Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Photo Gallery => Topic started by: AndrewB on July 07, 2024, 09:49:47
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Some years ago Colin posted a message that he was selling some cars he had kept in a barn for many years. I went to visit him at his barn, and decided to buy a Pagoda that had been rotting away for a number of years. It was an emotional decision, not a rational decision, and over the years that the restoration took place, I often questioned why I had done so. It took longer, and cost more, than expected, although COVID played a major role in this, and at the time I bought the vehicle, COVID was not a known factor. I can only speak highly of how Colin managed the project - he steered clear of creating any cost or time expectations (which was sometimes frustrating to me, but showed that he understood the highly unpredictable nature of such a project), was very transparent about what needed to be done, and put his best energies and decades of experience into this project.
I am now enjoying a very nice Pagoda, which is probably better than new in every respect. As part of the project, the vehicle was completely stripped, the remaining metal frame went into an acid bath, and then we knew what we were dealing with. New panels were procured, Colin's body shop rebuilt the body, and the engine, gearbox, diff, axles, brakes and steering were all overhauled and refreshed. All chrome was re-chromed and all plated components were replated. The FIP was rebuilt, and a Pertronix distributor was fitted. New lights were installed all round, since the old ones were too far gone. I managed to source some difficult to find elements (eg RHD original firewall pad), but generally Colin was able to source Mercedes components wherever required. Colin also rebuilt the RHD Brake Booster, using some parts that he has had manufactured.
It took a little while to shake down the car, but it is really a pleasure to drive, and turns heads wherever it goes. I thought I should put some pictures up on the site in case anyone is interested. The "before" pictures show what a sad state she was in, with extensive rust
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Some more "before" pictures
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Colin and his team made an extensive inventory of every part they removed, down to each nut & bolt. They sorted parts into those that could be reused, those that needed to be refurbished and those that had to be replaced. They stored all parts as required (incl. fasteners), even where they were planning to replace them.
We then set about sourcing items, and sending items off to the relevant subcontractors (or getting the sub systems restored at his shop). His team sent me photographs on a regular basis, documenting what was happening
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The engine was inspected, and needed a full rebuild due to bottom end bearings being scored
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slowly it started coming together
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Engine was done first
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Body went in for an acid bath for a few days to work out what was OK and what needed to be replaced
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After the bath, where the acid ate away rust and anything non ferrous (eg the old firewall pad)
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Bodyshop could then start their work
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Careful attention to panel gaps
After the panel work was done, the body went back into the electrostatic bath for a few days to get an anti-corrosion treatment. Hopefully this will prevent corrosion in future
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Colin likes to make it as close to original as possible, so uses the same undercoat as used in period by the factory
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After what seemed like an age, due to the impact of COVID on the older, skilled craftsmen who know how to work magic on these older cars, it started looking like a car again ! All colours etc are as per the original data plate
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Time for re-assembly - this part actually took the longest - it is painstaking to get all components back in correctly, and there were some delays on this journey. I recall Colin told me it takes around 800 hours to reassemble a Pagoda from bits
In keeping with how the cars were painted at the factory, I opted not to have the underbody sprayed in the primary colour but to rather leave it in the undercoat, per the factory approach at that time
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Becoming more recognisable...... Colin had the wood restored with a walnut veneer - it looks incredible
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New carpets, and new leather interior in the original shade (Parchment) were ordered from Germany, along with a new hood
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From this stage, it still took around 6 months until everything was done, and the car could be delivered to me. I drove it and there were a few small snags, and Colin very quickly sorted these out.
I am extremely satisfied with it. It was an expensive and time consuming process, but I believe this car is now in exceptional condition and a great example of craftsmanship at work. It is hard to believe it started off so rough, now that it is in such beautiful condition.
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A few more of the finished product
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The car has now been moved abroad to my other home, so I am not too concerned about the old UK registration being present on the photos
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Looks beautifully restored Andrew, and a glowing testimonial to Colin's craftsmanship
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Thank you Bob. She is a beauty, and I agree that it is a testimonial to the work that Colin and his team do.
I find it extraordinary that they could take a severely rusted and beaten up car, and turn back to clock to a point where it may now be even better than it was when it came out of the factory.
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Bob, the caps you sent me look really good on the seats !
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Do you still have an unrestored 69 car then, or is this the one? Are you about to go through the process all again?
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Great looking job by Colin and a beautiful car to have Andrew. Well done and great set of photos.
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I still have the unrestored Pagoda too (the white one).
It is original and has a few rust spots on the driver’s side wheel arch, but I am reluctant to do anything to it at this stage. It has 92,000 original miles and drives extremely well
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ANDREW B
What a great Lazarus story! KUDOS to your meticulous restorer and to yourself for patience and perseverance. Your photo chronicle makes a great read.
Q? How many years did this take?
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Andrew
Well done! You got serious guts to have started this process and to see it through. Looks amazing.
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Well done, great Job Colin!
Amazing project Andrew!
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Bob anymore of the seat caps left, looking for 4
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Thank you for the comments. It took around 3 years from start to finish, there were some delays due to Covid, particularly with Colin’s preferred body shop, where the super skilled craftsmen are now near the end of their careers, and they were more cautious about, and impacted by, Covid
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Congratulations and many happy miles!
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I think it would be a benefit to all that don't know, that Colin is stickandrudderman on this Pagoda SL Group.
He is one of a handful of people on this planet that has the experience, knowledge, resources, and abilities to accomplish a Pagoda restoration at this level.
Congratulation Andrew !!! And I certainly am partial to the color (is it 906 Grey-Blue?).
Thank you Colin !!! For the work you do and the contributions you give to all through this forum.
Mark
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It is 906 indeed
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906 ;D Thanks !!
Andrew, can you compare the driving experience between your two Pagodas???
Take care,
Mark
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Hello Robert, i sent a batch out to mtoomey (Mark). He said he'd be happy to distribute them around the US if you message him
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?action=profile;u=1994
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WELL DONE, Colin and Mark.
You guys save another one and it is looking great.
Once again, WELL DONE.
Chris
Cape Town
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Wow, there is hope for my Pagoda still…. (If I win the lottery)
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Awesome rebuild, congratulations to you and Mr. Ferns.
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Looks amazing, job well done and I'm sure the receipts will prove.