Author Topic: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????  (Read 2701 times)

McBenz

  • Associate Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, TX, CELINA
  • Posts: 44
  • Both car and owner from Stuttgart
Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« on: June 12, 2020, 18:25:10 »
Was able to pick up a used hard top a while ago and wanted to finally take it apart and restore it. After preliminary inspection, I am not seeing any rust, so that's good.

But, I was wondering if anyone here has restored their hard tops recently and what a "ball-park" estimate would be for replacing the seals, re-chroming trim, new headliner, maybe replace the glass, and re-painting exterior. I've read here various older posts mentioning that restoring hardtops could get very pricey.
I'd like to set an approx. budget for the restore and sure could use some insight from those that have been in my shoes.

As a side-note, my parents had the opportunity to purchase a brand new hardtop from Mercedes Dealer in Stuttgart in 1982 before transferring to the U.S. , but the dealer wouldn't sell it because the car was already being shipped to the U.S. and they strongly recommended the car be present for fitting and said that purchasing the top without checking fit would be downright wrong. The cost was 2000 DM at the time, approx. $1000 equivalent . They took MB advice, and passed on it. (I'm still kicking myself on that decision)...
1965 230 SL (Family Owned Since June 1965)
1974 Porsche 914 2.0L
2000 LX470 100 Series LandCruiser

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 6653
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2020, 19:03:36 »
I am in the process of having mine done as we speak. Mostly complete now. Only items left are the headliner, the wood refinish and some odds and ends. Not easy or cheap. PM me for more detail...
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

johnk

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Avon
  • Posts: 1149
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2020, 12:46:33 »
If the only issue with your headliner is stains from water leaks it’s very practical and inexpensive to have it refinished back to the original color. My understanding is replacing the headliner is extremely time consuming and expensive. Companies That specialize in interior renovation for a new car dealerships will even come on site to respray it at your place
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

Benz Dr.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7128
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2020, 19:09:20 »
Was able to pick up a used hard top a while ago and wanted to finally take it apart and restore it. After preliminary inspection, I am not seeing any rust, so that's good.

But, I was wondering if anyone here has restored their hard tops recently and what a "ball-park" estimate would be for replacing the seals, re-chroming trim, new headliner, maybe replace the glass, and re-painting exterior. I've read here various older posts mentioning that restoring hardtops could get very pricey.
I'd like to set an approx. budget for the restore and sure could use some insight from those that have been in my shoes.

As a side-note, my parents had the opportunity to purchase a brand new hardtop from Mercedes Dealer in Stuttgart in 1982 before transferring to the U.S. , but the dealer wouldn't sell it because the car was already being shipped to the U.S. and they strongly recommended the car be present for fitting and said that purchasing the top without checking fit would be downright wrong. The cost was 2000 DM at the time, approx. $1000 equivalent . They took MB advice, and passed on it. (I'm still kicking myself on that decision)...


That dealer didn't want to be bothered with crating and any problems if the top arrived damaged. The checking fitting story is just that; a story.


Last time I did one was priced at roughly:

1K disassembly
1K paint
1K parts  ( seals, headliner )
2.5K chrome plating
3.8K assembly

This was 5 or 6 years ago and it looks like about 10K in Canadian funds back then. I wouldn't expect it to be any less in USA funds today.
 


1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Cees Klumper

  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, De Luz and Los Angeles
  • Posts: 5502
    • http://SL113.org
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2020, 12:40:36 »
Late seventies I had a bunch of parts off my motorcycle chromed, including all of the wheel spokes, pedals and various body parts. Certainly as much as would go onto a Pagoda hard top. I thought the cost was low then, but compared to now it was ridiculously cheap: $30. I do wonder how new chrome parts can still be lots cheaper than having something rechromed.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Garry

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Australia, Victoria, Kyneton
  • Posts: 5169
  • Audit Committee
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2020, 13:15:06 »
I did a restoration on one of my hard tops and spent in excess of $4000 all up and it then sat on a stand until i sold the car.  If you don’t put the top on much it is hard to justify the cost i think.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Peter

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • Netherlands, North Brabant, Helmond
  • Posts: 452
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2020, 17:38:58 »
Between $4k en $5k must be possible, if essential parts, like chrome, are available on the to be restored HT.
If you do a part of the stripping/building-up yourself even less. Difficult is the painting job, re-chroming and the headliner.

My experience is that I use the HT during the winter period, so I’m happy I did the restoration.
 

McBenz

  • Associate Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, TX, CELINA
  • Posts: 44
  • Both car and owner from Stuttgart
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2020, 17:21:18 »
Great, I agree. Driving it in the winter with HT is something I always regretted. For it to be a true "pagoda", the pagoda roof HT makes it complete.
1965 230 SL (Family Owned Since June 1965)
1974 Porsche 914 2.0L
2000 LX470 100 Series LandCruiser

McBenz

  • Associate Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, TX, CELINA
  • Posts: 44
  • Both car and owner from Stuttgart
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2020, 17:22:14 »
great, thanks. Good to know.
1965 230 SL (Family Owned Since June 1965)
1974 Porsche 914 2.0L
2000 LX470 100 Series LandCruiser

McBenz

  • Associate Member
  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, TX, CELINA
  • Posts: 44
  • Both car and owner from Stuttgart
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2020, 17:23:52 »
Great, that helps me get a ball-park figure for the work. I will try to do some of the work myself too keep costs down. Thanks.
1965 230 SL (Family Owned Since June 1965)
1974 Porsche 914 2.0L
2000 LX470 100 Series LandCruiser

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 6653
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #10 on: June 15, 2020, 18:30:10 »
Late seventies I had a bunch of parts off my motorcycle chromed: $30.

That's a lifetime ago, Cees. A good salary out of college was $20K/year. A new BMW 320i was under $12K.

I do wonder how new chrome parts can still be lots cheaper than having something rechromed.

Production vs. one-off. Fresh new stampings/castings don't need the same level of prep as an old part--and they don't get it either. The chrome process probably isn't as elaborate, either. Maybe a single copper or nickel plate, followed by a thin chrome plate. When I've had things re-chromed, the process involved copper plate, two strikes of nickel (dull and bright) followed by the chrome, and then lots of hand buffing and clean up. Production parts are not treated to such luxurious handling.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 6653
Re: Restoring a Pagoda Hard Top....COST?????
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2020, 18:33:06 »

Last time I did one was priced at roughly:

1K disassembly
1K paint
1K parts  ( seals, headliner )
2.5K chrome plating
3.8K assembly


I think that is a reasonable ballpark. The amount of chrome, missing parts, quality of what you are starting with all affect the total, but it's not cheap.

Full members, have you seen and read the definitive article on the restoration? https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/HardTop
 
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid