Thank you for this. Much appreciated. Do you possibly have the description on what wire does what on the original G500 module?

Again, I am so fortunate that I found this modification as I am trying to fit E350 (2009) seats on my 2001 G400 with the same kind of seat module that you have on your car.

 

With all the rust issues around the front windshield I was wondering what precautions you did when installing the windshield . Did you use some type of sealant underneath the rubber seal? I have a 2016 G 550and wanted to do whatever can be done to prevent problems. I have noticed some water retention under the seal. Thank you for any advice

 

I'd love to know more too.

 

Hello
Honestly I did not do anything in regards to the windshield.... Not sure what could have been done. Maybe add urathane but then it will make it a pain to remove the seal if you need to replace the glass.

 

@Kobzarhomes hope all is well, I had a question and can't recall if you ever mentioned that the aftermarket blind spot monitoring system was up and running? (I would have searched but I'm on mobile right now and can't seem to find the "search thread" option)

Hope the G is running well

 

Hello
G is running well. I don't drive it in the rain only when its dry )))

As far as blind spot monitoring, it works as well as a aftermarket system can. It does sense items in the blind spot area, but it also senses everything else ...lol
Its not like OEM when its only active when vehicle is moving above certain speed.... its always sensing objects.

I did put it on mute so I only have the triangle flashing but not sound.

I did need to install resistors on the wiring for mirror triangls so they light up properly.

 

 

 

Today decided to take few sunset photos of my G-wagon.
Driving it almost every day since its been nice here in Seattle... loving it more and more.
Zero issues since finished the restoration

 

Love the rebuild/restoration you've undertaken. I've read through the entire thread getting ideas for how to upgrade/restore my G55!

Now that you have more miles on your restoration, can you comment any about how your sound deadening solutions have worked out? Can you compare to any other G's that don't have the sound deadening?

I'm in the process of redoing my headliner, so will be using butyl layered with closed cell foam on the roof and all door skins first, then will eventually get to doing the rest of the interior body. Any tips and tricks you can share about the process?

I also REALLY want to try to also put in a glass sun roof. Will be looking to try to source one, but know it will take some custom work.

Also, did you see any benefit to the Z-shaped door seals on the back side of the doors? I see that they were removed for the photoshoot in more recent posts. I hate seeing those gaps and a seal has to be better for keeping the door jams clean.

Thanks for all the information you've provided. It is really an invaluable resource to this forum.

 

Thank you

I honestly have not had a chance to compare my vehicle interior noise to another similar G500. BUT, I'm sure there is difference. I can say that it definitely makes the exhaust sound much quieter. When I open my window up during acceleration, its waaaay louder. So just based on that, I know it's working. When I shut the door, its solid sounding, etc... While driving, obviously you get wind noise because of all the angles and large door gaps and sound deadening will not help with that, but I think it made the vehicle in whole much more quite and tight sounding.

Glass sunroof is something that takes allot of work and you might end up with dents in the roof from trying to cure the front which then will require you to bond and repaint the roof (just a warning).

I love the Z-shaped door seals, and they are still on there. I'm sure they do help with some door gap wind noise and they do keep the door gaps cleaner. Everyone who sees them likes them and they say that they look OEM. I will say that the original double sided tape is not very strong. It stays on fine but in some places I can see its not seated tightly so I want to use door seal adhesive to have it stay better.

Any time, Im here to answer questions and help.

 

So almost everyone that sees my G-Wagon in person asks me “what is it worth right now if you were to sell it”?

I tell them “I have no idea... it’s not for sale”

BUT I wanted to post a question on here and ask, “what do you guys think is market value of my G-Wagon”? (not considering current market... just in the normal market).

Feel free to chime in and give me your honest, real, genuine opinion.

 

I think it would be very difficult to price your G. It is not a normal W463 and has all of the upgrades that a lot but not all G wagon owners want to do to their own vehicles. Some people might value this more than others, so much like any other highly modified vehicle, it would be very dependent on the buyer. I see your G500 as a meticulous and perfect build that had every attention to detail cared for, but some other guy might just see a 2002 G500 with X miles...

 

I've followed this build from the beginning and there is no denying you have followed through meticulously and created a one of a kind resto mod and brought it to the highest standard. It is a real beauty for sure. Now the lingering question that all of us who have been involved in a restoration project come eventually to ask. What is it worth? I've done two Porsche restorations in my time. A 1964 356 C coupe and a 1969 911 T coupe brought to look and perform like an early RS. I sold both before the meteoric rise in air cooled cars once the water cooled models were introduced. So maybe not a fair comparison but non the less I failed to recoup my investment in either car. All in the pot I had more invested in dollars, parts and my own time to even come close to breaking even. But that fact never took the joy of the build or my enjoyment of the cars out of the equation. If you watch the high end auto auction the commentators routinely indicate that " you couldn't build it for the hammer price". How true that is in most cases.
Now G Wagons enjoy a unique market to begin with. They have produced a good number over the years so I wouldn't consider them "limited production". The introduction of the MY '19 G will also negatively impact, in my opinion, the value of the older G's.
So what do I think its worth? Hard to say. This is certainly a one off custom build. Maybe high five figures to the unique buyer looking for something special. You certainly have compiled detailed documentation so that should add to value. But as you have said...its not for sale. So all assumptions and speculation about value are moot. It's probably worth more to you than anyone else. And I can't say that I blame you. Keep it and enjoy it. She's a dandy!
On second thought you could always pull the drive train out of a MY '18 G 63 and transplant it. Hmmm??

 

I agree that to some this might be just a G500 and that totally understandable. I also agree that custom restorations most of the time do not return the investment (it was never my goal).

To me this was just a fun project and its a nice toy to own ))

I don't plan to sell it but I am toying with the idea of possibly installing AMG 55 engine (but thats something that "might or might not" happen in the future). I like the way it drives right now and the current engine has no issues.

 

As long as you are happy is all that counts. Do more when you are bored and have a few more $$ to throw in there.
Your truck is what I call “custom built” by a professional.

 

When I get some time I do want to replace couple O-seals on the transfer case. I want to make sure there are zero leaks or oil seepage on the underside of the car. Those are the only 2 that still have some moisture.
I also want to spray the underside with some Mercedes OEM wax sealant that I have purchased but have not had a chance to do.

Thank you

 

I'd compare this to the MB version of an Arkonik. People pay $100k-$200k for a full rebuild. https://www.arkonik.com/inventory/

The demand/supply isn't the same for a G-wagon compare to these Land Rover Defenders though, but who cares, he build it for himself.

I wish I had your skill level, this is just one of the most beautiful G-wagons I've seen.

What's next, portal axles? =)

 

Those are nice Defenders for sure. I love how they look.

Right now Im not going to do any more major work on it. But maybe in the future I might want to try to add something.
For now Im loving the clean look of OEM .

Thank you )))

 

Hey were you able to figure this out? I'm also looking to fit E350 seats into my 02 G500. Wasn't sure if it was possible. Any feedback you have will be great! Before I pull the trigger on the seats. Thank you

 

Oh yes. My seats work.
Basic functions just like in 2002 G500.

No air bladders.

I do have heated seats and ventilated seats.

 

Thanks so much for your info! Love the thread. Really useful.
Have you been able to get your cluster's fuel gauge to work yet? or you still just buy a full tank of gas?

 

Thank you

no, haven’t had a chance. I have a guy with STAR diagnostic says he can take care of all the issues but who’s ever had a chance to take the car to him.

 

My first windshield rock chip

Got it on a freeway, headed straight to rock chip repair place.

Pic after it it was repaired.... still noticeable but hoping it will not spread.

 

Awesome work to your G! Did you get a brand new cluster or a used one? if used then does it have to be below a certain amount of miles or any miles will work?