SL/R107: Newbie
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 21
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From: Falmouth, Ma.
87 300D
Newbie
Hi
I just registered membership here and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Steve, and I hail from Rhode island but am in the process of moving.
Last fall, I aquired a 1980 450 SL, pictured below. It came to me unexspected as I had never really thought about owning one. I do have as a daily driver an 87 300 D, and have owned other Benzs in the past.
This particular 107 has been neglected very badly and since I took ownership, I have been in the process of restoring. I'm doing this in a way that will continue to allow me to drive it. Replacing worn parts, refinishing all vinyl and leather seats. The front suspension including sub frame, all need attention and little by little, I hope to replace all bushings, ball joints, etc.
Currently, the car is under cover, but when the weather has been good, I've been reinstalling interior parts I've refinished in my basement. It's really beginning to look like new once again.
The engine and drive train are in good operating condition. The only thing I haven't done yet is to drain the tranny fluid, pan off, TQ drained, and reinstall with synthetic fluid.
Brakes are completely in need of a complete overhaul and will be ordering all new parts.
From time to time, I know I will need advise, and will have many questions. It looks like there are many knowledgable members here on this SL forum and look forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas as well as just talking away on our 107's..........Steve
I just registered membership here and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Steve, and I hail from Rhode island but am in the process of moving.
Last fall, I aquired a 1980 450 SL, pictured below. It came to me unexspected as I had never really thought about owning one. I do have as a daily driver an 87 300 D, and have owned other Benzs in the past.
This particular 107 has been neglected very badly and since I took ownership, I have been in the process of restoring. I'm doing this in a way that will continue to allow me to drive it. Replacing worn parts, refinishing all vinyl and leather seats. The front suspension including sub frame, all need attention and little by little, I hope to replace all bushings, ball joints, etc.
Currently, the car is under cover, but when the weather has been good, I've been reinstalling interior parts I've refinished in my basement. It's really beginning to look like new once again.
The engine and drive train are in good operating condition. The only thing I haven't done yet is to drain the tranny fluid, pan off, TQ drained, and reinstall with synthetic fluid.
Brakes are completely in need of a complete overhaul and will be ordering all new parts.
From time to time, I know I will need advise, and will have many questions. It looks like there are many knowledgable members here on this SL forum and look forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas as well as just talking away on our 107's..........Steve
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 8
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80 450Sl wheels
I see from your pictures that you have new style alloy wheels on your 1980. I believe Mercedes started these 15 inch wheels with the 560 in 1986. The prior wheels I believe were 14 inch. You may need to adjust your tire size if you haven't done it already.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Falmouth, Ma.
87 300D
Originally Posted by MB88SL
I see from your pictures that you have new style alloy wheels on your 1980. I believe Mercedes started these 15 inch wheels with the 560 in 1986. The prior wheels I believe were 14 inch. You may need to adjust your tire size if you haven't done it already.
It's ready for new tires too! What would be the correct size to put on those rims? Assuming the 560 has a different rear ratio than my 450, I would likely have a wrong wheel to rearend ratio.
What is the wheel with tire diameter of the 560?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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tire size
Your owners manual should have the original tire and wheels size. I believe 450SLs came with 14 inch wheels and 205/70 R14 tires. (My 560 came with 205/65 R15s but when I bought it it had 215/65 R15s - a wrong size that I am about to hopefully remedy) Go to www.oursl.com and take a look at the research section for the 450 under techical data and it should give you all the specs on your car. You can also go to Mercedes web site and go to their classic center. If you email them your Vin they can email you the specs and what your original invoice said for your car at no charge (color codes/options etc.) I am not an expert and am still learning, but if you use the wrong wheel and tire size unless you adjust things I believe it will affect your ride and control and throw your speedometer off. You can also take a look at the Tire Rack or Discount Tire web sites and they can show you how to different tire sizes can be used to adjust for changes. Hope this helps you as others have helped me figure out things.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Falmouth, Ma.
87 300D
Originally Posted by MB88SL
Your owners manual should have the original tire and wheels size. I believe 450SLs came with 14 inch wheels and 205/70 R14 tires. (My 560 came with 205/65 R15s but when I bought it it had 215/65 R15s - a wrong size that I am about to hopefully remedy) Go to www.oursl.com and take a look at the research section for the 450 under techical data and it should give you all the specs on your car. You can also go to Mercedes web site and go to their classic center. If you email them your Vin they can email you the specs and what your original invoice said for your car at no charge (color codes/options etc.) I am not an expert and am still learning, but if you use the wrong wheel and tire size unless you adjust things I believe it will affect your ride and control and throw your speedometer off. You can also take a look at the Tire Rack or Discount Tire web sites and they can show you how to different tire sizes can be used to adjust for changes. Hope this helps you as others have helped me figure out things.
Thanks for those links. I didn't know Zero forum had specs listed, I'm also over there too, as well as two other forums. Not much activity in the SL group, so I spread myself around! Over there at Our, or Zero, I'm "BenzBound" AKA BusyBenz and FogHorn on some other forums!
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