As some of you may know, I recently pulled the trigger on this 93 500e http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/1790874843.html

I'm getting ready to rebuild the car, but I have a few questions I hoped some of you could help with.

What cars can donate parts aside from the 500e? Can other 124 sedans provide parts like the trunk, rear quarter panel, ect? What about interior parts?

As far as the parts that are rusted, do you agree that I should replace them with other used parts or just have a body shop take care of it however they do it (bondo, right?)

The exterior is in pretty poor shape and I want to repaint the car, should I stick w/ the stock color or repaint the car a different color?

Finally, the plastic mouldings on the exterior look like they may be tough to clean up. Any suggestions as to how to get those looking new w/o replacing them?

Thanks so much guys!

 

1. Parts Interchangeability:

Quite a few parts will swap from a standard w124 to an 036. As for the body, generally anything between the fenders will fit. The fenders, bumpers and rocker panels will not. Interior parts are also mostly interchangeable. I have seen an entire 500e interior installed on another w124. However, there are differences (center console box, front seats...), so if you want the interior to be correct you will need a 500e (or sportline) donor car. Engine parts are mostly swappable with other 500 series cars (s, sl) but you will need to check each individual part to make sure.

2: Body Repair:
As far as replacing parts with used or new, it really depends on what you're going for with this project. If the car has a clean title, and you are going for a factory fresh restoration, absolutely go with new. If you just want a clean car that you plan on keeping in the family, there is no problem with buying used. As with any purchase, just make sure you do your homework and are getting quality used parts that are 036 specific. Warranties are a must on anything electronic or engine components. Also, a good body shop should use very little bondo.

3: Paint:
Again, this really is a matter of personal preference. You will find people that agree with either side of that argument. Given the unique color of your car, I say keep it spruce. Whether you want to go 1-tone, or stick with 2 is up to you. I think either would look fantasic.

4: Moulding
I have tried many different products on w124 plastic. (meguires, mothers, turtle, even $13 foreverblack) Regular old dexron ATF worked the best by far. I was very very surprised at the depth and clean even coverage I got. I used chevron.

Good luck man, I hope you put up more pictures soon. Spruce green is one of my favorite colors on a 500e.

 

Thanks alot, thats everything I needed! I'm super excited to get this underway, should have it at a body shop pretty soon. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

NJ

lots of 500E guys at the BEST site:
www.500ectasy.com

history, suppliers, troubleshooting, classifieds , etc.

You can enter yourcar in the registry.
There might be some history on it.

Someone can help with the VIN decoding too.

Glad tosee you're going to fix it up. Nice to know that it's not just another one for the scapheap!

Please pit up some pics for us.

 

This guy is in Stamford CT

David Hendy

dhendy3697@aol.com

great source for used parts. He parts out 500's

Tell him Sean in Vancouver sent you.

 

Will do, thanks Sean. As for 500ecstasy, I'm having trouble posting and generally navigating that forum. I'm signed up under the same handle as I have here, but it won't allow me to post or respond. Any thoughts on that?

 

Try tocontact Scott, the admin and founder, there.

Other people have been having trouble with the site too.

Or go to 500espot, a sister 500E site.

http://500espot.com/forums/viewtopic...eb77af44758a07