Hole in the head project

[Flipper_1938]

Marketplace is the devil. I bought an insanely cheap Mercedes 380 SL project car today. No rust, no dents. But has been sitting for many years. I have no intention of getting it running in stock form. I'm going to swap in hopped up SBC and 700R4. I'm gonna pretend it is an early vette convertible.

 

[lowbudget50]

Hahahaha, I can see this! LS would be cool!

 

[earthman]

A rat Mercedes! I want to see this happen

 

[Flipper_1938]

I have seen pictures of sbc used in a SL. I have read that 62-67 Nova oil pans have been used to help swap, but have had trouble finding I fo on nicely done swaps. Also vague references to using rack and pinion steering, but no donor mentioned.

 

[offroadrolls]

I've always wanted to SBC a late 70's 300 CD. Now I can live vicarious through you. [P [P

 

[Flipper_1938]

14 inch wheels had to go. I found 17x8 and 17x9 AMG wheels on marketplace.

 

[bob w]

Very cool project. Maybe the front bumper could be moved back a foot or two.

 

[Flipper_1938]

Very cool project. Maybe the front bumper could be moved back a foot or two.

Yeah, the US spec bumpers of that are ugly. I will do something to make them look better/completely replace them with something classic. Even with AMG wheels, I am only in it for $1200.

 

[Bamamav]

And this makes how many projects to do now?[S

I have to keep reminding myself I don’t have time or money to do another one, at least until my current one is finished.

A late buddy had one of those little Mercedes’ two seaters. It looked better with the top down, smooth and sporty. He bought it to resale, like to have never sold it. I think he priced it high because he really didn’t want to sell it, he liked driving it!

 

[Flipper_1938]

And this makes how many projects to do now?[S

This is actually going to be dad's car. He has had a soft spot for this body style since he first saw one. I have no desire to fight mercedes gremlins, so we are simplifying. Mildly hopped up 307 sbc with a 700r4 and a street rod wiring harness. If we can't sort out the mercedes air conditioning, it will get a streetrod a/c unit. ....and better looking bumpers.

 

[05snopro440]

While I'm not suggesting you buy this kit (the price is a bit up there), the photos show just how much more sleek the euro bumpers can be on these cars.

https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com/products/mercedes-r107-sl-euro-bumper-conversion-kit-380sl-450sl-560sl?variant=35760700358812

 

[Flipper_1938]

While I'm not suggesting you buy this kit (the price is a bit up there), the photos show just how much more sleek the euro bumpers can be

If I can't find something from a swap meet that works (late covair?), I will fab new fascias out of sheetmetal that resemble 20 year old 3 series bmw stuff. A form fitting bumper/spoiler combo. Same for the rear.

Who knows. I may try plastic welding and adapt late model bumpers from the junkyard. I'm not a purist....and this car is sure to **** several people off.

 

[Flipper_1938]

Hmm. Looks like somebody had the same idea, but turned it up to eleven.

I could do without the camouflage.

 

[dutch]

wow, that`s stupid cheap. Overhere I`d have a hard time finding a couple decent door for that money.

 

[Flipper_1938]

wow, that`s stupid cheap. Overhere I`d have a hard time finding a couple decent door for that money.

Yeah, it was too good to pass up. I think it has potential to be a nice, really fun car.

 

[Flipper_1938]

I'm pretty sure these are the wheels I bought. If true, they are 17x7.5 front and 17x8.5 rear. Basic 5 spokes.

 

[Flipper_1938]

I think I found a pic of those wheels on a similar car. If these are the same wheels, I got so lucky finding them the first day I looked for wheels.

 

[Flipper_1938]

Tube bumpers anyone?

 

[Flipper_1938]

Or go full blown Miami Vice....

 

[Flipper_1938]

Ordered some universal LS motor mounts. I'm going to try and drop it down low enough to use the truck manifold that is on my 5.3