1984 Mercedes 380SL RestoMod (4 Viewers)

[NCFJ]

Making some real progress on project Babs. I pulled out the laser and got all my reference marks laid out. Dropped the front cradle and shaved all the brackets out of the engine bay and stripped a fair portion.

I have an almost full wiring harness and front cradle with full suspension FREE, Come get it, I am NOT shipping
Chesnee SC 29323

 

[NCFJ]

I've been working on full body supports for the Merc to the table.

 

[NCFJ]

Just a note on the threaded rod used.
Rod is 1"-8 8 turns per inch 1 turn equals 1/8"

I have already set the body up once with the jack screw set up. They supported the body at the pinch weld.
When I did this I took a first measurement from table to top of support plate. I was shooting for 4.5"
I knew how far I had to got to get it to 4.5" on 4 corners. I counted turns and set the body.
Farthest off was 1/64" !!

No pulling out the tape repeated times while getting "close"

 

[NCFJ]

I am working on the added frame rails to attach the Heidts Mustang II front suspension.
There will be added gussets etc. for strength but will not be even tacking it in until I have the suspension in house and can verify all my geometry.

I can not express how much I am digging this frame table set up. The jack screws make things a whole lot easier and more precise. Many tables I have seen in the past are not a whole lot more than a couple I beams and a few connecting pieces that you weld supports to.
Square D makes a table similar to this one. I am thinking KC designed this one with improving the Square D model in mind.

I have two jack screw under each member, the rear mounts are a cradle 2" wide the 3/8" tapped holes on both sides to lock a member in if I choose. Imagine trying to hold that member in place with just clamps etc. while marking etc. I smile every time I look at it.

 

[NCFJ]

I have been giving serious thought to going this route with the rear fenders. I like the relation between the small window and this wheel well far better than standard. Thoughts? Seen it done?
I figure on getting a couple front fender cuts and grafting flare and all into the rear quarter. Keep the same spacing down from body line at the front fender.

 

[shellb]

Absolutely do that! Iconic.

 

[NCFJ]

I do like it for sure and the small rear deck spoiler.
Already figuring how to cut section out in case I screw up and have to weld it back in

 

[NCFJ]

Front and rear sub frames and suspensions- NO SPRINGS OR SHOCKS
Make me an offer in PMs if interested

 

[NCFJ]

The front suspension arrived this morning

 

[NCFJ]

Making a bit of progress on the Merc front suspension

 

[NCFJ]

Fitting the upper spring perches and upper A arm mounting points. The square stock keeps them aligned together

 

[NCFJ]

We installed all the front suspension components except springs to start checking clearances for more ties between new frame rails and unibody

 

[NCFJ]

Tool from Speedway for checking wheel and tire fitment. I am liking this tool a lot

 

[J Mack]

Love what you are doing!

Have you seen this build? Similar direction to yours.

'78 Benz

Explore this photo album by iskhotrods@yahoo.com on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[NCFJ]

Thanks, I am having a great time building it. I've waited a long time to build this car.
I've not seen that build before, thank you.

I think we will be seeing a lot more Merc builds. They are an iconic car line that have not been considered a "hot rod" by many until recently. There are a great many of them out there similar to the two I purchased and I suspect the sedan in the thread you sent me. They have not been well maintained at the end of their lives and would take $10K or so to bring back to reliable and finished status. Perfect shells for what the guy is doing to the sedan and myself with the roadster.

I know Icon built a sedan using an Art Morrison roller. I do not know if that particular frame and suspension set up is for sale but I can assure you it has sparked interest in quite a few builder's eyes.