You missed the inner mudguard rear upper wheel arches and chassis members at the lower edge of the wheel arches. I restored a "73 350SL in 1989. Watching this brought back some memories!
Thanks for your message. Is there any chance you could send me a photo of what you mean or take a screen shot from the video (if possible) so that I can see exactly what you mean. It would be good to update the video if I have missed something. Thx Mike Here is my email: m_scott65@hotmail.com
Awesome Mike, thank you for putting this together. You saved me some hours of research, though I love researching! I will now feel more confident in my search for my next vehicle.
@@MikesMercsandothercars I am back. I am creating a master document on paper that I can take with me when I physically begin looking at possible purchases. At 5:15 in the video, you are showing how the previous repair closed up the original drain hole area. This view is just behind the passenger side front wheel well correct? The other question is this; how would one convince a seller, private or dealership to all pouring the water into strategic locations to check if they are open? I say, if the seller says no, I should walk away. My current 300TD wagon is FULL of rust because I didn't do enough due diligence. The car was full of Bondo and the rust came back with a vengeance! Water somehow comes in and ends up behind the drivers seat in the floor for one. I am still deciding if I want to begin some DIY rust repair. At 310,000 mile, what do I have to lose? Two body shops quoted $14,000 and $25,000 for the work. 😵💫 PS how is your car doing now that you recovered it? Thanks so much
Great Video Mike. I'm very sorry to hear that this beauty was stolen and crashed. I wish you all the very best and let me know if you need anything. I may be able to help. I started and run the two Facebook groups Mercedes Maintenance and Mercedes Rescue along with a few other enthusiasts. All the best mate. Cheers John
There are two drain tube hoses which is located in the bulk head either side of the heater motor which then go inside the mercedes into the gearbox tunnel i hope this helps mark21
Thanks for that. I think at some stage I'll do a complete heater box tear down as this is one of the worst rust spots for these cars. Spent most of my driving life with wet feet as a result. Mike
Excellent tuto for our grandma. I experience water leaks on rear seats. After investigations, I have just found that the drains (in the softop ‘s storage) are stock but totally destroyed. I wonder if this hose is connected under the car? Mine is is not and water stays partially inside the car. Do you have OEM number and/or the way it has to be correctly connected? Many thanks,
Hi - I'm not sure if that drainage channel is a rubber hose or a metal tube like the channel from the fuel filler cap. I suspect the latter but will check when I get back from ValleyFest this weekend. Meanwhile, you can look up part numbers for your specific car at the link below: mb-teilekatalog.info/?lang=E&mode=BM&class=1&markt=AG Mike
Many thanks Mikes. On my 380SL 1985 US, it is a rubber that is connected to nothing and potentially badly oriented in the wrong side (it looks like there are 2 separate areas behind the vinyl covers. It take the opportunity of holidays for restoring my car and your video are just great and helpful. Enjoy valleyfest.
Hello! Thanks for this video.very good and informative. Can I ask where you are based ? A friend of mine needs a professional eye put over his 380sl . He is in outer South London. If you are not in the southeast , can you recommend anyone near ish that know what they are doing when it comes to the fabrication of the mercedes sl please?
Thanks for your comment. I'm in Bristol and whilst there are one or two decent body shops here, they are far and few between and expensive. Maybe call Roger Edwards Motors in Amersham 01494 766766). They specialise in SL's and may be able to point you in the right direction. Mike
Hola Mike great videos is juan from Colombia!!!! I just acquired a 280sl five speed manual just like your red one (sorry to hear it was totalled) and your videos are pure gold!!!!! I’m having trouble unclogging the fuel fill drain hole can you please tell me where is the exit point? Mine has a tube connected that disappears on the quarter panel and haven’t been able to see where it goes, again thank you and please keep these amazing videos coming
Thanks for your comment and congrats on your 280sl. I will take a picture and email it to you next time I'm at the garage. To unplug this hole you need something like 5amp electrical wire or a bass guitar string. Sometimes the hole get blocked and sometimes it gets accidentally covered up but when people making repairs in which case the problem is a bit trickier. Mike
Hello - Look at the side of your car where the fuel filler cap is, and draw and imaginary line down the car from the bottom left hand corner of the filler hatch. You should be able to see the pipe as it passes between the chrome bumper and the rear wing. You might just about be able to feel the bottom of the pipe but it is flush with the surface and doesn't poke through. If you have small hands and flexible wrists you might be able yo touch/feel the bottom of the metal pipe. If you need some photos, email me m_scott65@hotmail.com Mike
Hi mike Great video this At the inside bottom of the front wing (where the windscreen drains too) does the water flow to the drainage hole in the sill naturally or is there supposed to be a piece on top of the sill to help guide it there? Hope this makes sense. Thanks. James
Hi - I am assuming you are talking about 5.48 in the video. If so, there is nothing on top of the sill to guide water from the windscreen drain hole to the sill drain hole. the problem with that arrangement is that any build up of sand and grit allows water to sit on top of the sill at that point....and rust. Mike
I was looking to buy a 107.... Was is the key word. After watching several videos on rust issues, the solid cars are out of my price & cheaper cars are all "fixed" rust buckets.
Mike, their are some rust areas on my car that are not entirely shown in this video, any chance we can get in contact? Also on my '76 mercedes there are two drain holes in the trunk battery holder.
I have had to clear out the gas filler drain hole that was not draining on my '85 380 SL. I had to locate and clear the tube from the bottom. It is garage kept now that I own it
Thanks for your comment. I'm in the UK so wont be much help. I was surprised top learn that our local car parts store (Eurocarparts) also did sheet metal so it might be worth checking that option. In the US also have places like www.kkmfg.com/ which can supply almost any Mercedes panel. Mike
I'm no expert but.... Waxoyl tend to work best on new metal with no rust. Dinitol has a number of advantages in terms of application, longevity and treating an already rusty surface. Mike
Thanks for your comment. You've obviously got good taste in cars. That particular car got stolen. I'm in the process of restoring another red 280SL but still a few months away from completion. Mike
What country are you in, what model are you looking for (V8 or straight 6) Manual or auto....and most importantly what is your budget. These cars range from £5000 to £40,000+ depending on condition. To put it in perspective, the red 280SL is a relatively rare 5 speed manual and is probably worth £20-£25k. The silver 280SL is a LHD 4 speed manual and is probably worth £12k -£15k. Mike
Thanks Mike! Great video.
Just checked and opened some of the drain holes on my 450sl using a long zip-tie (tie wrap). Good reminder.
Thank you, Mike - excellent contents ! I stumbled upon this just before buying a 380.
Thanks for your comment. Hopefully these videos might help you fix things in the future. Mike
You missed the inner mudguard rear upper wheel arches and chassis members at the lower edge of the wheel arches. I restored a "73 350SL in 1989. Watching this brought back some memories!
Thanks for your message. Is there any chance you could send me a photo of what you mean or take a screen shot from the video (if possible) so that I can see exactly what you mean. It would be good to update the video if I have missed something. Thx Mike
Here is my email: m_scott65@hotmail.com
Awesome Mike, thank you for putting this together. You saved me some hours of research, though I love researching! I will now feel more confident in my search for my next vehicle.
Thanks for your comment - glad the video was helpful. Mike
@@MikesMercsandothercars I am back. I am creating a master document on paper that I can take with me when I physically begin looking at possible purchases. At 5:15 in the video, you are showing how the previous repair closed up the original drain hole area. This view is just behind the passenger side front wheel well correct? The other question is this; how would one convince a seller, private or dealership to all pouring the water into strategic locations to check if they are open? I say, if the seller says no, I should walk away. My current 300TD wagon is FULL of rust because I didn't do enough due diligence. The car was full of Bondo and the rust came back with a vengeance! Water somehow comes in and ends up behind the drivers seat in the floor for one. I am still deciding if I want to begin some DIY rust repair. At 310,000 mile, what do I have to lose? Two body shops quoted $14,000 and $25,000 for the work. 😵💫 PS how is your car doing now that you recovered it? Thanks so much
Great reminder to check all the drains!!
Even my daily driver car needs the drains cleaned a few times per year.
Thanks for your comment. Mike
Another excellent video Mike. Well done!
Thanks - that's really nice of you to say so. Mike
Its been said many times, but I feel it could one more..."GREAT VIDEO"
Thanks! Compliments is one of things I never get fed up of! Mike
Thank you! A terrifically important topic. You know your stuff!
Thanks for your comment...amazing how much grief a blocked drain hole can lead to. Mike
Fantastic. Exactly what I needed to know.
My pleasure. Mike
Great Video Mike. I'm very sorry to hear that this beauty was stolen and crashed. I wish you all the very best and let me know if you need anything. I may be able to help. I started and run the two Facebook groups Mercedes Maintenance and Mercedes Rescue along with a few other enthusiasts. All the best mate. Cheers John
Thanks for your comment and offer to help - its much appreciated. Lets see what the insurance have to say. Mike
There are two drain tube hoses which is located in the bulk head either side of the heater motor which then go inside the mercedes into the gearbox tunnel i hope this helps mark21
Thanks for that. I think at some stage I'll do a complete heater box tear down as this is one of the worst rust spots for these cars. Spent most of my driving life with wet feet as a result. Mike
Excellent tuto for our grandma. I experience water leaks on rear seats.
After investigations, I have just found that the drains (in the softop ‘s storage) are stock but totally destroyed. I wonder if this hose is connected under the car? Mine is is not and water stays partially inside the car.
Do you have OEM number and/or the way it has to be correctly connected?
Many thanks,
Hi - I'm not sure if that drainage channel is a rubber hose or a metal tube like the channel from the fuel filler cap. I suspect the latter but will check when I get back from ValleyFest this weekend. Meanwhile, you can look up part numbers for your specific car at the link below:
mb-teilekatalog.info/?lang=E&mode=BM&class=1&markt=AG
Mike
Many thanks Mikes. On my 380SL 1985 US, it is a rubber that is connected to nothing and potentially badly oriented in the wrong side (it looks like there are 2 separate areas behind the vinyl covers. It take the opportunity of holidays for restoring my car and your video are just great and helpful.
Enjoy valleyfest.
Hello! Thanks for this video.very good and informative. Can I ask where you are based ? A friend of mine needs a professional eye put over his 380sl . He is in outer South London. If you are not in the southeast , can you recommend anyone near ish that know what they are doing when it comes to the fabrication of the mercedes sl please?
Thanks for your comment. I'm in Bristol and whilst there are one or two decent body shops here, they are far and few between and expensive. Maybe call Roger Edwards Motors in Amersham 01494 766766). They specialise in SL's and may be able to point you in the right direction. Mike
Hola Mike great videos is juan from Colombia!!!! I just acquired a 280sl five speed manual just like your red one (sorry to hear it was totalled) and your videos are pure gold!!!!! I’m having trouble unclogging the fuel fill drain hole can you please tell me where is the exit point? Mine has a tube connected that disappears on the quarter panel and haven’t been able to see where it goes, again thank you and please keep these amazing videos coming
Thanks for your comment and congrats on your 280sl. I will take a picture and email it to you next time I'm at the garage. To unplug this hole you need something like 5amp electrical wire or a bass guitar string. Sometimes the hole get blocked and sometimes it gets accidentally covered up but when people making repairs in which case the problem is a bit trickier. Mike
Hello - Look at the side of your car where the fuel filler cap is, and draw and imaginary line down the car from the bottom left hand corner of the filler hatch. You should be able to see the pipe as it passes between the chrome bumper and the rear wing. You might just about be able to feel the bottom of the pipe but it is flush with the surface and doesn't poke through. If you have small hands and flexible wrists you might be able yo touch/feel the bottom of the metal pipe. If you need some photos, email me m_scott65@hotmail.com Mike
Hi mike
Great video this
At the inside bottom of the front wing (where the windscreen drains too) does the water flow to the drainage hole in the sill naturally or is there supposed to be a piece on top of the sill to help guide it there? Hope this makes sense. Thanks.
James
Hi - I am assuming you are talking about 5.48 in the video. If so, there is nothing on top of the sill to guide water from the windscreen drain hole to the sill drain hole. the problem with that arrangement is that any build up of sand and grit allows water to sit on top of the sill at that point....and rust. Mike
I was looking to buy a 107....
Was is the key word. After watching several videos on rust issues, the solid cars are out of my price & cheaper cars are all "fixed" rust buckets.
Thanks for your comment - what country do you live in and what is your budget? Mike
Mike, their are some rust areas on my car that are not entirely shown in this video, any chance we can get in contact? Also on my '76 mercedes there are two drain holes in the trunk battery holder.
Sure - you can send any photos to m_scott65@hotmail.com Is your Mercedes an SL? I wasn't aware the battery was in the trunk on 76 models. Mike
I have had to clear out the gas filler drain hole that was not draining on my '85 380 SL. I had to locate and clear the tube from the bottom. It is garage kept now that I own it
Thanks for your comment - unfortunately it was many years before I could afford a garage and consequently my first SL had a hard life. Mike
Mike thanks for the videos . I live in the U.S. , Do you know were I can get sheet
metal repair panels ?
Thanks for your comment. I'm in the UK so wont be much help. I was surprised top learn that our local car parts store (Eurocarparts) also did sheet metal so it might be worth checking that option. In the US also have places like www.kkmfg.com/ which can supply almost any Mercedes panel. Mike
Size of the aloy ?
Should it all be Waxoyl or Dinitol treated.
I'm no expert but.... Waxoyl tend to work best on new metal with no rust. Dinitol has a number of advantages in terms of application, longevity and treating an already rusty surface. Mike
Fantastic
id like to buy this car or swap it for my E38 ,
Thanks for your comment. You've obviously got good taste in cars. That particular car got stolen. I'm in the process of restoring another red 280SL but still a few months away from completion. Mike
@@MikesMercsandothercars ok im interseted in a nice 280 sl or 300 laiter this year
Left outside for to long.
Thanks for your comment - yep that silver 280 SL lived most of its early life outside...and bears the scars. Mike
I am interested in buying a W107, if you or anybody wants to sell hit me up :)
What country are you in, what model are you looking for (V8 or straight 6) Manual or auto....and most importantly what is your budget. These cars range from £5000 to £40,000+ depending on condition. To put it in perspective, the red 280SL is a relatively rare 5 speed manual and is probably worth £20-£25k. The silver 280SL is a LHD 4 speed manual and is probably worth £12k -£15k. Mike