Hi all

Just wanted to say hi to everyone over this side. I've just joined here today, however I've been an active member on 'the other forum' for 3 years now contributing many technical articles and repairs for the SL500.

Seems to me that knowledge and assistance is better shared all round so hope you don't mind me joining up.


Looking forward to joining in..
Lea

Hi Lea. I'm in Manchester, just up the road from you...! Looking forward to sharing some advice with you.

Hi Chris

Any ideas how many UK R129 owners live on this forum - it's just that on the 'other' forum we're very much in the minority. Not that's an issue in anyway, but sometimes nomenclature gets a little amusing - you know, things like boot, bonnet & hoot etc Makes for a little light entertainment though.

Talking of 'up North' I need a new soft top this summer and made contact with Prestige Car Hoods, who were recommended by the rear plastic window manufacturer. Wonder if anyone has had their hood replaced by these guys - BTW they're Birkenhead way?

Lea

Hi Lea

I just joined too - based in London.

Looking forward to the exchanges on a very interesting forum...

Peter

1990 300SL
1989 190e
2001 E200k

Hi Peter

Welcome aboard.....

See what happens eh...??

Hi Lea, I think there are only a handful on the forum... there's a chap in Bristol, and I think that's the only one I can remember off the top of my head. The softop thing is a real bug for me. I used a different company but got this quote from Prestige in the summer:
Mohair Hood:
£569.95 including VAT. (Colours: Black, Beige, Blue and Brown).
£655.44 including VAT. (Colours: Green, Grey and Red).

Fitting charges: £587.50 including VAT. (The car would be required for two days).

0151 643 9555.

I got another quote to be on the safe side and this other chap was about £400 cheaper! So I got it fitted and only realised on a long trip, and after some searching that my top had not been fitted with a strenthening bar above the rear window.... which prevents the top from shaking you to death over 70mph. Needless to say I'm gutted, and wish this other guy had been more informed. I almost blame myself, as I didn't even know that this was an option. So anyway, check that you get the bar in your quote! Birkenhead is on the Wirral across the river from Liverpool.

BTW your sl is the same colour as mine. I posted some pics and some handy links to a blog if you are interested...

http://500sl.blogspot.com/

Hi Chris

I too have a similar quote from Prestige but I have a couple of concerns like: can I have the rear glass stitched in as I like the authentic stitching - I believe Prestige use RF heat welding instead...etc...

But I didn't know about the bar - great tip thanks. Will certainly remember that one at the time of company selection and gathering quotes.

Wow - exactly the same colour!!! That looks like new paint all over Chris, did you respray the whole car when doing your bumpers or did you buy it that way?

BTW - I'm tempted by the chrome rings too. Did you convert yours or is that just a link?

One last thing, have you considered revamping your rear and side lenses - they REALLY make a difference - well, in my opinion. Kinda takes 6 or so years instantly off the age..


Cheers
Lea

Hey Lea
Mine was stitched, I would have been even more gutted if it had come back welded in. When you get it done, make sure it folds away properly. Mine had a tendancy to crease at first...

I bought the car just like this about 2 years ago, so I don't know. The bumpers are definitely the same colour as the body though. The only paint I put on it was when I had some chips away guys out in the summer.

I didn't do the chrome rings yet. I kept the link incase I found myself with a load of spare time.... and to show other people who might want to do it.

There was a thread here a few months ago about the lenses. I sort of like the original ones, they match the plank thingy's behind the front wheels. If I could do the planks AND the lenses at the same time I would definitely do it. I'm not sure how many people would know the difference you know. Other SL owners... and maybe Jeremy Clarkson.... who is on in a bit!

what are the plank thingy's?

But I know what you mean, I wasn't sure at first and was worried that I'd spoil something, but it doesn't.

Those other SL 'geeks' will also spot the incorrect wing mirror shape, the 3 slats in the side (ah, now I know what you mean by the planks) and the 7 slatted front grille - but hey, these are REAL expensive parts so I had to stop somewhere

BTW, if you look carefully around the rear where the thin rubber is and if you see blue overspray you know the whole car was sprayed - nothing to worry about. I wish I did the whole car as (and probably it's only I that can see it) a slight miss match, but maybe I'll treat her to that in the summer

TG in 10 mins

Ellen MacArthur is gorgeous isn't she? She is lovely, lovely, lovely. And FAST!
And all that trouble those guys were having with Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini made me feel better... did they really make those cars that bad?

Hi all,I think Nautic Blue SL's are in fashion...
From only 2 with this colour in lebanon,There is now three on this forum...

In the three years of R129 ownership I've only ever seen one other Nautic...how exciting

Welcome......LeaUK

LeaUK:

Glad you joined our forum. Chris and I have exchanged mail from time to time, most recently pertaining soft top issues. Your car is certainly good looking blue and I only know of two others in this forum with the same color. Dafi and Chris. Again welcome.