
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: hauser on April 02, 2020, 14:45:56
Looks awesome!  Congrats
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: FGN59 on April 02, 2020, 17:28:20
Hauser
Looking at the pictures of your beautiful car, I noticed the safety belts holding guides you have fitted to the headrests. I’ve been trying to find some myself, unsuccessfully until now. Where did you get them?
Congratulations on your car, it is supremely elegant! What color is it?
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: Peter on April 02, 2020, 18:36:01
Congratulation Rob,

It looks beautiful, I love these quality restaurants.
Unfortunately, a lot of work, patience and deep pockets are needed. :)

But in the end it is great to drive the car!
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: hauser on April 02, 2020, 19:38:09
Hauser
Looking at the pictures of your beautiful car, I noticed the safety belts holding guides you have fitted to the headrests. I’ve been trying to find some myself, unsuccessfully until now. Where did you get them?
Congratulations on your car, it is supremely elegant! What color is it?

Thank you and I believe that SLS has them available.
Title: Re: First Drive in 5 years
Post by: RobSirg on April 03, 2020, 11:07:49
Thanks John,

I sourced the interior from German Auto Tops in California.

Here's an engine bay photo just before completion. I used John's (aka 49er) original photo as a reference - right down to the yellow caps on the battery. :)