classic Mercedes rectification work

Spring at SLSHOP is always a fast-paced period of the year. Owners awake from winter slumber and realise that the driving season is only around the corner. With this realisation comes the mad dash to check their car over and establish if any fettling – minor or major – is required. It’s this stage at which the telephone tends to ring at SLSHOP, with the bulk of our community re-engaging with us for setup support.

The Pagoda pictured here arrived at SLSHOP for a pre-season Vehicle Health Check, which has been specifically designed to assess the condition of the vehicle’s structure and its mechanical performance. A Pagoda Vehicle Health Check is carried out by our expert Heritage Craftsmen on our ramps and on the road, giving our team an in-depth insight into your vehicle’s performance.

The health check revealed that the 280 SL was in need of essential mechanical work following a long period of being stood; also resulting in the deterioration of the bodywork. The health check revealed that sections of the bodywork would need restoration work, followed by a trip to the paint shop. With the customer’s ambition to use the Pagoda over the summer period, we devised a temporary course of action. Our craftsmen would carry out some temporary remedial work to ensure the Pagoda’s structural security, delaying any further work until the winter.

To ensure maximum enjoyment over the summer periods, the vague steering will be rectified [why] by introducing a completely new steering box, while our Heritage will carry out our Pagoda set up program. As a left-hand drive car, it was established that over the years the engine hadn’t been configured correctly, with the wrong emission settings and distributor’s ignition timing set incorrectly. This was causing poor running and making the Pagoda difficult to start.

Cosmetically, the Pagoda’s signature hard-top will be refined with new seals to ensure it fits correctly. Similarly, seals will be replaced on the soft top to ensure the secure fitment and prevent water ingress and wind penetration during usage. All in all, this is a fantastic looking Pagoda, which will leave SLSHOP in time for summer trips and tours with all the mechanicals for spirited cruising. The car will be returned to SLSHOP over the winter months for minor restoration work to the underbody and sills.

Making the most of your asset

It can be tempting to go all in with your classic car, feeling the need for everything to be perfect before making use of your asset. But sometimes, enjoyment you should take precedence over perfection. Making memories with friends and family over the summer periods at the wheel of your classic car is what you’ll remember most – there’s always time to perfect your vehicle. As we have seen here, David has taken the best course and elected to enjoy his vehicle over the summer, before bringing it back for the final stage of restoration and paint work.

Pagoda Perfection

Perfection is subjective. If you’d like us to look at your classic Mercedes-Benz, Pagoda or not, we are happy to work with you to achieve your individual level of perfection. Speak to our Heritage team today to understand how we can look after your vehicle over the long-term.