Pete1978

hi guys
been working on this car a year, feelin good about all the progress I made

Started with a rusty pos, 1997 m119, which I bought for parts (the only good thing about it was softop, in virtually new condition), but after few months I decided to bring it back to life, just wanted to share the story with you

so far I've replaced/reconditioned/cleaned
completely new interior
hydraulic system
most auxilary parts on the engine(water pump, pulleys) radiator, all vacuum hoses, new electrical coils, plugs and hundreds of small things, currently working on front suspension

Still have to get to rear suspension, new rear diff, quaife lsd, paint, wheels

but I see the light at the end of the tunnel

will be adding pics as I go, if anyone is interested my instagram
garage_warrior

email me with any questions

first few pics of when I bought it there was not a single part that was not rusty or oxydized....

Pete1978

broken cps.....was close to giving up at that point




water pump, pulleys time




gutted out




original rear

Pete1978

front....




after couple hours of sanding, cleaning, rust converter, then paint




and finally, all new suspension and brakes
330mm fronts, akebono pads, new lines
went with H&R sport springs

Merc Mania

Wow, this MAJOR undertaking, Pete, and my hat is off to you for the enormous effort and expense that this total refurbishment will entail, by the time this car is restored to its original showroom condition.

I'll take a guess that there is no way you will ever consider selling this newly minted classic, once it is complete, knowing the cost of all the new parts it comprises. I'll be tagging along for the ride, and looking out for further updates, culminating in that long awaited day when you take her for a test run, and set sail down that highway.

As you are probably aware, the 1997 was in many regards the very best production year of our beloved R129, so you could have not chosen a more eminently suited candidate for this bold, exacting project. I have never in all my days seen a R129 stripped down to the bare bones line this.

Awesome, simply awesome. This is the very definition of a labor of love.

Pete1978

thank you very much


no, not planning to sell it will be adding more pics soon

rich8566

Fantastic labor of love. Lots of work and effort here but the end result will be worth it. Keep at it and keep us posted on your progress.

kajtek1

Labor of love it is.
I love to watch such pictorials as I spend quite a big chunk of my life for labor of love as well.
Hope my 1998 SL500 will not come as such big project. It did look easy with only transmission limp, but just when I put hardtop for coming rain, I noticed hydraulic oil dripping from rear fender.
In few days I will make competition pictorial