Author Topic: 1968 280SL - My grandfather’s car (Read 4933 times)

CharlesorCharlie · « **on:** June 04, 2020, 03:59:15 »

After replacing the battery, checking/changing fluids, airing tires, and fixing an old leaking radiator hose, I finally got my grampa’s old car out of the garage and took it for about a 2 mile drive! Took these photos before putting it back as I still have some work to do. Needs a detail too, but I was excited.

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2020, 04:01:02 »

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2020, 04:02:26 »

It was so fun to see the car move again and brought back a ton of memories.

Garry · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2020, 07:41:39 »

Very nice, Dark Olive and Cognac interior is a great colour combination.

kampala · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2020, 11:18:03 »

Must be great feeling to get it going. How long was it dormant?

Looks quite nice.

yves · « **Reply #5 on:** June 04, 2020, 11:33:14 »

Very nice car but you have to change your shoes....

they arn't correct wiyh that classic car !

RobSirg · « **Reply #6 on:** June 04, 2020, 14:25:05 »

Quote from: Garry on June 04, 2020, 07:41:39

Very nice, Dark Olive and Parchment interior is a great colour combination.

Looks Cognac to me?

Thanks for sharing the photos - looks very original. What a privilege to be able to drive it ......please do so as often as you can ( and for as long as you can) - these cars enjoy the drive as much as we do.

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #7 on:** June 04, 2020, 15:14:47 »

Quote from: kampala on June 04, 2020, 11:18:03

Must be great feeling to get it going. How long was it dormant?

Yeah it really is a great feeling. It's been in that garage without moving for at least 5 years. Before that he had stopped really driving it, so I'd guess about 10 years?

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #8 on:** June 04, 2020, 15:15:25 »

Quote from: yves on June 04, 2020, 11:33:14

Very nice car but you have to change your shoes.... they arn't correct wiyh that classic car !

Really? What size should they be?? That's surprising.

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #9 on:** June 04, 2020, 15:16:57 »

Quote from: RobSirg on June 04, 2020, 14:25:05

Thanks for sharing the photos - looks very original. What a privilege to be able to drive it ......please do so as often as you can ( and for as long as you can) - these cars enjoy the drive as much as we do.

He never let me drive it as a kid (understandable!), so last night was my first time driving it ever. Planning on driving it a lot more. So much fun.

wjsvb · « **Reply #10 on:** June 04, 2020, 17:09:01 »

Delightful car! Enjoy and best of luck with it! Replacing the tires is a must if you plan to use it...the old rubber may not hold up to speed. Lots of information on this site to help you. A full membership here is well worth it!

Jonny B · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2020, 22:35:57 »

Wunnerful, wunnerful! Thanks for posting.

And RobSirg is spot on. These cars do not take well to sitting for long periods.

Just wait until you can get beyond that 2 mile first drive!

Garry · « **Reply #12 on:** June 04, 2020, 22:43:37 »

Rob,
you are quite correct, cognac, it was late at night and my old age was catching up with me.

Garry

RobSirg · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2020, 13:45:25 »

As it is for all of us Garry

Have to agree with Yves on this one Charles ( or Charlie?), a nice loafer / deck shoe would be more appropriate in a Pagoda......maybe that’s why he didn’t let you drive it

thelews · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2020, 14:29:51 »

not sure what yves was referring to, but if the car has been not been driven for ten years, the tires are probably even older than 10 and potentially dangerous in ways you can't see by inspecting.

You should get new tires. 185HR14 would be the original size (185/80-14). I just put 205/70-14 General Altimax RT43 tires on mine and am very happy with the tire, ride and handling and at a reasonable price. I had 185HR14 Vredestiens on the car and didn't like the ride as well. The 205s also give the car a little more "manly" look and stance, but that is a longstanding debate, tire size, that is.

kampala · « **Reply #15 on:** June 05, 2020, 15:34:07 »

I think yves is literally referring to a “shoe” visible in the shot of the speedo. Looks like a “croc” style.

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #16 on:** June 05, 2020, 15:49:57 »

Quote from: kampala on June 05, 2020, 15:34:07

I think yves is literally referring to a “shoe” visible in the shot of the speedo. Looks like a “croc” style.

Just realizing he meant my actual shoes! Haha he's right my grandpa is much classier than I am. I will change them next time.. Crocs are just so comfortable in the garage.

49er · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2020, 18:27:12 »

Hello Charles, Welcome to this Forum and congratulations in getting your grandfather's SL running and back on the road (if only for a few miles so far) again. Was he the first owner? Even if not, it is so great to have the car in the same family for 3 generations. As you begin the work of restoration, hang onto everything you find in the way of service records, manuals or any documentation as it pertains to the car. Having the history of the car brings it alive. Good luck in your project.

John

CharlesorCharlie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 08, 2020, 15:01:53 »

Quote from: 49er on June 05, 2020, 18:27:12

Was he the first owner?

Thank you! There's a lot of great info here. He's the second owner, and I believe he purchased in 1974.

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Author Topic: 1968 280SL - My grandfather’s car (Read 4933 times)

CharlesorCharlie

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