Manual Trans rebuild recommendations

[gh356]

Looking for recommendations for a shop in Central or Southern California to do a syncro replacement in my 250 SL.  I prefer to drive the car there and leave it, rather than pull the trans myself.  Never seem to have problems removing and disassembling stuff, but Murphy haunts me when I try to reassemble.  Appreciate any suggestions.

[rwmastel]

Ask Sun Valley (near Los Angeles) if they do drive-in/drop-off service.  Most people ship their transmissions to them.

[gh356]

The folks at Sun Valley were very nice and helpful. Unfortunately they only do automatics, and aren't aware of any shops that do manuals.   They suggested finding a good used  6 top-bolt trans, so I'll start the treasure hunt.  Any other suggestions would be appreciated. 

[rwmastel]

I've seen JA17 take apart transmissions before.  If you're so inclined, I would bet that there are enough people here with experience to help you through it.  If you end up looking for a different unit, what were you planning on doing with this one anyway?  Might as well learn with it, give it a shot.

[707dieseldean]

Buds Benz will do an exchange rebuilt manual transmission. Have a trusted shop remove transmission and install rebuilt transmission or send your unit to have rebuilt.

[Jonny B]

Take a look at Pagoda Notes Volume 3, No 1 & 2 for a discussion about the rebuild of the four-speed transmission.

Available in the technical manual. Use the technical manual  link, then scroll down to full member content, and there is the link for Pagoda Notes - they are all available to download/read.

[Benz Dr.]

There's a nut on the main shaft that holds all of the gears and I often see that come loose. It seems to have an effect on shifting because the last one I did last week works perfectly now.
Aside from distance and shipping from Cal. it's just a number of parts such as bearings, seals, synchronizers, and time spent. As long as none of the gears are damaged it's not too bad to do one.