Pagoda SL Group

Off Topic => Other cars => Topic started by: CraigD on January 15, 2012, 22:21:53

Title: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on January 15, 2012, 22:21:53
I’m excited (and nervous!) about a new undertaking.  My good friend Bob Goodman graciously relented and allowed me to purchase his 1955 300S Roadster.  In 1976 Bob bought and drove this car from the midwest to his home in the Pacific Northwest.  He drove it around town a little back then, but then parked it at his business where it has awaited restoration… till now.  Only 760  W188’s were made – and only 141 300S Roadsters.  With respected Mercedes restorer Sig Linke, we have begun the herculean task of restoring the Roaster to it’s original splendor.  It will be a multiple year project, and I’ll be serving as the cheap labor!  :D
I will post pictures along the way!  Here are a few as we start this journey.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on January 15, 2012, 22:23:10
A few more pics...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Benz Dr. on January 15, 2012, 23:25:38
Interesting cars. I worked on a 300S in Toronto some years back but it was a coupe. Similar engine to the regular 300 but it has three carbs instead of the regular two found on the sedans.
 
One thing that's rather interesting about these cars is the central lubrication system. A small tank filled with oil that has a foot pump on it forces oil to all of the fittings. If I remember correctly, there was a light that came on in the instrument cluster that told you to give it a pump every 100 miles or something like that. Small tubes with stainless braided hoses ran all over the car and lubed every spot where a normal grease fitting would be found.

I have a 1952 300a sedan that I parted down 20 years ago. I still have most of the drive train. The 300S cars have real value while the sedans don't carry that much. Convertible sedans would be the exception with the 300d being the most valued. I think they made about 60 of those so they're very rare. I've seen two at high-end car shows. 
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: twistedtree on January 15, 2012, 23:29:51
Very cool project - keep the picture coming....
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: badali on January 16, 2012, 15:51:55
Keep the pictures coming... :)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: JamesL on January 16, 2012, 18:50:40
Excellent

A few years back I had a tour of Mechatronik and I seem to recall it was a 300S (Adenauer?) they had in bits. If I recall it already had a couple of thousand hours in the bodywork as all the panels were - at the time - hand made so "replacements" were in name only

(http://i44.tinypic.com/2h6vuab.jpg)

(http://i39.tinypic.com/20t54q9.jpg)

and one finished...

(http://i44.tinypic.com/8ydf9c.jpg)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on March 06, 2012, 04:55:36
Latest updates on the project:  Body/chassis stripped/cleaned and out to be media blasted, interior out to be recovered, tank repaired and being retinned, all chrome out for replating, engine ready for rebuild.  Received from suppliers: new springs, new wiring harness, all new set of correct bolts/screws for Roadster.  My current job:  cleaning ALL the parts removed from the car in preparation for refinishing.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on March 20, 2012, 02:23:59
A few pictures after the body/chassis were media blasted.  F & R suspension parts will all be removed and refinished individually, but leaving them on for now helps in getting the body and chassis around...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: twistedtree on March 20, 2012, 10:46:56
Very cool.  Keep the pictures coming!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Goldfinger on April 01, 2012, 03:35:44
Very cool project, thanks for posting. Great pictures!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Ulf on April 02, 2012, 09:10:13
Great that people like you undertake such projects to keep historical cars like that on the road, you have my respect :-)
There was a great article on the 300-series in Classic & Sportscar a couple of years ago, will see if I can find it so you can back-order it.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: bsimaz on April 03, 2012, 20:46:48
That is just a gorgeous car.   

Can't wait to see the end result.  Good job...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: brant on April 18, 2012, 18:06:27
I have completed restoration of my 1952 300s roadster.  Body #00003/52.  New top and interior being completed.  Anyone interested is seeing pictures?
Brant
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Larry & Norma on April 18, 2012, 18:18:55
Yes please :)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on April 19, 2012, 16:43:25
I'd love to see them too!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Bonnyboy on April 19, 2012, 20:51:10
I must say I was confused - after seeing the pictures above and the date was march 2012 and they you say you are done - there is no way - that is less than 40 days, less time for sleeping, eating,.......  then I realized that the year of the car was different. 

I was wondering if you found the worm hole into another dimension where automobile restoration was done around the clock based on the 144 hour clock instead of the regular 24 hour clock. 

I'd love to see pictures.  All of them - not just the pretty ones for the public.

Ian

Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: gerster on April 20, 2012, 22:35:51
A beautiful project with the most beautiful Pre-war Mercedes.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on June 22, 2012, 05:12:13
A few more pics...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on June 22, 2012, 05:19:12
A few more pics...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on October 25, 2012, 02:29:22
Progress...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on October 25, 2012, 02:30:54
Some reassembly has begun!  ;D
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: ja17 on January 31, 2013, 04:52:02
Quite  a project Craig.  I had a friend that had the fuel injected model, very few made. The engine was a close relative to a 300SL.

Take care, and good luck.
Joe
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on June 05, 2013, 14:50:18
More progress...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Flyair on June 05, 2013, 16:14:15
Craig,

Is the green paint original, or is it a new livery of this lovely car? In any case: gorgeous :)

I am sure you know this address where some paintings representing the beauty… http://www.philseed.com/mb300s-w188.html

Otherwise, here are some restoration pics of a MB 300 (although 300d) from the shop where my Pagoda is also renovated:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=334542513276129&set=a.320301058033608.78026.148750765188639&type=1&theater
Title: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on June 05, 2013, 19:42:48
It's DB274 Light Green Metallic,  "Hellgrun".  The original color was light blue.  Here's a picture of a completed 300Sc Roadster in the color...

I love the pictures on the Phil Seed website.  Great to see some pictures of original literature.  And the 300d photos are fabulous.  Those picture of the paint are just gorgeous.  And I'm looking through seeing some very similar parts and in-process views.  Thanks for the links!

Craig
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Flyair on June 05, 2013, 20:10:35
The hellgrun seems just perfect for this car.

BTW, I just read the entire thread and was a bit surprised that in one post this model was called a Pre-War car. Just wonder which war was made reference to ;D. Any guess?
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on July 26, 2013, 14:03:58
Reassembly progress this summer...
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on July 26, 2013, 15:16:42
Hello Craig,

This is a fantastic thread, thanks for sharing this project with us and the photographic time line it's just fantastic. You have my respect (http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/bow.gif) even if your contribution was and is only some of the labour it does deserve a BIG (http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif) and plenty of (http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/clap.gif) from us all.

Keep the photos and comments coming, can't wait to see the final end result.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: gerster on July 26, 2013, 15:22:55

BTW, I just read the entire thread and was a bit surprised that in one post this model was called a Pre-War car. Just wonder which war was made reference to ;D. Any guess?




My mistake Stan, ofcourse I meaned "post-war".
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on November 06, 2013, 05:15:15
A few more things done!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: stickandrudderman on November 06, 2013, 09:27:48
Looking great!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: badali on November 08, 2013, 12:23:33
Can't wait to see the finished car.  Nice work.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on March 26, 2014, 03:41:47
Front fenders on and body panels adjusted... which was challenging. It all lined up before, but getting it back together the way it used to be wasn't smooth.  It's like things change during refinishing!  Another struggle... getting the window mechanisms in right.  They're finally are in and working decently. The wood just returned from refinishing.  Soon the mechanical work will be paused, and the interior fitting will begin. Maybe the "end" is almost in sight!? Nah...  ;)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Flyair on March 26, 2014, 05:29:44
Craig,
Congratulations on being so meticulous. She gets prettier every day. And that's not the end in sight, but a new start, I think.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on August 11, 2014, 02:18:37
Hi Craig,

How is the project going? Have you taken some time off or are you just taking a well deserved rest? Looking forward to see more photos. Prior to leaving Germany in 1957 I saw a few of those fine cars in Hamburg :)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on August 11, 2014, 04:50:37
Rolf-Dieter,

Summer was too busy, so not as much progress as I hoped. But here are a couple pictures: bumpers installed (one bumper guard needs rework  >:( , fog lights installed, and dash installed. Dash wiring about to begin.

Thanks for asking!  ;D
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on November 19, 2016, 16:58:58
Finally... most of the mechanicals done... at last off to the fitter for the interior! 
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Jonny B on November 19, 2016, 20:02:01
These are just gorgeous cars. Love the color!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: lurtch on November 20, 2016, 21:56:27
Hi Craig,

Larry here - - (you drove your Pagoda out to our place on Orcas in 2012)

Yesterday I was at a potluck put on for our touring group, Wine Country Classic Cars. You will see from the photo that
the Pat Matthews collection in Glen Ellen has two 300S Roadsters in it.

Hope all goes well with the next stage of the restoration!

Regards,

Larry in Santa Rosa

Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on November 21, 2016, 15:28:00
Hi Larry!  Great to hear from you. Nice tour you went on... Neat collection of cars, and nice picture, too. Looks like 300S's and one or two Sc's too.  Let me know when you're on Orcas again... We'll drive up to visit!

Craig
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: benrei on March 10, 2017, 04:03:49
man..this is ome kinda ride of yours...how much did it cost you to restore this piece?
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: wwheeler on March 15, 2017, 04:40:38
I just saw this thread. I have always lusted after these cars and that is an incredible color. I remember seeing one in person and watching the door open up as the front edge turned into the fender. Unbelievable. Congrats on your progress.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on July 24, 2017, 16:54:16
Inching forward towards a finished car... interior being completed.  Not far now!!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: bogeyman on July 24, 2017, 18:30:39
Beautiful work.  Love the color.
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on September 30, 2017, 18:20:43
Starting to look complete!  ;D
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: neelyrc on September 30, 2017, 22:52:20
Looking Fantastic Craig.  Congratulations on the excellent work. :)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Jonny B on October 01, 2017, 16:10:30
Oh my, oh my, oh my, what a beautiful thing!!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: wwheeler on October 01, 2017, 20:18:26
I have to replace my keyboard now because of the drool on it. Collateral damage.

What a beauty!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on October 02, 2017, 15:47:12
The interior work is being done by a great guy in Oregon. He does first rate work for top tier cars.  If anyone needs contact information, let me know. 

Craig
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: zak on October 02, 2017, 23:32:38
Breathtaking!
Congratulations Craig. What a car. What a restoration!
The green color is sublime, so period.
It has the euro headlights. What is it's country of origin?

jz
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: CraigD on July 28, 2021, 17:43:29
The '55 Roadster project is finally finished!  It took longer than the intended 2 years... more like 10!  But it's done and looks nice.  It's headed for the Bonham's Auction on August 13th.  Thanks for following the progress. 

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26887/lot/81/

Craig
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: Peter van Es on July 28, 2021, 18:07:16
The car looks younger, the owner slightly older...  :)
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: PeterPortugal on July 28, 2021, 20:27:39
What I love about this thread, and these pictures, is I thought these cars were absolutely huge....but with people for scale they do not seem so. An absolutely beautiful car !!
Title: Re: W188 Restoration Project - '55 300S Roadster
Post by: 114015 on September 29, 2021, 21:25:12

So, Craig,
Which Mercedes have you now still in your garage
- after two of your collector items sold?
 ;)

Best,
Achim