2002 G500 build/ restoration/ conversion photo thread
#503
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Painted some random pieces in black with satin clearcoat
Originally I painted exterior body trim with paint for plastic from a rattle can, but decided to give it more durable finish so I re-painted exterior body trim with black paint and satin clearcoat. This way it's gonna be more durable.
Originally I painted exterior body trim with paint for plastic from a rattle can, but decided to give it more durable finish so I re-painted exterior body trim with black paint and satin clearcoat. This way it's gonna be more durable.
#504
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Assembled front seat headrests
( the color of the leather is not coming through on camera, the leather is much more richer looking )
( the color of the leather is not coming through on camera, the leather is much more richer looking )
#506
If you don't mind... I think that many people here are interested in the switch to bi-xenon headlamps. Would you mind talking a bit about what you're doing there? It seems like you're putting in the legitimate MB lights from a later year. Is that right? What does it take to do so?
#507
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Hello
I don't mind you asking.
Yes, these are bi-xenon headlights from 2016 G63.
All I can say right now is I have done quite a bit of research on what I need to do and what parts I need to purchase. But, let me try to put it all together, to make sure everything works and then I will post pics and description of what I did.
I don't mind you asking.
Yes, these are bi-xenon headlights from 2016 G63.
All I can say right now is I have done quite a bit of research on what I need to do and what parts I need to purchase. But, let me try to put it all together, to make sure everything works and then I will post pics and description of what I did.
#508
That would be great. I completely understand. I've been thinking about making that change for a while but I'm not sure how much of a performance improvement it would give. On top of that, it seems to be slightly complicated and not cheap. Good luck.
#509
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What year is your car?
First step to the conversion is replacing the fender/headlight opening panel. Halogen headlight are smaller in size and the opening in the headlight panel is smaller. Xenon lights are large and require larger opening. You can purchase just the front panels. Then removing the original ones by drilling out the factory welds and then welding in the new panels.
Here is a good picture of the panels that need to be retrofitted in to your original fenders.
First step to the conversion is replacing the fender/headlight opening panel. Halogen headlight are smaller in size and the opening in the headlight panel is smaller. Xenon lights are large and require larger opening. You can purchase just the front panels. Then removing the original ones by drilling out the factory welds and then welding in the new panels.
Here is a good picture of the panels that need to be retrofitted in to your original fenders.
#510
I also have a 2002. It's 99% true to it's vintage. I'm mostly improving mechanical and "invisible" elements and doing it slowly because we drive it a few times a week. But there are some subtle changes I'd like to make. Your project covers so many parts of the vehicle that it is extremely applicable to me. Thanks again for sharing so much.
#514
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Yes, they do but I will not have that option. It requires a self leveling mechanism attached to the body and suspension.
#515
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Painted some interior plastics to match the leather and Alcantara.
Took me about two hours to color match it to the leather as close as possible.
Used satin clear coat from PPG to go over everything and protect the color from UV and ware.
Took me about two hours to color match it to the leather as close as possible.
Used satin clear coat from PPG to go over everything and protect the color from UV and ware.
#517
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E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, C43 AMG Cab
Looks great man. These are the finishing details that will set this restoration apart. Patience is the key. Oftentimes there is a rush to the finish....like in the TV shows...and small details are either overlooked or not done to perfection. Project is looking great. Keep up the good work.
#518
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Thank you
I agree, it's all about the details.
Just knowing that details are done beneath the surface, where no one will see them or know about them is what's going to make me happy and bring me joy driving this car.
I agree, it's all about the details.
Just knowing that details are done beneath the surface, where no one will see them or know about them is what's going to make me happy and bring me joy driving this car.
#519
Kobzarhomes; this is awesome! You must have a lot of skills! Have you done this for a living?
Would it cost you more or less if you were to buy one? I know you would not have all the stuff you wanted on it, but is not this costing an arm and a leg, not considering your own labor?
ps I think I spent like half an hour already looking at all the pictures!LOL
Would it cost you more or less if you were to buy one? I know you would not have all the stuff you wanted on it, but is not this costing an arm and a leg, not considering your own labor?
ps I think I spent like half an hour already looking at all the pictures!LOL
Last edited by MR-H; 11-09-2017 at 10:41 PM.
#520
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Thank you
No, I do real estate for a living but I grew up helping my dad work on cars, thats where I learned allot. The rest I learned from doing online research and YouTube ))
I do not know my budget at this point. I try to be very smart when I buy parts, hire people to do paint or interior upholstery, etc... the rest I do myself. I do my research and Im patient.
It all depends what year vehicle you buy. I have noticed that earlier year cars have appreciated in value (selling for more then before) since I purchased mine.
After seeing how custom and how much money people spend customizing these cars, I did not want to just drive a standard G-wagon. I wanted to make it my own (but never thought I would take it this far). I plan to drive it, enjoy it and never sell it.
No, I do real estate for a living but I grew up helping my dad work on cars, thats where I learned allot. The rest I learned from doing online research and YouTube ))
I do not know my budget at this point. I try to be very smart when I buy parts, hire people to do paint or interior upholstery, etc... the rest I do myself. I do my research and Im patient.
It all depends what year vehicle you buy. I have noticed that earlier year cars have appreciated in value (selling for more then before) since I purchased mine.
After seeing how custom and how much money people spend customizing these cars, I did not want to just drive a standard G-wagon. I wanted to make it my own (but never thought I would take it this far). I plan to drive it, enjoy it and never sell it.
Last edited by Kobzarhomes; 11-09-2017 at 10:54 PM.
#521
#522
Best of luck to you man! By looking at all this thread - I am confident that it will work out great for you! I also want to buy one and keep it, just can't find a right one yet. Again let the force be with you lol this is a huuuge project!
#523
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From factory, g-wagons come with "very little" sound deadening.
Later year models have some on the roof, some on the doors, floor and cargo area.
My 2002 came with no sound deadening on the roof, no sound deadening on cargo floor, some on main floor and door sound deadening was dried up and falling off in some areas.
I installed it EVERYWHERE I was able to and added closed cell foam for extra noise deadening and heat insulation.
Love the product from Silent Coat. Would definitely recommend it.
Later year models have some on the roof, some on the doors, floor and cargo area.
My 2002 came with no sound deadening on the roof, no sound deadening on cargo floor, some on main floor and door sound deadening was dried up and falling off in some areas.
I installed it EVERYWHERE I was able to and added closed cell foam for extra noise deadening and heat insulation.
Love the product from Silent Coat. Would definitely recommend it.