SL/R107: New member with '73 450 SL C
#1
New member with '73 450 SL C
Hi everyone. My grandfather's 1973 450 SL C was recently passed down to me, and I am very curious about the car. I am more up to date with modern Mercedes and Volvo, so I know little about this car besides the specs I have found online. Its in mint condition, a collectors car, so I am learning how to care for 30+ year old vehicles.
My primary questions are: What are good aftermarket companies for such things as floor mats, 1973 accessories, and care tips? Also, I don't know how people drove at night with those old lowbeams, but what can be done to upgrade the lights to HID? The kit to look for is a 5006, is this correct?
I am very excited about becoming a classic car owner!
My primary questions are: What are good aftermarket companies for such things as floor mats, 1973 accessories, and care tips? Also, I don't know how people drove at night with those old lowbeams, but what can be done to upgrade the lights to HID? The kit to look for is a 5006, is this correct?
I am very excited about becoming a classic car owner!
#2
For parts try:
http://www.adsitco.com/
I had a 1975 450SL that I wish I did not sell some 12 years ago.
On the headlights, the originals were tungston, some of which lasted an extremely long time. Replacing with halogens will make quite a difference. Good luck.
http://www.adsitco.com/
I had a 1975 450SL that I wish I did not sell some 12 years ago.
On the headlights, the originals were tungston, some of which lasted an extremely long time. Replacing with halogens will make quite a difference. Good luck.
#3
Michael T, sorry to hear about your sold 450. Having never considered owning such a classic, now I could not imagine parting with it. Tungsten lights, wow, I had no idea that was used. I'm showing my classic car ignorance!
Ultimately I'd like to have xenons in there, as it makes me more comfortable at night. Its a amazing car. I'd love to get the new SL, but at 16/23 MPG, I would feel guilty. I think my 450 gets around the same, but I can justify it as I have to keep this classic beauty going!
Ultimately I'd like to have xenons in there, as it makes me more comfortable at night. Its a amazing car. I'd love to get the new SL, but at 16/23 MPG, I would feel guilty. I think my 450 gets around the same, but I can justify it as I have to keep this classic beauty going!
#4
I also have a 73 450sl and have had good luck with Performance.
http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com
Their catalog has been very helpfull since it has parts diagrams that you can drill down on. I think to date I have spent at least 3k on parts with them. Their prices are not bad.
http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com
Their catalog has been very helpfull since it has parts diagrams that you can drill down on. I think to date I have spent at least 3k on parts with them. Their prices are not bad.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 37
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'12 Cayenne Turbo, '12 GL450, '03 SL55, '89 560SL,
performance products, as stated above, is the best source for your replacement needs. fitting your HID ballast shouldn't be too much of a problem, but it may require the most minimal of retrofitting the harnesses together. shouldnt be but a 10 minute problem for your local european garage mechanic.
#6
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1973 450SL & 1983 240d
1973 Sl
I hae a 73 450 SL too. It is the most wonderful car! I get a lot of my parts from http://www.autohausaz.com/ they are the cheapest always if they have the part --but they don't always have what I need. Drivewerks (partners with Pelican parts -hubby has a 911) is a good choice too.